VLS Newsletter – May 2023
Case Summary
Overall the number of cases stands at 87, with 10 products under investigation, 2 compliant during investigation, 1 compliant following investigation, 1 compliant following six month review and 73 archived.
Case 010187 – concerns the marketing claims made on an Aluminium Synthetic Cutting Fluid. VLS accepted the case on the 9th May 2023.
Case 010186 – concerns the low temperature properties of a 75W-90 Semi-Synthetic Gear Oil. VLS accepted the case on the 15th March 2023. The product has been sourced and tested and VLS have contacted the Named Party.
Case 010185 – concerns the low temperature properties of a 75W-90 Fully Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid. The product has been sourced and tested. VLS are in dialogue with the Named Party.
Case 010184 – concerns the low temperature properties of a 75W-90 automotive gear oil. The product has been sourced and tested and VLS are in dialogue with the Named Party.
Case 010183 – concerns the low temperature properties of a 75W-90 automotive gear oil. The product has been sourced and tested and VLS are in dialogue with the Named Party.
Case 010182 – concerns a hydraulic oil and its compliance against the DIN 51524 Part 2 standard. The original product as the subject of the complaint has been superseded, and the Complainant is arranging to procure and test a sample of this product to ensure the integrity of the original complaint.
Case 010181 – concerns PCEO 5W-30. VLS has confirmed the testing that would be appropriate in this case and it is currently sourcing the product.
Case 010179 – has been subject to a six month review and the product remains in compliance.
Case 010178 – concerning 10W-40 engine oil and the performance claims made on it. VLS is in correspondence with the Named Party regarding the compliance of the product.
Case 010176 – concerning 0W-30 PCEO and the claims made against OEM specifications. The product has been retested, details of the test results and complaint have been passed to the Named Party.
Case 010175 – has been subject to a six month review and the product remains in compliance.
Case 010171 – VLS are satisfied with the response from the Named Party and the investigation will be closed subject to a six month review.
Case 010167 – VLS has confirmed with the Named Party that the case can be closed subject to a six month review.
Case 010159 – remains under investigation and has been passed to UEIL regarding the claims made on a 5W-30 automotive engine oil. UEIL has written to the OEMs referenced on the product labelling who are pursuing the matter. UEIL have concluded their investigation into the matter and a bulletin is due to be issued.
To view the case outcomes, visit http://ukla-vls.org.uk/case-outcomes/
To raise a case with VLS, visit http://ukla-vls.org.uk/case-handling-process/
VLS can only investigate complaints made against products available on open sale in the UK. For case submission guidance visit https://ukla-vls.org.uk/publications/
Industry News
The Department for Transport are consulting on a mandate for Zero Emission Vehicles.
The Competition & Markets Authority are consulting on guidance for the renewal of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order that comes into force on 1st June 2023 for 6 years.
SMMT report that March rise drives UK car production first quarter increase.
The European Commission has decided to refer THE NETHERLANDS and PORTUGAL to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failure to transpose rules on the posting of drivers in the road transport sector.
The European Union Commission paves way for mobile machinery to move easier on public roads across the EU.
ATIEL, the technical association of the European lubricants industry has issued a newsletter on the importance of the correct base oil to the finished lubricant.
ACEA have issued a message from their President on Smarter regulation for a globally competitive European auto industry.
CECRA, the voice of European dealers and repairers report that New EU Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation and Supplementary Guidelines have been announced.
ILMA reports a Wall Street Journal story that 10,000 foreign companies will be hit by EU Sustainability rules.
ILMA reports a Wall Street Journal story that lithium prices are down 30% which could drive cheaper batteries and electric vehicles.
ILMA reports a Transport Topics story that the American Environment Protection Agency agrees California’s rules phasing out new diesel trucks.
The American Petroleum Institute has published a list of 36 oil brands making unauthorised oil licensing claims.
Media Editorial
Autotechnician, May 2023, features a mention on page 62 of VLS attending Automechanika Birmingham, ahead of the event in June.
Garage and MOT magazine, April 2023. Page 12, Industry braces for rise in counterfeit lubricants due to cost of living crisis.
PMM Online, April 2023 features commentary by VLS Chairman Mike Bewsey on deciphering oil standards.
Professional Motor Factor, April 2023 features commentary from VLS Chairman Mike Bewsey on the risk of using modern oils in classic cars. Page 32.
Lube magazine, April 2023. Will the cost-of-living crisis spark a rise in counterfeit lubes? VLS.
Media Advertising
Professional Motor Mechanic, May 2023. Half page VLS advert on page 27.
Autotechnician, May 2023. Half page VLS advert on Page 61.
Lube magazine, April 2023, half page VLS advert. Page 57.
Events
UEIL Congress, Manchester, 31 May to 2 June 2023.
Automechanika UK 6-8 June 2023, NEC, Birmingham. Visit VLS on Stand S60, Hall 19! To register for the event click here
Social Media
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Mike Bewsey
VLS Chairman
