June 2019

JUNE 2019 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net Wendy Williamson, Chief Executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) will be taking to the stage of the Aftermarket Seminar Theatre at Automechanika Birmingham next month in order to discuss the challenges faced by the aftermarket in the digital era. In her speech, taking place on Wednesday 5 June from 11:15-11:45am, Wendy will look at the opportunities, technology and legislation available to support a competitive, free to access automotive industry in the digital age. This will cover the opportunity represented by telematics capabilities, with digital connectivity set to play an increasingly key role in the future. Wendy will also look other influencers on the sector such as the rise of rental and subscription services and the rise of electric vehicles. Wendy Williamson said: “My aim is to underline the importance for the aftermarket to seize the benefits of the so-called ‘digital revolution’ as well as beware of the challenges it poses, to ensure we are as prepared as possible to fully embrace it.” Turn to page 30 for Aftermarket’s Automechanika Birmingham preview, and to page 36 for the full seminar programme rundown. IGA publishes 2019 Garage Work Provider Report The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has published its latest report into consumer facing websites that provide work to independent garages. The 2019 Garage Work Provider Report builds on the detail established in the 2018 report and features greater feedback and testimonials from independent garages. It investigates the wide variety of business models, fees and terms and conditions that consumer work provision websites use. Stuart James, IGA CEO comments, “One of the major strengths of independent garages is their ability to provide a far more personal experience for the customer, building a relationship that often spans several generations of customers. These third-party disruptors have a significant detrimental impact on the sector by placing themselves between the customer and the garage, ‘skimming’ a fee from either the garage, the customer or both, with the potential to damage the brand identity of the garage. We consider it our responsibility to our members and the sector as a whole to ensure that garages are given the right information before they decide whether to engage or not with these third-party organisations. “We will continue to listen to and engage with its members and survey the marketplace to ensure that garage businesses are not subject to any detriment as a result of working with consumer work providers.” Stuart added: “The IGA firmly believes independent garage businesses should continue to engage directly with customers and promote their own brand and image.” “Be primed for digital revolution” says IAAF The formalisation of an industry-wide EV Professional Standard took another step forward recently, when the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) hosted the second Electrified Vehicles Advisory Group. Chaired by IMI Chief Executive, Steve Nash, the meeting was attended by a representative of the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) as well as key figures across the motor sector, including manufacturers, vehicle repair groups and retailers. The first meeting, in February, highlighted the need for registration of technicians and the IMI’s role, working in collaboration with the government, with advice from the Health and Safety Executive. As a result of that meeting, the IMI proposed an EV Professional Standard model, centred on EV qualifications, IMI accreditation, accredited training, professional behaviours and a commitment to CPD over a three-year cycle. The objective of the second meeting was to agree the appropriate CPD and training standards to form part of the model. The attendees deliberated on the operational aspects of the EV Professional Standard and agreed on the components of the EV Professional Standard. Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI said: “Collaboration is crucial to ensure standards are fit for purpose and, as the industry’s professional body, we feel we have a crucial role in developing EV Professional Standards that benefit everyone.” Once the EV Standard is set, it will give technicians an easy way to certify their EV competence through the IMI TechSafe banner. For more on training turn to page 62. EV Standard nears