April 2021

approved training centres that support automotive apprenticeships. “The sector has seen apprenticeship starts drop massively in the last 12 months. The first quarter of the 2020/21 academic year saw a 63% drop compared to the same period for 2019/20. And whilst it is inevitable that some employers may be pausing their recruitment plans, including bringing on new apprentices, we also believe the restrictions on education have been a deterrent for those considering an apprenticeship in automotive where so much of the learning needs to be hands-on.” Steve added: “The last year has seen a tremendous shift to e-learning, which the IMI has supported with numerous online modules but we know that FE colleges and other IMI approved training centres are desperate to get students back into the live classroom. They know how to do this safely and with the right level of hygiene procedures and social distancing so we really hope that 8 March will see doors reopening and a new level of engagement from potential students.” Meanwhile, the Scottish government has confirmed customers could access showrooms to conclude the purchase of a vehicle. A letter received by Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the NFDA, from the Scottish Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Jamie Hepburn MSP, confirmed that “accessing the showroom to conclude the purchasing of the vehicle would be permissible at this time using an appointment system to manage customer numbers to as few in the showroom at any given time – ideally only one customer at a time – and with the usual caveat that face coverings should be worn and physical distancing maintained.” 1 March: CV Show 2021 shifts dates again The CV Show shifted its dates again, following the government’s announcement of a roadmap out of lockdown, and will now be held Tuesday 31 August – Thursday 2 September 2021. Show Director Murray Ellis commented: “With live business activity returning, we are delighted to be able to stage a Commercial Vehicle Show on these new dates and are focused on delivering a successful Show for visitors, exhibitors and the industry. The show will once again provide the perfect opportunity to see new vehicles, products and technology alongside networking that the Show is renowned for. We very much look forward to welcoming everyone back to another great show in September.” For more information visit www.cvshow.com 4 March: February car sales weakest since 1959 as lockdown #3 bites The impact of lockdown, with showrooms remaining shut since 5 January meant new car sales were at their weakest February since 1959, according to figures from the SMMT. The market was down 35.5% with 28,282 fewer vehicles sold compared with 2020. In total, 51,312 new cars were registered during the month, which is traditionally one of the slowest during the year for new car sales. Despite this, plug-in vehicles saw some growth, with BEVs and PHEVs taking a combined 13.0% market share for the month, up from just 5.7% in February 2020. The SMMT has already revised its market outlook from January, which projected 1.89 million sales for the year. The organisation is now predicting 1.83 million cars sold during the year, with most of the losses expected in March. Commenting on the figures, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes: said: “February is traditionally a small month for car registrations and with showrooms closed for the duration, the decline is deeply disappointing but expected. More concerning, however, is that these closures have stifled dealers’ preparations for March with the expectation that this will now be a third successive dismal ‘new plate month’. Although we have a pathway out of restrictions with rapid vaccine rollout, and proven experience in operating click and collect, it is essential that showrooms reopen as soon as possible so the industry can start to build back better, and recover the £23 billion loss from the past year.” 48 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2021 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net Garages must invest in their online presence to give them the very best chance of winning new business ”