AFT_B009

NEWS When the Levy brakes MONTH 2017 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net COVID-19 caused a 75% drop in overall apprentice recruitment across the automotive sector in June with take-up in garages and dealerships seeing an even steeper 87% fall. The IMI has warned this could mean that millions of pounds of Apprentice Levy funding will be siphoned back into government coffers unspent. Data from the Department for Education shows the automotive sector has been harder hit than any other industry when it comes to apprenticeship recruitment. Overall, apprenticeship starts in June 2020 fell by 57%, compared to the same time period in 2019. Responding to the figures, IMI CEO Steve Nash said: “While it is disturbing to see such a sharp decline in apprentice recruitment, it is perhaps understandable that in the current, exceptional circumstances employers’ focus is very much on recovery. Notwithstanding this, many automotive employers are still contributing to the Apprentice Levy, and seeing unused funds clawed back by the government.” Steve continued: “On behalf of employers I have personally represented the case to government that the Levy clawback should be suspended for two years, allowing the Levy funds to accumulate so that employers can refocus on apprentice recruitment once they have come through the recovery phase. “In the meantime, we are encouraging employers to use rather than lose their Levy money, making full use of the additional support funding announced in the Chancellor’s emergency budget in July.” For more on training turn to page 57. SEPTE BER 20 AFTERMARKET 7 Thatcham releases long-awaited ADAS repair requirements The long-awaited requirements for the safe repair of ADAS- equipped vehicles have been published by Thatcham Research. The Insurance Industry Requirements (IIR) come as the number of ADAS-enabled vehicles on UK roads reaches 4.5 million, a figure that is set to continue growing exponentially. The IIR confirms that inspection, realignment and calibration requirements must be considered in all situations where ADAS sensors, parts likely to affect the operation and functionality of ADAS sensors or vehicle geometry is included within the repair, service or maintenance procedure. The requirements establish the key steps repairers must follow to ensure that ADAS continue to function as they did pre-accident. This includes Identifying the presence, or not, of ADAS on the vehicle and ensuring this is recorded, and completing all relevant inspection, realignment and calibration activities as detailed within the repair procedures. Lastly, repairers must ensure that calibration results confirm that the sensors are functioning within the vehicle manufacturer’s technical specification. In addition, repair procedures should clearly identify if inspection, realignment and calibration are required and why. Repairs must be then be carried out by a ‘currently competent person’. Finally. fully verifiable and auditable records should be produced, with a copy provided to the Asset Owner or Work Provider. Richard Billyeald, Chief Technical Officer, Thatcham Research commented: “The correct procedures for the safe repair of vehicles with ADAS, and in what scenarios calibration of the systems themselves is required, has been a long-standing challenge to the automotive repair industry. Today the IIR brings clarity to repairers and enables the long- term sustainability of ADAS-equipped vehicles.” Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services, Thatcham Research observed: “The goal is for ADAS reinstatement to become business as usual, presenting no greater challenge than fitting a new wheel.” Neil Hilton, Head of HGS, Hella Gutman added: “Following the rapid increase in vehicle ADAS fitment, it is paramount that the automotive industry has a unilateral approach to the repair and calibration of these vehicles. It is great news that we finally have the IIR to facilitate safe and accurate working practices on ADAS vehicles.” The IIR, the accompanying guidance and more information can be found at: https://www.thatcham.org/insurance-industry- requirements/ VARTA joins OESAA VARTA have joined The Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) in the UK, joining the likes of Schaeffler, ZF, Denso and HELLA. Commenting on the move, Technical Sales Manager at VARTA Andy Cook, said: “Clarios, the Company behind the VARTA brand, are the largest battery manufacturer in the world, and that status naturally comes with longstanding and successful OE partnerships on a global basis, so joining OESSA makes perfect sense for us. Our new membership will help us support the independent garage further, especially in the area of new technology, where we have battery expertise on features like start-stop, where eight out of 10 start-stop cars fitted with an AGM technology battery, is one of ours.”