The federal government launches a brand new marketing campaign in the present day to warn motorists towards shopping for pretend elements for his or her automobiles, as a brand new survey reveals that one in six respondents (15%) stated they’ve bought a counterfeit half previously 12 months alone.
OECD analysis has estimated that car counterfeit elements imported to the UK had been price nearly £1billion in a single 12 months.
Counterfeit automobile elements are these that are marketed and offered to customers 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 usually are not safety-tested.
Driving residence a transparent message that ‘Pretend At all times Breaks’, the brand new marketing campaign – spearheaded by the Mental Property Workplace (IPO) – alerts drivers to the life-threatening risks posed by counterfeit objects similar to brakes, headlights and airbags. The marketing campaign additionally shares the next recommendation for customers and the motoring trade on find out how to spot a pretend:
- Be cautious of value – if it seems 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 evaluations and conduct some background analysis.
- Verify the spec – pretend elements are sometimes ‘one dimension matches all’ and never made in your car. This might be harmful and trigger irreversible injury.
- Search for proof – real elements 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 must be reported to Crimestoppers.
Lots of the mostly bought pretend automobile elements within the UK pose vital security issues 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 stated they did so with the data that the half was counterfeit.
Getting elements for a lower cost was a big issue amongst these deliberately shopping for a pretend half, with three in ten (31%) citing price financial savings as a purpose. In the meantime, a 3rd (34%) of motorists who admitted to purchasing pretend elements stated 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 elements are unlawful to promote and are very harmful for motorists and different street customers. Whereas they might look the identical, they’re usually constituted of inferior supplies and usually are not security examined. This will increase the danger of failure and may result in life-changing or life-ending penalties – a danger not price taking.
“As we enter the darker, colder, icier months, driving can change into extra hazardous. For this reason it’s now extra essential than ever to spotlight the risks of fakes to motorists and assist make each journey as protected as it may be. Our ‘Pretend At all times Breaks’ marketing campaign goals to arm drivers with the knowledge they should spot a pretend, keep away from the dangers and report sellers.”
Help from trade will assist drive motion
The IPO’s ‘Pretend At all times Breaks’ marketing campaign is supported by a variety of organisations from the automotive trade, together with these within the car restore and servicing sector – such because the Impartial Automotive Aftermarket Federation and the Impartial Storage Affiliation who can be serving to to boost consciousness amongst their members and prospects. 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 street customers protected.
Stuart James, Chief Government Officer on the Impartial Storage Affiliation (IGA): “We’re happy to assist the IPO’s marketing campaign that goals to boost consciousness of the extreme security dangers that counterfeit car elements pose to all street 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 security of automobiles but in addition reassures prospects that each one parts 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 subject 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, stated: “Counterfeiting safety-critical automobile parts like tyres, wheels, airbags and brakes demonstrates the lengths that criminals will go to become profitable and their disregard for the security of the individuals who will find yourself utilizing these merchandise.
“Our officers not too long ago 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 street visitors collision, or will deploy in error.
“We all know that the provide of an excellent deal will be attractive, nevertheless it’s important to know find out how to spot the indicators of a counterfeit automobile half and to purchase from a good vendor.”
