News 8 www.aftermarketonline.net DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026 New garage safety alert after fake car parts raid Fake vehicle parts continue to pose a threat to garages and motorists, with the revelation that more than 3,600 counterfeit components have been seized in a raid in South Gloucestershire. The ‘branded’, potentially lethal fakes, including spark plugs, oil filters and sensors worth over £100,000, were removed by trading standards officials from a self-storage facility operated by a trader in an operation supported by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Officers also discovered counterfeit parts in plain packaging alongside sheets of unused counterfeit labels. The raid came more than a year after Aftermarket magazine revealed that UK authorities were launching a renewed campaign alerting garages and consumers to the risks of counterfeit automotive parts on the market. The South Gloucestershire operation, supported by the IPO through the Tick Box Scheme, involved enforcement teams from eight major car manufacturers. Targeting a sophisticated counterfeiting operation, it uncovered illegal parts ready for widespread distribution. The Independent Garage Association (IGA) said it continued to work with the IPO in supporting the national ‘Fake Always Breaks’ campaign, which highlights the dangers of counterfeit vehicle parts and the importance of vigilance across the motor trade. The IGA is urging all independent garages to familiarise themselves with the IPO’s guidance on how to spot and report counterfeit parts. Warning signs include vague product descriptions, poor-quality packaging, missing safety information, and unfamiliar or misspelled branding. Ben launches Christmas lifeline Ben, the automotive industry charity, has launched its Christmas Families project. The project, which was launched on World Kindness Day and is a lifeline for automotive families in the run-up to Christmas, runs until December 15. Now in its sixth year, the project provides financial, emotional and wellbeing support for automotive people and their families who are struggling to make ends meet, during the festive period. In the lead up to Christmas Ben can help eligible families with: O Food costs – making sure no-one goes without food over the coming weeks, and that each family has a festive meal on the table; O Financial support – to ease the burden of household bills or essential household items; O Emotional and wellbeing support – offering a listening ear and guidance during what can be a challenging time of year; O Gifts under the tree – families with children will receive a voucher to buy a Christmas gift, so that every child will receive a gift to help make their Christmas feel extra special. Ben will also provide an extra gift for all children. Ben is again working in partnership with The BMTA Trust which is supporting this project. Ben is encouraging anyone working (or who has worked) in the automotive industry who is worried about making ends meet this Christmas to ask for support. If you, or someone you know, works in the industry and needs help this Christmas, get in touch using Ben’s free and confidential helpline (08081 311 333) or visit http://www. ben.org.uk/ to use webchat.
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