Aftermarket June 2023

60 AFTERMARKET JUNE 2023 TRAINING www.aftermarketonline.net Upcoming training dates and news on courses TRAINING UPDATE 39,000 mechanics now EV-qualified, but skills shortage remains warns IMI 39,000 UK mechanics were EV-qualified by the end of 2022, according to new figures from the IMI, up 14,800 on the previous year, but the uptake of the relevant skills needs to be accelerated to avoid a potential 16,000 technician shortfall by 2032, the organisation has warned. According to the IMI, 103,000 IMI TechSafe-qualified technicians will be needed by 2030 to work with electric vehicles, increasing to 124,000 by 2032. However, the amended estimate points towards a possible 4,500 deficit by 2029, rising to 16,000 by 2032. Part of the problem is that the sector needs to re-think the assumption that EVs will need less servicing than ICE cars, as IMI CEO Steve Nash noted: “Despite a long-held belief that EVs – with less moving parts – will be quicker to service than their ICE counterparts, in-depth analysis conducted by the IMI for our response to the MOT Consultation suggests otherwise.” In particular tyre wear on electric vehicles is heavier than on ICE models; according to Garage Industry Trends analysis of 2021 MOT test data, EVs had a failure rate of 11.43% for 2018 registered vehicles compared to 10.45% for petrol vehicles and the weak point was identified as tyres. For further information please fo to https://tide.theimi.org.uk/ Welcome to Aftermarket’s training section. Here you can find the latest on upcoming training dates, as well as news on courses becoming available. If you have information on training you wish to share, please get in touch with the editor via email: alex@aftermarket.co.uk The joint technical training that has been offered by Schaeffler and BILSTEIN via the REPXPERT garage portal is set to continue, with the ongoing co-operation between the two companies being extended following the full launch in early 2022. Chassis systems content now covers product information, fitting hints and tips, practical advice and vehicle-specific installation instructions around ADAS calibration, as well as after suspension work, taking in shock absorbers and tackling suspension noises. Sven Olev Müller, Head of Schaeffler REPXPERT commented: "Garages today are dealing with increasingly complex servicing and repairs, so there is a great need for well-prepared information and practical tips. We are therefore delighted to offer, in partnership with BILSTEIN, a solution to provide this content to workshops throughout Europe." Rainer Popiol, Head of the BILSTEIN Academy continued: "So far, our content on shock absorbers, springs and so on has been very well received, and this success has led BILSTEIN to provide its knowledge on all aspects of the chassis system via REPXPERT.” Saša Jelić, Head of Product Management and Technical Service Europe at Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket, added: “Our combined expertise has been very well received by garages in technical training sessions and on the REPXPERT portal, which is now being extended throughout Europe." For more information, visit:www.repxpert.co.uk Schaeffler/BILSTEIN collaboration via REPXPERT continues

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