The federal government launches a brand new marketing campaign as we speak 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 prior 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 yr.
Counterfeit automobile components are these that are marketed and bought to shoppers 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 prone to be made utilizing inferior supplies and will not be safety-tested.
Driving residence a transparent message that ‘Faux 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 shoppers and the motoring business on easy methods to spot a pretend:
- Be cautious of value – if it seems to be too good to be true, it in all probability 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.
- Examine the spec – pretend components are sometimes ‘one dimension matches all’ and never made to your car. This may very well be harmful and trigger irreversible harm.
- Search for proof – real components will include a certificates of Authentic Tools. If there isn’t one, it’s prone to be a pretend.
- Suspect it’s pretend? Report it – it’s unlawful to promote counterfeits, and sellers needs to be reported to Crimestoppers.
Lots of the mostly bought pretend 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 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 data that the half was counterfeit.
Getting components for a lower cost was a major 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, 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: “Faux automobile components are unlawful to promote and are very harmful for motorists and different street customers. Whereas they could look the identical, they’re typically made out of inferior supplies and will not be security examined. This will increase the chance of failure and might result in life-changing or life-ending penalties – a threat not value taking.
“As we enter the darker, colder, icier months, driving can turn into extra hazardous. For this 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 ‘Faux All the time Breaks’ marketing campaign goals to arm drivers with the knowledge they should spot a pretend, keep away from the dangers and report sellers.”
Assist from business will assist drive motion
The IPO’s ‘Faux All the time Breaks’ marketing campaign is supported by a spread of organisations from the automotive business, 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 lift consciousness amongst their members and prospects. Car 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 street customers secure.
Stuart James, Chief Govt Officer on the Unbiased Storage Affiliation (IGA): “We’re happy to assist the IPO’s marketing campaign that goals to lift consciousness of the extreme security dangers that counterfeit car components pose to all street customers.”
“Garages ought to be certain that they keep away from utilizing buyer provided components and match components from trusted suppliers and respected car components distributors. This observe not solely enhances the security of autos but additionally reassures prospects that each one parts meet the required specs.”
“We actively encourage any storage that identifies counterfeit components to report them by means of 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 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 might have put motorists in danger, throughout an operation in east London. Faux airbags aren’t manufactured to business requirements, so there’s an actual risk that they received’t inflate throughout a street site visitors collision, or will deploy in error.
“We all know that the supply of a superb deal could be attractive, but it surely’s important to know easy methods to spot the indicators of a counterfeit automobile half and to purchase from a good vendor.”
