General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler have joined forces to tackle the growing problem of counterfeit parts. The three carmakers intend to create a global industry network to track down and prosecute counterfeiting perpetrators.

John Smith, GM vice president and general manager of Service Parts Operations, said: “The counterfeiters – or the unseen competitors, as we call them – are well organised, well funded and often know our markets as well as we do.

“They have no concern for the quality or the performance of the products they produce. Counterfeit parts seldom meet even a single GM specification or performance standard.” The problem is becoming more widespread as counterfeiters target a greater variety of parts, including steering and suspension components, brake pads and ignition modules. GM has raided 14 counterfeit retailers worldwide over the past few months, including a glass factory in China producing branded windshields that contained no shatterproof safety elements to protect motorists.

Ford has identified several dozen counterfeiters in South America producing a range of parts including wheel covers, suspension and air filters.

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