February 2020

secure function, not easily accessible to the independent aftermarket. If we are not careful, we will be locked out of future connected vehicles, even for basic servicing tasks." On electric vehicles, Wendy observed: “EVs are opening up the sector to a whole new set of entrants, and these companies are doing things differently. They are starting with a blank sheet of paper and transforming every way the vehicle is designed, manufactured and produced and repaired. One company requires that any repair be completed in no more than 15 minutes. That approach is certainly transformational. Service intervals of 100,000 miles plus are looming, and this will impact on the sector even further.” Wendy concluded: “Above all, our aim is to ensure that the independent aftermarket continues to enjoy freedom of access, and are able to compete fairly, securely and safely in the future. There are many challenges ahead, and we need to gear and be prepared.” A t the end of a year, and the end of a decade, and the start of a new era, the theme for the 2019 IAAF conference was how technology was transforming the automotive aftermarket. The range of speakers looked at this theme from a number of different angles. First up was IAAF Chief Executive Wendy Williamson, who provided a frame for the proceedings: "Technology is changing the landscape of our sector. When I think back to my first Mini – how primitive it was compared with my current car. The contrast is stark. Vehicles today are more like computers on wheels. You are being increasingly monitored, where you are, what speed you are doing. This trend will continue as vehicles are set to become even more sophisticated and connected. “Where does this leave the automotive aftermarket? The threats are numerous, and the legislation somewhat scant. We have done a lot 48 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2020 ON THE ROAD www.aftermarketonline.net IAAF CONFERENCE 2019 Above: Wendy Williamson addressing the conference All the views and discussion from the IAAF Conference, held in December of work on Brexit, as you would imagine. Not just on future legislation, but also considering the impact of things like intangibles, such as how the UK will access information held on European servers. Given that most data contracts exist solely between the VM and the EU, it does not automatically cover the UK." Wendy went on to discuss the organisation’s lobbying and work with FIGIFA. She said: “Block Exception, which underpins our right to access the vehicle, runs out in 2023. Work has already started on this. Three years in legislative terms is not that long. "There are also a range of issues around the connected car. The VMs see the future as Extended Vehicle, and are trying to convince everyone this is the fairest, most secure and easiest way to access the vehicle. Not only is the identification of a fault shifting from the workshop to the vehicle itself, but we are also seeing more of the standard servicing and repair tasks being redefined as a