Coding, Cars & Counterfeiting: How Advanced Coding Technology Protects Quality

As automotive trends like ridesharing, electric vehicles, and autonomous driving reshape the industry; one challenge remains constant: the rise of counterfeit auto parts. With the global cost of counterfeit goods projected to reach $1.5–1.9 trillion annually by 2022, manufacturers must combat fake components with smarter solutions. 

Why Counterfeiting Threatens Safety & Brand Trust 

• Fake brake pads, tyres, steering components, and sensors flood the market. 
• These substandard parts endanger drivers and tarnish automakers’ reputations. 
• Beyond accidents, they increase warranty claims, recalls, and liability. 

Counterfeit Trade (2025 Update): “According to the OECD–EUIPO’s Mapping Global Trade in Fakes 2025 report, counterfeit goods were valued at USD 467 billion in 2021, representing nearly 2.3% of all global trade. Disturbingly, this includes dangerous products like automotive parts and medicine”—with no sign of slowing. Meanwhile, Corsearch projects that by 2030, the counterfeit market will balloon to USD 1.79 trillion, encompassing 5% of global trade 

Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ) for Automotive Coding: Clear & Durable Codes 

The latest Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ) printers are able to produce hard-wearing and durable codes of different sizes onto almost any substrate. These can be as visible or discreet as required, helping to reassure users of the authenticity of a component. 

• Modern CIJ printers create high‑contrast codes on rubber, glass, electronics—even on dark surfaces. 
• Inks now resist acids, alkalis, heat, light—ensuring they last from factory to after‑sales. 
• Add scannable Data Matrix/barcodes and even brand logos for product authenticity and traceability. 

As part of this, recent CIJ ink developments have seen the introduction of inks that provide high contrast prints on a wide range of substrates, including dark surfaces, PVC, rubber, glass, and electronic components. Many of these inks can also resist acids, alkalis, and high levels of light and heat. 

Laser Marking for Automotive Coding: Permanent Anti-Counterfeit Security

• Fibre laser coders apply indelible codes on metal components—even on high-speed lines. 
• Price drops have made compact laser systems far more affordable. 
• Ideal for highly regulated sectors like aerospace and automotive, where permanent marking is mandatory. 

Fibre laser technology is now more widely available than before and has the benefit of applying permanent traceability codes onto bare metal, on both stationery and moving production lines. It is being used increasingly in both the automotive and aerospace industry where robust regulations exist around traceability of parts. 

Enhancing Automotive Production Efficiency & Quality 

• Reliable printers minimize line stoppages—sealed units handle dust, liquids, and humidity. 
• Features like fluid‑level alerts and simplified interfaces reduce downtime and operator error. 
• Contract manufacturers benefit from dashboards with logo/message storage—swift swaps between jobs. 

We may be entering a brave new world of ownerless, driverless cars, but printing and coding technology is at least going in the right direction to give component suppliers the ability to meet compliance, demonstrate quality and maintain production targets – while helping to keep the counterfeiters at bay.