The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) set up an initiative, Genuine is Best, which found that non-genuine ute tray bodies may significantly damage the vehicle and compromise its safety.
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) tests of two non-genuine ute tray bodies found trays failing in important areas. The aftermarket trays cracked chassis rails when put to the test in durability trials, corroded quickly, and had poor weld quality. Trays were separating from their mounting points.
It became clear during testing that the non-genuine trays could damage the ute body and paint. Suspension mounting failure could be the result, with leaf springs possibly falling out. There was potential for the chassis and suspension tune to destabilise, resulting in the tray ripping off. The tray ripping loose could cause damage to braking and traction systems.
The ute tested is popular in Australia, with the investigation carried out by an OEM engineering department with two different trays. The non-genuine parts failed on almost every test, compared with genuine trays, which passed.
Non-genuine trays could lead to total vehicle failure and a cracked chassis, which makes a vehicle dangerous and requires expensive repairs.
All geniune parts are tested before they enter the market, unlike non-genuine parts, which you are the crash test dummy for.
The FCAI is Australia’s peak car industry organisation, representing manufacturers and importers of passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles and motorcycles.