Toyota Australia is taking legal action against those who are selling counterfeit brake pads, containing asbestos and designed for Toyota vehicles.
As News.com.au reports, a Toyota spokeswoman said, “We are cracking down on counterfeit parts that put customer safety at risk. It is very concerning to us that not only do these parts contain asbestos, but they are able to be sold in Australia.”
“We are demanding that the suppliers stop selling these parts and, more importantly, contact all those who have bought the brake pads and replace them with genuine products free of charge.”
News Corp Australia revealed yesterday that it had obtained a confidential dealer bulletin which explained that the counterfeit brake pads are designed for HiLux utes and Hiace delivery vans and commuter buses sold over the past decade.
It is not clear in which country the counterfeit items are manufactured but they would fit into over 500,000 vehicles sold in the past ten years.
The parts are sold online and, because they are not from any known manufacturer, a recall is not possible. They packaging carries unauthorised Toyota branding, intended to make them appear genuine.
While it is now known to cause mesothelioma, a cancer of the lungs, in the past asbestos was often used in many industries, particularly in building products. It was banned from use in the automotive sector in 2004.
Image: Wikipedia.