The Automobile Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (A2C2) will host a panel discussion titled, “Put the Brakes on Fakes.” The panel will discuss how the automotive industry and the U.S. government are working to protect the safety and welfare of consumers and repair businesses.
The panel discussion will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 12 at the Central Stage on the Expo Floor. Panelists will include:
• Andy Forsythe, president, Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council
• Bruce Foucart, director, Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center – Homeland Security Investigations
• Jon Ruttencutter, U.S. Homeland Security special agent
• Jason Kosofsky, Ford Motor Co.
• Joe Cammiso, Toyota Motor Sales
This program is offered at no extra cost. Anyone who is registered for an expo pass is allowed to attend, and everyone is welcome. For shop owners, the information presented in this panel discussion could impact business, and, the problem is already affecting many shops, according to event organizers.
Law enforcement has identified a trend of counterfeited automotive parts growing at an alarming rate. A counterfeit automotive part is one that bears the trademark of a legitimate and trusted brand but was produced by another party and is usually not made to the specifications of the original equipment manufacturer. These counterfeits are produced illegally and sold at a profit sometimes to support other criminal activities. At best, these parts will not perform as well as authentic parts; at worst, they can fail catastrophically with potentially fatal consequences.
An example of the types of counterfeit parts that have been seized by law enforcement include: seat belts, oil and air filters, brake pads, brake rotors, control arms, windshields, bearings, steering linkages, ignition coils, microchips, spark plugs, wheels, solenoids, clutch housing, crankshafts, diagnostic equipment, suspension parts and oil pumps.
“ASA is at the heart of the automotive repair market,” said Dan Risley, ASA president and executive director. “This makes NACE | CARS the perfect venue to discuss this important issue. Counterfeit parts affect our members and industry partners, and we are pleased to have A2C2 bring this program to Anaheim.”
Registration for NACE | CARS is open at NACEexpo.com or CARSevent.com.