Aftermarket February 2023

some of their equipment. Any Vehicle Testing Station (VTS) that has changed hands, changed trading style, or has been re-activated after years of not testing will need to upgrade to connected status. From experience, most roller brake testers (RBTs) over five years old cannot be connected and this has generated a steady upturn in brake tester sales for us, although the same does not appear to be true with the emissions analysers that also require connection. Hofmann Megaplan, which is a part of ISN Europe, is represented on both the GEA general council and the MOT working group. There are ongoing ANPR field trials, which will further modernise MOT testing and help remove human error from the test.” According to his fellow ISN Europe MOT Specialist John Baron, overall pressures on motorists are making the MOT more important than ever: “With the current cost of living crisis, a large swathe of drivers will only take their car to a garage when the MOT is due, or if it breaks down. I see many drivers putting off routine servicing due to other cost pressures. So, offering MOTs may be the only way you get to see many cars in the local area. Revenue from MOTs via the cost of the test and remedial work like new bulbs, wipers, tyres and number plates, make having an MOT bay a no-brainer and that’s before you factor in the likely decline in general servicing work.” On how the latest MOT equipment can help, Chris noted: “The introduction of connected equipment does create some nervousness within the industry, but those who are now using it like the fact that it has streamlined the test, saving time and labour costs. Changing to a one-person test, clearly has massive person-hour benefits too. There are still a number of challenges to address though, 34 AFTERMARKET FEBRUARY 2023 MOT www.aftermarketonline.net particularly the need to keep up with the technology. Most 4x4s have to have their brakes tested on-the-road, using a decelerometer; Existing RBTs are not designed for 4x4s. We’re also exploring ways of testing electronic handbrakes using RBTs.” John rejoindered: “This might sound like a sales pitch but hear me out; We offer customers help with the application process – it’s free when you purchase our equipment. This allows the garage owner to concentrate on running their business and making money rather than spending a great deal of time and effort trying to understand the vagaries of the DVSA application system. Through our help the application can be expedited faster and if you’re up and running a month earlier that’s a month of extra revenue. Not only that, it’s new business brought in faster, at a time when core business is likely to suffer a downturn. That help with the application process goes hand-in-hand with the first-class equipment quality and professional installation carried out by qualified technicians, backed up by a market leading aftersales service – The whole package.” Efficiency According to Chris, greater efficiency is the route to greater profitability: “Modernising, or upgrading to an automated test lane (ATL), or one-person test lane (OPTL) has major labour and test time benefits. Connecting the equipment to the MOT Testing System (MTS) also saves time, input errors, and the need to print results. Based on the national average number of tests per day, a fully connected ATL could generate in excess of £1,000 extra profit per month to a VTS.” John went on to say: “A possible stumbling block for Above: Sun connected automated test lane