A new parasite surfaces...

I logged in to the Z forum a few days ago to be greeted with a fresh thread by a new avant-garde, cutting-edge enterprise: American Plastic Tech. And, yes, their products are as creative as their name. They sell… Surprise Surprise… replica parts!

Fakes on fakes on fakes...

I did a bit of research and found out that this company is actually the spawn of another company that claims to have been around for 40 years, copying the designs of Japanese companies such as Nismo and INGS+1.

For over 40 years, KBD and American Plastic Technologies have been fulfilling customers needs by supplying the highest quality polyurethane parts at the lowest prices. Over the years, our parts catalog has grown to offer the sought after body kits, bumpers, wings and more for almost every vehicle. We are expanding our polyurethane product line on a daily basis, so make sure to check our applications regularly! If you are looking for a certain application and would like us to make it, please feel free to contact us.

Not an uncommon tactic, it seems as though this company would love the consumer to believe they are their savior. A particular phrase in the above extract from the company's website really sums up the essence of what it is to be a replica company.

"...our parts catalog has grown to offer the sought after body kits, bumpers, and wings…"

Translation: We take no risks. There is zero creativity, innovation, or originality in what we do. We do not design our own parts. We sit back and wait to see the next big thing; what the true talent of the aftermarket industry comes up with. If their designs are a hit and become popular and desired, we simply copy them and cash in.

UGH...

Replica companies are not going anywhere. They are here to stay. They will continue to be successful as long as "enthusiasts" continue to support them by cutting corners with their builds. I am simply hoping to convince some readers out there to save their money for just a bit longer and buy authentic.

Be the funk. Don't fake it.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation