VLS hosts press lunch for key industry journalists
VLS welcomed a selection of journalists from across the aftermarket media to an exclusive press lunch at the RAC Club in London this October.
The press lunch was the first opportunity for VLS to update representatives from the UK media since May 2019 when the last event was held.
Journalists met new VLS Chairman Mike Bewsey, who presented an update on VLS activities including an overview of VLS cases. Mike also talked about the Primary Authority Relationship with Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards as a way of ensuring greater compliance with market standards amongst members and the way the relationship can also act as an escalation route for more complex or difficult cases.
Technical Review Panel Chairman Dr. Ted Wright spoke in more detail about a recurrent theme of recent cases, with manufacturers and blenders recommending products over entire ranges of vehicles rather than specific models. Ted explained how VLS has worked with Trading Standards to ensure these unspecific claims are clarified or removed from packs, as they could cause confusion amongst end users and possibly damage in use.
Jacquie Berryman, VLS Board member, talked journalists through the recent ACEA 2021 light duty engine oil sequence changes, including the incorporation of Far Eastern Asian engine tests to compliment the incorporation of a new category for ultra-light viscosities. Jacquie also talked about the forthcoming Euro VII emission regulations, and led a discussion about the use of hydrogen as a fuel as well as a fuel cell, including how this might be a solution alongside electrification to the zero emissions challenge.
44 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.166 DECEMBER 2021
Being a low carbon, renewable fuel, yet with the capability to be used in a traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, hydrogen fuel might avoid the issues of a lack of charging infrastructure and limited range facing electric vehicles, particularly relevant for the commercial vehicle market where reliability and range are absolutely vital.
During an open Q & A forum, there was an interesting debate around the ageing vehicle parc versus the drive towards net zero and the challenges that arise for blenders, workshops and motorists alike. Motorists are holding onto their vehicles for longer in response to the uncertainty around the transition to electric vehicles and the durability of modern cars.
Attendees talked about whether car buying habits have changed for good with increased vehicle reliability, more home working, the rise in online car buying and greater penetration of car clubs offering hourly vehicle hire for occasional use.
All of the journalists fed back positive comments on a “great event” with a “useful format” and an “open and frank [discussion] about the issues and limitations surrounding the industry”.
Following the press lunch, VLS are working with selected trade media to develop articles incorporating the themes covered at the event and to offer interviews with new VLS Chairman Mike Bewsey.
LINK
www.ukla-vls.org.uk
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