Fake Toyota Parts Flood Market

Takahiko Takabayashi

Concerns have been raised by Toyota Ghana Company Limited about the surge in the sale of counterfeit Toyota spare parts on the market.

Some of these imitated Toyota spare parts, which include oil filter, fuel filter, brake pads, brake fluid and clutch shock absorbers, have been produced to look the same as the original parts.

Wilfred Atuobi, National Parts Manager of Toyota explained that some people in China and other Asian countries, who are expects in imitating Toyota spare parts produce various spare parts and send them to Dubai which has an assembling plant where the imitated spare parts are boxed and then subsequently exported to other countries across the world.

He said 'these imitated spare parts look exactly the same as the original on the exterior with the bold inscription 'Made in Japan.'

He indicated that some of the dangers associated with the use of counterfeit parts include: short life span of engines due to wear, frequent visits to the workshop, high maintenance cost, uncomfortable driving conditions and safety and security of passengers not guaranteed.

He has therefore cautioned Toyota customers and potential customers to ensure that they buy their genuine spare parts from Toyota service centres or Toyota Ghana's Authorized Service Shops across the country.

Mr. Atuobi made this known during the press launch of the Toyota 2011 Anti Counterfeit Campaign in Accra.

The campaign, which is on the theme, 'One Little Mistake, Big Trouble' is aimed at enlighten Toyota customers on the existence and dangers of using counterfeit Toyota parts.

Mr. Atuobi stated that the campaign will among other things educate customers on the negative effects of using counterfeit spare parts and create the awareness on the benefits of using genuine Toyota spare parts.

He said the influx of counterfeit Toyota spare parts is gradually becoming alarming, adding that the company for the past three years has embarked on the educational campaign to inform Toyota customers about the existence of fake spare parts and the dangers involved in using them.

Campaign activities include garage customer incentive program, fleet customer education programs and public awareness program through live radio interviews and jingles as well as billboard advertisements.

The campaign was officially launched by Takahiko Takabayashi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Toyota Ghana.

By Esther Awuah