June 2018

Halfords Autocentres launch nationwide ‘any make’ hybrid vehicle servicing NEWS Garage businesses looking for clarity on the likely shape of the car parc in years to come will not be getting much sense from government at the moment. The official position on the future of both diesels and hybrids looked uncertain as Aftermarket went to press, with conflicting signals being given on the likely future place for both powertrains. Comments made by Greg Clark MP Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy that indicate a place for diesel vehicles on Britain's roads after 2040 at the FT Future of the Car Summit seems to have contradicted the official position on conventional powertrain vehicles taken by the government in 2017. As reported by Auto Express, Greg Clark said at the Summit: "There’s a place for diesel vehicles and there will be for some time to come." He continued: "I think it’s important to say that new-generation diesel engines can make big contribution to reducing our emissions. I would expect the contribution of the higher standards of efficiency and emissions performance of diesel engines to continue to drive improvements in air quality and our greenhouse gas performance. It would be the wrong decision for people to think that holding on to an existing diesel vehicle rather than upgrading to a much more environmentally friendly new one is a good step for the planet. If you’re driving a diesel-powered car long distances then that’s a very different impact than in the city. So we need to make sure people make the right choices for the environment and for their own use." The statement throws into doubt the official position on diesel, which is set for the scrapheap in 22 years according to current policy. Last July, Environment Secretary Michael Gove announced that the UK was aiming to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by the year 2040, echoing a move by France which set itself the same target a few days earlier. The move was part of the Air Quality Plan. Electric and hybrid vehicles were seen to be the likely winners in this scenario, but the future of hybrids is also now uncertain. Early in May, leaked reports from the government's yet-to-be-published Road to Zero strategy suggested that hybrids would also face the chop in Britain after 2040. The leaks suggested that any vehicle unable to travel more than 50 miles under battery- only power would not be allowed on UK roads. This would rule out 98% of cars on UK roads, including most existing hybrids. The 50-mile rule has yet to be confirmed however, and a spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “It is categorically untrue that Government is planning to ban the sale of hybrid cars in the UK by 2040." Commenting, Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said: “Industry shares government’s goal of zero emission transport and is investing billions in new technologies with nearly 50 different plug-in models already on the market. Vehicle manufacturers will increasingly offer electrified versions of their vehicles giving consumers ever more choice but industry cannot dictate the pace of change nor levels of consumer demand. Unrealistic targets and misleading messaging on bans will only undermine our efforts to realise this future, confusing consumers and wreaking havoc on the new car market and the thousands of jobs it supports. We cannot support ambition levels which do not appreciate how industry, the consumer or the market operate and which are based neither on fact nor substance. 98% of all new cars are diesel or petrol, meeting the latest and toughest emission standards, helping reduce climate change and improve air quality." He added: "Consumers need clear information about the right vehicles for their driving needs and it is again disappointing for both industry and consumers that vitally important information about government policy is being communicated by leaks." www.aftermarketonline.net Mixed messages from government on future of hybrids and diesels 4 AFTERMARKET JUNE 2018 www.aftermarketonline.net Halfords Autocentres has introduced hybrid car servicing, becoming the first national garage network to do so. Its technicians will service any make and model of hybrid under a three-tier pricing structure. Stefan Warhaftig, Commercial Director for Halfords Autocentres says: “Being the first to offer hybrid services nationally is a great milestone for us. We’ve trained almost 400 technicians to develop the skills needed to service and maintain low carbon vehicles – so we’re pleased to be able to broaden our offering to customers.” The move reflects the growing number of hybrids on the road. It is predicted there will be 200,000 electric or plug- in hybrid cars driven in the UK by the end of this year. Halfords Autocentres offer three levels of hybrid services. The interim service is a six month vehicle service that starts at £89. The full 12 month vehicle service will be priced from £159, while the major service is a 24 month vehicle service that will cost from £215. www.aftermarketonline.net