News 6 www.aftermarketonline.net APRIL 2025 Independent garages are increasing their share of business for EV services, according to latest figures from UK comparison site BookMyGarage. Retail bookings via the platform have more than doubled each year for the past two years, with independent garages taking a significant slice of the pie, the platform announced on March 3. In 2023, private EV motorists made 112% more service bookings via the service and MOT booking site compared to 2022. In 2024, the figure leapt again with an increase in EV bookings of 136%. While EV bookings remained a small percentage of overall service and MOT bookings made through BookMyGarage, the platform said the surge in numbers over the past two years indicated a rapidly growing market segment in EV aftersales for the independent sector. EV bookings made up 0.4% of all BookMyGarage bookings in 2022, 0.7% in 2023 and 1.5% in 2024, which the platform said amounted to around a doubling of share year-onyear. Significantly, of all the active businesses currently live on BookMyGarage, including SecretService (aimed at the franchised network), 14.5% are independent garages which offer EV servicing facilities. BookMyGarage CEO Douglas Rotberg (pictured) said: “As used EVs increasingly filter into the used car market, inevitably, more independent garages are meeting the aftersales requirements of these vehicles. Our data shows an increasing proportion of independent garages able and willing to cater for EV owners. “The growth of EV service bookings for our independent garage partners reflects not just an increase of older EVs on the road — since drivers of older vehicles are more likely to book with an independent — but is illustrative of an expanding niche for independents.” Rotberg said the trend is expected to strengthen throughout the year. “The numbers for EV servicing may be modest but they are growing exponentially.” Aftermarket reported earlier this year that BookMyGarage had generated more than £22 million worth of additional retail work for its independent garage partners over just three months toward the end of 2024. EVs ‘driving more aftersales business’ for garages ATS Euromaster’s plans to close more than 80 UK branches, putting hundreds of jobs at risk, presents new opportunities for growth, according to Garages Services Online. GSO said while closures pose a significant challenge for employees, they also create openings for independent workshops to attract new customers seeking reliable, high-quality service. ATS had not responded to Aftermarket’s request for a statement about its closure plans at the time of going to press. However, GSO managing director Jim Lang said: “Independent garages are well-placed to fill the gap left by these closures. “With strong local connections, personalised service, and flexibility, independents can offer a level of care that larger chains often can’t match.” According to GSO the closures, representing a third of ATS’ UK network, are Aftermarket was delighted to host a free webinar last month, ‘Understanding Oil’, in which Castrol experts David Roberts and Arron Littlewood explored the critical role of engine lubrication and how to choose the right oil. For another chance to see the webinar, or if you missed it first time around, use the QR code to watch now. In the webinar, David and Arron explain the key differences between Castrol GTX, Magnatec, and Edge, and you will learn about wet belt deterioration, how using the wrong oil can accelerate wear, and the impact of incorrect oil use on diesel particulate filters. Understanding Oil – hear from Castrol experts ATS closures ‘opportunity for independents’, says GSO
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