Driven to Death: a Chinese Case Study on the Counterfeiting of Automotive Components

Abstract Unlike other counterfeit products, automotive components are hidden from view and, at least by the lay person, little understood. While potential scale, scope and impact of problem is vast, knowledge this illicit trade limited. In seeking to contribute existing literature on counterfeiting auto components, article focuses China, a major growing economy with an expanding vehicle market, ready internal market for counterfeits frequently identified source country goods. Rested upon empirical data published court judgments in China open materials, critically explores motor parts inside country, manufacture sale, including identifying parties involved illegitimate business, process what motivates players engage it, gain insights into social organisation trade. Our findings suggest that does not appear robust organisational viewpoint, which tends be carried out individuals basis necessity opportunity rather than authority formal rationality. The article’s forge link between inequality help argue given current socio-economic settings booming used vehicles, dirty likely persist. Furthermore, as shows, currently, nature dangerous goods duly recognised law enforcement legal practices.