The federal government launches a brand new marketing campaign right now to warn motorists in opposition to shopping for pretend components for his or her autos, 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 automobile counterfeit components imported to the UK had 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 usually arduous to identify, carry the identical branding and look similar to real components, however are prone to be made utilizing inferior supplies and are usually not safety-tested.
Driving dwelling a transparent message that ‘Faux 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 equivalent to brakes, headlights and airbags. The marketing campaign additionally shares the next recommendation for shoppers and the motoring business on the right way to spot a pretend:
- Be cautious of worth – 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, take a look at earlier buyer evaluations and conduct some background analysis.
- Examine the spec – pretend components are sometimes ‘one measurement matches all’ and never made to your automobile. This might be harmful and trigger irreversible harm.
- Search for proof – real components will include a certificates of Authentic Gear. 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 ought to be reported to Crimestoppers.
Lots of the mostly bought pretend automobile components within the UK pose vital 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, nearly three fifths (58%) of motorists who’ve purchased low cost components stated they did so with the information that the half was counterfeit.
Getting components for a cheaper price was a major issue amongst these deliberately shopping for a pretend half, with three in ten (31%) citing value financial savings as a purpose. In the meantime, a 3rd (34%) of motorists who admitted to purchasing pretend components 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, discovered by way of 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: “Faux automobile components are unlawful to promote and are very harmful for motorists and different street customers. Whereas they might look the identical, they’re usually created from inferior supplies and are usually not security examined. This will increase the danger of failure and might result in life-changing or life-ending penalties – a threat 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 ‘Faux At all times 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 business will assist drive motion
The IPO’s ‘Faux At all times Breaks’ marketing campaign is supported by a variety of organisations from the automotive business, together with these within the automobile restore and servicing sector – such because the Impartial Automotive Aftermarket Federation and the Impartial Storage Affiliation who will probably be serving to to lift consciousness amongst their members and clients. 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 street customers protected.
Stuart James, Chief Govt Officer on the Impartial 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 automobile 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 automobile components distributors. This apply not solely enhances the protection of autos but additionally reassures clients that each one elements meet the required specs.”
“We actively encourage any storage that identifies counterfeit components to report them by way of the varied channels highlighted within the IPO recommendation. Collectively, we are able to fight this problem 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 elements like tyres, wheels, airbags and brakes demonstrates the lengths that criminals will go to earn money 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. Faux airbags aren’t manufactured to business requirements, so there’s an actual chance that they gained’t inflate throughout a street visitors collision, or will deploy in error.
“We all know that the provide of a superb deal could be engaging, nevertheless it’s important to know the right way to spot the indicators of a counterfeit automobile half and to purchase from a good vendor.”
