Weststar Raises Alarm Over 1.5 Million Fake Mercedes-Benz Parts In Circulation
WESTSTAR Associates Limited, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, has raised the alarm over the global increase in counterfeit automotive parts.
This followed Mercedes-Benz’s 2024 report revealing alarming figures, which claimed that 793 raids conducted worldwide led to the seizure of more than 1.5 million fake Mercedes-Benz products.
A statement on Monday by Olayinka Daniels, Public Relations & Social Media Executive, Weststar Associates Ltd, said that this disturbing trend highlighted the increasing sophistication of counterfeiters and the significant risks these counterfeit products posed to safety, performance, and customer trust.
Daniels expressed that while counterfeit parts were often difficult to distinguish from genuine components at first glance, she said their use could have catastrophic consequences on users.
Substandard brake pads, inferior filters, low-quality lighting systems, and other unauthorised components could lead to sudden vehicle failures, posing a life-threatening danger to drivers, passengers, and other road users, the statement warned.
The statement quoted Ebere Anenih, Managing Director, Weststar Associates, as saying that opting for counterfeit or substandard parts might appear to save costs in the short term, but insisted that in reality, it exposes customers to much higher risks – both financially personal safety.
She added: “We strongly advise all Mercedes-Benz customers in Nigeria to insist on Genuine Parts and to only patronize our network of authorized dealerships and service partners for peace of mind and long-term value.”
Mercedes-Benz Genuine Parts are engineered, manufactured, and tested according to the brand’s highest global standards, ensuring compatibility, reliability, and durability, Anenih said.
She added that genuine parts also come with a manufacturer-backed warranty and are supported by authorized Mercedes-Benz service centres, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and staffed by factory-trained technicians.
As the official custodian of the Mercedes-Benz brand in Nigeria, Anenih said Weststar was reinforcing its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction by working closely with its network of accredited dealers to monitor supply chains and protect customers against counterfeits, while also educating vehicle owners on the dangers of counterfeit parts and how to identify genuine ones.
Anenih added: “We are also upholding Mercedes-Benz global quality standards in aftersales support, service, and parts supply.
“Customers are encouraged to visit any authorised dealership or service partner nationwide to receive expert support, verify authenticity, and ensure the highest level of care for their vehicles. Don’t compromise your vehicle or your safety. Choose Genuine. Choose Mercedes-Benz.”
(Daily Independent)
