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Monday, November 18, 2024

Authorities targets pretend automobile components as one in six motorists admits to purchasing counterfeits in previous 12 months


The federal government launches a brand new marketing campaign at the moment to warn motorists towards shopping for pretend components 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 components imported to the UK have been value virtually £1billion in a single 12 months.

Counterfeit automobile components are these that are marketed and bought to customers and companies said as being real branded car components. They’re typically onerous to identify, carry the identical branding and look similar to real components, however are more likely to be made utilizing inferior supplies and are usually not safety-tested.

Driving dwelling 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 objects akin to brakes, headlights and airbags. The marketing campaign additionally shares the next recommendation for customers and the motoring trade on how one can spot a pretend:

  • Be cautious of worth – if it seems to be too good to be true, it most likely is.
  • Analysis the vendor – in case you are unfamiliar with the corporate promoting the product, have a look at earlier buyer opinions and conduct some background analysis.
  • Test the spec – pretend components are sometimes ‘one dimension suits all’ and never made on your car. This may very well be harmful and trigger irreversible injury.
  • Search for proof – real components will include a certificates of Authentic Gear. 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 ought to be reported to Crimestoppers.

Lots of the mostly bought pretend automobile components within the UK pose important security issues if defective, together with automobile batteries (purchased by 25% of motorists who admit to purchasing counterfeit components), tyres/wheels (23%) and windscreen wipers (19%). Worryingly, 14% of motorists who’ve bought pretend automobile components purchased counterfeit airbags, whereas over a tenth (12%) purchased pretend brake pads or discs.

Though many purchases are being made unknowingly, virtually three fifths (58%) of motorists who’ve purchased low-cost components mentioned they did so with the information that the half was counterfeit.

Getting components for a cheaper price was a big issue amongst these deliberately shopping for a pretend half, with three in ten (31%) citing price financial savings as a motive. In the meantime, a 3rd (34%) of motorists who admitted to purchasing pretend components 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, came upon via their storage after the half faulted, with 30% changing into conscious throughout routine service checks.

Miles Rees, IPO Deputy Director of Enforcement on the Mental Property Workplace, feedback: “Pretend automobile components are unlawful to promote and are very harmful for motorists and different highway customers. Whereas they could look the identical, they’re typically produced from inferior supplies and are usually not security examined. This will increase the chance of failure and may result in life-changing or life-ending penalties – a danger not value taking.

“As we enter the darker, colder, icier months, driving can turn into extra hazardous. That is why it’s now extra vital than ever to spotlight the risks of fakes to motorists and assist make each journey as protected 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.”

Assist 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 can be serving to to boost consciousness amongst their members and clients. Automobile producers together with Mercedes Benz and regulation 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 protected.

Stuart James, Chief Government Officer on the Unbiased Storage Affiliation (IGA): “We’re happy to help the IPO’s marketing campaign that goals to boost consciousness of the extreme security dangers that counterfeit car components pose to all highway customers.”

“Garages ought to make sure that they keep away from utilizing buyer provided components and match components from trusted suppliers and respected car components distributors. This follow not solely enhances the security of autos but in addition reassures clients that each one elements meet the required specs.”

“We actively encourage any storage that identifies counterfeit components to report them via the varied channels highlighted within the IPO recommendation. Collectively, we will fight this difficulty 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 cash and their disregard for the security of the individuals who will find yourself utilizing these merchandise.

“Our officers just 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 risk that they received’t inflate throughout a highway visitors collision, or will deploy in error.

“We all know that the supply of a superb deal may be attractive, however it’s important to know how one can spot the indicators of a counterfeit automobile half and to purchase from a good vendor.”



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