HKS debunks PH firm's collaboration claim

MANILA: HKS Company Limited has denied a supposed collaboration with Speedlab Performance.

Just recently, HKS posted a message on its official Facebook page noting that has no affiliation or partnership with Speedlab Performance. The latter has claimed that it was co-developing “an exclusive Speedlab only true three-inch exhaust for turbo diesels and SUVs (sport utility vehicles).”

The Philippine-based company even stated that it is thinking of models such as the Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, and Ford Ranger as vehicles that could use the exhaust the two companies are presumably cooking.

“It has come to our attention that Speedlab Performance, a company based in the Philippines, has posted a claim regarding a collaboration with HKS on developing a muffler. We wish to clarify that this information is incorrect. HKS has no affiliation or partnership with Speedlab Performance, nor are there any plans to co-develop products with this company. Please be advised that HKS Japan, HKS Europe, HKS Shanghai, and HKS IT have no relationship whatsoever with Speedlab Performance,” HKS wrote.

“We kindly remind our customers to verify any information directly through HKS or our authorized dealers. We appreciate your continued trust and support of HKS products,” it added.

HKS’ lineup of products include exhaust pipes, suspensions, turbochargers, automotive oils, brake systems, aerodynamic bodykits, and other goods.

Speedlab Performance claps back by clarifying that it emailed someone from HKS China, explained that the collaboration was “exploratory,” and accused those managing HKS’ Facebook page of jumping into conclusions.

“My mail hasn't made it up the corporate food chain and I never used those words in my post, they are the ones that assumed and said it, not me. But it sure is viral since it got their attention. So whoever is handling the HKS facebook also jumped the gun and jumped to conclusions,” Speedlab Performance said in a social media post.

The company even went as far as saying that HKS exhausts for diesel SUVs make zero horsepower gain.

“For the record, we have never sold any HKS exhausts for diesel SUVs and pickups in Speedlab because they make zero horsepower gain, yes I will stand by that statement, hence why I want something that does make power, because buying an exhaust that makes no power is plain stupid,” it wrote.

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