The Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) has announced it has welcomed Mike Bewsey as its Chairman.
Mike will take over from Andrew Goddard, who has become Chairman of the United Kingdom Lubricants Association (UKLA), and will officially become Chairman at the VLS AGM on 24th September.
Currently Business Unit Director of Moove Lubricants, Mike has been involved in VLS since 2016 as a Board member. Mike is described as a strong advocate for VLS and the work it does as an independent trade body to allow all lubricants companies to compete on service, value and product quality whilst assuring the claims made on lubricant products are valid and reliable.
In his time as Chairman, Mike is reportedly keen to build on VLS’ achievements to date and to make the transition to dealing with specifications built on new technology for vehicles irrespective of the powertrain, including Plug-In Electric Hybrid, Electric and Hydrogen vehicles.
Mike commented: “VLS has an important role to play in assisting members to meet new market challenges. The recent announcement of the ACEA 2021 sequences, the possible impact of Euro 7, as well as the transition to alternative fuels including electric and hydrogen are all impacting lubricant producers.
“Whilst assisting members in working through those challenges, VLS must also continue to support end users by upholding industry standards, ensuring that retail consumers are protected and workshops can fit with confidence, whatever type of vehicle or engine they are working with.
“I also see a role in VLS undertaking greater outreach with other similar programmes, from Germany’s FSQ programme to the Australian Lubricant Association’s product quality programme, API’s product quality surveys and even ATIEL’s product compliance and monitoring to ensure a joined-up and cohesive approach in sharing our experience here in the UK.”
VLS Company Secretary, David Wright, added: “It has been a pleasure to work with Andrew Goddard since VLS was formed in 2013 and we would like to thank him for his support for VLS. We look forward to working with Mike and continuing VLS’s work to ensure consumer confidence and trust in the UK lubricants industry.”
