The No.1 magazine for automotive information JULY/AUGUST 2023 www.aftermarketonline.net INSIDE The DPF Doctor is in the house P18 The recent DPF Doctor event brought garages in the specialist network from across the country together Aftermarket of the future P22 Neil Kennett brings you all the latest news and views around the growing area of vehicle self-driving Month in the life of a vehicle tech P24 Garages cannot always be strong in every aspect, and Frank Massey’s recent challenges highlighted this AUTOMECHANIKA BIRMINGHAM 2023 REVIEW: PAGES 48-50
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www.aftermarketonline.net JULY/AUGUST 2023 AFTERMARKET 3 CONTENTS BUSINESS 8 Big issue: Cybersecurity 12 Digital supply chain 14 Hybrid working; Car ownership 16 Distrigo: Expanded portfolio 18 The DPF Doctor is in TOP TECHNICIAN/TOP GARAGE 22 TOPDON: Supporting technicians TECHNICAL 20 AS-PL: Bring the noise 22 Aftermarket of the future 24 Frank Massey: A month in the life 26 Automotive switches 28 Repairify: More haste, less speed IN FOCUS 30 TPS: Quantum oils 32 Oils and lubricants 36 Cooling 38 Brakes 40 Garage equipment 44 MOT AUTOMECHANIKA BIRMINGHAM 48 Automechanika Birmingham 2023 review PLUS... 51 Competition/General products 52 Editor’s Log: Ring/OSRAM open day 54 On the road: eBay Certified Parts 56 Garage visit: A&J Fleetcare 58 EVs and hybrids 60 Training update 64 Recruitment 66 Teabreak YOU’VE GOT TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT Editor | Alex Wells alex@aftermarket.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 345 Managing Director | Ryan Fuller ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Contributors Sharmistha Bose | Neil Kennett | Scott Luckett | Frank Massey | Martin Pinnell-Brown Operations Manager | Emma Floyd emma.floyd@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Marketing Executive | Hope Jepson hope.jepson@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 371081 Finance Department accounts@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Chief Executive | Ian Atkinson ian.atkinson@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Published by | DFA Aftermarket Media Ltd 192 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1BE Alex Wells, Editor Average net circulation July 2021 to June 2022 19,073 @aftermarketmagazine @aftermarket01 @aftermarketmagazine ISSN 2516-9149 Aftermarket is published 10 times a year and is sent free of charge to applicants meeting the publisher’s criteria. All others may subscribe at £60 per anum, £120 Europe and £150 rest of the world. While every care is taken to provide accurate information, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or ommisions, no matter how caused. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior consent of the publisher. The views of contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Copyright: DFA Media Group 2023. Competition has been on my mind lately, in all its forms. It is probably on yours too. After all, the independent aftermarket exists to be competitive. Each business works to be the best in its area, with friendly rivalry helping each garage to identify how it can provide a better offering to its customers. This sector also competes collectively with the franchised dealer network, with their professional presentation providing a model from which smart businesses can take ideas that will work in their own setting. The ability to compete on a level playing field with the dealers has also enabled the sector to grow and prosper over the last few decades, certainly since the first Block Exemption Regulation (BER) under the EU really opened things up from 2003. That being said, and very wise it sounded too, the concept of competition has also led me to think about the profound impact it can have on our lives. In mid-June, the cinema release of the DC superhero film The Flash, which features veteran Batman actor Michael Keaton returning to the role after a 31-year absence, meant that I needed to dig out the Batman t-shirt and cap that I won in 1989 age 13, via a local newspaper giveaway coinciding with the release of the original Batman film. Every time there’s a film featuring Batman, out comes the ’89 t-shirt. I had not won a competition before, or since then. That hot August Thursday lunchtime, I was so excited seeing my name in the paper announced as the winner that I ran straight out the door, not even stopping to put shoes on, shouting “I’ve won! I’VE WON!” I continued in this manner up the road, only stopping when I bumped into a very confused friend. In case you were wondering, the t-shirt still fits, although the cap always looked a bit strange, particularly when you wear them together. Luckily my children are still too young to be embarrassed by me, for now... As for my joyful dash down the lane, I sometimes wonder if the winners of the competition in each issue of Aftermarket react in a similar way. I would like to think they do. Get your bare feet ready everyone, as in this issue, we have a great prize from ALLDATA UK, so turn to page 51 to enter. ALLDATA is also a Full Event Partner for Top Technician and Top Garage 2023, along with Snap-on, TOPDON, TechMan, Delphi Technologies, BookMyGarage, and TPS. There’s more though. If you turn to page 5, you can read about Motul’s return to the pantheon of TT/TG supporters for 2023. Staying with news, and coming back to the very timely issue of Block Exemption, if you turn to page 4, you can find out more about the industry’s response to the guidelines for the new Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MVBEO) that were issued at the beginning of June. For once, it seems to be good news, but there is still more to be done. As always, the price of victory is eternal vigilance. Luckily, the industry has Aftermarket as its watchful guardian, making sure that when issues are heading your way, we have already spoken to those in the know, so we can give you fair warning. For now, it’s summer and the September issue of the mag will be hitting doorsteps and in-boxes in time for the August Bank Holiday. We will continue to bring you all the news via www.aftermarketonline.net Enjoy!
NEWS Major gains have been secured for the independent garage sector in the new Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MVBEO), which became UK law from 31 May, but sector organisations are cautioning that more work still needs to be done. The MV-BEO, introduced by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) replaced the EU-derived Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MV-BER). According to IGA Head of Member Services Frank Harvey, the pace of technological change has meant change was essential: “Since the MV-BER was created more than 20 years ago we’ve seen an exponential increase in the amount and complexity of incar technology. This has created a vital need for the independent sector to have the right to access technical data alongside service information, so that they can continue to provide a viable, value-driven choice for consumers. The EU regulations didn’t really reflect this properly and the IGA was pleased to see the efforts made to close off some of those gaps in the new MV-BEO. “Having said that, the IGA feels that the MV-BEO and the associated guidance falls short in a number of areas, especially with regards to issues around the connected car, and the potential that has to steer consumer decision making, in terms of vehicle service and maintenance.” He added: “The IGA will continue to monitor the impact of the MV-BEO and, driven by member feedback, will continue to communicate with the CMA on the effectiveness of the order and its impact on both consumers and independent operators within the automotive sector.” LKQ Euro Car Parts CEO Andy Hamilton commented: “The new MV-BEO regulations have delivered on many of the industry’s key requests. It is more comprehensive - now covering software, training and improved access to data and information alongside parts – and it is now shorter in duration, coming up for review again before the end of the decade. This should allow the framework to be updated to keep pace with the rapidly evolving vehicle market. “This is a real success for the independent aftermarket, where its ability to service modern vehicles was slowly being squeezed by OEMs capitalising on the shortcomings and loopholes of the ageing MV-BER framework and advances in vehicle technology that support new business models.” Andy added: “As vehicles continue their gradual evolution to becoming tech hardware, there remain gaps in the legislative landscape that OEMs will no doubt exploit to restrict access to independents and, by extension, limit consumer choice. This includes cybersecurity where the UK currently has no plans to introduce a standardised certification system, such as the SERMI scheme that is due to come into force in Northern Ireland and the EU this summer. Meanwhile, the threat of damaging MOT reforms is still casting a shadow over the industry’s future.” IAAF Chief Executive and UK AFCAR Chairman Mark Field said: “This is major achievement for the independent automotive aftermarket, and I would look to pay tribute to intense work of the UK AFCAR and its members, Neil Pattemore and our colleagues in FIGIEFA. I’d also like to acknowledge and thank CMA for their detailed understanding of the need to protect consumer choice and their commitment to working with UK AFCAR to ensure compliance of MV-BEO. Months of intense lobbying by members of UK AFCAR has created significant improvements when compared to the European MV-BER and guidelines, in particular clearer definitions to support the way vehicles are diagnosed, repaired and maintained.” According to Mark, the accompanying guidelines make it clear that access to full repair and maintenance information (RMI) and data from vehicle manufacturers has been secured, representing a major improvement on what was possible under the MV-BER: “For parts distributors as well as the workshops who finally fit these parts, software and coding must now also be made available to ensure their ability to complete vehicle repairs. Importantly, the inclusion of the reference to Chapter II of the UK Competition Act introduces the basis for horizontal agreements between vehicle manufacturers and independent operators.” This is not the end though, as Mark observed: “References are also made in the guidelines to the Type Approval requirements for access to RMI, which will also need to be revised to ensure continued effective competition that supports consumer choice and affordable mobility.” www.aftermarketonline.net 4 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2023 www.aftermarketonline.net MV-BEO “real success” but “falls short” in some areas
MONTH 2017 AFTERMARKET 3 www.aftermarketonline.net JULY/AUGUST 2023 AFTERMARKET 5 Motul back to support Top Technician and Top Garage Motul, which is celebrating its 170th anniversary this year, has once again signed up as a Full Event Partner for Top Technician and Top Garage. Commenting on their ongoing support for the competitions in 2023, Andy Wait, Motul General Sales and Marketing Manager UK and Ireland, said: “Top Garage and Top Technician continues to give us the chance to showcase our product offer to some of the best garage businesses and workshops in the UK and, of course, to help promote quality and excellence in the industry – which both sit perfectly with Motul’s ethos.” Andy added “We also have new garage equipment, as well as our 8100 Power and NGEN lubricant ranges that we launch this year, so it will be really useful to get hands-on feedback from those at whom these products are aimed.” Top Technician and Top Garage 2023 come to you in association with the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). Full Event Partners: Snap-on, TOPDON, TechMan, Delphi Technologies, BookMyGarage, ALLDATA Europe, TPS and Motul. Winners announced at Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards The Automechanika Birmingham 2023 Garage Awards, hosted by the IAAF and headline sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts took place in the evening of the second day of Automechanika Birmingham 2023, on Wednesday 7 June. The winners were announced at a dinner and networking event held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The winners were as follows: Best marketing award: Darkside Developments, Barnsley Best customer service award: A&J Fleetcare, Leeds Best community initiative: CD Copland Motors, Angus Best single-site garage: Billingborough Cars and Commercials, Billingborough Best multi-site garage: CCM Garages, Sussex and Surrey Auto-Mechanik of the year: Gary Wood, Intelligent Auto Lifetime achievement award: Peter Welch, Scotlands Ash Garage Garage of the year: Lindleys Autocentres, Nottingham IAAF CEO Mark Field observed: “From hundreds of nominations and over 7,000 votes, it’s fantastic to see how well received and respected garages and technicians are with their suppliers, fellow garages and motorists.” www.aftermarketonline.net Full Event Partners: Ben adds new award to Top Garage A new workplace award is being added to Top Garage for 2023, in association with Ben. The Workplace Health and Wellbeing Award will be judged through Ben’s Health and Wellbeing assessment framework. Garages in the competition will initially be asked to undertake a self-assessment. Those who make it to the Top Garage final will then face a panel with whom they can discuss their responses. Commenting on the addition of the component, Ellen Plumer, Head of Outreach, Health and Wellbeing at Ben said: “Whilst health and wellbeing covers more than the legal requirements to protect employees, it is important to acknowledge that employers do have a duty to be compliant with the Health & Safety Executive to maintain physical and psychological safety in the workplace. “By evaluating a business’s over-arching practices and culture towards the management and health and wellbeing of their staff, adding this award will identify the automotive employers that are working hard to create and maintain a positive and supportive workplace.” While now a key part of Top Garage, all businesses in the sector will additionally be offered the chance to undertake the module through Ben. The Workplace Health and Wellbeing Award will also become part of Top Technician as well at a later date. For more information, visit: www.toptechnician.co.uk www.aftermarketonline.net
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
NEWS www.aftermarketonline.net JULY/AUGUST 2023 AFTERMARKET 7 Garage of dad first port of call for driver advice 78% of drivers turned first to their father or other male role model for automotive advice in the past 12 months, not a garage, according to a study from eBay. 40% wanted a steer on changing a wheel, while 38% wanted help with changing the oil. A further 34% sought illumination around the topic of changing a bulb. 22% sought such paternal advice at least twice in the last year, and almost 15% asked three times. On why they went to their dad first, 39% said they liked to learn from their father, with 23% classifying it as a bonding experience. The survey is part of eBay UK’s Built Different campaign, which is looking to encourage motorists to undertake more car maintenance themselves. Dr Tony Tong, Head of Automotive at eBay UK, said: “It’s no surprise that motorists are enlisting the help of dads and other family members to help carry out minor car repairs. Not only is it easier and more costefficient, but fixing a car together can be a great bonding experience and a lot of satisfaction comes from finding and fitting a part yourself.” Beyond Built Different, eBay is also looking to encourage garages and bodyshops to go green via its Certified Recycled Parts programme. To find out more about eBay, turn to pages 54-55. Some vehicle technicians may be among those least at risk of losing their job and being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI), according to recent research. According to the research, performed by the University of Pennsylvania, OpenResearch and OpenAI, those who work on some vehicles are is least likely to be superceded by AI in place of a human worker. The study considered the possible outcomes of using large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT. Those in higherincome roles are predicted to be impacted the most. Automotive job roles deemed AI-proof in the study include: n Automotive glass installers and repairers n Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists n Motorcycle mechanics n Tyre repairers and changers Commenting on the issue, IMI Policy Manager Hayley Pells said: "The advancement of new technologies has brought many benefits to the automotive sector at every level for both the motorist and those that work in it. AI will undoubtedly bring new challenges and its impact on the workforce in the longer term is yet to be fully understood, but the automotive industry is already on a journey of technological change and embracing the opportunities that that brings." Many professions are expected to see severe impact from the roll-out of AI. British Telecom (BT) recently announced it expected 55,000 jobs to go by 2030, with 10,000 replaced by AI. A YouGov survey taken before the BT announcement suggested that, 62% of UK workers believe robotics and AI will erase more jobs than they make. For more on the expansion of AI and how it might affect garage businesses, look out for ‘Big Issue: Rise of the machines’ in the exciting September issue of Aftermarket. Mechanics safe from replacement by AI? Take the High Road... Highland Motor Parts, based in Inverness, continue to credit MAM software’s business management system Autopart for helping the business develop. MAM’s team recommended using the Driversboard vehicle load planning and delivery despatch module that runs with Autopart. Highland Motor Parts M.D Donald McLellan said: “We have taken Driversboard and loaded this onto a large screen in the warehouse. Every member of staff can see this and know what is being despatched, to where and when.” He added: “MAM Software have released ePOD, a proof of delivery app which works directly with Driversboard. I’m very interested in adding this into our system.” MAM Automotive Software Sales Manager Ben Nicholls concluded: “The roadmap for Driversboard and ePOD is an exciting one and highlights how digitisation is at the forefront of success for businesses.” For more information, visit: www.mamsoftware.com
8 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2023 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net With the huge rise of connectivity within cars, and the amount of data being generated, stored and accessed by independent garages and others, the issue of cyber security for the aftermarket is becoming more acute. On one hand, the data itself in the car is a major issue. Whose is it? Who can access it? What if it is stolen while a car is with a garage? For vehicle manufacturers, by whose products and within whose products the data is being created and stored, they feel it is vital that they make sure that vehicles are safe, and that user privacy is maintained. On the other hand, there is the growing issue of access for garages, with those same vehicle manufacturers erecting ever more complex barriers to prevent access to even the most basic system functions, all in the name of security. This does have the added bonus of meaning cars may need to go back into the dealer networks, thereby bringing the product back within the orbit of their makers. There are many questions around the issue that need addressing. With ever-more complex vehicles entering garages as they age, the problem continues to grow. Developing solutions How did we end up here though? While the transition to EVs is getting all the headlines, the ongoing digitisation of vehicles is having a profound effect on the sector. Commenting on the impact digitisation is having on parts suppliers, BORG Automotive CEO Kim Kruse Andersen noted: “Digitalisation requires different skills and expertise. One example is that car steering will communicate with other car parts to act in the best possible way, and the cars will be equipped with far more technology than we see today and developed with advanced, complex digital networks unseen in the world so far. Each technology must work across all products — a complete interconnection. Therefore, spare part manufacturers and remanufacturing companies must do something different than before, which is a major challenge for companies that manufacture spare parts. Still, we feel very well equipped due to our significant investments in being up to date on the various technologies and developing solutions that fit the cars of the future." Implications Digitalisation inevitably leads to the creation and collection of data, but that itself is the cause of a series of growing problems, as the importance of the data becomes clear to government, and the value becomes clear to vehicle manufacturers. Mark Field IAAF CEO observed: “As CYBERSECURITY: RIGHT TO CONNECT? Access to the vehicle has become more complicated, with cyber security concerns increasingly being used by VMs to lock out independents
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modern vehicles are increasing controlled by software, the IAAF is committed to ensuring there is a level playing field in regards to accessing the vehicle generated data so that the aftermarket doesn’t get locked out for diagnostic, repair and maintenance services. However, this is not the only issue, as the access to software functions creates a potential cybersecurity risk, and it is therefore important that the aftermarket is fully aware of the implications and has more involvement when it comes to verified access. “Just one example of how we’re seeing this technology become more prevalent is that of the eCall emergency call system, which uses mobile phone networks to communicate with the car should an accident occur. This remote communication vehicle interface creates increased cybersecurity risks.” Mark continued: “UNECE vehicle type approval regulations now require all new vehicle types to have a cybersecurity approval, and all new vehicles being sold from July 2024, but how a vehicle manufacturer implements their cybersecurity system is only known to the vehicle manufacturer and the type approval authority. It is not known to the aftermarket, or more specifically, diagnostic tool manufacturers, manufacturers and suppliers of electronically controlled replacement parts and independent workshops. This could mean that to replace a part that has a software function, an electronic security certificate to access the in-vehicle systems, typically via the OBD port, will be necessary, together with additional security certificates for the pre-verified diagnostic tool and replacement part involved. If the rights and roles of these certificates are directly and arbitrarily set by the vehicle manufacturer, then the vehicle manufacture will control who, where, when, and how the repair is conducted, to the detriment of the independent aftermarket.” Mark added: “New ways of using the data generated when the vehicle is being driven now form the basis of diagnostics, service and maintenance services, as well as being able to directly show a vehicle manufacturer’s quotation for any service or repair directly on the in-vehicle dashboard display, which can be accepted by ‘the touch of a button’ by the driver. However, the independent aftermarket cannot currently offer competing services, as the vehicle manufacturers will not provide direct access to the vehicle, its data and resources to process this data, as they are available to themselves. The legislator needs to address how the independent aftermarket can continue to access directly and independently of the vehicle manufacturer to ensure non-discrimination and truly effective competition.” Critical LKQ Euro Car Parts CEO Andy Hamilton observed: “The independent aftermarket faces two big challenges surrounding vehicle cybersecurity, both of which are critical to its longterm future. The first is regulatory, and the advent of new legislation that will provide an accreditation permitting garages and bodyshops – and the technicians they employ – to access a vehicle’s data, including repair and maintenance information (RMI). However, the system being implemented in the EU, known as the SERMI scheme, is not yet being implemented in UK legislation. It should provide a standardised system that would apply to all vehicle manufacturers ensuring a accreditation scheme for access to security related RMI and a transparent audit trail of whomever has accessed a vehicle’s systems, by awarding registered individuals with a personal pass. In the EU, it will come into force in August this year, but although this should also apply to Northern Ireland, it is not clear when the UK government will implement it there. So far, there appear to be no plans to bring any equivalent system. That’s not all though. Andy continued: “Our deeper concern is that a very busy DfT is looking to the automotive industry to organise its own solution to data access, with vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket striking their own separate deals. This will create a fragmented system in which it’s possible that every individual vehicle manufacturer will look to install its own accreditation criteria and systems rather than a universal standard like SERMI. At best, this presents a major administrative burden on garages and bodyshops that handle multiple marques – not to mention a big new expense. At worst, this would allow manufacturers to set their own rules over who can access vehicle data. “The lack of accreditation for data access is a security risk that needs fixing. But we firstly believe that legislation is the answer, and not a patchwork of individual agreements between the aftermarket and manufacturers in which they, and 10 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2023 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net
JULY/AUGUST 2023 AFTERMARKET 11 www.aftermarketonline.net their own network of branded garages and bodyshops, have the whip hand. We’ve already seen how this plays out with diagnostic tools manufacturers, where many are forced to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements with different vehicle manufacturers. This restricts any form of constructive challenge or proper negotiation. It’s not a contract; it’s their way or the highway. “This segues into our second challenge, which is the growing number of barriers facing independent garages and bodyshops when they try to access vehicle data. Such access is enshrined in competition law, but this hasn’t stopped some manufacturers from doing their best to prevent aftermarket businesses from carrying out work. In some cases, this goes as far as the installation of physical blocking devices or requiring codes to allow a replacement part to be integrated into the vehicle, but this code is only available to the vehicle manufacturer’s authorised repairers. We must resist the seemingly intuitive urge to reduce the number of people with access to a system in order to maintain control – known in the cyber security space as ‘security by obscurity’. What the experts will tell you is that while systems shouldn’t be a free-for-all, verified access should be possible for all those who need it if the system is designed correctly.” Andy added: “We’re not suggesting that the independent aftermarket be given uncontrolled access to the vehicle or any intellectual property, but cybersecurity should not be used as a screen to block legitimate competition in the aftermarket. Otherwise, in parallel to the risks of weak Block Exemption regulations, we end up severely restricting consumer choice as much as the ability of garages and bodyshops to trade. We call this the right to connect, and it is a major issue for the aftermarket’s future.” Major concern The issue of cybersecurity is wider than just specific problems around the vehicle, as you might imagine. As for all other businesses, institutions and individuals, there are overall security weaknesses that must be considered. Laurence Abbott, Group Marketing and Technology Director at Autotech Group observed: “Cybersecurity threats have become a major concern for automotive businesses with several examples of high-profile cyber-attacks across the last 12 months which have caused significant operational and financial disruption. It is predicted that, by 2025, the cost of cybersecurity breaches will cost the world $10.5 trillion – with the financial impact on the global automotive industry reaching $24 billion. “Technology has transformed mobility; From software defined vehicles to the proliferation of connected vehicles – driving incredible advancements in areas such as safety, fuel efficiency, and entertainment, with the modern vehicle typically collect as much as 100 gigabytes of data per day and transmitting 36 gigabytes of data.” Now we get to one major why the VMs are so keen on securing the data being generated by vehicles: “Cargenerated data is considered highly lucrative, with expectations that databased services will provide billions in additional revenue for vehicle manufacturers. Unfortunately, as a consequence, it is making the industry an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals. This puts independent garages in particular at greater risk, as they are less likely to have strong digital defences in place to mitigate the threat, reduce vulnerabilities and protect their reputation.” He continued: “The recent revised guidelines of the Motor Vehicle Agreements Block Exemption Order 2023, (MVBEO) which replaces the similar EU Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER) retained following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, will ensure that aftermarket operators, including independent garages, continue to have access to vehicle-generated data necessary for repair and maintenance. But this access carries responsibility. “Without robust cybersecurity protection in place, aftermarket businesses could find themselves falling foul of insurance companies and facing liability if a vehicle is compromised, i.e. hacked, while on their premises.” “The automotive aftermarket is, at once, both at the forefront of technological innovation and wedded to old ways of working, which is leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Layered on-top of the skills shortage, the lack of training and a failure to invest in technology, the threat of cyber-attack is one of the biggest risks facing the automotive industry today. Aftermarket businesses must engage in building their digital infrastructure to ensure their survival.” As Laurence explained, it is this that led to the creation of Autotech’s new division: “The shifting technology landscape in the automotive aftermarket is the driver for creating Autotech Connect. Our intention is to support the aftermarket understand the threats and opportunities created by software defined vehicles and connected cars through our partnerships with leading hardware, software, training and IT providers who have application knowledge from other industries, including government, banking, and healthcare.” He added: “We are aiming to deliver technology driven solutions that brings their expertise to the automotive aftermarket, delivered in a language suitable for the sector, in a bid to help them navigate the challenges.” Cybersecurity should not be used as a screen to block legitimate competition in the aftermarket ”
BY Scott Luckett, Strategic Account Executive, SPS Commerce Supply chains across the globe have been plagued by disruptions over the last several years. A global pandemic, political and economic instability, and parts shortages have run rife, grinding supply networks to a halt. Few industries have been hit harder than the automotive sector. Retailers and distributors in the automotive aftermarket must be agile and adapt to the ever-changing conditions or risk losing business. Those who digitised and automated their supply chain operations were the most successful dealing with disruptions and maintaining smooth day-today operations. While recent supply chain pressures have eased, an adaptable supply chain is more critical than ever. Here are five areas where digital information can transform day-to-day operations for automotive distributors and suppliers. Set up new items faster Automotive distributors need accurate and complete item data from suppliers to add new products to their assortment. With continuous new car model introductions, responding quickly is essential to fulfilling customer demand. This is where item data management solutions can help. These solutions provide distributors with the most up-to-date product data from suppliers, including information on new products, product updates, discontinued items and pricing. Other distributors will use electronic data interchange (EDI) to exchange this item information. The most popular documents used for this are EDI 846 Inventory Inquiry or the EDI 832 Sales Catalog. Both allow for an easier exchange of item data between distributors and their supplier partners. Having the right item data helps distributors place accurate orders, pay invoices precisely, comply with industry regulations, and deliver current information to both their own teams and customers. In addition, item data such as digital assets, product videos and images ensure consumers can access the product information they expect. Improve order management A recent study found that 43% of businesses either track orders and inventory manually or not at all. Because the automotive aftermarket industry almost relies entirely on the rapid replenishment of parts and products, this number is alarming. Manual tracking is not only time-consuming and inaccurate but costly, too. Without timely order status information from suppliers, distributors can’t tell if there is a problem with an order until it is too late. As a result, they often hold more inventory than they need to prevent running out of stock. Digital supply chain management systems help automotive distributors gain confidence in what inventory is coming and when. An automated system can help distributors prioritize orders that need attention or updates and adapt for partial or late orders. For example, a large auto parts retailer notices an uptick in parts requests. An automated system could source them from the closest suppliers, plan the most direct route and manage costs in the blink of an eye – far quicker than any human could. Enhance receiving efficiency Receiving goods efficiently is impossible with partial or missing data. Distributors often lack a clear understanding of what goods will arrive from suppliers or when. In addition to not knowing what a shipment will include, they also don’t know when an item will not be shipped on time or back-ordered. Inconsistencies in suppliers' use of EDI transactions, such as advance ship notices (ASNs), can cause receiving bottlenecks and slow inventory turnover. In addition, without critical data, distributors must hire additional staff to open boxes, count items, and redistribute products manually. A digital supply chain communication system provides distributors with the necessary data from suppliers to track and organise shipments before they arrive. This enables distributors to schedule the right amount of labour needed to receive goods and move them to the right location at the right time. 12 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2023 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAIN Is digitisation the way for the automotive aftermarket to get supply chains back on track and keep them that way?
JULY/AUGUST 2023 AFTERMARKET 13 www.aftermarketonline.net ENGIN T OIL COOLER TARGETED R COOLING NEC A S – REDUCTION OF OIL TEMPERATURE PASSION FOR TECHNOLOGY. TARGETED REDUCTION OF OIL TEMPERATURE www.ms-motorservice.com Automate invoice reconciliation Invoice reconciliation is a matching process between goods ordered, goods received and invoices. Simply put, it ensures you pay only for goods received and avoid paying for inaccurate, mis-keyed or even fraudulent invoices. Because the automotive aftermarket industry heavily relies on the shipping of parts, there is obviously a substantial number of transactions involved – meaning a greater chance for mistakes in the process. Despite its importance, 86% of small to medium-sized businesses manually reconcile invoices, leading to costly and timeconsuming errors. Automotive distributors carry tens of thousands of SKUs to meet customer needs. Because of the number of unique line items on an invoice, poor invoice processing means more errors, increased costs in addressing those errors, and lost or missing invoices hampering productivity and causing further delays. Often, documents get lost in the shuffle, which can result in paying for the wrong quantity, price or shipping costs. If reconciliation and the subsequent payment don’t happen quickly enough, the retailer can miss out on promotions and discounts for timely payments. Automated invoice reconciliation reduces or eliminates the bulk of these issues. By exchanging critical data with suppliers electronically, automotive distributors can let an automated system do the heavy lifting and manage invoice reconciliation by exception. Drive higher supplier performance Despite advances in supply chain management over the past several decades, many distributors still rely on gut feel to evaluate their suppliers’ performance. They often can’t track supplier performance relative to their expectations in areas like fill-rate and on-time shipments. The lack of consistent measurement leads to a vicious cycle of missed expectations and friction in supplier relationships. Distributors perpetually order more inventory than they need, and suppliers continuously ship less than what was ordered. If distributors aren’t measuring vendor performance and suppliers don’t understand how they’re being measured, supply chain performance will suffer. Empty shelves and missed delivery dates are nearly inevitable. Using supplier scorecards, distributors can use data rather than instinct to manage supplier performance. With this data in hand, they can understand which suppliers they should be doing more or less business with. A scorecarding effort with insightful supplier metrics can help distributors and suppliers make positive changes in their supply chain performance. In the end, when distributors and their supplier partners exchange digital transactions and item data their total supply chain costs go down while inventory performance and sales go up. While recent supply chain pressures have eased, an adaptable supply chain is more critical than ever ”
In less than three years, workforces all over the UK have become accustomed to a hybrid working system of both in office and from home. Going into 2020, the number of people who had worked a single day from home was only around 12%. This rose to almost half of employees during June 2020 and while there was a decrease after world events began calming down, the statistics were still higher than pre-2020. September 2022 saw 22% of employees state they partly work from home regularly. Companies are still looking to embrace hybrid working and with more people working from home, it means less time commuting to the office. Adding this up to the problems associated with driving, such as rising petrol and diesel prices and delivery delays for new cars, many drivers won’t need or want to use their cars as much. There are plenty of options available if you are hoping to reduce your driving. In this article, we will take you through some of the best solutions to get around. Bike and scooter hire Many cities in the UK have started introducing new methods of getting around with bikes and scooters that you can pick up and get going on. Statistics have shown that many trips in the UK tend to be short, with 24% of trips being less than a mile and 68% of trips being less than five miles. Micromobility is the idea of using smaller, lightweight vehicles for travel like bikes and scooters, and is a fantastic solution for shorter journeys. Especially if you live quite close to your place of work, shorter commutes will benefit greatly from embracing these options. Not only is it more cost-effective, but it will also mean a reduction in emissions compared to what is produced when driving, thanks to the lack of fuel required to power them. Bikes 14 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2023 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net HYBRID WORKING: DO PEOPLE STILL NEED TO OWN CARS? Co Wheels examines whether people are less likely to own cars as a result of the rise in hybrid working
JULY/AUGUST 2023 AFTERMARKET 15 www.aftermarketonline.net and electric scooters are common options, and there are even electric bikes in some areas. Accessibility is made easy thanks to most providers having an app that you can create an account for and rent one of the vehicles for the time or distance you need it. Once finished, you can find a designated point to leave the vehicle using the app, while some allow you to leave it parked in a safe location Car sharing Many companies are now introducing carsharing schemes that act like a combination of car rental and micromobility. Apps are available for these services, so you can see the GPS location of a car on the system. Using a booking system or calling direct, you book and then use a smartcard or your phone for contactless to unlock the car without the need for keys. This is a great option for drivers who may need to make the occasional (and sometimes unavoidable) longer trip but don’t want the hassle of owning a personal car. Not having to worry about cleaning or refuelling the car, as well as long-term concerns like servicing and insuring the vehicle, means you can choose when to drive to suit your needs. Once you’re done, simply park in a designated spot for it to be used by another member of the service. Public transport discounts Each city and region in the UK has their own public transport systems. Some examples are regional rail systems like the Tube in London, the Tram in Manchester and the Metro in Newcastle and Gateshead. Buses are also present up and down the UK, all running until the late evening hours. While using public transport consistently can mean you build up costs over time, there are ways you can bring these overall costs down. This can include investing a bit more at the start of the month for a season ticket that will cover your travel for the rest of that month. Similarly, you can get a bus or metro pass that you can top up with credit so you can simply swipe or tap to ride. The drive for people to use public transport more regularly has inspired government incentives to make travel more affordable. A great example is the Get Around scheme that has been introduced between January and March 2023, which offers single cap tickets of £2 for the full three months. Owning a car can be incredibly useful, but the rising costs could be enough to drive motorists away from sole ownership. If you would prefer to own your own car and live close to someone else who can drive, you could look into joint insurance that allows you both to drive the vehicle. That way, you could spread the costs evenly across both drivers. www.co-wheels.org.uk Owning a car can be incredibly useful, but the rising costs could be enough to drive motorists away from sole ownership ”
16 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2023 ADVERTORIAL www.aftermarketonline.net
JULY/AUGUST 2023 AFTERMARKET 17 www.aftermarketonline.net
The one-day DPF Doctor event, which took place on Friday 12 May at Newcastle Airport, had a truly international flavour this year. Joining the stellar line-up of 75 DPF Doctors were DPF Doctors from around the globe via the livestream link and JLM International Sales Manager Jeroen Schutz too. Meanwhile, DPF Doctors A&J Fleetcare, the worthy winners of Aftermarket’s Top Garage 2022 in the one-to-three staff members class also played a headline part. As Mike Schlup, Managing Director of Kalimex, the sponsors of the event, and the sole UK distributor of the JLM Lubricants’ product range, explained, his team had a tough act to follow given the popularity of the 2022 event: “Last year we helped to organise the first DPF Doctor event which was held at Darren’s workshop and training centre in Ashington. Over several years, we have met many of the DPF Doctors and of course we work closely with Darren, the founder of the DPF Doctor Network. So, organising a special get-together gave us the opportunity to put names to faces. “The feedback from last year’s event was incredibly positive with the resounding verdict from the doctors being to make this an annual event. This meant going back to 18 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2023 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net May’s DPF Doctor event brought the network together and was hailed by attendees as huge success the drawing board to see what we could do this year that was special and different. We pulled together a packed programme focused on helping the members to develop and grow their business with plenty of time set aside for networking and socialising in the evening. I was delighted that Dee Blick could join us again because last year her marketing tips were very well received, so much so that in the evening she spent most of her time answering marketing questions and chatting to many doctors about how they could advance their businesses on the marketing front. Dee has worked with Kalimex as our retained marketer for 18 years but in THE DPF DOCTOR IS The atmosphere throughout the day was buzzing ”
JULY/AUGUST 2023 AFTERMARKET 19 her own right she is an international bestselling author of several marketing books and a keynote speaker at many prestigious events.” Welcome return The doctors enjoyed a day which included a welcome return to presenting from DPF Doctor member and founder of the Simply Diag Network Steve Scott. This session was followed by Mike who shared the top five JLM products that topflight technicians are using in the workshop to boost revenues and keep repair and servicing bills lean. “Most of the DPF Doctors use JLM Lubricants’ products, especially the DPF range, so we wanted to highlight the other products that technicians in over 40 countries have on speed dial,” said Mike. “This proved to be a popular session, evidenced by the many questions I was asked about the products and the interest that was shown afterwards.” Standout session One of the standout sessions of the day was ‘The Mechanic’s Mentor’ which featured Dee, who was joined by Jeanette and Alan Landale on stage all being interviewed by Mike. “Dee is Alan and Jeanette’s business mentor, so this was a fascinating session with many doctors keen to find out the secrets of their success which culminated in A&J Fleetcare winning Top Garage 2022,” said Mike. “Dee was also back in the afternoon with a thought-provoking presentation titled ‘Moving from being the Seeker to the Sought after.’ In the current climate with motorists cutting back on vehicle servicing and repairs, Dee’s session was timely, sharing the seven steps the Doctors must take to put them firmly on the track of being in high demand because their credentials and expertise are evident for all to see. Standing out for the right reasons helps any technician become a magnet for work, a key person of influence. As Dee explained, it’s not enough to put a sign outside the workshop in the hope that customers will come flooding in.” Long-term Also speaking at the event was Jeroen Schutz from JLM who talked about European workshop trends and how JLM Lubricants products can help in building a long-term To find out more about A&J Fleetcare, turn to Garage Visit on pages 56-57 revenue stream. “It was fascinating to learn how workshops across Europe are facing the same issues as those in the UK plus it gave Jeroen the opportunity to meet the doctors,” said Mike. “We also had several DPF Doctors taking to the stage, including Barry Lawson of Lawson Autotech and Tim Benson of Oldfields Garage. Barry also spoke at the JLM Lubricants’ conference in Amsterdam, and he is a soughtafter speaker at trade shows too, not to mention a contributor to many professional trade magazines. This time, Barry’s talk was much closer to home, sharing the benefits of the DPF Doctor training portal which is just one of the many benefits of joining Darren’s network.” No DPF Doctor event would be complete without a few words from Darren Darling who set the scene talking about his plans for the network and why the Doctors must bang the drum for their professionalism, knowledge, and expertise. “The atmosphere throughout the day was buzzing,” concluded Mike, “and this enthusiasm continued long into the evening where the questions and comments flowed along with the drinks. Overall, it was a fantastic event, so much so that we are heading back to the drawing board, looking at how we can make next year’s event even better!” www.aftermarketonline.net
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