May 2020

MAY 2020 AFTERMARKET 7 COVID-19 testing solution: MOT stations? VLS has announced the outcome of case VLS010163, a complaint against Gulf Formula CX 5W-30 Engine Oil. The product is now in compliance and the case is closed. In October 2019, VLS received a complaint about marketing claims were being made by the product. The allegation stated that there was no technology currently available to meet the combination of the latest OEM specifications PSA B71 2290 and BMW LL-04 (including N20 and B48 performance). In addition, the claim on the Technical Data Sheet (TDS), dated February 2018, to meet PSA B71 2290 did not specify which iteration and therefore risked misapplication by the end user. The independent VLS Technical Panel upheld the complaint and entered into discussion with Gulf. The company stated that there had been a subsequent formulation change and change in product pack labels in December 2018/January 2019 and the TDS dated February 2018 had been superseded. Since then there had been no formulation changes but there had been periodic changes to the Technical Data Sheets/product labels to align with the changes in OEM specifications and approvals of the product. As evidence, Gulf provided updated copies of the latest TDS dated October 2019, and latest product labels reflecting the current claims made. The latest version of the Technical Data Sheet removed the marketing claims against the following specifications for which manufacturer approvals had been obtained MB 229.51, MB 229.52, BMW LL-04 and VW 505 00 and 505 01. In addition, the marketing claim against PSA B71 2290 was withdrawn. David Wright, Company Secretary of VLS said: “Lubricants are increasingly complex products, catering to specific engine needs. It is vital that any product labelling and Technical Data Sheets are up- to-date and accurate so that end users can be confident the oil they are using is fit for purpose.” Garages that are also MOT test centres could offer a practical solution for widespread Coronavirus testing, it has been suggested. Founder and creator of MOT Juice, Barry Babister, believes MOT Centres across the UK can play a vital part in assisting with localised COVID-19 testing and record keeping, while keeping costs to an audited minimum. He said: “The government needs to think outside the box when it comes to COVID-19 testing and training, gearing up as many new testers as possible. We believe that by training already heavily regulated and authorised MOT Testers, essential COVID-19 tests could be carried out within MOT centres.” According to Barry, the scale of the MOT network, and the regulatory framework it already works within makes it an ideal candidate: “MOT Centres operate using government/DVSA approved and secure data systems that could quickly be adapted to register and deliver COVID-19 testing in the same way vehicle testing is conducted. “MOT Centres follow strict government and DVSA regulations, thus providing a manageable solution to local Coronavirus testing adhering to decrees will not be anything unusual. Each MOT Centre is registered and approved by the government, with responsible vetted Authorised Examiners typically business owners, who control a workforce of government-approved MOT Testers who are accustomed to working to strict guidelines.” Barry added: “Training providers already exist to up-skill and train MOT Testers via online courses. The main concern around the testing process was dependent on how well healthcare workers took samples from patients – from the nose and the back of the throat – this is simply a training issue at worst. The solution is to bring qualified staff, such as retired nurses and doctors, to MOT centres to train, assist, oversee and manage testers.” VLS concludes 5W30 investigation Schaeffler AG and the Schaeffler family are jointly donating € 1 million to the Red Cross to help in the fight against COVID-19. “We have the greatest respect for all people who maintain our infrastructure with extraordinary commitment in this exceptional situation. With our donation we want to express our gratitude and respect to the doctors and medical nurses who are doing superhuman work in the fight against COVID-19 these days,” said family shareholder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Schaeffer AG, Georg F. W. Schaeffler. In February, Schaeffler AG donated € 800,000 to first responder organisations in China and provided support for Red Cross activities in the country. “The Corona crisis has assumed global dimensions. In these difficult times, we must all do what we can to support the fight against COVID-19,” said Schaeffler AG Chief Executive Officer Klaus Rosenfeld. “That is part of our social responsibility.” Schaeffler donate to Red Cross