Aftermarket June 2022

32 AFTERMARKET JUNE 2022 UK GARAGE AND BODYSHOP EVENT PREVIEW www.aftermarketonline.net and say hi to the team from TOPDON UK who are looking forward to meeting with new distributors and customers, alongside our existing customers.” He added: “We always get a lot of attention from our products at trade shows, and this show promises not to disappoint. We have a huge array of products and we pride ourselves on high quality.” TOPDON UK will be on Stand A1. Showcase Dayco will be showcasing its ever- growing range of aftermarket repair solutions. This includes power transmission components, wheel bearings, steering and suspension and thermal management products. Dayco’s National Sales Manager Steve Carolan commented: “We have redesigned our stand to be more people-focused, so there’s more room for attendees to listen and take part in the training we will be delivering. This will be undertaken mainly by our Technical Manager Glen Goldstone, but I’m also addressing one of the sessions in the official seminar areas during the event, so we hope to reach as many technicians as we can.” Steve added: “One of the messages we are keen to get across is the need to remain focused on current technology and that of the immediate future associated with combustion engines. Although electric and hybrid vehicles are all the rage, realistically, workshops will still be dealing with petrol and diesel engine technology for at least the next decade.” Dayco will be on Stand C30 Confidence For those looking to find out more about how to upskill on EVs, the IMI’s stand is likely to be a popular stop. IMI CEO Steve Nash observed: “If SMMT predictions are correct, one in four new cars will come with a plug by the end of 2022 and you and your team need to be ready and able to work safely on these vehicles. While the number of EV ready technicians is on the increase, motorists continue to struggle to find appropriately qualified technicians, confirming that the skilled EV workforce is not keeping up with sales of BEV, PHEV and HEV vehicles. Indeed, our own analysis reveals that by 2030 - the government’s Road to Zero target - there could be a shortfall of 25,100 qualified technicians and what’s more, current forecasts predict that this shortage could materialise as soon as 2027.” He continued: “Getting technician training post- pandemic back on track has not been easy. However, by investing in proof of competence through the achievement of nationally recognised qualifications or IMI accreditations, you will not only be ensuring you are operating safely, but you’ll also be providing greater consumer choice and keeping down EV servicing costs.”To find out more from the IMI, make sure to visit them on Stand E52. Offering Also focusing on skills, Autotech Training will be putting its entire training offering on show, including its IMI Levels 2-4 Electric/Hybrid Vehicle courses, through to MOT Tester, MOT Manager, ADAS, Air-Conditioning and REACT training and everything between. Autotech Training Managing Director Colin Cleghorn observed: “Our offering is continually developing to support the aftermarket. The aftermarket is changing rapidly, and it is vital, as a company immersed within the automotive industry, that The line-up of training partners, speakers and content is huge ”