RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. Member companies of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) China Aftermarket Forum (CAF) continue to spread the word about the importance of anti-counterfeiting measures.
The AASA CAF provides AASA members who manage China aftermarket operations opportunities to meet and discuss industry issues and solutions, share best practices and network among peers. Membership in the CAF is open to all AASA members.
Last month, the group organized and co-sponsored an anti-counterfeiting booth at the 2008 Automechanika Shanghai show. The booth was coordinated by the Quality Brands Protection Committee (QBPC) and its Automotive Industry Working Group (AIWG).
“The booth emphasized the importance of using genuine replacement parts to ensure consumer and public safety through the demonstration of the serious risks and damage that can be caused by counterfeited auto parts,” said Chris Gardner, vice president, programs & member services, AASA.
With a theme of “Cherish your life – say a clear ‘NO!’ to fake parts!,” the booth displayed several examples of authentic vs. counterfeit parts and was visited by hundreds of international and domestic attendees.
CAF member Wolfgang Saueressig, brand protection manager Asia Pacific for Robert Bosch and the chair of the AIWG, made a presentation during the Automechanika Academy at the request of Automechanika show owner Messe Frankfurt. He introduced the QBPC and discussed intellectual property rights in China.