Are you ADAS ready? 37 www.aftermarketonline.net APRIL 2025 Rising to challenge of innovation Motofix Group chairman Richard Tutt says investment in ADAS and EV repair capabilities is key to meeting the UK’s car parc needs The proliferation of advanced driver assistance systems and the fact there were 1.3 million EVs on UK roads at the end of 2024 — a 534% increase since 2020 — means repairers can no longer operate as they always have. The way vehicles are built, powered, and subsequently repaired has changed forever. The accident repair industry must adapt to meet the challenge and capitalise on opportunities. At Motofix Group, we’ve made it a priority to modify our service offering so we can meet the repair needs of the UK car parc. This has meant investing in the right equipment, processes, and technician training to futureproof our business. ADAS technology is no longer exclusive to luxury vehicles. It’s almost standard on new cars. Technologies like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance, have become integral to road safety. But these innovations bring unique challenges. Any repair involving ADAS technology — whether it’s a camera, radar, or sensor — requires precise recalibration to ensure the safety system works properly when the vehicle is returned to the road. At the same time, the transition to EVs is accelerating. Legislation targeting carbon emissions, alongside consumer demand for greener options, is driving EV adoption and that’s borne out in the latest data from The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders and Department for Transport. While EVs are exciting because of the environmental benefits they bring, they’re no less challenging for repair centres. Complex highvoltage systems and delicate battery packs demand expertise and tools far beyond what ‘traditional’ vehicle repairs require. ADAS and EV repairs are precision tasks — there’s no room for error. ADAS systems depend on recalibration that must be millimetre-perfect, while high-voltage EV systems can be dangerous if handled incorrectly. All our technicians hold a HEL Level-3 qualification, enabling them to work safely and effectively on EVs. And the bid to improve repair capability doesn’t stop there. Our partnerships with leading manufacturers, including BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz, means our technicians receive brand-specific training on the latest EV systems and repair protocols. This ensures they’re aligned with the latest OEM standards and can complete ADAS and EV repairs to manufacturers’ exacting standards. When it comes to ADAS and EV repairs, using OEM parts should be a nonnegotiable standard. Modern vehicles are sophisticated and OEM parts are designed to integrate seamlessly with complex systems, ensuring reliability and safety. There is a theory that ‘non-genuine’ parts offer a cheaper solution, but my view is they often cause more harm than good. Misaligned or incompatible parts can compromise ADAS systems, shorten the lifespan of EV components, and even put drivers at risk. Sustainability is also a factor that should be given strong consideration. OEM parts tend to have longer lifespans, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This supports the industry’s broader shift toward a circular economy, minimising waste and promoting greener repair practices. As a company committed to sustainability, this approach aligns perfectly with our values at Motofix. Efficiency also comes from clarity. We know that for many customers, ADAS and EV technology can feel overwhelming. That’s why our front-line customer service teams receive technical training, ensuring they understand the systems we’re working with. From explaining recalibration processes to answering questions about high-voltage EV repairs, they can guide customers through the repair journey with confidence and transparency. Accident repair centres must evolve, adapt, and embrace the opportunities of ADAS and EV repairs — or risk being left behind. Richard Tutt Archie Piggot, vehicle MET strip/fitter apprentice
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=