The federal government launches a brand new marketing campaign right now to warn motorists in opposition to shopping for faux 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 prior to now 12 months alone.
OECD analysis has estimated that automobile counterfeit components imported to the UK have been price nearly £1billion in a single 12 months.
Counterfeit automobile components are these that are marketed and bought to shoppers and companies acknowledged as being real branded automobile 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 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 gadgets resembling brakes, headlights and airbags. The marketing campaign additionally shares the next recommendation for shoppers and the motoring trade on spot a faux:
- Be cautious of worth – if it appears too good to be true, it most likely is.
- Analysis the vendor – if you’re unfamiliar with the corporate promoting the product, take a look at earlier buyer evaluations and conduct some background analysis.
- Test the spec – faux components are sometimes ‘one measurement matches all’ and never made on your automobile. This could possibly 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 faux.
- Suspect it’s faux? Report it – it’s unlawful to promote counterfeits, and sellers ought to be reported to Crimestoppers.
Most of the mostly bought faux automobile components within the UK pose vital security considerations 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 faux automobile components purchased counterfeit airbags, whereas over a tenth (12%) purchased faux brake pads or discs.
Though many purchases are being made unknowingly, nearly three fifths (58%) of motorists who’ve purchased low-cost components mentioned they did so with the data that the half was counterfeit.
Getting components for a lower cost was a big issue amongst these deliberately shopping for a faux half, with three in ten (31%) citing price financial savings as a cause. In the meantime, a 3rd (34%) of motorists who admitted to purchasing faux 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 faux that they thought was real, discovered by means of 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 constructed from inferior supplies and are usually not security examined. This will increase the danger of failure and may result in life-changing or life-ending penalties – a threat not price taking.
“As we enter the darker, colder, icier months, driving can turn into extra hazardous. This is the reason it’s now extra vital than ever to focus on 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 faux, keep away from the dangers and report sellers.”
Assist from trade will assist drive motion
The IPO’s ‘Pretend At all times Breaks’ marketing campaign is supported by a spread of organisations from the automotive trade, together with these within the automobile restore and servicing sector – such because the Impartial Automotive Aftermarket Federation and the Impartial Storage Affiliation who might be serving to to boost consciousness amongst their members and clients. Car 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 Govt 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 automobile components pose to all highway customers.”
“Garages ought to be certain that they keep away from utilizing buyer equipped components and match components from trusted suppliers and respected automobile components distributors. This follow not solely enhances the security of autos but in addition reassures clients that every one parts meet the required specs.”
“We actively encourage any storage that identifies counterfeit components to report them by means of the assorted channels highlighted within the IPO recommendation. Collectively, we will fight this concern 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 parts like tyres, wheels, airbags and brakes demonstrates the lengths that criminals will go to generate income 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 chance 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 could be engaging, nevertheless it’s very important to know spot the indicators of a counterfeit automobile half and to purchase from a good vendor.”
