NOVEMBER 2023 AFTERMARKET 09 www.aftermarketonline.net policy of green growth, reversing the work of the last decade.” Pace of transition National Body Repair Association (NBRA) board member Wayne MasonDrust, said: “By shifting the goalposts, the Government puts at risk the investments made by businesses in our sector who took early steps to adapt to a greener automotive landscape. These businesses now face an extended period before they can see a return on their investment, raising questions about the economic viability of their proactive efforts.” Wayne added: “A graduated approach to discouraging petrol and diesel vehicle sales, perhaps through incremental EV grants, can stimulate a more manageable, gradual shift towards electric vehicles. Increased public investment in EV charging infrastructure is vital, making it easier for consumers to adapt and thus quickening the overall pace of transition." As IMI CEO Steve Nash noted, the motor industry has made a significant investment in the shift to EVs, which he says this delay could derail: “The announcement by Rishi Sunak, whilst not surprising, significantly underestimates the hard work and commitment those in the automotive sector have already shown to meet the 2030 target. There’s now a serious risk that businesses and individuals will take their foot off the pedal and the great success the IMI has had in engaging the industry to commit to investment in EV skills will lose momentum. “The deadline shift also demonstrates a distinct lack of understanding of the pressures a multi-technology vehicle parc places on the automotive workforce. The upskilling that has already taken place has come at a financial strain which businesses and individuals have justified because of the expected increased EV adoption. Even if EV uptake slows over the next few years, there will still need to be a concerted focus on upskilling to meet the needs of the growing parc as well as other emerging technologies such as connected and autonomous. However, with the ICE vehicle parc not diminishing as had been previously expected, the skills to work on petrol and diesel vehicles will also need to be maintained. This multi-technology pressure could undermine access to competent and fairly priced aftermarket services as a whole, not only threatening road safety in general but hitting those struggling with cost of living pressures hardest – the very group the government’s announcement is allegedly designed to help.” Steve added: “It is absolutely crucial that the shift to 2035 is not seen as a ‘free pass’ to delay investment in infrastructure and training. Therefore, having made this change, the Government must now understand the multiple challenges the sector faces and provide the right support to ensure the UK economy and wider society can continue to rely on the automotive sector. We look forward to working with government to inform and understand how this can be achieved.” The experts in We are trusted by over 2 remanufacturing to be one of Europe’s market leaders in a With 20 years of experience under our bel car parts, ensuring they will perform as ne our team are experts in remanufacturing e From ABS and ECU testing to instrument cl remanufacturing car elec 2500+ workshops utomotive ts, we’re proud ew. electronic uster repair, ctronics. ELECTRONIC THE REMANU CS.CO WWW.ACTRONI quick, effective, a in the United King remanufacturing. CAR COMPONE UFACTURING OF O.UK and affordable remanufa gdom enabling us to prov ENTS 01206 849920 acturing solution. vide you with a 4.9 Let’s keepp it cost effectivee & reliable ENTS. United Kingdom workshops in the Trusted by over 2500+
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