MAY 2024 AFTERMARKET 11 www.aftermarketonline.net believes it is well-placed to take advantage of the opportunities on the table. He said: “Garages are evolving, they are becoming businesses first and technicians second and they’re looking at how they monetise new technology. They’re interested in data, trends, attending trade events and exchanging ideas and opinions without fear of judgement. It’s essential we support garages as businesses.” Despite the positive press the growing EV market gets, and given the apparent scale of the opportunity, Mark said that questions should be asked on why garages are not all so keen on capitalising on the new markets: “The independent aftermarket looks after more than three quarters of vehicles in UK roads, it is clearly the best sector to offer choice and mobility services to motorists. We should instead look at why if anything, garages are reluctant to invest in upskilling to handle EVs. The current vehicle parc accounts for just 3% of the total vehicle. Spread this out over 30,000 garages, that’s just 33 EVs per garage. It’s coming but, garages are focusing on what’s in front of them and rightly so, investing in diagnostic technology, ADAS and other new areas, supported by the new Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order.” Cars have changed in many ways beyond just the drivetrain, and Mark believes that the investment being made by garages reflects what they are seeing in their own workshops: “We have to be more appreciative of the fact that garages are very much at the ground level when it comes to talking to motorists. They need support in communicating the importance of the MOT and roadworthiness.” He added: “Garages are supremely technical and have welcomed the efforts of the IAAF in ensuring significant gains on Motor Vehicle Block Exemption. It’s an exciting time ahead for the entire automotive aftermarket supply chain.” Final thoughts It is easy to assume that once you have the right to work on newer cars, they will just turn up, and you will be able to help your customers. The reality is that if you are not moving forward, you are falling behind. Even leaving EVs to one side for a moment, if you are working on a modern internal combustion engine vehicle, it could be quite different from those made even eight to 10 years ago. Most forward-looking garages will know this, and will have looked to acclimatise to the current environment. If you have been focused on the throughput in your garage though, at the expense of looking into the medium-term, it’s never too late to catch up. Next month, the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event will be taking place at the NEC from 5-6 June. Then, our very own Aftermarket Event will be taking place from 2-3 October at Farnborough International. Both events will include training and useful seminars. If you need to find out what’s going on, get yourself out there. www.aftermarketonline.net For more information, please email: hlgb.academy.hella@forvia.com THE COMPLETE ADAS SOLUTION NOW INCLUDES TRAINING INTRODUCING IMI ACCREDITED ADAS CALIBRATION COURSES
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