News 10 www.aftermarketonline.net DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025 Industry ‘set to face new emissions standards’ BM Catalysts has said the automotive aftermarket is braced for significant shifts in 2025 — driven by new emissions standards and government policies. One of the most pressing changes is the potential introduction of an enhanced emissions test for particulate number on vehicles equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPFs). The decision on this test is still pending, but BM Catalysts, a leading European manufacturer of hot end emissions products, is supporting the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation in advocating for its implementation. If introduced, BM Catalysts said the enhanced test will place greater emphasis on ensuring diesel vehicles meet strict particulate emissions targets, driving demand for high-quality emissions solutions. Mark Blinston, commercial director, said the change aligns with the company’s focus on Euro 6 DPF development, as the firm has been expanding its product range to meet evolving market needs. BM Catalysts has also invested to support the growing demand. In 2023, the company acquired a 41,000 ft2 warehouse next to its North Nottinghamshire Fulwood Rise production plant, bringing total manufacturing and warehousing space to over 214,000 ft2. The company said the investments enable it to expand production capacity, increase stock availability and enhance dispatch efficiency. Looking ahead to 2025, BM Catalysts said it expects increased sales in emerging aftermarket technologies such as gasoline particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction systems, which it said will become increasingly important as stricter emissions standards are enforced. See more industry predictions for the aftermarket sector in 2025 on page 12. Halfords targets over 50s in apprentices drive Halfords is to offer the over 50s apprenticeships in a recruitment drive for its Autocentres business and is also looking to boost the number of women in auto technician posts. The company said on November 23 the move aimed to create 1,000 auto technician jobs over the next 12 months to meet rapidly increasing demand for vehicle servicing, MOTs, maintenance and repairs. In addition to developing its ‘Retyrement Plan’, to attract retirees back into the workforce, Halfords wants to increase the number of women in the industry. CEO Graham Stapleton said: “We all need to do better, not least when you consider that many millions of our customers are women, and that means looking at what discourages women from applying for roles and taking action.” The company is also establishing a training academy to turn “novices into qualified technicians”. “We want to give people the best possible route to return to work, Stapleton said. Becoming a qualified automotive technician can be an incredibly satisfying second career.” Halfords has more than 600 garages and nearly 700 vans. The company said demand for servicing, MOTs, and repairs is being driven in part by nearly a million customers signing up for its motoring club, launched last March. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is backing a new initiative to combat misinformation surrounding EVs — in a move set to bolster industry efforts to train up mechanics and equip garages with specialist equipment. SMMT has partnered with Auto Trader and ChargeUK to promote facts about owning and driving EVs. The initiative comes after a House of Lords’ Environment and Climate Change Committee report published last February warned of confusing messages in the media about EVs. Research by Auto Trader in April highlighted “mistruths” that were hitting consumer confidence in EVs, such as fears about electric vehicles catching fire and claims that EVs are not cheaper to run compared with ICE vehicles. SMMT said the group has now created a collection of user-friendly, simplified facts, endorsed by the Department of Transport, that offers a more balanced and data-backed view of the reality of owning and driving electric cars. The information will be regularly reviewed and updated. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “More than a million motorists have already gone electric and been delighted by their decision, with many benefiting from lower running costs, an outstanding driving experience and a smaller carbon footprint. “But making the switch can be daunting for some, given the need to consider charging as well as driving, so a single source of truth can avoid any confusion. And that truth is that the time to go electric is now.” Industry bid to tackle EV myths
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