Isuzu Trucks declares ‘war’ on pirate parts

Isuzu Truck South Africa (ITSA) has declared an effective ‘war on pirate parts’ by announcing it will be selling genuine replacement parts to truck owners at a fraction of the cost so as to put paid to the debate about the use of ‘pirate’ aftermarket parts over genuine OEM parts due to price difference.

The company is reacting to the prevailing mindset among truck owners that genuine replacement parts come at a higher price compared to ‘pirate’ aftermarkets parts, leading many opting for the latter.

Although using ‘pirate’ aftermarket parts may seem like an ‘easy way out’, ITSA says it is, in fact, a more expensive and higher risk alternative when considering the stress that comes with the fact that they have a shorter lifespan as they are not tested for reliability and durability.

ITSA admits, however, that it is a business imperative to ensure that, despite the rise in cost of living and competing needs, new and existing Isuzu customers have access to replacement parts that ensure optimal performance, longevity, safety and proper functioning of their Isuzu Trucks at an affordable price.

To this end, the company has managed to stock up Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts in bulk directly from Isuzu headquarters in Japan, thus tapping into substantial discounts which are being passed on directly to customers. This was made possible by the company’s recent growth and success as South Africa’s top-selling chassis-cab, forward-control configuration truck – excluding panel vans and heavy busses for both 2013 and 2014.

The company has also negotiated an innovative option for all customers to have access to a genuine OEM part at an alternative price structure with no effect to the quality of the part or its engineering.

“Isuzu Japan has assisted Isuzu Truck South Africa in manufacturing an alternative part using the same stringent engineering and product reliability code with a reduced cost base to extend our cost of ownership to Isuzu customers,” says Wayne Morgan, general manager: Aftersales & Parts of Isuzu Truck South Africa.

“Isuzu parts and components are created and tested according to the manufacturers’ specification and high standards and are guaranteed to be compatible with Isuzu trucks and to perform according to factory specifications, especially where the trucks require cargo-bodies and equipment to complete the unit.”

According to ITSA, this effective ‘war against pirate parts’ is no longer a matter of choice but has become a matter of business survival and economy of scale for its thousands of Isuzu truck owners. It’s all about trucks being a business concern with a commercial impact aimed at generating revenue for their owners.

Morgan cites the following advantages against disadvantages of using genuine parts against pirate parts:

Advantages

• Peace of mind: original parts and accessories provide customers with safety and reliability.
• Operation: original parts and accessories are designed to guarantee perfect operation.
• Warranties: Certified original spare parts and accessories are typically backed by warranty. The overall warranty of the vehicle does not get impacted negatively and it helps keep the warranty valid.

• Integrity: original spare parts are compatible with the other parts or components of the vehicle and they fit properly, without any modifications necessary.
• Longevity: original parts will typically last longer than non-certified ones.
• Competitive performance: the performance of the vehicle is higher when genuine parts are used.
• Cost: No negative effect on your vehicle’s resale value. The longevity of original parts and accessories will help you to avoid excessive wear-and-use expenses and will hence save you money.

Disadvantages

• Warranties: A vehicle’s warranty may be invalidated.
• Operation: could cause an increased risk of failure.
• Integrity: risk of damage to other vital parts.
• Longevity: wear out faster and are less sturdy.
• Performance: long-term reduction in performance and possibly higher consumption.
• Cost: your vehicle’s resale value might be negatively impacted. Higher wear-and-use expenses. Modifying non-original parts and customising the fit can lead to higher cost due to higher labour cost.

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