VLS Newsletter – May 2022
Case Summary
Overall the number of cases stands at 71, with 2 products under investigation, 2 compliant following investigation and 67 archived.
Case 010171 – concerned claims for approvals made against OEM specifications with the investigation now concluded and the results published to the website.
Case 010169 – concerns a 5w30 automotive engine oil and the claims made on the product. The case is under investigation.
Case 010167 – concerns the claims made on a 5w30 automotive engine oil. The case has been subject to a six month review and the results of the review have been communicated back to the Named Party from whom we await a response.
Case 010159 – remains under investigation and has been passed to UEIL regarding the claims made on a 5w30 automotive engine oil. UEIL has written to the OEMs referenced on the product labelling who are pursuing the matter.
To view the case outcomes, visit http://ukla-vls.org.uk/case-outcomes/
Following a Board meeting held in February, VLS has amended its verification process. If, during the course of an investigation VLS finds issues of non-compliance which fall outside the original case complaint then these will be brought to the attention of the Named Party who will be asked to address these areas. At the six month review stage if these ‘advisories’ have not been addressed then the fact that there were advisories which were brought to the attention of the Named Party and not addressed, will be published along with the case outcome.
For details of how to submit a lubricant product complaint to VLS, go to http://ukla-vls.org.uk/case-handling-process/
Industry News
Moves by the Government to extend MOT testing from one to two years as part of the cost of living measures, has been met with fierce opposition by the industry as it could lead to reduced car servicing, more breakdowns and less safe roads.
The House of Commons Transport Select committee held a debate on vehicle tampering at the end of April amid industry concerns that the use of market general parts in vehicles could mean owners fall foul of the draft legislation.
Department for Transport has announced changes to the Highway Code to pave the way for self-driving vehicles on the roads by the year end.
SMMT report that global supply chain challenges have wiped 100,000 vehicles off the UK’s automotive output in the first quarter of 2022.
ACEA – The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) Passenger car registrations: -12.3% first quarter of 2022; -20.5% in March.
ILMA report a story in the Wall Street Journal that Oil Trade Group Drafts Carbon-Tax Proposal That Could Raise Prices at the Pump. Some API members want to delay proposal until after midterm elections, fearing it could alienate Republican lawmakers
Media Editorial
Professional Motor Factor, April 2022, features an article by VLS on the forthcoming heavy-duty engine oil sequences from ACEA.
PMF Online features an article by Mike Bewsey explaining his role as Chairman of VLS.
Commercial Vehicle Workshop Online features an article by VLS explaining the delays to the ACEA heavy-duty engine oil sequences.
Lube magazine, April 2022, Mike Bewsey Chairman of VLS talks about marketing claims.
Lube magazine, April 2022, David Wright, Company Secretary of VLS talks about where product responsibility lies.
Media Advertising
Professional Motor Mechanic, May 2022, features a half page advert on VLS, Page 23.
Lube magazine, April 2022, features a half page advert on VLS, Page 47.
Events
Chem UK, 11th and 12th May, NEC Birmingham.
UK Garage and Bodyshop Show, 8-9 June 2022, NEC Birmingham.
ICIS World Base Oils Conference, Windsor, Berkshire, UK. June 27-28.
Uniti will be held in Stuttgart, Germany in August 2022.
Lubricant Expo will take place on 6/8 September 2022 in Messe Essen, Germany.
Automechanika Frankfurt will take place on the 13-17 September 2022.
Automechanika UK has been moved to 6-8 June 2023, NEC, Birmingham.
Social Media
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LinkedIn
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Stay Up To Date
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David Wright
Company Secretary
