Under The Hood Of Anti-Counterfeiting Technology In The Automotive Industry

The automotive sector is a multi-layered, complex industry which is constantly evolving. The introduction of new technologies, as well as the market shift towards battery-powered cars, means that manufacturers, dealers and buyers have to keep up to date with a growing number of key advancements.

But with such sweeping changes, the automotive industry is also one of the greatest at risk of being exploited by criminals and counterfeiters. Ensuring the security of new technologies and preventing counterfeiters from exploiting unprepared supply chains has become a top priority for many car brands. So, let’s take a look at how the automotive industry is tackling fake components, products and fuels, and what the future holds for the sector’s development.

Life In The Fast Lane: How Has The Automotive Industry Changed?

Since its inception back in the 20th century, the automotive industry has grown and changed considerably. For the longest time, petrol and diesel were the primary fuels used by motor vehicles, but the increased potential of battery and hybrid technology as a climate-friendly alternative has led to the reinvention of the sector.

As the issue of climate change is becoming more relevant within society, and companies and governments invest in greener technologies, the long-term commercial and environmental impact of electric vehicles is now being seriously considered. This is forcing manufacturers to double down, improving the performance of their vehicles to appeal to a new market of EV-owners, requiring new and innovative solutions.

The Accelerated Growth Of The Counterfeiting World

In recent years, these innovations have exposed the automotive industry to a surge in counterfeit product numbers. This is due to a combination of factors, including the rise in online shopping, where it can be far easier to target unsuspecting customers. Without a physical product to examine, criminals can simply steal images of genuine components and reuse them to trick potential buyers into giving away their money.

Some of the most heavily targeted automotive components include:

• Airbags
• Engine & drivetrain components
• Brake pads
• Body panels
• Electrical fittings & lights
• Engine oils & lubricants
• Tyres
• Windows & windscreens

Apart from the overall worse quality, the biggest effect these fake components have is that they directly affect the safety of those who use them. Parts such as airbags, brake pads, tyres and body panels are all critical components, which are designed to function in a very specific way and protect the passengers in case of an accident. Whenever one of these is swapped out for a fake, they risk injury or death in the event of a crash. Other components, like lights and engine oils, also put passenger safety at risk indirectly: either through increased wear-and-tear, or by decreasing the visibility of vehicles in bad weather or at night.

However, the presence of counterfeit car parts is not the only concern. There are a number of foreign brands, particularly from China, which offer significantly cheaper products, but this has a hidden cost, since they often deliver terrible performance, or are at an increased risk of failing due to their poor quality. Despite this, the lower costs appeal to customers, many of whom don’t realise the true price they are paying. A video from BMW shows the difference between genuine and counterfeit components fitted on one of their cars, proving how dire the consequences of purchasing these cheaper products can be.

Putting The Brakes On Counterfeits In The Automotive Industry

Thankfully, there is a growing awareness within the sector, and brands are now investing heavily in educating staff and the public about the dangers of automotive counterfeits. In 2018, the UK government collaborated with the automotive industry to produce a ‘Driving For Change’ campaign about hazardous components. The Intellectual Property Office issued new guidance on how to avoid buying fake parts online and how to identify potential counterfeits.

In order to provide genuine parts every time, it’s vital that the supply chains are secured to prevent counterfeits from being unknowingly sold to customers. Unfortunately, one of the biggest downsides to this is that there are many ways to circumvent the majority of existing protections, even with the advancements and education efforts of the last few years.

Driving Change With Quantum Base

To ensure protection from counterfeit goods, there is only one choice on the market which can guarantee 100% protection. Our revolutionary Q-ID® Optical tags are necessary for protecting the future of the automotive industry, preventing counterfeit products from entering supply chains and empowering customer-led authentication.

If you would like to know more about how Quantum Base can help protect the automotive industry, please get in touch with one of our team today to discover how we’re creating a future without fakes.