A COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR OWNERS & MANAGERS OF MOT TESTING STATIONS

Maintain Ae Standards Certificate Provided Competitive Pricing

OVER 800 QMS’ PER ANNUM EXCEEDS DVSA STANDARDS

Why use SMTA QMS?

Currently we carry out over 800 QMS surveys per annum! Participation in the QMS programme and adhering to its standards should also substantially reduce the likelihood for DVSA to consider taking disciplinary action against a Vehicle Testing Station. However, if an incident necessitating this was to occur, then evidence of measures taken by Authorised Examiners to apply standards that exceed DVSA’s minimum standards would be taken into consideration and could lead to a reduction in the severity of any sanction imposed. SMTA members also benefit from free representation and appeals assistance, others will charge you additional costs for this service.

SMTA is proud to support:

COX AUTOMOTIVE

Positive outlook for 2023, but challenges remain

SMTA & DVSA MOT SEMINARS

6 Seminars in March 2023 - don’t miss out!

MEMBER PROFILE

CAR Star Winner CD Copland

THOMSON COOPER

Pay rises amidst the cost of living crisis

LOW EMISSION ZONES SCOTLAND

Glasgow start date is 1st June 2023

FEMALES IN FOCUS 2023

Full details on how to book a ticket

MEMBER PROFILE

If you would like to take advantage of advertising in Auto Insight which reaches all SMTA members and beyond to approximately 5,000 sites across Scotland, or have an article you would like to discuss for publication contact:

Wendy Hennessy Email: wendy.hennessy@smta.co.uk

For details of all up and coming SMTA events please contact:

Karen Thompson, Events & Media Manager Tel: 0131 331 5510 or Email: karen.thompson@smta.co.uk

At the time of writing this piece Ford Motor Company have just announced their intentions to reduce their UK workforce by 1,300 people within three years. The impacts of such a move will be felt across the motor industry as I doubt, these will be the last, we are all having to adjust and change from what has been a relatively stable business process in automotive for many years.

In Glasgow we are about to experience the first of Scotland’s Low Emission Zones as “Glasgow goes green” in June. We will continue to challenge the Scottish Government and local councils on some of their green policies which, whilst commendable in intent, can have long lasting detrimental impacts that are corrosive to our sector. The potential of the pace of these changes and clear lack of understanding or consideration to businesses impacted by these policies have been highlighted on numerous occasions, regrettably the audiences often engage selective hearing, such challenges exist in politics.

The drive to electrification in 2030 brings opportunities of that there is no doubt, as we see more and more electric vehicles appearing on our roads, new vehicle supply is starting to show some signs of recovery and the repair market will grow accordingly. We will launch our delayed AUTOESURE programme in April to assist the development of the aftersales for our members. The used EV market has now entered a period of price realignment with several brands experiencing major drops, could be a long and difficult year for the immature market in used EVs.

The front cover has our celebration logo in recognition of the SMTA’s 120th anniversary! We are very proud of this achievement and have a full calendar of events planned culminating in our Annual Dinner in October. In future editions of this magazine we will travel through time from 1903 up to date using motoring advertisements from each decade. Some are interesting, some are funny and some, created in less politically correct times, will make your toes curl, hopefully all will entertain!

Please remember this is your magazine, contributions are always welcome subject to our right to edit content.

Finally, this year’s CAR Star Awards are going to be really special given the 120-year celebrations, get you entry in early, it’s so easy, if you want advice or guidance get in touch with Karen Thompson or any of our Management team.

Kind regards www.smta.co.uk

Sandy Burgess FIMI Chief Executive, SMTA sandy.burgess@smta.co.uk

INSIGHT

by Philip Nothard Insight & Strategy Director, Cox Automotive