GM FYI Blog

Say the word “counterfeit” and it might conjure up images of knock-off handbags, bootlegged DVDs, or even funny money… auto parts usually aren’t on the list.

However, counterfeiting auto parts often leads to the distribution of inferior and unsafe parts to consumers. Counterfeit auto parts can undermine a brand’s image and hurt an automaker’s reputation with consumers.

In this interview from Fast Lane Radio, Cliff Cohen and Neal Zipser discuss the impact of counterfeiting on the automotive industry, why this issue matters to consumers, and what they can do about it.

Cohen is the manager of Global Brand Protection and Licensing for GM’s Service and Parts Operations. He is responsible for SPO’s global coordination of all activities surround the identification and investigation — through GM Global Security — of brand protection and licensing issues. His responsibilities focus on four main areas: Counterfeiting, Product Diversion, Branding, and Packaging. Cohen works cross-functionally, and cross-regionally, to seek out and eliminate counterfeiting activity associated with all of GM’s service parts brands, i.e. ACDelco, GM Accessories, and GM Parts brands.

Zipser is the vice president of Marketing and Communications for the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). He is responsible for coordinating the marketing and communications programs of MEMA and its various aftermarket, original equipment and heavy duty-related market groups. He also serves as senior editor of FOCUS, MEMA’s quarterly magazine, and as executive director of the Automotive Public Relations Council and Motor Vehicle Lighting Council.

Listen to the interview