March 2021

42 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2021 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net F ears of a fresh wave of Coronavirus in the run-up to Christmas bore fruit as the New Year dawned, and businesses in the automotive aftermarket looked to adapt to greater restrictions again. 11 January: LKQ Euro Car Parts CEO highlights “demand for servicing and repair” in Lockdown 3.0 In an email sent to customers of LKQ Euro Car Parts, CEO Andy Hamilton confirmed that the business would remain open and operational throughout the third national lockdown – as it has done previously – and explained why garages should do the same. “During this lockdown, motorists will still be able to complete their MOTs and with a further 1.1m MOTs still outstanding from the 2020 extension, this will create work opportunities for garages. We are also facing an extended cold snap, which coupled with more vehicles being sat idle for longer, will see greater demand for servicing and repair, offering further potential revenue sources over the coming months,” he said. The letter ended with a note of thanks to garages for their continued support, and recognition of the aftermarket’s efforts to keep the UK moving throughout the coronavirus pandemic. 12 January: No MOT exemption this time – Make sure your customers know that warns TechMan TechMan urged garages to make sure their customers know there is no MOT exemption this time, and that they must make sure that they seek an MOT for their car if it is due. The advice came as concerns grew over the possibility that motorists may delay or even miss servicing and MOTs as a result of the new lockdown. Leo Freebairn of TechMan observed: CORONAVIRUS ROUND-UP A third national lockdown in England, and ongoing restrictions across the rest of the UK meant continuing challenges for garages “It’s pleasing to see that garage services have once again been permitted to continue operating and we welcome the DVSA’s confirmation that MOT testing will also continue. “As with everything during this pandemic though, there’s still a lot of confusion and it’s down to garages to proactively communicate what the latest restrictions mean to their customers. “The message is simple; Workshops are permitted to remain open and the DVSA has indicated that there will not be another MOT extension at this time, so motorists must ensure their vehicle is roadworthy with a valid MOT.” Leo added: “We all know that communication is key to building a strong customer rapport but there’s never been a more important time to go the extra mile by offering your professional expertise and advice during the ongoing pandemic.” 14 January: “Business as usual” says SMP Europe SMP Europe says it is business as usual despite the latest lockdown, and the company is continuing to operate as normal following the latest lockdown, with a number of new developments planned in 2021 as well. SMP Europe Managing Director Ross Toomey said: “Technical support services, customer services and sales support functions have all continued to operate as normal as the business has remained open to support key workers throughout UK and Europe. Warehouse, domestic and international shipping are all unaffected.” Looking ahead, the company has further developments planned for its engineering department. Ross observed: “We have continued to invest in the business for the benefit of all customers and the coming weeks and months will see the sustained rollout of a number of exciting initiatives, as we adapt to a rapidly evolving marketplace.” 15 January: MOT/servicing bookings up 80% Demand for MOTs and services increased by 80% in some quarters in the week following the announcement of a third national lockdown, with franchised dealers looking to capitalise on the aftermarket opportunity to offset the closure of showrooms.