Spotlight 22 www.aftermarketonline.net JULY/AUGUST 2024 Skills shortages and ZEV on ballot says dealers’ survey As Aftermarket went to press, the UK was just days away from the general election. This Spotlight feature highlights a pre-poll NFDA survey on its members’ priorities for the next government — and finds out key ‘asks’ of the new transport secretary from a leading industry CEO Skills shortages among technicians, apprentice technicians and bodyshop apprentices have emerged as among key priorities the automotive sector wants help from the next government to tackle, according to a survey conducted by the National Franchised Dealers Association. Dealerships were asked about areas of their business where they are currently experiencing skills shortages and 82% of respondents noted ‘technicians’ (see fig.1), while 53% identified ‘sales executives’. The top three current most important issues that dealerships said are affecting their business are slowing demand in EVs and meeting zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets — 69% ranked this as their first choice. Attracting and retaining quality staff/ skills shortage was ranked (33%) by respondents as their second choice. The lack of charging infrastructure was also a prominent concern (24%). According to the survey, the top three most important issues that dealerships want the next government to address are: O Restimulating the private EV market (41% ranked this as their first choice); NFDA chief executive Sue Robinson Fig. 1 Fig. 2
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