Toyota Australia has taken action against body parts and panel supplier SSS Auto Parts from importing and selling fake Toyota grilles. Toyota Australia has taken legal action to prevent automotive body parts and panels supplier, SSS Auto Parts, from “importing,…
Toyota Australia has taken legal action to prevent automotive body parts and panels supplier, SSS Auto Parts, from “importing, advertising and selling counterfeit grilles in contravention of Australian laws”.
According to a statement by Toyota Australia, “Investigation and quick action by Toyota led to SSS Auto Parts withdrawing the counterfeit grilles from sale, offering a refund to purchasers, forfeiting remaining stock and paying compensation to Toyota”.
Toyota Australia’s Brand Protection Manager Fabiola Dos Santos said consumers could have been misled into believing the grilles were genuine, especially as they illegally displayed the Toyota trade mark.
“Toyota will act decisively whenever counterfeit parts are being sold to Australian consumers, and to prevent the use of forged Toyota packaging, markings and branding,” she said.
“We devote significant financial, technical and human resources to develop genuine parts and accessories that offer optimal performance, durability and safety benefits to customers.
“Our grilles are designed, engineered and tested to allow sufficient air flow to the radiator, protecting the engine from overheating. They are manufactured to Toyota’s stringent quality and durability standards – an assurance that cannot be offered by anyone selling counterfeit parts.
“Some people mistakenly think that buying counterfeit auto parts is harmless and a simple way to get components at a lower price.
“But the impact can be far worse than people realise as there is zero testing, no legal regulation and very little recourse for consumers if the part is ineffective or unsafe.”
