May 2020

possible and that any questions you may have are answered.” Meanwhile, Euro Car Parts wrote to customers assuring them that its branches would be remaining open. “Without the supply of parts,” said ECP CEO Andy Hamilton, “garages can’t keep key workers on the road. Euro Car Parts also supplies the emergency services and the Royal Mail, keeping their vehicles operational, and all the national roadside recovery services. We will continue to supply them with what they need too.” In a statement, MAHLE Aftermarket declared: “Despite these unprecedented times, it is very much business as usual at MAHLE Aftermarket as it continues to remain open and support the essential services that customers can offer workshops and garages. Thanks to its UK warehouse and high availability, all products are available and can be purchased online and electronically.” Meanwhile, The Parts Alliance declared it was continuing to function as usual, although the group has implemented a wide range of safety measures. “We feel it’s our social responsibility to continue supporting garages across the UK at this crucial time, operating in a way that keeps our people and our customers as safe as possible,” said Neil Croxson, CEO of The Parts Alliance. 25 March: DVSA announce MOT extensions MOT due dates for cars, motorcycles and light vans were extended by six months, in order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Allowing this temporary exemption from vehicle testing will enable vital services such as deliveries to continue, frontline workers to get to work, and people get essential food and medicine. Safety is key, which is why garages will remain open for essential repair work.” The move did not mean that the MOT system is being put into cold storage, as GEA Chief Executive Julian Woods explained: “Garages and MOT stations are still listed as essential workplaces and people can still obtain a MOT during this period if required. The plan is to reduce the requirement on MOT testing during the COVID-19 pandemic due to reduced number of MOT testers that are in self-isolation.” Later that week, the IGA raised concerns to government about the impact of extending MOTs, and instead proposed an initial six-week MOT extension period, which could then be reviewed on a weekly basis. IGA Chief Executive Stuart James said: “We understand that measures need to be put in place to fight the virus, and support these measures. However, we urge the government to show a degree of flexibility, as the repercussions for the independent sector will be severe. Many MOT operations, being small businesses, will have their cashflow seriously impacted once this situation is over. Next year will bring about a significant reduction of tests in March, April and May and with some businesses in this sector only conducting MOT tests, in these instances, the crisis will extend for many years ahead.” He added: “The current MOT failure rate is 31%, which means that nearly 10 million vehicles do not meet even the basic roadworthiness level of compliance. Any length of MOT extension will consequently increase the number of vehicles that are unroadworthy, even given reduced usage, so the government needs to take this into consideration.” Within hours of the six-month MOT exemption being announced, garages saw an 80% rise in MOT bookings through online platform BookMyGarage. Despite the six-month grace period being offered from Monday 30 March, cars due a test up to and including Sunday 29 March still faced the prospect of not having road legal vehicles. “Independent garages are working incredibly hard at this time to help essential workers keep their cars roadworthy,” said Karen Rotberg, Co- Founder of BookMyGarage. 25 March: Customers to flock to independents as franchised dealers falter Independent garages looked as if they might end up bearing the brunt of overflow repair demand from franchised dealer customers, as elements of the UK dealer networks shut both repair workshops and their car showrooms. While their servicing and repair operations could stay open, as they would be classified as providing an essential service under UK government Coronavirus guidelines, many opted to close their sites entirely. At the time, thousands of independent garages across the UK continued to operate, and adapted their practices to help their existing customers, as well as new ones. NFDA Director Sue Robinson said: “Aftersales workshops and their technicians will play an important role in ensuring that critical vehicles can 50 AFTERMARKET MAY 2020 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net For regular updates please go to: aftermarketonline.net

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