Aftermarket March 2023

MARCH 2023 AFTERMARKET 11 vehicle defects. With advancements in technology and testing, cars and commercials are increasingly becoming safer off the production line, particularly with components such as autonomous emergency braking systems becoming more widely adopted. It is critical that the MOT system evolves and adapts in tandem with the rapidly developing technology used in automotive vehicles today. “Nevertheless, NFDA is concerned that these changes to the system may not be beneficial for motorists or MOT testing centres, particularly for franchised dealers, to justify the changes and we will be conducting a thorough investigation into the implications these changes may have. Franchised dealers will continue to ensure motorists on UK roads are as safe as possible through robust, professionally executed and frequent MOT testing regimes.” Barry Babister, M.D at MOT Juice, observed: “The consultation proposes a shift in MOT frequency from 3-1-1 to 4-2-2, among other things. Have you considered what will happen to your business if this government proposal goes ahead? Will there be job losses in your business? Will your business even survive? This proposal is wide- reaching and will likely affect all of us who work in the MOT industry.” He continued: “Three key topics of the wider consultation worth noting are the price of the MOT, hybrid emissions testing and the future of self-driving vehicles. The price is an interesting topic for all of us providing MOT services. We must also consider what the future of our industry will look like. Currently, there are already over a million hybrid vehicles in circulation, and despite mostly running off ICE, these vehicles do not require emissions tests. Fast technological advancements are upon us, with the significant development of self-driving vehicles coming soon. Considering these topics at this stage will stand us in good stead.” Likelihood Looking at the proposals, starting with the potential for a shift to 4-2-2, Concept Garage Equipment National Sales Manager Andy Davidson observed: “For the customer it potentially saves money, but if the car is safe and functioning well, it's only a small saving in the region of £54.85 per year for the additional MOT. For MOT Testing Stations though, there are no advantages other than potentially higher customer bills when cars come for a MOT as they will be in a worse state of disrepair than they would otherwise have been. For new vehicle owners, especially high mileage users, the likelihood of wear and tear issues being picked up at their vehicle MOT, even basic things such as tyre wear, may be noted and resolved, which may otherwise have been missed. For older vehicles, the concern is even greater, that both age and mileage-related issues are likely to be worsened, especially since servicing of vehicles is not mandatory, so there may be no vehicle inspection or maintenance done during the two- year period between MOT tests.” On the potential impact on overall businesses, Andy noted: “Garage owners will suffer from dramatically reduced incomes, at a time when the cost of living is at the forefront of people's minds, this could lead to reduced wages, or potential job loss, at the very time when we should be encouraging work, as a growing workforce is more likely to swell the economy. Therefore, the risk of potentially life-threatening issues, and a reduced MOT workforce, versus the cost saving of under £55 per year seems like a very poor trade-off, and not one that Concept Garage Equipment can support, for both the safety of customers and the income of the garage industry.” As previously mentioned, ways to progress the monitoring of emissions were among the areas under consideration in the consultation, and Nawaz Haq, Executive Director at SulNOx Group, hailed the possibility: “We welcome the government’s plans to look more closely at pollutants that are pumped out by vehicles on the UK’s roads. We have said for a long time that petrol and diesel cars will be around for many years to come and it is therefore vital that manufacturers seek to improve engine efficiency and that emissions from tailpipes should be more closely monitored. “We understand that not all the recommendations put forward by the government in this consultation are popular, but improved testing and monitoring of harmful emissions should definitely be seen as a priority. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the importance of curbing fossil fuel use. In the transport sector, WHO has outlined stricter vehicle emission targets and efficiency standards. Other recent reports by world leading authorities, including the United Nations have outlined the need for improved