UK research shows genuine parts best for Ford

The Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) in the UK has recently conducted a series of tests comparing Ford genuine parts with alternative parts and found that the genuine article provides greater safety and finish.

Using a 2005 Ford MY Fiesta, MIRA testing found that Ford original bonnets perform better for pedestrian safety head impact over copy parts.

With the introduction of pedestrian protection requirements car bonnets must now be engineered to prevent the head from contacting the hard components of the engine bay upon impact.

In a separate probe, MIRA tested Ford original parts fit, finish, and installation time of body panels over copy parts.
The aim of the study was to compare the fit, finish, and installation time of body panels of Ford original parts against alternative supplier parts.

Using a Ford Ka and a Ford Focus MY98, Ford original parts were compared with three different copies. The Ford parts were bought from a local dealer and the copies sourced through a third party supplier and delivered to MIRA.

The study showed some slight variation in the final clearances around each of the panels and that in general, longer fitting and adjustment times were required for the non-Ford parts to achieve a finish level not obviously worse than the Ford original part, the report stated.

The study looked at replacing the bonnet, bumper and wing on the Focus and the bonnet on the Ka.

In a third test using Ford vehicles, MIRA studies found that Ford original parts offer substantially better corrosion performance and better stone resistance over copy parts.

The aim of the study was to compare the corrosion and stone ship performance of Ford original parts against two copy supplier parts.

Three different parts were subjected to the testing; namely a Focus bonnet, Focus wing and Ka bonnet.
A full downloadable report on each of these studies is available at the ABP Club Library section at http://www.abpclub.co.uk.