Aftermarket December/January 2023

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2023 AFTERMARKET 13 Left: Peter Lawton, Senior Section Manager, SMMT www.aftermarketonline.net aftermarket, a less sensational and disruptive 2023 should mean a number of things. Firstly, it would be sensible for the government not to soften the current MOT testing regime, and we have written to Mark Harper, the new Secretary of State for Transport to look at strengthening the current 3-1-1 testing regime through the addition of testing the vehicle’s electronically controlled safety systems, namely ADAS.” Key issue Looking towards the MV-BEO, Mark observed: “In May, we will also see the implementation of M-VBEO, replacing current MV-BER. We have called for greater detail on how positive revisions of the regulation would be implemented to support consumers and aftermarket businesses. A key issue of the previous legislation was lack of enforcement of the regulation and its impact, particularly at garage level. We are only at the beginning of a long journey that seeks to ensure consumer choice and the ability for the aftermarket to compete is protected.” Looking at what the year will mean for the IAAF, Mark noted: “In 2023 we will continue our policy of modernisation and one of continuous improvement with the launch of a new website, expanded networking programme, IAAF Training Academy to highlight the entire automotive supply chain and, grow our membership.” Then there is access to data: “Independent garages can now register any restrictions they face on access to vehicle manufacturer repair and maintenance information with a new form produced by UK AFCAR, a coalition of trade associations and commercial organisations. Evidence is needed to show a vehicle manufacturer’s non- compliance, or restrictive practices, regarding the requirements of legislation that supports the aftermarket. Examples include but are not limited to denial of access to RMI information or data/functions in the vehicle, excessive charges, incorrect information, having to prove competency, having to go to a main dealer to complete the job, or when garages are unable to use aftermarket parts due to the vehicle manufacturer’s restrictions.” To access the UK AFCAR form, go to: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/UKAFCAR Interesting year Summing up, Peter Lawton, Senior Section Manager at the SMMT mused: “Well, 2022 was another ‘interesting’ year, wasn’t it? Business recovery from COVID-19 was ongoing but other issues were still able to put the pandemic in the shade. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, soaring energy costs, political upheaval, inflation and interest rates rising faster than for more than three decades - all had a massive impact on automotive. “So, what are the hopes and fears for 2023? On aftermarket specifically I would hope that the answer to MOT intervals will be put to bed. It’s become a rather perennial topic to explore extending intervals from 3-1-1 to 4-1-1 or 4-2-2. We have continued to make a solid and united case that extended intervals are damaging to road safety, air quality and business. At the very least we hope to avoid biennial intervals but avoiding a year four first test will be harder to achieve. The consultation should surely have arrived by the time you read this and will give us a chance to say how MOTs can be developed in line with emissions requirements, ADAS and decarbonisation.” Peter continued: “On decarbonisation we need to cement aftermarket needs into our work on skills, the difficulties in attracting and retaining talent is one of the loudest calls from SMMT members at the moment. We have more work with the Competition and Markets Authority on Block Exemption. This plays into access to technical information, a new GB Type Approval scheme, cybersecurity and SERMI, a potential method for accessing information that we need embedded in GBTA. We certainly aren’t going to be twiddling our thumbs.” Looking at what has been going on at the SMMT itself, Peter observed: “With record new members and the full breadth of automotive represented at SMMT, including more than 200 aftermarket companies and hundreds of SMEs, we work together to promote what we need from government and stakeholders. Aftermarket members can make their voices heard in our recently established Energy Taskforce and other groups which tackle topics including customs and tariffs, emissions, EVs, Type Approval, recalls, sustainability, supply chain issues and so much more.” Peter concluded: “My fears for 2023? You really couldn’t have made up the past three years’ events so I’m not going to try. Whatever may happen, the aftermarket section is strong and will continue to thrive just as we have over the past three crazy years and before.” www.aftermarketonline.net There needs to be a far more concerted effort to ensure that an aftermarket workforce holds the best possible skill set ”