October 2020

NEWS 6 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2020 www.aftermarketonline.net IMI offers three-month free trial membership The IMI has launched a new three-month membership trial. Among many benefits, this ‘light’ version of the full IMI membership gives anyone working in the sector the ability to access online training and CPD via the IMI, as well as a discount of up to 25% on CPD-accredited training. They can also take up five free EV e-learning modules. The IMI’s Alchemy Assistant, which offers soft skills guidance, will also be accessible, plus Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) support materials and Health & Safety documents. Steve Nash, CEO at the IMI commented: “I am sure that we can look forward to welcoming many new long-term members following their trial and to continue building an industry that is fit for the future.” IGA publishes online presence guidance A guide to help independent garages develop a successful online identity that enables them to communicate with customers has been published by the IGA. The 68-page Garage Guide to Online Presence contains step- by-step instructions on how to develop company branding, set up a website and social media pages, create Google Business and Maps listings, learn about online marketing methods, collect analytics and respond to reviews. IGA CEO Stuart James said: “The Garage Guide to Online presence will give independent garages the knowledge and confidence to create a new profile or expand their existing online branding without the need to rely on work providers, helping their business thrive while saving money on marketing.” The Garage Guide to Online Presence was distributed as a paperback book to IGA members through September. www.aftermaketonline.net Independents diversify Areas where demand for MOTs will be highest this autumn have been revealed by the DVSA. All but one postcode across the UK will see demand for tests rise by over 50% in October and November, as drivers given a MOT exemption look to get a test performed at the same time as those normally due MOTs during the period. Chris Price, Head of MOT Policy at DVSA, said: “Garages across the country will see demand start to peak during September, with almost double the number of MOTs due in October and November. If you have a MOT exemption until October or November, you can beat the rush - get your test done this summer.” Despite the exemption, 2.7 million motorists had their MOT test done in June, including 442,724 retests. Latest figures show 3.1 million MOTs were completed nationally in July, including 549,489 retests. In August around 20,000 more motorists a day were getting their MOT done than in the same period last year. Despite this, currently there are still almost 4 million MOTs due each month in October and November. For Aftermarket’s Coronavirus round-up, turn to pages 48-51. LKQ Euro Car Parts is launching a new Garage Services programme with a view to helping independents increase their opportunity to generate revenue by offering a wider range of more lucrative servicing areas. Key potential income streams identified include ADAS, air conditioning, carbon cleaning, diagnostics, tyre and wheel balancing, wheel alignment and hybrid and electric vehicles. Garage Services will be promoted over the next few weeks, via an extensive marketing campaign and customer engagement activity. Analysis of recent ONS data performed by the IMI showed that 13% of automotive sector businesses have diversified their offering as a result of COVID-19 in order to exploit a wider range of opportunities. Colin Cottrell, Marketing and Central Operations Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, commented: “While we don’t by any means expect all of our independent garage customers to invest in offering the full set of Garage Services overnight, the purpose of this campaign is to bring them all together under one banner, and make clear the opportunity each one represents. “We can then work with independent garages to identify where their money is best spent, and to help them upgrade the services they offer. We can also support with financing equipment, from just £25 a week through our Easy Start Scheme.” Colin added: “Garages that that take a more service-focused approach are best placed to do well in the long term, and to rebuild their businesses successfully after lockdown.” For more information, visit omnipart.eurocarparts.com/omnihub DVSA reveals top 20 postcodes for MOT demand during autumn Postcodes where MOT demand will be highest during October and November: Postcode/postal town Increase on typical year B (Birmingham) 59.36% S (Sheffield) 56.07% NG (Nottingham) 57.16% LE (Leicester) 63.11% PE (Peterborough) 62.67% BS (Bristol) 57.42% G (Glasgow) 68.27% CF (Cardiff) 62.79% NE (Newcastle upon Tyne) 59.95% RG (Reading) 61.88% M (Manchester) 61.21% CV (Coventry) 61.96% PO (Portsmouth) 55.14% GU (Guildford) 58.02% NR (Norwich) 56.02% TN (Tunbridge Wells) 58.05% 17 DE (Derby) 59.89% SA (Swansea) 63.42% EH (Edinburgh) 66.84% SO (Southampton) 56.15%