PMF is pleased to interview Alan Outhwaite, head of the Verification of Lubrication Specifications (VLS) Technical Review Panel. In this interview, he provides an update on VLS cases, discusses industry trends and insights, and shares his optimism about the future collaboration between the organisation and motor factors. Q. Why is the VLS an organisation that ...

The post VLS shares industry updates appeared first on Professional Motor Factor.

The Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) has introduced what it calls “more stringent guidance” on the use of marketing claims on lubricant packaging to ensure end-users are protected. The organisation says the move comes in response to several recent cases, many of which have involved lubricant products making “misleading or incorrect claims”. VLS was formed ...

The post VLS vows to protect end-users in guidance update appeared first on Professional Motor Factor.

The Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS), an independent and impartial body investigating lubricant product complaints, has provided an update on two major strands of its work: an investigation into engine oils claiming compliance with the Stellantis FPW 9.55535/03 specification, and the closure of investigations into Silverhook products following corrective action. In 2025, VLS launched a ...

The post VLS reports progress on Stellantis Oil investigation appeared first on Professional Motor Factor.

VLS closes investigations after Silverhook takes positive action to reformulate engine oils.  The Verification of Lubricant Specifications (UK) Ltd (VLS), an independent and impartial body which investigates lubricant product complaints, has closed investigations VLS 010226 and VLS 010227 after the company involved took corrective action. In April 2025, VLS received a complaint about Silverhook Ultra-V ...

The post VLS closes investigation after Silverhook reformulation appeared first on Professional Motor Factor.

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 ...

The post VLS welcomes new chairman appeared first on Professional Motor Factor.

VLS celebrates a year of progress despite a challenging lubricants market.  This year proved to be another challenging one in the increasingly complex oils and lubricants market. Over the past twelve months, independent membership body VLS, the Verification of Lubricant Specifications, has opened 20 cases to investigate complaints about a range of passenger vehicle and ...

The post Celebrating a year of progress appeared first on Professional Motor Factor.

Motor factors are at the front line when it comes to oil selection – and the wrong choice can lead to big problems. That’s the message from the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS), which has just updated its white paper to reflect an influx of new cases and some concerning trends. Two years ago, VLS ...

The post Why oil still matters and why you should care appeared first on Professional Motor Factor.

Alan Outhwaite, head of the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) Technical Review Panel, spells out his view on what role hydrogen will have in the net zero transition. The race to net zero has been on for some time. EVs were seen as the answer, with OEMs developing hybrid and BEVs to meet emissions targets. ...

The post The role of hydrogen in the future of motoring appeared first on Professional Motor Factor.

Following on from part one, Harald Oosting, the chairman of the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS), shares the implications of the UK Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MVBEO). The rights of third parties to provide OEM quality parts to the automotive aftermarket are protected in UK law within the MVBEO. The MVBEO, which came into ...

The post What are the consequences of MVBEO? appeared first on Professional Motor Factor.

Harald Oosting, the chairman of the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS), informs us about the latest lubricant investigations. In 2023, VLS marked 10 years of upholding standards in the lubricants industry. Fast forward 12 months, and whilst we have made good progress, there is still work to be done to uphold standards and protect end ...

The post The latest VLS lubricant investigations appeared first on Professional Motor Factor.