Counterfeit parts account for two raids every day

In the days of digital service records, manufacturer eBay stores and interest-free payments for parts, the idea of knock-off car bits might seem all a bit ’90s. But the problem persists – at least it certainly does for Mercedes; having compiled its 2024 numbers, it’s found an upward trend in the amount of fake parts listed, and subsequently seized with the help of authorities. 

Partly that increase reflects more policing of the problem. In 2024, 793 raids took place across the world, ‘conducted by trade supervisory and law enforcement agencies targeting Mercedes-Benz counterfeits’. Those raids seized more than 1.5 million fake Benz bits, the pics with today’s news suggesting it’s a pretty wide array as well, from Maybach wheels to oil filters. So it’s not just badly drawn three-pointed stars or tat you might have expected down the market once upon a time; seized items included ‘air filters made from highly flammable materials, inferior brake components, and brake pads containing hazardous materials like lead and arsenic.’ Which is pretty scary, really. More than that, it’s even suggested that dodgy parts are being used to modify Mercs ‘in violation of intellectual property rights and even recreating entire vehicles.’ Clearly, a big problem. And definitely not the time to joke about recent Maybach violations from the factory.

As you might expect, the crackdown has also taken place online, with 212,000 listings for counterfeits being removed in 2024; Mercedes suggests that’s a 49 per cent increase, presumably from 2023, and would imply there’s still plenty being bought and sold online (on social media in particular) that shouldn’t really be there. 

Mercedes would obviously like for there to be no knock-offs at all, but they were probably campaigning for that 40 years ago as well. Counterfeiting methods change, so the approaches to quashing it must too. There’s the environmental impact to think of, also; the last thing any maker needs at a time of such scrutiny is brake pads containing arsenic with their name on them. And there is the financial aspect to consider (the sheer price of some spare parts is what sustains a profitable black market) with Mercedes understandably keen for an OEM stamp to mean something. 

“Originals stand for tested quality. They meet technical, environmental, and occupational safety requirements, ensuring road safety. Therefore, we work closely with authorities to prevent the spread of counterfeits. Through our extensive fight against the counterfeit industry, we protect road users from serious accidents, safeguard customers from deception, and strengthen trust in our brand”, said Renata Jungo Brüngger, Mercedes’ board member for Integrity, Governance and Sustainability.

The advice from Benz resembles what your parents might have told you as a kid, and hopefully what we all tell ourselves when going into any kind of car deal: if an offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Stay vigilant!