VLS Bulletin – December 2023 – VLS 010194

VLS 010194 – PCEO 0W-30

On 8th August 2023 the case was accepted by VLS.

The complaint concerned marketing claims against Fiat 9.55535-GS1 and Fiat 9.55535-DS1 specifications. The Complainant alleged that they independently tested a 1L bottle which confirmed the product failed Noack (ASTM D5800) testing against the Fiat specifications of < 11.0%. On this basis they stated that the product is confirmed to not meet a key performance requirement and therefore is misleading to the end consumer.

VLS independently procured a sample of the product within the UK and tested it for evaporation loss against ASTM D5800. The test results were 9.1% (m/m) which met the FIAT specifications listed above. Consequently, VLS concluded that the product was in full compliance with the FIAT specification, and there was no case to answer.

In these circumstances of full compliance, VLS offered the Named Party the opportunity of having this compliance outcome published to the website in a case publication notice which they declined.

The investigation and case are therefore closed.

David Wright, Company Secretary of VLS said “We want to ensure we have the highest standards in Europe for lubricant manufacture, blending and marketing, and we want a ‘level playing field’ for all participants, so that we protect the interests of the consumer and other end users.

In the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (UK) Ltd, we have set our course for stronger industry self-regulation by working positively towards more open and transparent competition that benefits all lubricant organisations.”

October 2023