NEWS 6 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2023 www.aftermarketonline.net The extended wait for a government decision on whether to change the frequency of the MOT test is “completely unacceptable” according to the IAAF, and the organisation is urging for clarification on the issue as soon as possible. The MOT consultation run by the Department for Transport (DfT) from February to March looked at various ways of updating the MOT test in line with vehicle developments, but also brought back the idea of moving the first test from when a car turns three years old to when it hits four. According to IAAF Chief Executive Mark Field, the ongoing uncertainty is causing disquiet in the garage sector: “We’re speaking to independent garages every day and they are really concerned for vehicle and driver safety, given the vehicle defects they see of all ages within their workshops. It is completely unacceptable that the automotive industry, which remained open to provide essential support throughout the COVID19 pandemic, is being made to wait more than six months for an answer on its future and that of motorists’ safety.” DVSA figures indicate that around 300,000 vehicles fail their first MOT test at three years. Mark continued: “Moving the first test to four years under government proposals poses higher safety risks to motorists and other road users. Delaying vehicle inspections may lead to higher repair costs for motorists who may not know that dangerous faults are developing with their vehicles. “Furthermore, as the number of new electric vehicles on UK roads is increasing, these are just as likely to fail the first MOT test, underlining the importance of safeguarding the current test regime. DVSA data indicates that 57% of all electric vehicles that fail their first MOT test, fail on tyres, compared with 35% of diesel vehicles and 37% of petrol vehicles tested.” The IAAF, along with UK AFCAR, the IGA and many other sector bodies, have opposed plans to extend the first test frequency. The IAAF has written to the government, calling for clarity on what direction the test may be taken following the MOT consultation. MOT decision delay “completely unacceptable” IGA-run body to provide SERMI access The IGA is to oversee the UK’s SERMI scheme. This will enable garages and their staff that meet the requirements to access security-related repair and maintenance Information (SERMI) on the same basis that European garages gain access in the European Union. The SERMI scheme becomes law across the EU on a rolling country-by-country basis from 1 October. The RMI’s ISO company, RMI Standards and Certification (RMISC) is set to open the scheme in the UK on the same day. However, enrolment for the IGArun UK scheme is open now. Once a garage and its employees have been vetted by the scheme, they will be sanctioned to use all manufacturer technical information on security systems such as keys and ECU coding. Everything will go through a single central audit and certification process, with business and individual user identities kept private. IGA Chief Executive Stuart James commented: “After many years of negotiations over access to security-related information, progress has finally been made. The IGA has broken through the barriers to secure access to the SERMI scheme in a post-Brexit Britain. Independent garages have a real hunger to keep up with the ever-more advanced technologies in modern vehicles, and so we have seen an extremely positive response from the sector to our news with expressions of interest flooding in.” Garages looking to register for the scheme first need to obtain basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates for the business owner and any employees who will be registered on the system. For more information, visit: https://independentgarageass ociation.co.uk/tradetopics/sermi/ PHINIA, new spin-off from Borg Warner, launches A new company has been spun off from BorgWarner to provide combustion engine components, with an overall focus on the transition to carbon-neutral and carbonfree fuels. PHINIA, which includes the brand portfolio of Delphi, Delco Remy and Hartridge, is now independently trading on the New York Stock Exchange, and will offer systems and components for both OE and aftermarket customers. Commenting on the birth of the new company, Brady Ericson, President and Chief Executive Officer of PHINIA said: “This move gives us the freedom to grow our business.” He added: “Our strategy centers around developing sustainable solutions for internal combustion engines and leveraging our technology for alternative fuels which we believe will rapidly become a key contributor on our journey to carbon neutrality. Our vision of a sustainable future includes a wide range of solutions including carbon-neutral and carbon-free fuels.” For more on PHINIA, turn to pages 18-19.
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