Ford Motor Company have taken the decision to work alongside the IPRO in an attempt to reduce the amount of bogus spare parts being sold on the open market. Ford are training IPRO in techniques required to identify counterfeit parts and the methods used in bringing them to market. There process of identifying illegal spare parts is not straight forward as development techniques of counterfeit parts have dramatically improved over the years.

The training offered to IPRO seems to be paying off as they recently made a significant breakthrough in identifying and impounding a large amount of fake parts, the most common items were parts used during a vehicles service i.e., air filters, spark plugs, oil filers etc.

There are obvious health and safety issues using fake brake pads, as they are likely to catch fire when operating at high temperatures, apart from the obvious dangers of brake fade this can lead to the damage of other parts. This is one of the reasons IPRO are working closely with many government bodies.

Without doubt Ford and IPRO have their work cut out in combating the counterfeit car part market, that said it will be welcome news to Ford to see the growing trend of people using fake parts reduced, we wish them well with their efforts.

The global financial crisis may be starting to hit us right now, but there is still no stopping the auto industry from releasing its latest models on the market. Recently, automakers released their latest offerings for 2009, with some necessary features which will help us cope with the crisis.

Today, not only is the auto industry finding ways to design thrifty machines, but companies are also making use of natural fibers which can be used to replace auto parts. A lot of people might be wondering how natural fibers came in the picture. Quite simple actually: recently, researches have proven that natural fiber represents an excellent alternative for environment-friendly companies. Durable, light weight, low cost and especially eco- friendly: what more could one ask for?

Different types of fiber such as flax, kenaf and jute were processed in order to create door accessories and automotive covers and mats. Coconut husks are also used as interior door covers. Automakers have shifted to these natural fibers not only because they are friendly to the environment, but also because these materials have high strength or durability. Auto parts such as door panels, headliners, dashboards and automotive seatbacks are made from this type of natural fibers. Using these natural fibers is indeed cost effective, since glass fibers are always more expensive. Natural fibers also are renewable resources that reduce potential harmful effects in the processing of materials. Given the quality and cost of these natural fibers used in the auto industry, it should not come as a surprise at all if we will be seeing more and more of these in the future.

Internal legislation states that at least 60% of parts produced for Chinese automobiles have to produced by Chinese firms, failure to do so will result in a heavy tax penalty. The World Trade Organisation have called this practice protectionist and have called on China to make changes to their import caps. The issue was brought to light when representatives from the US and Europe made an official complaint to the WTO.

The Chinese state they have taken this stance to prevent companies importing actual vehicles as spares packages in an attempt to avoid paying taxes. It appears the story is set to run as the US car industry is struggling due to growing competition and the well publicised ‘Credit Crunch’. If the WTO are able to set standards that do result in a ‘level playing field’ it will be welcome news to many.