Industry news

AUTOMECHANIKA BIRMINGHAM RETURNS TO THE NEC IN JUNE

GARAGE OF THE YEAR AWARDS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES

The UK’s largest automotive trade exhibition, Automechanika Birmingham, will take place from 6 to 8 June 2023 at the NEC Birmingham with new brands exhibiting, features and training hubs for collision repair, EV, ADAS and more. Sponsors include ZF Aftermarket, Bosch and LKQ Euro Car Parts, and more than 500 exhibitors, with many other wellknown aftermarket brands showcasing new products, services, and technical support. More than 12,000 visitors are expected to attend. Visitors can expect special show deals, offers and competitions as well as access to more than 168 hours of free skills training, technical talks and topical discussions on current industry issues and new technology, as well as live demonstrations from industry experts.

https://automechanika-birmingham.uk.messefrankfurt. com/birmingham/en.html

WORKSHOPS URGED TO WARN MOTORISTS OF THE RISKS OF SKIPPING OIL MAINTENANCE

Recent surveys have found that motorists are considering skipping vehicle maintenance as the costof-living crisis bites but the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) is warning motorists not to put off essential oil changes and top ups, despite pressure on household spending. The trade body says workshops can play an important role in helping customers understand just how vital oil servicing is. Mike Bewsey, Chairman of VLS, says, “Customers might think because they haven’t done many miles this year, the oil change and filter replacement are not required. But sticking to the recommended service interval is crucial to maintain and protect the vehicle, which is likely to be worth a lot more than the cost of the oil change. Frequent short trips can be even more detrimental to the oil than higher mileage due to the accumulation of water and fuel, and the formation of sludge during start/stop and cold phases.”

Entries are open for the Independent Garage Association’s (IGA) British Independent Garage of the Year Awards 2023, which will be held at Leicester City Football Club on Friday 22nd September 2023, recognising Britain’s best independent garages, industry suppliers and stars of the sector. Independent garages and industry suppliers can enter online now at http://independentgarageassociation.co.uk/tradetopics/the-big-awards-2023. Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive, comments: “Following the fantastic feedback received from the inaugural BIG Awards in 2022, we feel privileged to support the sector by bringing high-profile recognition to even more independent garages and suppliers next year. We have introduced nine new award categories to ensure that all areas of the independent sector have the opportunity to be recognised, however their business excels.

“We all know that every independent garage offers something unique and works incredibly hard for their local community, so I encourage garages of all types and sizes to highlight their achievements and enter today.” All shortlisted garages will receive two complimentary tickets to the awards ceremony at Leicester City Football Club on Friday 22nd September 2023. Entries close on Tuesday 28th February.

Schaeffler’s next roadshow will take place at New City College Hornchurch on Saturday 4th February 2023 and will follow the usual REPXPERT Academy LIVE format, with breakfast and registration from 9am and group training sessions starting at 10am until around 4pm. Matt Selby, Sales & Marketing Director for Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) said: “REPXPERT Academy LIVE is the perfect platform for technicians and garage owners to enhance their knowledge of the latest products, tools, hints and best practice tips from Schaeffler, with topics this time including LuK double clutch transmission systems and INA timing drive systems, including information on new technologies such as hybridisation and electrification”. Several instructional and interactive group sessions will include demonstrations, hands-on participation, and theory. One of the two guest sessions at the event will be presented by workshop owner Tim Benson, who has been running the high-quality Oldfields Garage business in Leominster for many years and will provide best practice business advice. Register for the Hornchurch event on the link below:

www.eventmanager-online.com/en/event/repxpertacademy-live-new-city-college/if

SURVEY RESULTS CONFIRM NEW YEAR CHALLENGES

A Motor Ombudsman poll of independent garages and franchise dealer workshops has revealed that rising operational costs, taxes and energy bills are the biggest operational challenge for 90% of businesses in 2023. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of businesses that took part in the research said they will have to contend with motorists putting off essential vehicle repairs this year due to the squeeze on household incomes. 59% of participants stated that paying more for replacement car components due to shortages and inflation would be another obstacle in 2023. According to the findings, fewer customers being able to afford routine vehicle maintenance, such as servicing, poses another threat to footfall and revenues for 57% of garages and workshops in 2023, whilst just under half (49%) explained that they will be looking to avoid passing on higher operating costs in the prices charged to customers due to the challenging economic climate. When asked about the difficulty in recruiting qualified staff during the coming year to expand capacity, 43% stated that adding experienced technicians to their team would continue to be a challenge. Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “Following the festive break, it is a case of picking up from where we left off in 2022, as the findings from our research show that garages and workshops will have to contend with a multitude of challenges this year. At the forefront of these will be navigating a rise in operational costs at a time when many consumers are feeling the strain on their finances, meaning vehicle maintenance and repairs could take a back seat.” Bill added: “As the headwinds facing the economy and households show little sign of abating in the short term, remaining competitive, retaining customers, and finding new revenue channels, will therefore be crucial for businesses in order to deliver a positive bottom line.”

www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org

IS YOUR EQUIPMENT ENGINEER GEA ACCREDITED?

www.gea.co.uk

GEA ACCREDITED ENGINEER

Name Company Discipline Exp Date ID Number XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 XX123456 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.

LKQ EURO CAR PARTS CEO SETS OUT KEY THEMES IN 2023

From a strong and diverse group of more than 500 students and apprentices, the Institute of the Motor Industry has announced 23 winners across four categories: Light Vehicle Technology, Body Repair, Refinishing and Heavy Vehicle. All finalists now go forward to the World Skills International competition to be held in Lyon in September 2024. “2022 has been another challenging year for the sector, yet we have seen a cohort of highly skilled automotive apprentices, of all ages, step forward,” said Richard Hutchins, Competitions Manager at the Institute of the Motor Industry. “The applicants and finalists come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and from groups that are generally under-represented in automotive. This makes the Class of 2022 even more inspirational, as we work together to make the sector more representative of cultures, genders, ethnicity, visible and nonvisible disability, and sexual orientation.” Ewan Griggor of AM Philip Truck Tech, pictured here, won Gold in the Light Vehicle Technology category, with Robert Griffin of Cecil & Lerter Volvo taking Silver and Charlie Taff-Lavill of Volkscraft achieving Bronze. A full list of winners can be found at https://tide.theimi.org.uk/industry-latest/news/imi-

announces-class-2022-skills-competitions-winners.

RMI ACADEMY SITE OPENS IN CHELTENHAM

The RMI Academy of Automotive Skills has opened a new training site in Cheltenham, offering a range of MOT, electric vehicle, and technical training to local automotive businesses. Stuart James, Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) Director, comments: “We are delighted to be opening our fifth academy in our mission to ensure that all garages can access high quality, affordable training to grow their business, upskill their staff and improve the skills shortage in our industry. We look forward to supporting many more local garages and technicians with top quality training and development opportunities, including a range of hybrid and electric vehicle courses to help prepare for the increasing number of high voltage cars on our roads.” The new RMI Academy in Cheltenham joins established facilities in Runcorn, Southam, Lincoln and Winchester. It is open to all garages in the motor trade. Preferential course prices are available for RMI members. Members of the Independent Garage Association (IGA) currently receive Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 training at a heavily subsidised rate of £250 + VAT.

Courses begin in February 2023 and are available to book now by calling 01788 538 399.

Andy Hamilton, CEO of LKQ Euro Car Parts, says there are four key areas set to dominate the industry, “Firstly, there will be a renewed focus on enhancing the customer experience. Independent garages and bodyshops can look to displace franchised operators if they can add a more professionalised experience to their more competitively priced offerings,” comments Hamilton. “A welcoming reception area, a clean workshop and a modern and functioning online presence can give motorists looking to make their money go further the confidence to work with an independent operator.” Providing cost-effective solutions is a second key area of focus. “Being able to offer lower cost alternatives to OEM brands without compromising on quality, for example, may offer a more cost-effective solution while showing empathy for the customer’s own financial situation,” Hamilton explains. “This is why one of our own major areas of focus this year will be bolstering the range of options available to garages and bodyshops, through our popular, quality brands like Starline and MPM.”

LKQ Euro Car Parts’ third key area of focus in 2023 is the ongoing fight to protect the interests of the independent sector. The threat of an extension of the mandatory MOT period remains, and there is uncertainty around whether an equivalent of SERMI will be introduced in Great Britain, as it will be in Northern Ireland.

Hamilton says that training and talent gaps must be addressed this year: “Leaving aside the race to get EV-ready and the need to build a sustainable future, which may rightly or wrongly feel like a problem for another day, the arrival of ADAS-equipped and even hybrid vehicles in the aftermarket is very much upon us – an issue exacerbated by the decline in new car sales. “Where they can, garages and bodyshops must continue to invest in the skills, people and equipment needed. There is even an opportunity to help take market share from franchises if they can service more sophisticated vehicles.”