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Fake Bowers & Wilkins Speakers Reported in Chinese Volvos: What We Know

Chinese Volvo owners reported concerns about dealer-added Bowers & Wilkins speakers, including a “Bowers & VVilkins” label. Volvo said it had started an investigation; the available reporting does not establish the parts’ authenticity or the inquiry’s outcome.
Entry306 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
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In February 2025, Chinese Volvo owners raised concerns about dealer-added audio equipment represented as Bowers & Wilkins. One reported speaker grille spelled the brand “Bowers & VVilkins.” Volvo Cars said it had begun a special investigation, but the available reporting does not establish that the parts were counterfeit, installed at the factory, or part of a wider scheme. The Simpsons comparison is a headline hook; the reports do not connect the case to a particular episode.

What did Volvo owners report?

On February 12, 2025, IT之家 reported that an owner of a Volvo S60 questioned a dealer-added center speaker and crystal gear selector supplied with the car. The speaker lettering reportedly read “Bowers & VVilkins,” with a “VV” where the brand name has a “W.” The owner also questioned whether the selector lit up as expected. The report described the equipment as a suspected third-party substitution; it did not publish an independent technical examination confirming the speaker was counterfeit. IT之家’s report

IT之家 put the claimed value of the speaker-and-selector package at 10,679 yuan. That is the value reported in connection with the owner’s claim, not an independently verified market price. IT之家’s report

Were other cars affected?

Subsequent coverage described other Volvo owners in China reporting labels such as “Bovvers and Wilkins” and “Bowers and VVilkins.” Those accounts establish that multiple owners raised similar concerns, but not that the cases were connected or that the issue was widespread. Sound & Video Contractor noted that the reports had not been linked to one dealer or established as a broader problem. Sound & Video Contractor’s coverage

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The visible spelling discrepancy is a reason to ask questions, not proof of who supplied or installed a part. The reporting also does not establish whether the questioned equipment was installed at the factory or added later by a dealer. It therefore does not support calling this a proven factory defect or a confirmed nationwide scam.

What did Volvo say?

In its February 2025 response, Volvo Cars said it took the reports seriously, apologized for the inconvenience, and had started a special investigation. It also said it would pursue an open process and strengthen supervision of authorized dealers. These were the company’s stated response and intentions at the time; the available reports do not establish the investigation’s outcome or what remedy any owner received. IT之家’s report and Sound & Video Contractor’s coverage

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Sound & Video Contractor published this English translation of a statement attributed to Volvo Cars: “Volvo Cars always stands with its customers and will never tolerate any behavior that harms the interests of users.” Sound & Video Contractor’s coverage

What should an owner do if a part seems wrong?

Volvo’s current brand-protection guidance asks people who suspect a counterfeit part to contact the company, describe the part and where it was found, and provide photographs, receipts, or other relevant documents where possible. It also recommends buying genuine parts through a local Volvo retailer. Volvo suggests examining materials, logos, paint, mouldings, and finish, while warning that convincing packaging does not guarantee the contents are genuine. These are company guidelines, not a test that can authenticate a particular part on their own. Volvo’s brand-protection guidance

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  1. Keep the sales contract, receipt, installation paperwork, and any messages describing the equipment.
  2. Photograph the part and its markings, along with the installation, if it is safe and practical to do so.
  3. Record what the seller promised and whether the documents describe the equipment as factory-installed or dealer-added.
  4. Send the information to Volvo using its brand-protection guidance, and ask the retailer or Volvo to confirm what was supplied and installed.

These steps help document a concern; they do not guarantee a refund, replacement, compensation, or a particular legal outcome.

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What is still unknown?

The reporting available establishes owner allegations and Volvo’s announcement of an investigation, not its findings. It does not establish how many vehicles were involved, whether the cases shared a supplier or dealer, or whether customers received remedies. The Simpsons reference is likewise not evidence of a connection to an episode: no such link was established in the reporting.

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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