If your company has one of the most recognized brands in the world, the Chinese have you in their sights. Thanks to the wonderful communist ideologies, it is ok to steal and reproduce any intellectual property that can make a profit. Not only does this lower the perceived value of the brand, but there are also serious implications for safety. That’s why Porsche has targeted China for counterfeit parts.
In a press release this morning, Porsche introduced its Brand Protection Team to the world. Their careers revolve around exposing fake Porsche parts and accessories. A majority of this junk originates in Shenzen, so they assist Chinese authorities in raiding these operations several times a year. The fight is also being waged online, as Porsche purchased over 200,000 bogus items last year. By constantly monitoring eBay and Alibaba, they spent over $67,000,000 on worthless fakes. These items range from center caps and clothing to wheels and suspension parts.
This is where it gets serious. Tie rods, control arms, wheels, and airbags are critical to your safety. But because Porsche genuine parts are engineered to such high standards, the copycats have found that sleazy shops will buy the junk and charge customers full price for factory parts. Thankfully, rural China lacks the technology or education to replicate even the most simple of items. Poorly printed labels and a cheap price are dead giveaways, and the frauds are so bold that some have swapped the horse in the Porsche crest to a sheep. It is nice that China placates Porsche with these “raids”, but the culture encourages fake goods as a way of life.
It is not just automotive, China has attempted to copy Russian and American fighter planes. However, attempting to make a reliable jet engine means their fighters are capable of flying for minutes at a time. The Chinese Navy’s diesel submarines use poor copies of American diesel engines, and they can easily be heard idling in port by sonar stations in California. GM decided to build four-cylinder engines for the Chevy Equinox and the Buick Envision, and their pistons detonate if you sneeze hard enough. To solve this problem on our end, we beg you to only have your Porsche serviced at the dealer. No matter how old it is, Porsche has parts for their earliest models. In addition, they have great deals on the remaining 991 Series 911 models. Click the link below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Porsche news.
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