8 AFTERMARKET DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net Another year is ending for the aftermarket. 2023 featured a number of dramatic developments, many of which remain unresolved as the New Year beckons. There were even some surprise returns to the sector, and a win in the form of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MV-BEO). The MOT Consultation closed early in 2023, and the Government has still not made clear its position on the wide range of proposals. Meanwhile, the Security-Related Repair and Maintenance Information (SERMI) scheme, through which background checks could be undertaken to allow technicians to work on vehicle security systems, was expected to have significant implications for the sector, but has yet to be rolled out in the UK. Then there is the push-back on the internal combustion engine vehicle sale ban, which was moved from 2030 to 2035. The impact of this decision on the sector is still being felt. We asked a number of the major organisations in the sector their views on all of this, and how they feel 2024 might play out. Change IGA Head of Member Services Frank Harvey observed: “As we look ahead, the one thing we can be certain of is change. Even in the last few days we have seen Amazon announce their plans to sell cars; Such a move could be a game-changer. 2024 will also see the long awaited SERMI scheme come in to being, enabling independent operators and remote service providers to register via a trust centre for access to security-related information.” Speaking of information, Frank said digital service records are becoming an issue for independents: “One of the things that we at the IGA are consistently being asked about is digital service records, and the frustration being experienced by independent garages in both registering to use DSRs and the actual update of DSRs. It is likely that early in 2024 there will be moves to streamline this process for both garages and their customers, thus making DSRs more accessible.” Moving up the chain, the connected car is another threat Frank identified: “This has the potential to steer consumers away from local independent garages. This is another area covered by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) when they consulted on and compiled the MVBEO. Only time will tell if there will be a viable solution to counter this steerage and maintain consumers freedom of choice and this is something that we at the IGA are monitoring closely.” Then there is the MOT: “2023 saw the DVSA launch their latest consultation on changes to the MOT system and service, and once again challenge the frequency of the MOT. The IGA and the industry at large pushed back on this due to the 2024: LIVE ANOTHER DAY? We look ahead, and consider how some the major issues affecting the sector will play out through 2024
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