The Automobile Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (A2C2) announced it will host a panel discussion titled, “Put the Brakes on Fakes.” The panel will discuss how the automotive industry and the U.S. government are working to protect the safety and welfare of consumers and repair businesses. The panel discussion will take place on Friday, August 12th at at 11 a.m. at the Central Stage on the Expo Floor. Panelists include: Andy Forsythe, president, Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council Bruce Foucart, director, Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center – Homeland Security Investigations Jon Ruttencutter, U.S. Homeland Security Special Agent Jason Kosofsky, Ford Motor Company Joe Cammiso, Toyota Motor Sales This program is offered at no extra cost. Anyone who is registered for an Expo Pass is allowed to attend, and everyone is welcome. For shop owners, the information presented in this panel discussion could impact business, and the problem is already affecting many shops. Law enforcement has identified a trend of counterfeited automotive parts growing at an alarming rate. A counterfeit automotive part is one that bears the trademark of a legitimate and trusted brand but was produced by another party and is usually not made to the specifications of the original equipment manufacturer. These counterfeits are produced illegally and sold at a profit, sometimes to support other criminal activities. At best, these parts will not perform as well as authentic parts; at worst, they can fail catastrophically with potentially fatal consequences. Some of the most dangerous counterfeits involve explosive elements of air bags, which can explode in the victim’s face during an accident. Some of the counterfeit parts seized by law enforcement include: seat belts, oil and air filters, brake pads, brake rotors, control arms, windshields, bearings, steering linkages, ignition coils, microchips, spark plugs, wheels, solenoids, clutch housings, crankshafts, diagnostic equipment, suspension parts and oil pumps. “ASA is at the heart of the automotive repair market,” said Dan Risley, ASA president and executive director. “This makes NACE | CARS the perfect venue to discuss this important issue. Counterfeit parts affect our members and industry partners, and we are pleased to have A2C2 bring this program to Anaheim.” Registration for NACE | CARS is open at www.NACEexpo.com or www.CARSevent.com.