VLS Bulletin – July 2024 – VLS 010196
VLS 010196 – Rock Oil Truck Guard Elite 5W 30 LS-FE
On 29th September 2023 the case was accepted by VLS.
VLS received a complaint concerning the above product which alleged that the profile of this product, as it appeared on the website, technical datasheet, brochure and product labelling, clearly showed under ‘Performance Specifications, Approvals & Recommendations’ a reference to: Volvo VDS-5 / Renault RLD-5, Mack EOS-5.’
The Complainant alleged that the inference is that this product can be used in these applications. The reality, the Complainant alleged, is that additive technology complying with these specifications has not been released into the aftermarket and therefore they should be removed as they are misleading and not supported.
VLS upheld the case complaint on the 20th October 2023 on the basis that VLS believes there is no widely available market general additive technology that has been released to the automotive aftermarket to be able to meet these performance claims.
At the close of the investigation, Rock Oil had not provided any technical evidence in support of the performance claims made on the product within the timeframe set out within the letter sent from VLS to the company on the 20th October, and consequently the claims were unable to be verified to the satisfaction of VLS.
End users therefore need to assure themselves to their full satisfaction that the product is capable of performing in line with the claims made on the product by Rock Oil.
On 10th July 2024 VLS undertook a six-month review of the case in line with its’ stated process. The product was found to be not available on open sale in the UK market at the time of the review and hence the investigation is concluded and the case is 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.”
July 2024
