Exposing the Fakes: How Ford's Brand Protection Team Crushes Counterfeiters

Ford China FCSD Brand Protection team is waging a silent war against counterfeiters, safeguarding the company's reputation, intellectual property, and, most importantly, consumer safety. This global effort involves relentless pursuit of those who produce and distribute fake auto parts, often hidden in plain sight.

Uncovering Dangerous Fakes: The Jiangxi Airbag Bust

In a significant past operation, enforcement agencies in Jiangxi and Shandong, alongside the Brand Protection team, raided factories and warehouses concealing illicit operations.

They uncovered 3,700 counterfeit Ford and Lincoln airbags and components, with a total value of 2.84 million RMB. These airbags, lacking proper authorization and safety testing, posed a severe risk to consumers. Six individuals involved in the scheme were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to 4.5 years for crime of counterfeiting registered trademarks & crime of selling commodities bearing counterfeit registered trademarks.

This case, even though it happened some time ago, underscored the grave dangers posed by counterfeit auto parts and Ford's unwavering commitment to combating such illicit activities. The operation received national attention, with a special report on CCTV-2, highlighting Ford's proactive stance against counterfeiting.

Click to Enlarge

Why Brand Protection Matters: Beyond the Logo

Counterfeit auto parts are not merely an economic issue; they are a critical safety hazard. Every genuine Ford part undergoes rigorous development and testing, ensuring performance and reliability. Counterfeiters, however, skip these vital steps, producing substandard components that can lead to catastrophic failures. For instance, a fake airbag may not deploy correctly in a collision, turning a minor incident into a life-threatening one.

Similarly, counterfeit brake pads, lacking the necessary quality controls, can lead to brake failure. The Brand Protection team works to defend all genuine Ford, Lincoln, FoMoCo, and Ford Motorcraft® products, as well as parts bearing special codes that signify Ford's brand goodwill and commitment to consumer interests.

A Multifaceted Approach: From Workshops to Global Networks

Ford China FCSD Brand Protection team employs a comprehensive strategy to combat counterfeiting:

Case 1: Raiding Illegal Workshops: They collaborate with law enforcement to dismantle operations producing fake parts. In one instance, they busted a village workshop manufacturing counterfeit brake pads, seizing 6,400 items worth 11.62 million RMB. Fifteen individuals received prison sentences and fines, demonstrating Ford's firm stance against those who compromise vehicle safety for profit.

Case 2: Cracking Down on Online Sales: The team actively monitors online platforms to identify and eliminate sellers of counterfeit items, such as fake remote keys that can compromise vehicle security.

Case 3: Disrupting Counterfeit Channels: They investigate and shut down illegitimate storefronts that mimic official dealerships, like a car store in Lhasa that deceptively displayed Lincoln logos to mislead consumers.

Case 4: Global Reach: The team's efforts extend beyond China's borders, tracking the source and flow of counterfeit products, especially those intended for export. A raid on an export warehouse led to the seizure of 5,185 fake parts valued at 4.07 million RMB and the arrest of a key suspect, showcasing Ford's commitment to protecting its brand integrity worldwide.

An Ongoing Commitment

These cases represent just a fraction of the Brand Protection team's relentless efforts. Their work involves extensive intelligence gathering, data analysis, and close cooperation with law enforcement. It's a continuous battle against evolving counterfeiting methods, aiming to bring perpetrators to justice and steadfastly uphold Ford's brand reputation and its promise of quality and safety to consumers globally.