Electric and hybrid vehicles 39 www.aftermarketonline.net SEPTEMBER 2024 Increasing growth in the used EV and hybrid market strengthens the business case for garages and workshops to invest in skills and equipment, the CEO of LKQ UK and Ireland has said. Kevan Wooden’s comments came as latest SMMT figures published in August showed continued growth in the UK’s new and used car markets. Wooden said only 11% of UK mechanics are currently qualified to work on EVs, which means there is an opportunity for independents with the right capability to position themselves as plug-in specialists, and to retain existing customers as they trade-up into electric, while winning new customers from the competition. “Given the size of the EV skills gap, the fact that seven in 10 motorists prefer to use independents, and the projected continued growth of the second-hand EV market — not to mention Labour’s commitment to electrification — our advice is to upskill now.” Wooden said his company has already upskilled 3,000 technicians in servicing hybrid and electric car maintenance and repair through the LKQ Academy to help address the skills gap. The company is also expanding its training nationwide to build capacity. ‘Upskill now’ for EVs, hybrids For peace of mind always use a Garage Equipment Association member. GEA accredited engineers work to an industry code of conduct. Your assurance their skills and knowledge have been independently assessed. IS YOUR EQUIPMENT ENGINEER GEA ACCREDITED? Ask your engineer for his accreditation card ! The Upholders of Industry standards since 1945 The Garage Equipment Association www.gea.co.uk GEA ACCREDITED ENGINEER Name Company Discipline Exp Date ID Number XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 Yes, we know it’s a bit boring. But if you use compressors in your workshop you need to meet the legal environmental requirements for discharge from these machines. That’s where the SEPURA SEP60 Condensate Filtration unit fits in. It’s small, it’s simple to fit, cost effective and it out performs larger alternatives that don’t contain our patented SILEXA™ filtration media. If you do this... you need this... t: +44 (0)1543 379212 e: sales@sepura-technologies.com www.sepura-technologies.com Visit our website to learn more about our SILEXA™ filtration media and where to buy. The compact SEPURA SEP60 condensate cleaner: • Fast to fit - just click and connect • Cost effective • Wall or cabinet mounted • Sealed unit for ease of disposal • Service life - 4000 operating hours* 220mm *at 60cfm or 8000 at 30cfm (replace after a max. of 2 years)
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