Toyota launches ‘No to Counterfeit’ campaign

Auto company Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has launched its educational programme, christened the ‘No to Counterfeit’ campaign across the country.

This according to the company, is aimed at increasing awareness among consumers about the ill effects of counterfeit automobile parts.

The campaign will be run between  November 1 and November 30 this year and will be implemented across Toyota’s wide network of 68 3S (sales, service and spare parts) facilities across India. Toyota Kirloskar Motor is a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation and the Kirloskar Group. TKM has invested nearly Rs. 1,500 crore in its plant in Bidadi, employing over 2,400 people of whom over 90 per cent are from Karnataka. The plant started production in December 1999 and has an installed capacity of manufacturing 60,000 vehicles per annum.

As part of the campaign, Toyota customers will be educated about the danger of using counterfeit parts through the use of banners, posters, key product leaflets, badges and other collaterals.  In addition, they will be eligible to win attractive assured gifts, the company said.

An official said Toyota has always been synonymous with high quality and environmental initiatives across the world, regularly conducts awareness campaigns and initiates punitive actions against counterfeiters.  The latest campaign also falls part of ts initiative.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, K Kuroda, Senior General Manager-Customer Service Division, TKM said, “The month long campaign is conducted annually and supports Toyota’s global policy of providing a more comfortable and safe ride to its valuable customers.  The use of counterfeit parts results in malfunctions of vehicles, which in turn leads to higher fuel consumption, poor vehicle performance, possible sudden breakdowns and other road safety hazards.   At Toyota, it is our priority to educate our customers about the possible hazards of using fake parts and about the benefits of Toyota Quality Service and Genuine Parts, which extends a vehicle’s life and gives our customers peace of mind.”