VLS welcomes new chairman
The Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) has welcomed Darren Frogson to the position of chairman. Currently the CEO at Exol Lubricants, Darren succeeds Harald Oosting and brings a wealth of experience to the role – PMF puts the experience to the test in this Q&A.
Q. Darren, congratulations on your appointment – what are your main priorities as you take on the role of VLS chairman?
A. As a VLS board member since 2015, I am passionate about our independent organisation’s work in maintaining a fair and open lubricants market that benefits end-users, by ensuring the performance claims made on lubricant products are valid and reliable.
As the chairman, I am keen to support VLS members and the wider lubricants industry through the transition to Net Zero, with its increasingly complex vehicle parc, while also maintaining VLS’ track record in managing non-compliance. Motor factors, workshops and motorists must be able to have confidence that the lubricants used in their vehicles are fit for purpose and really can deliver what they claim.
Q. You’ve been involved with VLS since 2015 – how has the organisation evolved in that time, and where do you see it going next?
A. VLS has evolved significantly since it was formed in 2013. Back then, there was clearly a lack of understanding in some areas of the marketplace. Reputable lubricant producers could see companies making claims they couldn’t meet, such as making mutually exclusive claims.
Either these companies didn’t understand the claims they were making or they were intentionally attempting to gain a market advantage by expanding the number of claims made beyond those that could reasonably be supported.
In the first few years, VLS saw an influx of cases due to pent-up demand. Levels of education increased throughout the industry, and manufacturers and blenders were left with no doubt that their products would be monitored and publicly reported if needed. Twelve years later, we are confident that the message around compliance is being heard; however, the significant rise in cases over the past 18 months – and the complexity of those cases – demonstrates that there is still work to do to ensure an open and fair marketplace that end-users can have confidence in.
The types of cases that VLS has handled over the years have changed, and we have adapted to reflect the needs of the market. In 2019, we issued our Marketing Claims guidance, which was further updated in 2024. In 2020, VLS entered into a Primary Authority Relationship with Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards to support VLS in ensuring compliance across the whole industry, as well as provide tailored advice and guidance for VLS and our members. In 2021, a landmark case led to a change in our process, allowing for advisories outside of an initial complaint for the first time. In 2022, VLS adopted the first proactive testing approach by purchasing independent lubricant test reports.
Despite all these changes, the core purpose of VLS has remained the same. Our work to uphold standards and protect and educate end-users is more important than ever.
Q. The lubricants market is facing the dual challenge of an increasingly complex vehicle parc and the transition to Net Zero – how is VLS helping the industry navigate these changes?
A. Using the right lubricant matters, as using the wrong one or one that fails to meet the requirements of the intended specifications, can cause accelerated wear to engines, reduce the effectiveness of emission control systems, invalidate warranties and, ultimately, result in long-term engine damage.
Through events, like Automechanika, we aim to reach the broader automotive aftermarket, highlighting the complexities of lubricants and the importance of selecting the correct lubricant. We produce regular white papers examining the types of cases we have investigated over the years. We issue regular news bulletins when case investigations have concluded and issue product safety warnings when required, to raise awareness of public safety concerns.
Q. VLS has built a reputation for tackling non-compliance – what does effective enforcement look like, and what role does education play in this process?
A. VLS’ objective has always been to bring products into compliance wherever possible. If a product is found to be non-compliant, we engage with the company involved to request that they take the necessary actions to bring the product into compliance. Depending on the case, that could mean updating Technical Data Sheets to remove claims that cannot be supported. It could mean changing internal procedures and product blends, as well as quarantining and uplifting stock already in the marketplace.
In many cases, companies are grateful that we have brought issues to their attention and any mistakes have been highlighted, giving them a chance to take swift action and protect their reputation.
If a company doesn’t take the required action, despite being presented with the information and given a reasonable time to respond, enforcement means escalating the case to Trading Standards for action, under our Primary Authority Relationship.At that point, full details of the case are published, so that the market is informed about non-compliant products.
Q. You’re also CEO of Exol Lubricants and have served as UKLA president – how will your wider industry experience shape your leadership of VLS?
With nearly 30 years of experience in the lubricants sector, I understand the challenges that lubricant companies face. I have seen firsthand how much the market has changed and the difficulties that it presents for lubricant manufacturers and our customers.
My experience on the board since inception and with UKLA is beneficial, as VLS deals with a broader range of product complaints. While the majority of cases still relate to passenger vehicle engine oil, the percentage of cases involving CV engine oil and automotive hydraulic fluid has increased. VLS has even investigated metalworking fluids. Whatever the application, end-users must be able to have confidence that the lubricant meets the specifications it claims.
Q. Looking ahead, what message would you like to give motor factors about the importance of lubricant specifications and VLS’ work in upholding standards?
Motor factors play a crucial role in protecting and educating endusers. We understand that motor factors have thousands of products to manage; however, engine oils are a critical component of a vehicle, just like brake pads. Using the wrong one can cause damage to customer vehicles and put workshop reputations at risk.
Engine oil is increasingly complex; using any 5W30 won’t do. Motor factors need to carry a wide selection of products, including different viscosities and specifications, to meet the needs of the diverse, ageing vehicle parc.
Motor factors must ensure that the products they sell, whether branded or own-label, can truly deliver what they claim.If an engine oil sounds too good to be true or a motor factor has any concerns about it being mis-sold or mislabelled, it is essential to double-check. They can report a product they have concerns about to VLS, which will independently investigate it to confirm whether it can deliver what it claims.
We also encourage motor factors to become members of VLS to stay informed about the complex lubricants industry and be part of the wider solution.
