The federal government launches a brand new marketing campaign at this time 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 prior to now 12 months alone.
OECD analysis has estimated that car counterfeit elements imported to the UK have been value virtually £1billion in a single yr.
Counterfeit automobile elements are these that are marketed and offered to shoppers and companies said as being real branded car elements. They’re typically arduous to identify, carry the identical branding and look similar to real elements, however are more likely to be made utilizing inferior supplies and will not be 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 gadgets akin to brakes, headlights and airbags. The marketing campaign additionally shares the next recommendation for shoppers and the motoring trade on how one can spot a pretend:
- Be cautious of value – if it appears 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 critiques and conduct some background analysis.
- Examine the spec – pretend elements are sometimes ‘one dimension matches all’ and never made in your car. This could possibly be harmful and trigger irreversible injury.
- Search for proof – real elements will include a certificates of Unique 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 needs to be reported to Crimestoppers.
Most 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, virtually 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 cheaper price was a major issue amongst these deliberately shopping for a pretend 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 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 typically created from 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 danger not value taking.
“As we enter the darker, colder, icier months, driving can change into extra hazardous. That is why it’s now extra vital than ever to spotlight the hazards of fakes to motorists and assist make each journey as secure 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 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 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 Impartial 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 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 protection of automobiles but in addition reassures prospects that each one elements meet the required specs.”
“We actively encourage any storage that identifies counterfeit elements to report them via the varied channels highlighted within the IPO recommendation. Collectively, we will 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 generate profits and their disregard for the protection 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 chance that they gained’t inflate throughout a street site visitors collision, or will deploy in error.
“We all know that the supply of an excellent deal may be engaging, however it’s very important to know how one can spot the indicators of a counterfeit automobile half and to purchase from a good vendor.”
