DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024 AFTERMARKET 11 www.aftermarketonline.net garages have had to continue to leanin to the myriad challenges presented by the rapid evolution of vehicle technology and changing legislation. Many of these trials will persist in one form or another in 2024 and we’re expecting three big trends to shape the aftermarket next year.” Andy’s first trend is the need to continue investing in upskilling and equipment: “Businesses that invest in the skills and equipment needed to meet the future needs of new technology and new vehicles will be wellpositioned to not only survive but to thrive in 2024 and beyond. Those that don’t risk falling behind and finding themselves shifting from the mainstream into an ever-declining corner of the market. This is the case not just for EVs and hybrid vehicles, but tech that’s already commonplace in the vehicle parc, like ADAS. It’s important that we offer support to garages and bodyshops to help them accelerate their evolution to remain viable and sustainable. Indeed, at LKQ Euro Car Parts we’ll be doubling down on investment into training courses that can get workshops and their technicians accredited, some which will be free of charge.” His second trend is the need to keep fighting for the right to repair and the right to connect: “A highlight of 2023 was the release of the UK’s new MV-BEO. It was a real win for the aftermarket, with nearly all our wishes addressed. Sadly, we can’t rest on our laurels. We’ve seen for ourselves this year that there are numerous customers continuing to face some farcical barrier or other to repairing a customer’s vehicle. “We will continue to collate these stories as evidence of OEM breaches and bring them to the CMA so that it can enforce MV-BEO to its fullest extent, as well as lobbying OEMs to improve access for parts manufacturers and technicians to enable the repair of EV batteries. There are stories of whole vehicles being written off because of relatively minor damage to a battery, with OEMs saying the entire unit needs to be replaced when a fix could do. Major insurers are now getting twitchy about underwriting EVs as a result – and the situation is entirely avoidable. There are some amazingly innovative independent operators that have found work arounds to repair batteries. But it’s been done in spite of OEMs rather than with their support. “Then, there is the spectre of SERMI, which is coming into force in the EU – and Northern Ireland – imminently. It should have been this year, but it has been delayed. While UK businesses might feel they don’t need to worry, the absence of a universal scheme like SERMI runs the risk of multiple OEMs introducing their own separate processes. I praise the efforts of those in the industry that are working to get an equivalent but voluntary scheme off the ground in the UK. It shows the wonderful spirit of collaboration and depth of innovation in the aftermarket. In time, I hope something with the teeth of mandatory legislation can emerge that captures all OEMs.” Finally, Andy believes the sector needs to focus on collaboration for the common good: “Congratulations to Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia and Steve Horne, both of course former colleagues at LKQ Euro Car Parts, on their deal to acquire GSF. Their expertise and knowledge will be a huge asset to that business. Healthy competition pushes us all to continue to innovate and be better for our customers.” Andy concluded: “With reference to the challenges posed by MV-BEO, SERMI and EV batteries, as well as the pending outcome of the DfT’s MOT consultation, there is a need for us all to act as the champions of independent garages and bodyshops in the face of legislative and market forces they cannot face alone. We saw what happened when the industry came together to challenge regulators on the future of Block Exemption and so need to keep that spirit of teamwork alive in 2024. Because we are much louder and more impactful together than as lone voices.” The evolution of vehicles has redefined the aftermarket ” T +44 (0)1865 233 037
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