improvements to motor vehicle Block Exemption regulations that benefit the entire industry and motorists.” Mark added: “Through our Right to Repair campaign it is essential as an industry that we promote the aftermarket as the competitive choice for affordable mobility to consumers.” Unseen challenges Technological progress is reshaping the sector as far as Laurence Abbott, Managing Director at Autotech Connect is concerned: “The evolution of vehicles has redefined the aftermarket. While representing opportunities for the sector, as EVs and an increasing number of software defined vehicles roll into workshops, they are also introducing new, previously unseen, challenges. “EVs are beginning to electrify the second-hand car market. In the second quarter of this year, used electric vehicle sales increased by 80% compared to the same time last year and despite the Government’s five-year deferment of the ICE ban, EV adoption is expected to continue. Consequently, against the backdrop of a skills shortage, a severe need for training, and the installation of EV infrastructure is needed, and this focus will likely sharpen as we enter the New Year, particularly as second hand EVs infiltrate the independent repair sector. For some, however, the investment is still perceived to be a step too far.” While garages mull the benefits of leaning into the EV revolution, Laurence believes, garages are ignoring a major technological threat: “Regardless of how deeply a garage future-proofs itself, they are all susceptible to a new danger – cybercrime. This is no longer a perceived future threat - the automotive industry has passed the inflection point, and there is today a very clear and present risk. Even the average vehicle contains over 100 control units, opening up a number of potential points for cyber-attacks, and traditional internal combustion engine vehicles with digital interfaces are susceptible to cyber intrusions.” Clarity For Peter Lawton, SMMT Head of Member Sections, the future of the MOT is set to continue to be a major concern: “I think everyone with an interest in the aftermarket would agree that the most pressing priority for our sector right now is clarity on the Government’s plans for changing MOT frequency. Workshops, factors, suppliers and motorists would all be impacted by any change while uncertainty makes business planning challenging. Given the consultation closed in March 2023, we had expected an announcement by now, but it seems that this will remain a key issue into the New Year. “The proposal to move the UK vehicle safety check from a 3-1-1 to 41-1 regime has been raised more than once in recent history, and each time we argued successfully against it. The impact on safety, on emissions, on business, jobs and, ultimately, on customers’ pockets as defects go unchecked, simply cannot be justified. Third time around, SMMT mounted its most comprehensive and compelling defence of 3-1-1 yet, marshalling the expertise of our members across the aftermarket and vehicle manufacturing sectors, consumer groups and other stakeholders.” “We continue to call for the MOT frequency to stay as it is, with the requirement for a first test at year three, and annually thereafter.” It’s not all foreboding though on this front as far as Peter is concerned: “On the plus side – and officials rightly grumble when all of the talk is about first presentation – Government is also looking at how to improve emissions testing and test advanced electrified powertrains, driver assistance technologies and connected and automated features that are increasingly common on modern cars. SMMT and the aftermarket have a strong and productive track record of working with DVSA and there will be plenty to do on this front.” Then there is data: “Elsewhere, the SERMI scheme grows in importance. It’s very complicated, yes, but it’s also critical to try and get right in the voluntary way the Department for Transport want it deployed in GB. It is mandated in the EU and Northern Ireland. As vehicles become more connected and cyber security becomes ever more important, the aftermarket needs to be aware of how important it is likely to become.” Last but not least, there is the issue of skills: “SMMT’s workshop and factor members are training people as fast as they can to handle the latest tech but finding qualified candidates remains difficult. From apprentice to director level, the whole automotive sector faces significant recruitment challenges and that’s why SMMT put skills as a central pillar of its Manifesto 2030.” Peter added: “We have called for a one-stop national upskilling platform, alongside greater STEM education in schools and a dynamic immigration system that attracts global talent. This will be a huge part of SMMT’s engagement to support the industry in 2024.” Trends Andy Hamilton, CEO at LKQ Euro Car Parts, observed: “The aftermarket has faced another year of challenging trading conditions, with a slowing economy and inflation continuing to hit drivers’ pockets. All the while, 10 AFTERMARKET DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net
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