NEWS 6 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2023 www.aftermarketonline.net Mobile mechanics, tyre fitters, and smart repairers will now be covered by The Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair, as a result of an expansion timed to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the launch of the code in 2008. Until now, accreditation was applicable only to physical sites of independent garages, franchised dealer workshops, and bodyshops. According to Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman Bill Fennell, the move was prompted by the growing use of mobile mechanics, which became more popular with motorists since the pandemic: “Mobile mechanics and repairers provide an important and valuable service to consumers, and expanding our Service and Repair Code to encompass this area of the market gives motorists an even greater level of protection and recourse. Conversely, mobile mechanics will have an automotive authority to consult for information and expertise on managing disputes swiftly and effectively.” For more information, visit: www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org The Motor Ombudsman expands Code coverage ADAS skills gap “matter of life and death” warns IMI 106,000 ADAS-certified technicians will be needed by 2030 as the number of vehicles in the UK car parc with Level 2 autonomy increases the IMI has warned, but a new study from the body shows just 3,000 mechanics are qualified at present. The new report – Meeting the Demand for Skilled Vehicle Technicians in the Age of ADAS – warns that the skills gap in this area could impact on overall road safety unless it is urgently addressed. At present, 5% of the UK car parc feature Level 2 autonomy, where the vehicle can control acceleration, braking, and steering. Despite 3,000 technicians holding IMI TechSafe qualifications to work on vehicles featuring ADAS, there is already a shortage of 6,000 ADAS-qualified mechanics. By 2030, 44% of cars on UK roads will include ADAS. At the current rate techs are getting ADAS-qualified, the shortfall will hit 51,000 in just seven years. By contrast, the accident repair, body and glazing sectors have proportionately more ADAS-qualified staff. The IMI estimates that there are currently 1,800 ADAS-qualified technicians in these sectors with a requirement for 25,000 technicians by 2030. IMI CEO Steve Nash observed: “It is no exaggeration to say that it is a matter of life and death that these technologically advanced vehicles are maintained only by fully qualified technicians. The skills need is immediate with such a significant proportion of UK cars already using Level 2 autonomy. It is also critical to recognise the serious economic impact of the skills gap. A lack of qualified workforce means delays in vehicle repairs, undermining UK mobility.” For the full report, visit: https://tide.theimi.org.uk/indu stry-latest/research/imi-adasreport For more on training, turn to pages 60-62. Ownership change for Pro-Align Pro-Align has changed ownership following the retirement of two of its founding directors, husband and wife Paul and Kathryn Beaurain. Philip Wylie, who founded the company alongside the couple, has become sole owner. Philip, who is now Executive Chairman at Pro-Align, commented: “First and foremost, I would like to thank Paul and Kathryn for the great work they have carried out over the last 30 or so years. Anyone who knows them, will testify to their passion and unwavering commitment to the Hunter brand and wheel alignment in general here in the UK. I am proud of what we have built together and am incredibly excited about the next phase in the company’s growth.” Going forward, Pro-Align will continue to be managed by CEO Clive Seabrook, who has been heading up the business operationally since 2019. For more information, visit: www.pro-align.co.uk
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