Genuine parts are always the best to use when it comes to replacing parts in your motor vehicle. They are designed and manufactured to the same standards as the vehicle they are intended for, and should fit perfectly.
However, genuine parts can be hard to find if the vehicle you own is an older one. Over time, distributors may reduce the stocks of genuine parts they keep for older models as demand diminishes, and they also need space for parts for the newer models.
If it’s genuine parts for older Ford vehicles that you’re looking for, SpareXHub is the place to go to. This Malaysian e-commerce company has been operating for a few years now, and its founders have 100+ years of combined experience in the automotive and tech industry. So they know the importance of using genuine parts, and have built up a vast inventory dating back to the Ford Courier which was first launched in 1997.
Motorists are always urged to use genuine or original parts for their vehicles as the consequences of using fake parts can be fatal. Fake or counterfeit parts are typically made of poorer materials with processes that may also be inferior, which is why they cost much less. Such parts may not last as long as genuine parts at best – and could even break up or fail, causing an accident or severe damage to the engine or other parts of the car.
While there are also replacements parts for many models which are not original parts (ie with the carmaker’s branding and packaging), these are not fake. They are made by other companies and while they may or may not have similar quality and performance standards as original parts, they nevertheless would still meet certain basic standards and would be safe to use.
Counterfeit parts are parts which come in packaging that is identical to the original item, in order to mislead the customers. They would not be sold by authorised parts dealers but are still available in the open market. In recent times, there has also been a growing trade online which worries carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz.
During the pandemic over the past 2 years, sellers of counterfeit parts increasingly used online platforms and social media channels to offer their fake goods. This may have contributed to the significant increase of 6% compared to the previous year (2020) where in 2021 alone, more than 1.86 million counterfeit products were seized in over 650 raids initiated by the German carmaker.
It requires much more effort for brand protection experts to research the online trade in counterfeit products. Counterfeit goods can be placed on online platforms at very short notice and sold with the support of social media. For this reason, Mercedes-Benz has further expanded its strategic and operational measures against counterfeiting in online trading.
It is not easy to know a part is not genuine just by looks. In the picture above, both wheels look similar but the one on the right is fake and stress testing showed it to be weaker. The brake pads pictured below look identical but the one of the left is actually a fake and likely to have poor stopping performance which could result in an accident.
The brand protection strategy comprises three pillars: Detect, attack and prevent. Mercedes-Benz has brand protection experts who can identify counterfeiters by checking suspicious offers on online platforms and social media or trade fairs worldwide. The monitoring focusses on components such as brake discs, wheels and body and steering parts, and rigorous action is taken when possible.
“The trading in counterfeit products on online platforms and social media is further increasing. Our brand protection experts have quickly adapted to the counterfeiting industry’s growing business model. In 2021, more than 126,000 counterfeit products were removed from online platforms,” said Renata Jungo Brungger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Integrity & Legal Affairs.
“The counterfeiting industry has organised crime structures and often generates higher profits than drug trafficking. We are working closely with authorities around the world in order to curtail these structures and combat threats to road safety,” she added. “Counterfeit products are not only illegal, they are also relevant to safety and can endanger the health of road-users.”
In many cases, organised counterfeiters have their goods produced under inhumane conditions with no regard for human rights, environmental standards and occupational safety. The global Mercedes-Benz Intellectual Property Enforcement team works closely with customs and law enforcement authorities in various countries. In addition, it regularly offers training events and information material for the preventive raising of awareness among different target groups.
Recalling a case in 2021, Lita Silje Janisch, Head of the Global IP Enforcement department at Mercedes-Benz Intellectual Property GmbH & Co. KG, said that the driver of a Mercedes-Benz car was travelling at about 130 km/h when unexpectedly, the bonnet popped open and smashed the windscreen. Fortunately, nobody was injured when this happened.
Fake brake pads are likely to have poorer performance and can mean the difference between stopping safely and having a collision.
“Upon investigation, our colleagues discovered that the driver had replaced the genuine grille with a counterfeit one ordered on the internet. It was technically faulty manufactured, and prevented the bonnet lock lever from engaging properly when closing. This shows that even more ‘decorative’ vehicle parts can be safety-relevant and you have to be very careful when replacing original parts,” she warned.
Customers and road-users can also support the prevention of product counterfeiting in their daily lives and check unusual offers very carefully. Typical indicators of counterfeit products are an extremely low price, questionable product quality, or sale via dubious online sources. It is often even possible to see from the product images or designations that the parts cannot be genuine, since Mercedes-Benz simply doesn’t manufacture such items!
It’s best to buy from authorised dealers or parts stockists when replacement parts are needed.
“It’s not always easy to spot a fake at first glance. However, there are signs that may indicate counterfeiting. In the case of an online shop, one of these may be that the seller offers a conspicuously large number of different brands, or that the prices are unusually low. One should always be wary of apparent bargains on the internet or on parts forums,” Mrs. Janisch advises.
Although your vehicle may have clocked much less mileage in the past two years due to restrictions on interstate travel and general limitations of movements, it still needs to be regularly serviced. Even though the mileage may be low and not reach the usual 5,000 or 10,000-km that many service intervals are set at, manufacturers also have a schedule based on months for low-mileage motorists. This is because although the vehicle is not used much, the oil may deteriorate after some time and need to be changed.
Therefore, regardless of the mileage, you would have to send in your vehicle at intervals of 6 months or a year, depending on the brand and model. This will also allow the service centre to carry out checks to ensure that everything is in good working order as well.
Although there are prescribed mileage intervals for servicing, low-mileage owners should follow the time-based intervals instead.
With the Hari Raya festivities coming up and now that interstate travel is not forbidden, many will be planning to take ‘balik kampung’ to celebrate with loved ones and friends. This makes it even more important to have the vehicle inspected and serviced, if that is due.
In connection with this, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has a Raya Aftersales promotion which will be on until May 31, 2022. During the promotion period, Ford vehicle owners can save money on genuine parts as well as services.
“As we settle into a new way of living with COVID-19 in the endemic phase, we must all continue to take precautions to stay safe. With our Ford customers planning to ‘balik kampung’ and travel for the upcoming Raya holidays, we hope this service promotion will help them stay safe on the roads while enjoying more savings,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.
Save up to 20%
Owners who send their vehicle in for service during the campaign period will enjoy savings of up to 20% on lubricants as well as timing and brake packages. There’s also a 20% discount on selected parts and 10% discount on labour charges for the packages.
Other offers include add-on services such as wheel alignment and balancing which are important not only for tyre life but also safety. Improperly aligned wheels could affect the steering while unbalanced tyres may get worn out irregularly and grip may be affected. Additionally, air conditioning service is also available – which is important to ensure a comfortable journey. SDAC service centres can also provide polishing as well as sanitisation services.
For peace of mind, all vehicles will be given a free 27-point inspection conducted by Ford-certified technicians to ensure their vehicles are in tip-top condition.
Customers who spend a total of RM1,000 and above on any Raya campaign offer and other selected services will receive a free exclusive sports bag. Fee Ford Raya packets will also be available (while stocks last).
Genuine Ford Parts with Warranty
Customers are assured that only genuine original Ford parts (or parts approved by Ford) are used at all Ford Authorised Service Centres nationwide. With genuine parts, customers can be certain of the highest standards of quality, fit and finish as the parts are specifically designed for Ford vehicles to ensure superior performance. They also come with a warranty of 12 months or 20,000 kms, whichever occurs first, excluding wear and tear parts.
More protection and personalisation
For more worry-free adventures and road trips, Ranger owners can also take up the Ford Extended Warranty PremiumCare Plan to get 2 additional years of coverage against unexpected repair costs after the standard 5-year warranty expires.
Additionally, Ranger (XL, XLT & XLT Plus) owners can also consider a 4-in-1 accessories package deal priced at RM1,628 or, if they prefer, the accessories can be purchased individually.
Book appointments online
Owners can easily book a service appointment online via the Ford website anytime and from anywhere for their preferred Ford Authorised Service Centre. There are 5 authorised service centres nationwide around the country and it is possible to book an appointment up to 1 month in advance. Click here to make a service appointment online
For more information regarding the promotion or on Ford products and services, visit www.sdacford.com.my.
Floods do not discriminate, affecting lives in every community and damaging motor vehicles of every kind and brand that are unlucky to be parked where they are submerged as the waters rise. A big bill awaits owners of the vehicles when they finally get them to service centres as it is not a matter of just cleaning the mud and dirt out, but many parts will still have to be replaced.
The bill could come to tens of thousands of ringgit and with other stresses caused from being impacted by the floods, every little bit of help will be meaningful. For those who own Porsches, Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) is offering a helping hand.
The company will assist in having the vehicles towed at no charge to to the nearest Porsche Centre in Malaysia. Porsche Roadside Assistance, which includes towing services, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide towing and roadside assistance.
Once at the service centre, a thorough and detailed assessment will be done along with personalised consultation with certified specialists to evaluate the damages and repairs required and the cost involved. This cost will be lower than usual as SDAP is offering a 30% discount on parts and labour for flood-affected vehicles brought to the authorised service centres up till January 31, 2022. Only Porsche Genuine Parts are used in all repairs which include a 2-year parts warranty.
“We are committed to our customers by offering a thorough and detailed check of their vehicle as well as discounts on parts and labour costs to ensure all Porsche cars run at optimal performance. With this gesture, we hope to provide some consolation during these trying times,” said Christopher Hunter, CEO of Sime Darby Auto Performance.
More information on the flood relief support initiative and scheduling of service appointments can be obtained by contacting the following Porsche Centres:
Mercedes-Benz has finalized the planning for a regional After-Sales Logistics Centre in Malaysia which will start operations from 2024.The German carmaker has signed a long-term lease agreement for the location and will partner with Tiong Nam Logistics Solutions Sdn Bhd to establish the new facility in Senai Airport City outside Johor Bahru.
The warehouse size of the planned location will be approximately 1,000,000 square feet. The building management system of the new warehouse will be equipped with the latest storage and material-handling systems. Operation of the facility will be by Mercedes Benz Parts Logistics Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, a 100% subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz AG.
Part of global supply chain network
The new distribution centre will be a part of the global Daimler AG After-Sales Supply Chain Network and will serve as a distribution site for spare parts in the Asia-Pacific region and other countries. It will take care of the importation, the storage as well as the regional management of spare parts and accessories distribution.
“With our planned After-Sales Logistics Centre, Mercedes-Benz is committed and will invest to strengthen our foothold in Malaysia. We have found excellent conditions and great support in cooperation with MIDA and the related ministries. Located strategically in Johor Bahru, this new After-Sales Logistics Center will enable us to reaffirm our position as a global and regional distribution hub whilst creating new jobs for the region. Both our customers and our dealer networks will enjoy a good service and high-quality standards through this new infrastructure,” said Thomas Schulz, Vice President Global Service & Parts Operations.
Historically strategic location
Historically, Singapore’s location at the southern tip of the Malayan peninsular has made it a strategic point for trade. It served as an ideal transit point between East Asia and Europe, and even Australia, hence its development as a bustling trading port. Over the years, while Singapore has been an obvious choice for regional storage by various companies, nearby Johor has also become attractive for logistics activities.
Parts from the regional facility are sent to dealers for use at authorised service centres or for retail sale.
In 2003, the BMW Group moved its regional parts storage facility from Singapore to the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Johor and then in 2017, it again relocated the facility to an industrial zone adjacent to Senai Airport. The facility is a logistics warehouse and parts distribution centre serving over 20 countries.
The Volkswagen Group likewise moved its regional parts facility from Singapore to PTP in 2016. It stores tens of thousands of parts for the Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen commercial vehicle brands of the German group for distribution to over 20 markets.
Having a storage facility in Johor (or Singapore) is useful for the carmakers as it can speed up deliveries to customers on this side of the world. Customers will benefit as delivery times can be shortened compared to having them come all the way from Europe. The proximity to the airport as well as the port also mean that logistics can be more efficiently managed.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
It’s always good to use genuine parts when there is a need to replace the various parts of your vehicle. These are parts which are made specifically for your vehicle by the manufacturer of the vehicle, or by a supplier that is approved to make what are known as OEM parts (‘OEM’ stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer). They are reliable and should have the same quality as your vehicle as the quality standards are usually high.
Sourcing and acquiring genuine parts for your vehicle is usually done at authorised service centres. However, it is an open market and many of the same parts may also be available at other places. They may also cost less but there is the danger that they may not actually be genuine. There are lots of fake parts and motorists are often warned to avoid using them as they can cause damage due to poor quality – or even worse, cause an accident if they fail.
Genuine, with discounted prices
SpareXHub was started with the aim of addressing the issues of ensuring that parts are genuine and also at prices which may be lower. Having made a name for itself as an e-commerce platform for the marketing of discounted genuine auto spare parts, SpareXHub is now taking the discounted bit to the next level with a campaign where customers stand to save thousands of ringgit on genuine parts for BMW, Mini or Volkswagen models.
Celebrating their 3rd anniversary this year, they are going a step further by offering any single part or component for just RM3 under the ‘RM3 for 1’ campaign. The condition is that the customer must prove ownership of the vehicle the item is intended for.
“The average BMW, Mini and Volkswagen has approximately 15,000 individual part numbers. Components deteriorate over time. Here’s a chance to pick a genuine part that was originally designed for your car and any minimise any risk with fitting lower quality aftermarket parts,” explained Devindran Ramanathan, SpareXHub co-founder.
Only for genuine vehicle owners
As the campaign suggests, customers will be eligible to purchase any single item from SpareXHub’s vast inventory for the three marques at just RM3. The reason why they must prove they own the vehicle that the part is intended for is to prevent speculators and resellers from abusing the campaign.
“Furthermore, customers will also be eligible to purchase the next part at a 90% discount provided they like the SpareXHub Facebook page and share it with no less than 3 other friends,” added Devindran.
The campaign runs from October 25 2021 to November 5, 2021. During that period, customers can log onto SpareXHub’s website and click on the ‘RM3 for 1’ banner. This will lead them to a form to book an appointment slot to view the item at their storage facility. It is essential that an appointment is made due to social distancing requirements required by the health authorities.
Appointments can be made for 10 am – 5 pm (weekdays) or 10 am – 1 pm (Saturday). The SpareXHub facility is located at 12C, Hedgeford Innovation Park, Jalan Tandang, 46050, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. You may look up for Aramex Jalan Tandang on Google Maps or Waze.
For more information, visit www.sparexhub.com or contact Devindran Ramanathan personally at +6019-241 1471.
With the constant pressure to increase sales volumes, car companies often focus more on getting new customers to buy their products, offering special deals at various times of the year as incentives. However, there are also those that do not forget their loyal customers too, especially those who have stayed with the brand over the years.
As a show of appreciation for such customers, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering an additional savings for maintenance service to Volkswagen Care Plus (VCP) members. Under the VCP programme, members are entitled to three 20% service discount vouchers and from now until December 31, 2021, a further 10% discount will be given to make it a total of 30%.
Volkswagen Genuine Parts include batteries, which come with a 24-month warranty.
100% genuine parts assured
The service discount vouchers can be used at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. Apart from services and repairs that are carried out by qualified and experienced technicians in accordance with Volkswagen’s global standards, owners are also assured that all parts used are 100% genuine parts. The importance of using genuine parts cannot be understated. Just like Volkswagen vehicles, the genuine parts are manufactured to the same high standards with strict quality control. They have quality, safety and reliability and will last for a long period of usage.
Only available with app
This promotion is only available by using the new Volkswagen Cares app. The app makes it easy to manage service bookings online, obtain roadside assistance and access the Volkswagen dealer network (with a dealer locator feature). It can be downloaded on the Apple App Store for iOS users, and the Google Play store for Android users.
VCP is an exclusive programme for Volkswagen owners with a vehicle that is 5 years and older. It also comes with benefits such as 2 years of complimentary roadside assistance, including battery support 24 hours a day.
To know more about Volkswagen Care Plus and other benefits for Volkswagen owners in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
SpareXHub, a Malaysian-based e-commerce platform for discounted, genuine auto spare parts will be organizing a 2-week long sale next month. The sale is for genuine BMW, MINI and Volkswagen car spare parts and there will be discounts of up to 85%. The sale will take place fromSeptember 1 – September 14, 2021 between 10 am and 6 pm (10 am to 1 pm on Saturday) at Aramex PJ, No 12, Jalan Tandang, Seksyen 51, Petaling Jaya 46050 in Selangor.
New, original and genuine
All items offered by SpareXHub are guaranteed to be new and original but at discounted prices. This means that you can save money getting genuine parts (usually the best option for replacements) instead of aftermarket products by other companies.
SpareXHub has a wide range of parts of many different brands and models, and all the parts are original as well as genuine.
SpareXHub has over 2,500 BMW and MINI spare parts and 500 Volkswagen parts. These range from regular maintenance service items such as filters to body parts such as bumpers. There are also interesting genuine accessories if you want to enhance the looks of your car.
Brand experts can offer assistance
With more than 100+ years of experience in the team, SpareX can cater to the needs of automotive stockists, independent workshops and car owners. Brand experts will be on hand to ensure you purchase the right parts for your car and provide you with the necessary knowledge, information and guidance.
Brand specialists are on hand to provide assistance in selecting the right part as well as offer advice.
Appointment required
All customer visits are strictly by appointment only. This means that prior registration and confirmation will be required. Once this is done, the organizers will be ready for your arrival and to ensure that all COVID-19 SOPs are strictly adhered to. Customers are encouraged to use the SpareX online platform and e-payment services for a more seamless process. Click on this Google form link to book an appointment slot.
For more information about SpareXHub or to find a part for your car, visit the SpareXHub website at www.sparexhub.com. You may also contact a representative of SpareXHub directly via Whatsapp at 018-205 0120 or via email at sales2@sparexhub.com.
The Toyota Land Cruiser has been around for 70 years and approximately 10.4 million units have been sold all over the world. In some markets like Malaysia, it was the first Toyota model to be sold, establishing the brand which would become a household name. In fact, the history of the Land Cruiser symbolizes Toyota’s QDR―Quality, Durability and Reliability
Of the millions that were sold, many are still in service. Being 4×4 vehicles, they have been ideal in less developed regions where the terrain is rough or road conditions are poor. The replacement parts for the older models may not be so easy to find as an industry norm is that original parts are produced for up to 10 years after a model has ended production. After that, there may be some third-party suppliers who will produce parts for the aftermarket business.
Old Land Cruisers still in use by loggers in Russia (left) and fishermen in Oman (right).
Land Cruiser 40 Series
For those who own the 40 Series Land Cruiser (produced between 1960 and 1984), there is good news regarding replacement parts. Toyota, through TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR), will re-produce a selection of parts for the model as part of the GR Heritage Parts Project.
The project is intended to re-produce spare parts that have been discontinued and sell them as genuine parts through a special collaboration with suppliers. This will address a shortage of spare parts that has been evident in recent years and enable Land Cruiser owners to continue to use their vehicles.
TGR has carried out preliminary surveys with exclusive Land Cruiser dealers and fan club representatives from various countries and gained useful insights into what is required. They have learnt that there is demand for parts related to driving, turning, and braking for the 40 Series Land Cruiser. These parts include engines, drivelines, and exhaust systems, which will be supplied as ‘heritage parts’.
Parts will be re-produced for engines such as the Toyota 2F which was one of the powerplants used by the Land Cruiser 40 Series.
Availability of the parts will be announced in the early part of 2022. Additionally, TGR is preparing a questionnaire on its website where customers can submit their parts requests. This feedback will be used in the selection of the parts to be re-produced.
The 40 Series Land Cruiser is the third model for the TGR heritage parts project. The company is already supplying selected heritage parts for the Supra (A70 and A80) and the 2000GT. In addition to the 40 Series, the company is also looking at the possibility of re-producing parts for later generations of the model.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
Sime Darby Motors and e-Commerce partner SpareXHub is having a 10-day long clearance sale with discounts up to 90% on selected aged genuine Ford and Hyundai vehicle spare parts. The virtual sale is taking place online at www.sparexhub.comuntil June 10, 2021.
“Our partnership with SpareXHub acts as a vehicle for Sime Darby Motors to provide our loyal customers access to over 3,000 Hyundai and 4,000 Ford genuine aged spare parts, ranging from service items such as filters and sensors, to body parts, such as bumpers and windscreens,” said Alan Scott Gascoyne, Head of Aftersales, Malaysia Retail & Distribution, Sime Darby Motors.
“Sime Darby Motors has embarked on the digital transformation journey in many aspects of our business and is integrating digital retail options into our existing operations. This hybrid initiative with SpareXHub helps us meet the needs of online customers and aftermarket players to purchase selected genuine aged spare parts,” added Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail and Distribution for Malaysia, Sime Darby Motors.
Mr. Gan added that aftersales is an important part of the company’s business, and this initiative will allow customers to continue to maintain their vehicles with the manufacturer’s recommended genuine spare parts even after the warranty period has expired. “Additionally, customers can continue to enjoy the performance, comfort and safety aspects of their vehicle without compromise due to parts pricing,” Mr. Gan said.
Get genuine rear suspension parts for less money.
About SpareX Hub
SpareXHub is a trusted e-commerce platform for discounted, genuine auto spare parts. With more than 100+ years of combined experience, the team can curate and pick the right spare parts for customers seamlessly. Using the B2B2C approach, SpareXHub is ready to cater to the needs of automotive stockists, independent workshops and even individual vehicle owners. There is no compromise on quality as all the parts are 100% genuine and original, ideal for those vehicles that have finished their warranty period.
For more information on product and pricing and to take advantage of this grand clearance sale, visit www.sparexhub.com or leave a message on SpareXHub’s website or Facebook page.
The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.
