Aftermarket March 2022

MONTH 2017 AFTERMARKET 3 www.aftermarketonline.net MARCH 2022 AFTERMARKET 7 Block Exemption extension? The Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MVBER) could be extended to 2028, following proposals from the European Commission. The MVBER guarantees that newer vehicles can be serviced outside of dealer networks. The rules have been in place since 2003, and was last revised in 2010. Mark Field, IAAF Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the news from the European Commission and will lobby the UK government to follow suit.” The UK version of MVBER expires in May 2023. UK AFCAR, the new UK automotive lobbying group comprising automotive trade associations and commercial organisations, will be calling for the UK MVBER to be updated to reflect technical and digital enhancements that are part of the modern motor vehicle. Mark continued: “UK AFCAR has been gathering increasing evidence that demonstrates VMs and their authorised networks are misinterpreting current Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MV-BER). In recent months, UK AFCAR has received information on the prevention of access to technical information for independent garages, and also an unwillingness to investigate customer issues, once the vehicle has been worked on by the independent aftermarket within the warranty period. “We shall also call for greater enforcement of the regulations as the reality is that there is a lack of understanding on the interpretation of the legislation, with many issues falling into grey areas or being applied incorrectly. “This is not in the spirt of the legislation and co-operation needs to happen so that motorists can continue to access local and affordable independent garages that have access to the right parts, tools and technical information.” Mark concluded: “Lack of co-operation, prevention of access and unreasonable costs all place additional barriers and burdens on the aftermarket in its position as the leading provider to motorists for service, repair and maintenance of vehicles. Ultimately, the motorist loses out and we will make this clear to government through our work as part of UK AFCAR.” The European Commission’s proposal would also see accompanying guidelines revised following a review. The European Commission will be consulting stakeholders on the draft rules in the second quarter of 2022, and the final adoption is expected in the second quarter of 2023. Rising apprenticeship rates won’t plug skills gap warns IMI A 67% rise in apprenticeship starts during the 2020/21 academic year, an increase that is also 16% higher than was seen prior to the pandemic, will still not be enough to fill the widening skills gap according to the IMI’s recent Automotive Education Report. IMI Careers and Student Membership Manager Joanna Hollingdale commented: “What particularly concerns us is the lack of take-up of the Apprenticeship Levy. Only 35% of automotive apprenticeships were Levy-funded in 2020/21 compared to all apprentices that were 61% levy funded. It is crucial that employers build their pipeline of a trained workforce and the Apprenticeship Levy can play a vital role in supporting this task.” To find out about funding employers can access, visit: https://tide.theimi.org.uk/appre nticeships-epa/provide- apprenticeship/levy Nissan launches older car scheme Nissan has launched Good-to- Go, a fixed price servicing programme intended to capture the three-to-ten-year- old car market, with a view to keeping its models in its dealer network. Owners of EVs will pay £29.99 per month. Petrol vehicle owners pay £39.99, while diesel owners pay £43.99. X-Trails are subject to an extra £7.50 monthly payment. The programme also includes Nissan Roadside Assistance provided by the RAC, the cost of the vehicle’s next MOT test, and a warranty. Chris Marsh, Aftersales Director at Nissan, said: “In designing Good-to-Go, among the customers we had in mind was someone who has bought one of our cars new and has owned it for almost three years. During that time, they’ll have enjoyed the benefits of a top-class warranty, roadside assistance and servicing via their Nissan dealer.” Security information portal The IGA is set to launch an online portal later this year that will establish and maintain access to security level vehicle information for independent garages. GarageSafe is based on America’s National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), which already has security and key coding information for many VMs. The IGA is bringing this online gateway to the UK with the intention of supplying information to certified garages. Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive commented: “GarageSafe provides a pioneering solution, taking another step forward in quality and reassurance for consumers who choose a reputable independent garage.” GarageSafe will be launching in the UK and available to IGA members later this year.