Insight 16 www.aftermarketonline.net NOVEMBER 2024 Evolving the MOT test to keep up with innovation Peter Lawton, SMMT head of member sections, on how technologies can boost garage businesses while also driving safety The aftermarket sector is a major contributor to the UK economy. Besides supporting 330,000 jobs, it adds more than £16 billion to treasury coffers every year and helps keep the wheels in motion for other sectors. Central to this success is the role of maintenance, service and repair. Given the evolution taking place in today’s increasingly connected, electrified and automated vehicles, the MOT test must evolve to cater for this new generation technology. The importance of the test to road safety was underlined by the backlash against recent proposals to reduce its frequency, with research showing that three-quarters of consumers agree that the typical cost of a test is a price well worth paying to ascertain if their car is safe or needs attention. So, it’s great news that, after extensive campaigning by SMMT and others, this is being left in its current form. However, the MOT must keep up with vehicle technology — including the increasing fitment of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). For example, autonomous emergency braking was fitted as standard on almost eight in 10 new cars registered in 2023, up from less than one in five in 2015, and other safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, overtaking sensors and lane keep assist are available on more new models than not. An evaluation of ADAS and its place within the current MOT was underway with the previous government, and we await to hear the next steps from those now in power. Complex area The review previously explored how a test station will understand what technology is fitted, what should be functioning, whether the vehicle is operating according to the latest software levels and how checks on the functionality and calibration of ADAS components are conducted. Should only mandated ADAS features be subject to testing, or optional features as well? How far can an ADAS system report to a test station on how well it’s functioning? There are more questions besides these to answer; it’s a complex area. It’s clear a regular inspection and verification of these technologies will help ensure they are functioning correctly throughout a vehicle’s lifetime. Sensors and cameras should be checked for defects and a centralised system could be introduced so the same detailed inspections are taking place throughout all MOT centres in the country — not a small job. The introduction of electrified vehicles must also be considered, technicians need to understand the intricacies presented by EVs and possess the tools and knowledge needed to test safely. Farther off is automation. Could a self-driving vehicle automatically present itself for repair if something goes awry and, if so, what need would there be for an MOT? This hasn’t yet been explored in detail but I think it’s fair to say that while opinions vary, most find this concept a little hard to picture. There will always be a critical role for the MOT and while some systems may be able to self-report issues in the future, an inspection cannot be replaced. That government and industry are working to ensure an MOT fit for future generations of road users and improve the UK’s already strong road safety record is extremely welcome.
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