Schaeffler India Limited – one of the leading manufacturers of bearings and other auto & industrial components - continues to enforce actions against the menace of counterfeiting activities across India. As a responsible and customer-centric partner, Schaeffler closely works with law authorities to curtail counterfeiting activities. In the recent past, the company conducted multiple raids with the help of enforcement agencies against counterfeiters of LuK and FAG products across key metros - Delhi, Kolkata, Coimbatore, and Hyderabad.

These multiple enforcement actions spanning over a year yielded fake products worth Rs 5 million approximately and criminal proceedings were initiated against 10 bogus entities, who were found to be engaging in such activities. While the company offers range of ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, spherical roller bearings and wheel bearings under the brand name of FAG, LuK brand offers a wide range of clutches and hydraulic clutch release systems for vehicles.

Harsha Kadam, MD & CEO, Schaeffler India, said, “We constantly strive to deliver high-quality and safe products to our customers. These actions continue to highlight the misuse of intellectual properties and putting customers at risk. We are certain that the enforcement actions along with other reactive and preventive measures are being taken seriously in the marketplace and will reduce counterfeited products in the supply chain.”

These raid actions are a part of a continuous process and are important to protect Schaeffler’s customers against the negative effects of the misuse and illegal usage of trademarks, logos, and other intellectual properties of the company in India. Using counterfeit products can increase risk of unplanned downtimes, maintenance costs, and reduce supply chain efficiency. Through these enforcement actions, Schaeffler continues to create awareness among customers and in the marketplace.

To protect customers against the threat of counterfeiting, Schaeffler urges the use of Schaeffler OriginCheck app (iOS) (Android) to assess and distinguish counterfeit products from authentic Schaeffler products. The app can be downloaded for free from Apple App Store or Google Play. Customers can also reach out with their queries and for additional information regarding counterfeiting to piracy@schaeffler.com.

While apps are beneficial for identifying fake bearings that have already been purchased by customers, a more preventative way of avoiding counterfeit products is to buy exclusively from Schaeffler authorised distributors. Obtaining products through official distributors adds value in the form of advice, better aftersales services, and genuine product warranties.

Schaeffler India is leading automotive innovation and keeping industry in motion by ensuring safety for its customers through these actions. Distributing safe and high-quality products are of primary importance to cultivate or four core values: Sustainable, Innovative, Excellent, and Passionate.

Schaeffler has been present in India for approximately 60 years. With 3 well known product brands LuK, INA and FAG, 4 manufacturing plants and 8 sales offices, Schaeffler has a significant presence in India. Schaeffler is among the largest industrial and automotive supplier with sales of Rs 55.6 billion in 2021 and around 2,922 employees. The manufacturing plants in Maneja and Savli (Vadodara), produce a vast range of ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, spherical roller bearings and wheel bearings that are sold under the brand name of FAG. The plant at Talegaon near Pune, manufactures engine and powertrain components for front accessory drive system, chain drive systems, valve train, gear shift systems and a range of needle roller bearings and elements, under the brand INA. The fourth manufacturing location is based out of Hosur, producing a wide range of clutches and hydraulic clutch release systems for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles and tractors sold under the brand of LuK. Schaeffler also has the largest aftermarket networks serving the industrial and automotive customers.