DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024 AFTERMARKET 09 www.aftermarketonline.net potential such a change could have on UK road safety. On the plus-side, we now have outstanding vehicle safety recalls being logged as advisories on the MOT certificate. There is the potential that other changes will come to the MOT that will impact both MOT Testing Stations and the motoring public, especially in the area of NOx emissions.” Frank added: “We have also seen the government U-turn on the 2030 ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles in favour of electric or alternative fuelled vehicles, with most vehicle manufactures having already committed to the original deadline. In reality the vehicle car parc is getting older, with Government data suggesting that in the very near future the average age of vehicles on UK roads will exceed 10 years of age, with the vast majority of these vehicles being petrol or diesel fuelled. “This will mean that the value driven demand for the services of good, local, customer focused independent garages will remain strong for many years to come. However, this will need to be support by a change in emphasis in terms of staff training and recruitment to meet that demand.” Potential According to Hayley Pells, Policy Lead at the IMI, the Government’s decision to shift the ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles back five years to 2035 may go some way to help the industry’s longstanding staff and skills shortages: “The Government’s change of policy on the ICE ban definitely has the potential to help the sector upskill for electric. However – and it’s a big however – that is dependent on more people choosing automotive as a career route. Labour shortages will dominate conversations for as long as they are a concern, with the major new inquiry - Skills 2030 – A Worldclass Skills System – providing a crucial catalyst. The IMI is also working hard to shift perceptions of the sector to appeal to a wider cohort with our There’s More to Motor campaign.” Then there is the issue of increasing automation: “Looking at automotive innovation, whilst much has been written and said about electric, the skills need that can’t be ignored right now is ADAS, particularly given its role in the introduction of autonomous vehicles on UK roads. Whilst it’s likely that regulation will place responsibility in the event of an accident with the OEM, the chain of responsibility undoubtedly will include the aftermarket. ADAS already accounts for a significant proportion of the UK car parc and the employers that ensure anyone who undertakes work on these vehicles is appropriately trained, assessed and certificated to do so will be in the best place for the next stage of autonomous mobility.” Then there is the ever-present and constantly growing issue of data for the sector to contend with: “The role of data in the automotive aftermarket also should not be underestimated. It will be a fundamental component of the evolution of autonomous and connected motoring. In that respect, SERMI is certain to have a greater influence on the UK aftermarket.” Hayley added: “The last 12 months have seen considerable change, upheaval and uncertainty for the automotive aftermarket. Operating costs – encompassing everything from wages, parts and training to business insurance – have ramped up and it’s unlikely that 2024 will be any easier. However, there is also immense opportunity for those enterprises that can take a forward-looking stance. It is critical, for sustained economic and social infrastructure, that safe and fair private transport can be accessed, and the UK automotive aftermarket can play a vital role in delivering that.” Competitive choice IAAF Chief Executive Mark Field said he believes that 2024, political aspects aside, see a carry-over of the trends that are already affecting the sector, largely because the sector is still waiting for clarity on these key issues: “I think 2024 will see a continuation of the same, with perhaps even more uncertainty because of a general election. “There has been a cloud hanging over the industry with both the MOT consultation and SERMI. Without clear legislation and direction of travel, it is difficult for the industry to move forward. The ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel could be reversed, but that is just an ambition in the face of a reality that the UK does not currently have the infrastructure to cope with a marked increase in EVs on UK roads.” This is not the only area where garages are facing down the threat of possible roadblocks being thrown up in their way: “More vehicle manufacturers and suppliers are now very focused on a technology-neutral approach to affordable motoring. This raises a further question of a motorist’s right to repair. The IAAF, through its work with UK AFCAR, has successfully gained significant
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