May 2021

MAY 2021 AFTERMARKET 47 www.aftermarketonline.net normality, which means that AS-PL can now continue its growth plans in the UK with renewed vigour, greater brand exposure and enhanced PR and marketing campaigns.” 17 March: Post-lockdown safety checks could mitigate MOT demand drop says LKQ Euro Car Parts Garages should be offering safety checks for customers to make sure vehicles are safe as lockdown eases, a move that will also bridge the gap created by the MOT Exemption, LKQ Euro Car Parts has suggested. Figures from the DVSA show that only 2.1 million MOTs were carried out in April and May 2020, compared with 7.1 million over the same period in 2019, a shortfall of 5 million that will mean garages are quiet during Spring and Summer, a shift that could become permanent. Anthony McAteer, Trading Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, commented: “Garages must find ways of replacing the revenue they’ve come to expect from MOTs at this time of year, which means capitalising on the gradual easing of the UK’s lockdown restrictions. We expect to see more and more cars back on the road as our children return to school, and as the economy begins to reopen, and staycations are on the horizon for many. “With huge numbers of vehicles sitting idle for large parts of the past year, it’s likely that many will have developed faults, whether they’re due for a MOT or not, which is why safety tests are vital. We’re advising garages to work through their databases and contact customers to offer simple health checks. These can include everything from basic fixes such as fluid top-ups, tyre pressure adjustments and light checks, through to diagnosing larger problems such as flat batteries or corroded brakes. “Garages that tap into free-to-use marketing tools like social media can raise awareness of the kind of problems people may experience when they get back on the road after a long break. If they know what to look for, many drivers will be able to spot potential areas of concern, but they won’t necessarily have the knowledge or confidence to fix them, meaning they’ll turn to their trusted local technician for support. “We know that many people’s incomes will have taken a hit over the past year as a result of the three national lockdowns, meaning they may find it difficult to cover the cost of repairs to their vehicles, but we can’t put a price on safety. LKQ Euro Car Parts offers garages access to short-term finance solutions for their customers via Payment Assist, which gives drivers the option to spread the cost of a one-of bill or purchase over four equal instalments, with no fees attached. This helps to relieve any financial burden their customers may be under, and ensures garages can still get the job done.” Anthony added: “We remain committed to supporting our workshop customers through this turbulent time – helping them to find new ways to generate business in the short-term, and to adapt when demand for MOTs picks up again later in the year. For now, ensuring that those drivers returning to the roads can do so safely, must be our main focus.” 18 March: White-knuckle Spring predicted for garages as MOTs shift into late Summer and beyond Very few MOTs are expected to be taking place in April and May this year as a result of 2020’s MOT Exemption, but the situation is expected to normalise by the summer, new figures suggest. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the DVSA by BookMyGarage.com, show MOT test numbers dropped by 79% last April and 61% in May. Although the MOT Exemption was in place until the end of July, test numbers were down by just 16% in June, 4% in July, and by August had surpassed 2019 by 9%. MOTs tend to lead to service bookings for workshops according to BookMyGarage, where its booking data suggests 70% of motorists book both together. Karen Rotberg, Co-Founder of BookMyGarage.com commented: “Overall, the news is more positive than originally feared. We recognise that April and May will be difficult months for the industry but importantly we know MOT numbers will have recovered by the summer. “It’s also worth remembering that 2021 will not be an exact reflection of 2020. MOT due dates are determined by factors beyond when the last MOT took place, such as when used cars get sold with a fresh MOT and by three-year-old cars which will be having their first MOT this year and were therefore immune to last year’s extension.” With the franchised sector also affected by after-shocks from the Exemption, BookMyGarage is also looking to enable dealers tap the older vehicle market. Karen observed: “Our SecretService offering is allowing Garages must find ways of replacing the revenue they’ve come to expect from MOTs at this time of year.. ”