Aftermarket March 2022

Through IMI TechSafe, we are providing the standards to ensure technicians are appropriately qualified to work on ADAS. The next natural step is, therefore, for IMI TechSafe to encompass full autonomous technologies too and we are working closely with the manufacturers and wider industry stake holders to deliver this.” We’re not out of the woods yet though, as Steve observed: “There is one other fundamental that I believe needs to be considered. Even if there is no specific regulation introduced to mandate qualifications, and that is still something the IMI will continue to lobby for, I believe the Law Commission’s report effectively brings this about by default because neither the vehicle manufacturers nor the repairers can risk the liabilities that would result from unqualified individuals working on autonomous vehicles.” Knowledge, skills and expertise While this may all seem far off for many garages, in fact, the situation is with us already. IGA Head of Member Services Frank Harvey observed: “Autonomous or self-driving vehicles have been a topic of conversation for many years now, but until recently the technology to make this a reality has fallen short, both in sophistication and affordability. However, with modern ADAS now featuring on most modern cars, the reality of a truly autonomous vehicle is getting nearer.” Very near, in fact: “ADAS, in its simplest forms, has been around for many years, but the active systems we are 12 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2022 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net seeing today are relatively new and this places a new emphasis on vehicle technology. From an independent garage’s point of view, it is vital that the technical data is readily accessible and that the knowledge, skills and expertise of those working on these system is current, to ensure these systems continue to function correctly as these vehicles age.” On how all this relates to the Law Commission’s report, Frank observed: “The draft legislation surrounding the liability associated with self-driving cars clearly states that the vehicle or system manufacturer and/or its senior management could face prosecution in the event of a serious or fatal accident, where the autonomous system was found to be at fault. It would follow, therefore, that anyone repairing or maintaining the system may become liable in the event of an accident that can be attributed to such repairs or maintenance not being carried out in the prescribed manner. “Such a risk may, in itself, be sufficient to deter vehicle manufacturers or systems manufacturers from declaring their vehicles as being fully self-driving.” Unfailing ability How will this impact on independent garages, who tend to be at the sharp end when problems arise? Frank opined: “History has shown that as vehicles age, they are seen more in the independent garage marketplace than they are in the franchised arena, and the unfailing ability of the The devil is in the detail and there are many shades of grey in this proposal ”