TMC’s Counterfeit Parts Task Force soon will begin conducting field research and building a database of counterfeit parts issues reported by TMC members. Formed last year at TMC’s fall meeting in Nashville, the group met Tuesday to update its progress.
Kenneth Calhoun, chairman of the task force and manager of on-highway product for United Engines, said the group has drafted a letter and survey that will be sent to TMC members to collect instances of counterfeit parts issues. The letter and survey currently are being reviewed by TMC.
The next step, Calhoun said, is to create an online database of counterfeit parts instances on the TMC website, followed by e-mail alerts to members when new counterfeit parts issues and instances are discovered.
Acknowledging the task force couldn’t possibly eliminate counterfeit parts, Calhoun said they are “hoping to facilitate getting the right people talking to each other.” He said the “width and breadth of this issue is huge,” and that it is a $12 billion problem in the automotive industry.
