The Authorities’s Mental Property Workplace has launched its ‘Fake Always Breaks’ marketing campaign, focusing on pretend automobile components as one in six motorists admit to purchasing counterfeits in previous 12 months.
OECD analysis has estimated that car counterfeit components imported to the UK have been price virtually £1billion in a single 12 months.
Miles Rees, IPO Deputy Director of Enforcement on the Mental Property Workplace, mentioned: “Pretend automobile components are unlawful to promote and are very harmful for motorists and different highway customers.
“Whereas they could look the identical, they’re usually made out of inferior supplies and will not be security examined. This will increase the chance of failure and may result in life-changing or life-ending penalties – a threat not price taking.
“As we enter the darker, colder, icier months, driving can become more hazardous. This is why it is now more important than ever to highlight the dangers of fakes to motorists and help make every journey as safe as it can be.”
The marketing campaign is supported by a variety of organisations from the business, together with these within the car restore and servicing sector – such because the Unbiased Automotive Aftermarket Federation and the Unbiased Storage Affiliation.
Producers together with Mercedes Benz and legislation enforcement our bodies such because the Metropolis of London Police’s Mental Property Crime Unit are additionally concerned within the drive to maintain highway customers secure.
Stuart James, CEO on the Unbiased Storage Affiliation, mentioned: “We’re happy to assist the IPO’s marketing campaign that goals to lift consciousness of the extreme security dangers that counterfeit car components pose to all highway customers.
“Garages should ensure that they avoid using customer supplied parts and fit parts from trusted suppliers and reputable vehicle parts distributors. This practice not only enhances the safety of vehicles but also reassures customers that all components meet the required specifications.”
“We actively encourage any garage that identifies counterfeit parts to report them through the various channels highlighted in the IPO advice. Together, we can combat this issue and contribute to safer roads for all.”
