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DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net Ombudsman plugs in EV Garage Finder A coalition of European trade federations has published a manifesto urging the European Commission to legislate to assure fair remote access to in-vehicle date and functional resources. The IAAF is co-ordinating UK activity as part of the broader European coalition. The new manifesto posits that independent operators need four key abilities: Independent and direct real-time access to in-vehicle generated data not monitored by vehicle manufacturers Bi-directional communication with vehicle and functions, independent from vehicle manufacturer Safe, secure and independent remote interaction with driver Independent software running directly in connected vehicle using onboard capabilities to process dynamically generated data as closely as possible to its source IAAF Chief executive Wendy Williamson said: “We call on European and national policymakers to present a robust legislative proposal by 2020. The ability to unleash the innovative and competitive potential of the automotive servicing industry and mobility providers for their services ‘around the car’, must be allowed to continue in the future.” The Motor Ombudsman has launched a new search facility on its Garage Finder to allow drivers to easily find and identify accredited businesses that service and repair electric vehicles. The upgrade follows the body’s YouGov poll of 1,903 UK driving license holders, which revealed that 84% of people would not know of a local independent garage or car dealership where they could take it for its annual service. The study also found that only 12% of respondents were familiar with how an annual service for a battery-powered vehicle differs from one that has a petrol or diesel engine. Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman, said: “Our research showed that there was an inherent need to make it quicker and easier for repairers to make motorists aware that they can service electric vehicles, and for owners to be able to easily find a business where they can take their car in.” To access The Motor Ombudsman’s Garage Finder, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Garage-Finder Vehicle data: Manifesto calls for action Thatcham Research has launched IMI-accredited ADAS calibration training, designed to close an emerging skills gap. Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services, Thatcham Research commented: “This course will give technicians the knowledge and skills to do that job and provide peace of mind that ADAS has been reinstated safely.The evolution and widespread adoption of ADAS features on new vehicles presents the whole repair sector with a challenge. We have been looking for consensus on the key issues to be addressed. Chief among these are the lack of technical capability and capacity to effectively manage the current volume of ADAS in repair.” Since the publication of its ‘Managing vehicle repairs involving ADAS’ document in May, Thatcham Research has working with industry associations and bodies, including the IMI, SMMT, BVRLA, NBRA and IGA. Steve Scofield FIMI, Head of Business Development for the IMI added: “It is imperative that the ADAS Code of Practice drives technician competence in recalibration so that vehicles are repaired with safety features such as AEB fully reinstated. Motorists need to have the peace of mind that repairs are done so that ADAS technology remains wholly effective.” For more information or to book a place on the IMI ADAS course go to: www.thatcham.org/course/imi-adas- preparation-and-assessment . For more on training, turn to Aftermarket’s special training and apprenticeships feature on page 38 , or visit our regular training update on page 51. IMI-accredited ADAS course launched