Aftermarket September 2022

A s we move towards 2030, we face the prospect of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales coming to an end, and the impact that might have on garages. The rise of EVs has been matched by the increasing importance of access to data, and the fight the aftermarket is having to put up both in the UK and in Europe to make sure garages are still able to repair vehicles. If that has not been enough, the government keeps trying to change the frequency of the MOT test, and as an industry we have to keep telling them why that is such a bad idea. Since Aftermarket first appeared in its earliest guise in 1992, change has been the constant, and the magazine has been here to record it all. Across the decades, Aftermarket has reported on the shifting nature of the car parc. Diesel engines for cars were still rare in the UK in 1992, yet by the mid-00s they eclipsed petrol, only to eventually be brought low by the Dieselgate scandal. More recently, Aftermarket has covered the growth of EVs and hybrids. Initially many of the articles were highly technical, explaining the various systems and how they work. As the opportunity has grown, the magazine has looked also to show how businesses can make EV and hybrid servicing part of the offering, from the training upwards. The last 30 years has also seen an exponential rise in the use of vehicle electronics, moving from single ECUs on the most cutting-edge cars to where we are now. As the situation has progressed, access to data produced by the vehicle has become more and more important. The magazine has reported on the efforts of the representative organisations, such as the IAAF and IGA in the UK and FIGIEFA in Europe, in putting the case for ongoing access. This has become increasingly important as vehicle manufacturers have recognised the opportunity in the aftermarket, and have looked to regain control of the vehicle. This is an issue that will continue to make headlines, and Aftermarket will be there to publish them. Beyond electronics and data, components have changed over time, largely for the better. Asbestos was used as friction material in clutches, automatic transmission and brake linings, and gaskets as late as 1999, at which point its used was banned. An exception for pre-1973 vehicles was granted though, which meant older vehicles could be fitted with brake shoes containing asbestos until 2004. For many garages, the biggest material change to how they did business over the last 30 years came as a result of the 2002 Block Exemption Regulation (BER). This made it possible for independents to work on new cars without legally invalidating the warranty. The ruling into force in October 2003. Aftermarket got on board with the campaign to get this change made for the benefit both businesses and motorists. Once passed, the magazine supported industry in its efforts to assure businesses and motorists of their right to take advantage of the BER. The Right to Repair campaign and other drives were supported by Aftermarket through the 00s and up until the present day to make sure this happened. These are just a few of the stories that Aftermarket has told. In July, Aftermarket’s founder Bob Sockl died, following a long illness. In 2017, Aftermarket’s Editor Alex Wells interviewed Bob to get the story on 2 AFTERMARKET JULY 2017 EYEBROW Right: Front covers from times gone by www.aftermarketonline.net 30 YEARS STILL GOING STRONG! It’s 30 years since Aftermarket was first published. Here we look back at the history of the magazine, and the sector 58 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2022 30 YEARS OF AFTERMARKET