Asimco brake pads have captured a sizable share of the African market. As a result, Asimco has emerged as one of the most popular brands in several African markets – specially in East Africa.

However, this success has had its downside too – counterfeiting. 

Counterfeit Asimco brake pads are now appearing across several African markets. 

As a result, the company has launched an aggressive information and awareness campaign in several African markets to educate and inform consumers, retailers and wholesalers about the risks of using counterfeit spare parts and the advantages of buying genuine auto parts from reliable suppliers and authorized dealers and distributors.

Recently, Asimco launched a dedicated campaign across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to fight the menace of counterfeit spare parts under the Asimco brand name that are being circulated in some African markets illegally.  

Counterfiet spare parts

Counterfiet automotive spare parts is a growing problem in Africa. This illegal trade has received further boost with the advent of various e-commerce platforms which makes it easier for criminals to sell counterfeit auto parts through many online platforms.

Genuine auto parts manufacturers have expressed their concerns to e-commerce giants like Alibaba, Amazon and eBay about the sale of counterfeit auto parts through their portals. In fact, Alibaba has now introduced an automotive parts policy and announced a ban on listing certain automotive safety components.

Illegal Trade 

"If you are a recognized brand in the aftermarket you can rest assured that sooner or later an attempt will be made to counterfeit your product,” says N. Hasan, Associate Editor, Africa Business Pages. "Having worked within the B2B sector in Africa for several decades, it is evident that brands that are recognized globally and are popular amongst consumers appear to be specially  targeted by illegal counterfeiters.

“Therefore it is advisable to work only with reliable and authorized suppliers when procuring popular products like brake pads,” says Hasan. “Most internationally renowned suppliers, like Asimco, have taken concrete measures to eliminate, identify and counter the illegal trade of counterfeit products sold under their brand name.”

Asimco provides buyers the ability to check Asimco genuine parts through an online query system by entering security code provided on all its products packagings. You can make an "anti-counterfeiting query" through Asimco's website at www.asimcoglobal.com.

Illegal Brake Pads

There are serious risks involved when using counterfeit brake pads. Some of the main risks involved when using counterfeit brake pads are:

Reduced Braking

Counterfeit brake pads can break into two pieces detaching from the adhesive iron that holds the brake pad in place which can cause lethal accidents due to brake failures.

Damage to Brake Disc

Faulty and fake brake pads cause severe damage to brake discs causing them to erode faster which in turn results in expensive replacements.

Brakes Slipping

Due to excessive heating, fake brake pads are unable to grip to the brake rotor and this causes delay in braking – leading to accidents and unsafe driving conditions.