TVS keen to combat counterfeit parts

TVS Motor Company is serious about tackling the menace of counterfeit spares, and copyright infringement of TVS-branded parts and accessories, which is adversely impacting the overall automotive spare parts market in India.

The market for automotive spares in India stands at $30 billion in sales, of which, over 30% is occupied by counterfeits and copies. "More than affecting our sales, counterfeits and copyright issues tend to impact our brand promise and product quality. Above all, they pose safety hazards to customers," TVS Motor Company Vice President (Parts Business) K Venkateshwaralu told DH.

Accordingly, the company has embarked on a brand protection programme, which guarantees the distribution and availability of genuine TVS parts to customers.

"We have created a separate cell within our company, which works with local police forces in raiding and apprehending those involved in such activities. In the last three months, we've conducted raids at 55 counters, seizing a stache of fakes to the tune of Rs 50 lakh," Venkateshwaralu said.

The said counters were across Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Tiruchirapalli, and Dindigul, among others. "In Bengaluru alone, we captured goods worth Rs 20 lakh, even as we conducted raids at just six counters. Also, we found printers, sealing machines, packaging materials and counterfeit labels," he said.

Venkateshwaralu said that the racket spreads from manufacturers, through wholesalers and retailers, and the focus is to catch hold of manufacturers first, who abound largely in urban areas. The problem is more apparent in rural areas however, where retailers hold sway over this menace.

As part of its drive, TVS is also educating customers about using the right spares. Today, the company boasts of 1,000 main dealers, 4,000 service stations, and 100 authorised parts stockists.