Mercedes fights back, seizes 1.5 million fake car parts across the world

Mercedes-Benz is stepping up a global fight to stop the sale of dangerous fake car parts that threaten driver safety and damage its brand.

In 2024, over 1.5 million counterfeit parts bearing the Mercedes star were seized in 793 coordinated raids worldwide, the German automaker said. Items included air filters made from flammable materials and brake pads laced with deadly substances like arsenic and asbestos.

“These parts are fake and deadly,” a Mercedes spokesperson said. “Using them puts lives at risk.”

Counterfeiters are shifting from shady workshops to social media and online shops. In response, Mercedes removed over 212,000 online listings for fake parts last year alone, the company said, citing data from DPA.

The company urged buyers to remain alert. “If the price is too good to be true, it probably is,” Mercedes warned. Clues include poor-quality packaging, suspiciously cheap prices, and sellers without proper credentials.

Drivers looking to save money on car repairs often fall for counterfeit products. But experts warn these fakes can fail at high speeds or under pressure, causing serious accidents.

Mercedes says its work is not just about business, it’s about safety. “We’re protecting our customers, our roads, and our reputation,” the brand said.

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