February 2021

After years of UK automotive sector anguish over the prospect of tariffs on car parts imported from the EU, a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU was finally negotiated and struck just before Christmas. In the long run-up to the 31 December deadline, the SMMT had issued a number of stark warnings on the potential impact on the sector if the UK had ended up in a no-deal scenario on WTO terms. The organisation had recently estimated that tariffs could cost carmakers in the UK and Europe £96 billion, on top of an additional £87billion hit resulting from COVID-19. Agreement was reached on Christmas Eve, with both sides signing the deal. This was then ratified by Parliament in the UK just before New Year’s Eve, with the majority of MPs backing the arrangement. SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes observed: “We welcome the agreement of a new EU-UK trading agreement, which provides a platform for our future relationship. We await the details to ensure this deal works for all automotive goods and technologies, including specifics on rules of origin and future regulatory co- operation. “A phase-in period is critical to help businesses on both sides adapt and efforts should now be sustained to ensure seamless implementation, with tariff-free trade fully accessible and effective for all from day one. “We will continue to work closely with government to ensure all companies are as prepared as possible in the limited time left.” Commenting on the deal Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the NFDA said: “It is positive that the UK government has reached a Brexit deal with the EU that avoids tariffs on vehicles and vehicle parts. As an industry, we now have further clarity, which will enable greater investment into the sector and support consumer confidence.” Meanwhile, the UK continued to secure international trade deals beyond Europe, including with Turkey, which is a major UK market for the vehicle sector. Ford sends UK-made Transit van components to the country, and is responsible for 10% of all trade between Turkey and Britain. Commenting on this deal. Mike Hawes added: “Imports and exports of vehicles, engines, parts and components between our two countries contribute hundreds of millions of pounds to the economy, so it is crucial that this deal provides continuity, preserving as much as possible our current relationship.” NEWS 4 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2021 www.aftermarketonline.net UK automotive sector cautiously welcomes Brexit deal MOT Annual Training deadline rolls back to 30 April 2021 The closing date for completing MOT Annual Training for the 2020/2021 period has been rolled back from 31 March to 30 April. Commenting on the decision, a DVSA spokesperson said: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will help MOT testers by extending the MOT training and assessment deadline by a month to 30 April 2021. We would once again like to thank our testers for their commitment – both in testing and in getting this vital training completed.” While the date has moved, MOT Testers will still need to make sure they complete their training. IGA Head of Member Services Frank Harvey observed: “Testers will be suspended from testing if they do not complete their mandatory MOT Annual Training requirements by 30 April.” It’s also become more competitive said Frank: “This year’s assessment pass mark has increased to 80%, so we still recommend that testers complete their training as soon as possible, to allow time for potential assessment retakes.” The move is a one-off, and DVSA will be returning to the traditional end date for Annual training next year, Frank warned: “Testers should also be aware that they will only have 11 months to complete their annual training for the 2021/22 period.” For more on the MOT turn to pages 32-33.