The federal government launches a brand new marketing campaign at this time to warn motorists in opposition to shopping for pretend elements for his or her autos, as a brand new survey reveals that one in six respondents (15%) mentioned they’ve bought a counterfeit half up to now 12 months alone.
OECD analysis has estimated that car counterfeit elements imported to the UK have been price nearly £1billion in a single yr.
Counterfeit automobile elements are these that are marketed and bought to shoppers and companies acknowledged as being real branded car elements. They’re usually onerous to identify, carry the identical branding and look similar to real elements, however are more likely to be made utilizing inferior supplies and should not safety-tested.
Driving residence a transparent message that ‘Pretend All the time Breaks’, the brand new marketing campaign – spearheaded by the Mental Property Workplace (IPO) – alerts drivers to the life-threatening risks posed by counterfeit gadgets corresponding to brakes, headlights and airbags. The marketing campaign additionally shares the next recommendation for shoppers and the motoring trade on spot a pretend:
- Be cautious of value – if it seems too good to be true, it in all probability is.
- Analysis the vendor – if you’re unfamiliar with the corporate promoting the product, have a look at earlier buyer opinions and conduct some background analysis.
- Examine the spec – pretend elements are sometimes ‘one measurement matches all’ and never made to your car. This could possibly be harmful and trigger irreversible injury.
- Search for proof – real elements will include a certificates of Unique Tools. If there isn’t one, it’s more likely to be a pretend.
- Suspect it’s pretend? Report it – it’s unlawful to promote counterfeits, and sellers must be reported to Crimestoppers.
Most of the mostly bought pretend automobile elements within the UK pose important security considerations if defective, together with automobile batteries (purchased by 25% of motorists who admit to purchasing counterfeit elements), tyres/wheels (23%) and windscreen wipers (19%). Worryingly, 14% of motorists who’ve bought pretend automobile elements purchased counterfeit airbags, whereas over a tenth (12%) purchased pretend brake pads or discs.
Though many purchases are being made unknowingly, nearly three fifths (58%) of motorists who’ve purchased low cost elements mentioned they did so with the information that the half was counterfeit.
Getting elements for a cheaper price was a big issue amongst these deliberately shopping for a pretend half, with three in ten (31%) citing value financial savings as a motive. In the meantime, a 3rd (34%) of motorists who admitted to purchasing pretend elements mentioned they did so as a result of they felt there was no discernible distinction in look (34%).
Purchases made unknowingly are sometimes uncovered at a later stage. Greater than two in 5 motorists (45%) who purchased a pretend that they thought was real, discovered via their storage after the half faulted, with 30% turning into conscious throughout routine service checks.
Miles Rees, IPO Deputy Director of Enforcement on the Mental Property Workplace, feedback: “Pretend automobile elements are unlawful to promote and are very harmful for motorists and different highway customers. Whereas they could look the identical, they’re usually created from inferior supplies and should not security examined. This will increase the chance of failure and might result in life-changing or life-ending penalties – a danger not price taking.
“As we enter the darker, colder, icier months, driving can develop into extra hazardous. This is the reason it’s now extra vital than ever to spotlight the risks of fakes to motorists and assist make each journey as secure as it may be. Our ‘Pretend All the time Breaks’ marketing campaign goals to arm drivers with the data they should spot a pretend, keep away from the dangers and report sellers.”
Help from trade will assist drive motion
The IPO’s ‘Pretend All the time Breaks’ marketing campaign is supported by a spread of organisations from the automotive trade, together with these within the car restore and servicing sector – such because the Unbiased Automotive Aftermarket Federation and the Unbiased Storage Affiliation who will probably be serving to to lift consciousness amongst their members and prospects. Automobile producers together with Mercedes Benz and legislation enforcement our bodies such because the Metropolis of London Police’s Mental Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) are additionally concerned within the drive to maintain highway customers secure.
Stuart James, Chief Govt Officer on the Unbiased Storage Affiliation (IGA): “We’re happy to help the IPO’s marketing campaign that goals to lift consciousness of the extreme security dangers that counterfeit car elements pose to all highway customers.”
“Garages ought to be certain that they keep away from utilizing buyer provided elements and match elements from trusted suppliers and respected car elements distributors. This apply not solely enhances the protection of autos but additionally reassures prospects that every one elements meet the required specs.”
“We actively encourage any storage that identifies counterfeit elements to report them via the assorted channels highlighted within the IPO recommendation. Collectively, we will fight this situation and contribute to safer roads for all.”
T/ Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the Police Mental Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), at Metropolis of London Police, mentioned: “Counterfeiting safety-critical automobile elements like tyres, wheels, airbags and brakes demonstrates the lengths that criminals will go to earn a living and their disregard for the protection of the individuals who will find yourself utilizing these merchandise.
“Our officers lately seized 500 counterfeit automobile airbags, which may have put motorists in danger, throughout an operation in east London. Pretend airbags aren’t manufactured to trade requirements, so there’s an actual chance that they received’t inflate throughout a highway visitors collision, or will deploy in error.
“We all know that the provide of an excellent deal might be engaging, nevertheless it’s very important to know spot the indicators of a counterfeit automobile half and to purchase from a good vendor.”
