IMI MotorPro Issue 24

TO FIND NEW TALENT, SHIFT TO INCLUSION

HOW TO...

SELL THROUGH SUBSCRIPTION_LIFT SAFELY_WORK WITH CONNECTED CARS

THE EAST-WEST ALLIANCE

You can’t argue with the figures: China is the biggest EV market in the world. According to research by ING Group, the Dutch multinational banking and financial services corporation, 26% of the 23.5 million new passenger cars sold last year were either battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric.

And while China’s domestic EV market is growing, the large EV manufacturers have their sights set firmly on the global market, expanding into Europe and North America as electric vehicle adoption accelerates.

Companies such as Geely, BYD and MG are also increasing their vehicle choices, opening up opportunities in the UK.

More vehicles means more scope for dealers, with a growing range of brands and vehicles to work with. But it also means that the training knowledge developed in this country can be exported to China, fulfilling a demand for the very best vocational skills needed to work on and maintain EVs in the Chinese vehicle parc.

The IMI has already worked with bodies in China to deliver EV training. Jin Yuan Shi Qin Electro-Mechanical Equipment Co Ltd Beijing, known as GK, is an approved IMI Centre with the ability to deliver the IMI’s EV qualifications up to Level 3, as well as courses in body and paint repair, following IMI training for GK’s assessors and managers.

As the electrification trend gathers pace, the IMI is using its knowledge and skills to ensure EVs are properly maintained all over the world.

You can’t park there, mate: Geely’s Galaxy Light EVs search for a space in the global market

PUT YOURSELF IN SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES

Steve Nash explains how understanding the challenges faced by staff from disadvantaged backgrounds will help the industry

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

If there’s a question you’d like us to answer, email james.scoltock@thinkpublishing.co.uk

STEVE NASH’S TALKING POINT

08 IMI membership

Five benefits that IMI membership delivers to help you succeed

10 Ten in ten

Staying up to date with the stories you need to know but may have missed, from EV winter mileage contradictions to ULEZ cameras being vandalised

12 Trading places

MotorPro delves into a project that invites people to get back to the shop floor and talk to professionals who have overcome huge hurdles to carve out incredible careers in the sector

18 IMI Award winners

Meet the talented people and businesses who are shaping the future of automotive, helping to accelerate the industry’s progress in every sector

20 Inside an independent Determination, honesty and a community spirit has helped Matthew Wiseman drive the success of Wiseman Motor Services

40 Technical walkaround

Video British electric motorbike maker Maeving is shaking up the industry by mixing classical style with advanced propulsion. MotorPro pays the company a visit to get the low down on how it’s recharging the sector with its RM1

42 Crash course

The industry still has a lot to learn about EVs, not least how big the issues are for recovery and insurance firms in the event of an accident. We catch up with Thatcham Research’s engineering manager to find out more

48 Change of direction

Podcast MotorPro sits down with Mission Motorsport to find out how it’s helping military service personnel build a new career in automotive to bring more skills into the sector

50 The drive of my life

Freelance automotive journalist John Challen puts us behind the wheel of one of the most iconic hypercars of the century – the mind-bendingly fast €1m Bugatti Veyron

70 The IMI community

The latest news and updates from your IMI _ IMI members who have passed away

72 My motoring inspiration

IMI partnership manager Franco Boscarelli took an indirect route into automotive, but once part of the sector, he hasn’t looked back

HOW TO...

MotorPro © 2023

ISSN: 1742 5204

FIVE WAYS THE IMI DELIVERS FOR YOU AND YOUR CAREER

Editor James Scoltock james.scoltock@thinkpublishing.co.uk

Art Director

Ian Findlay

Managing Editor

Sam Upton

Content Director

Matthew Rock

Client Engagement Director

Kieran Paul

Executive Director

Jackie Scully

Advertising Matt Hall 02037 717257 matt.hall@thinkpublishing.co.uk

IMI INSURANCE HUB HELPING TO BRING THE COSTS DOWN

Opinions expressed in articles do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of the Motor Industry. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for claims made by manufacturers, contributors, advertisers or readers.

Members of the Audit Bureau of Circulations

Average net circulation 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018: 11,878

O1 O2

The IMI has partnered with insurance company Stubben Edge to offer you a growing range of insurance products. Established in 2018, Stubben Edge is a market innovator in the financial services sector, and has created an accessible marketplace for multiple groups and associations to make buying financial services easy. Through their hub you can get quotes for:

• Motor gap

• Scratches and dents

• Tyres and alloys

• Term life

• Motor breakdown

• Motor breakdown for taxis and driving instructors

• Multiple appliance

• Home emergency

With easy-to-follow online customer journeys written in plain English, Stubben Edge can also assist in sourcing bespoke insurance solutions for more specific requirements. You can contact their call centre for additional help and support.

To find out more, head to tide.theimi.org.uk/imi-connect/ members/imi-insurance-hub

Using your IMI membership to get discounts isn’t just about saving you money at work, but also at home. IMI members get discounts across a range of lifestyle, travel, health and wellbeing brands, so that’s everything from the weekly food shop to clothing.

As part of your membership, you’re also entitled to claim 45 minutes of free legal guidance with Taylor & Emmet Solicitors. Whether it’s for a professional or personal issue, all you need to do is call 08701 200 009.

We know that you’ll be checking your budget, and paying for your IMI membership could be difficult. Which is why you can

As an IMI member, you’re part of a vibrant community of automotive professionals and benefit from access to an exclusive package of career support, CPD, content and networking opportunities, all designed to help you develop and succeed

If you have completed an EV-related course in the past but don’t have the recognition of IMI TechSafe then now’s your chance. Whether you gained your IMI EV qualification recently or a while ago, there’s an avenue in place to help you receive the recognition you deserve.

Go to the IMI’s website to find out how to start your TechSafe® journey and stay up to date with the latest developments

THE IMI: EVERYTHING WE DO, WE DO IT FOR YOU

_We develop people and careers

_We run a global membership community

_We assess and accredit individuals operating in the sector

_We campaign and build public confidence

To find out more about the many advantages of your IMI membership, go to theimi.org.uk/membership

We work closely with all the fantastic IMI Centres in the UK and internationally, ensuring they stay at the heart of the IMI community. To help our Centres get the most out of being part of the IMI, its community platform, IMI Connect, is your single sign-in portal that puts learning and information tools in one place. The IMI Connect dashboard provides all the information you need, a one-stop-shop that includes:

• Single sign-in process for IMI systems

• A quick connection to your IMI support team

• Hassle-free sign-in to IMI webinars

• MotorPro magazine plus MotorPro online content

Log in to explore the dashboard, forum and resources, and send any comments using the feedback tab

The IMI offers a range of courses via eLearning and in-person to help keep your career on track and give you the skills you need to take the next step. Many are free to members.

So if you want to know more about the motor trade, how to use equipment for the best results, learn more about advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), on-board diagnostics, health and safety, along with so much more, we have the content for you.

Find the right course for you

TEN I N TEN

02 / LAW COMMISSION URGES REMOTE DRIVING LEGISLATION

The Law Commission has proposed reforms to existing legislation in order to facilitate remote driving. Following a consultation last year, key ideas include a blanket ban on remote driving controlled from abroad (until international agreements are made) and a law stipulating that operators need a Vehicle Special Order to run remotely driven vehicles without a safety driver. Primary legislation is likely to be required in the long run.

01 / EV WINTER RANGE

In tests conducted by What Car? and picked up by a gleeful national media, electric vehicles were shown to fall considerably short of their claimed ranges during the colder winter months. With new entrant the Ora Funky Cat coming to a stop around 33% sooner than it should, headlines rang out with claims that cold weather shortened EV ranges by a third, though the difference was less drastic in other models. Thankfully the weather should start to improve, along with the ranges.

04 / MAGNA TO CLOSE ITS MERSEYSIDE PLANT

Around 300 jobs are at risk in Halewood following Magna’s announcement that it plans to close the Merplas parts factory. Citing future business and market demands, Canadian giant Magna said it has informed employees that the site will be closing in the next 12-15 months.

03 / A WOMAN’S TOUCH

A Devon-based car leasing firm called Carparison is offering a female-only team for customers who would rather speak to a woman about their new car. Whether this is enough to convince more women into dealerships remains to be seen – less than a quarter of all car finance deals are signed by women.

05 / LATVIAN DRINK-DRIVERS CONTRIBUTE TO UKRAINIAN DEFENCE

Under measures designed to curb drink-driving in the Baltic state of Latvia, government officials can now impound cars if their drivers are more than three times over the limit, and send the vehicles to war-torn Ukraine. The first batch of cars, which included a Volvo, a Volkswagen and a Toyota, are being delivered to Ukrainian forces by Agendum, a Riga-based organisation supplying donated vehicles to the war effort.

06 / EV TARGETS ‘UNACHIEVABLE WITHIN REGULATORY TIMEFRAME’...

A survey of industry leaders undertaken by ABB Robotics and Automotive Manufacturing Solutions suggests that the transition to electric vehicles is unfeasible within the anticipated legislative timelines. Some 59% of respondents said that the shift to pure EV production is unattainable by government deadlines, with just 11% feeling that present targets were realistic.

07 / …WHILE GERMANY THINKS E-FUEL IS THE ANSWER

In an attempt to stave off the approaching ban, Germany (along with Italy and Bulgaria) is aggressively lobbying the European Commission to include synthetic carbon-based fuels in its environmental agenda. Proponents say that these fuels are a vital and carbon-neutral component of the green transition, while critics say it’s an ecological red herring. There are enough countries who agree with Germany to block final sign-off of the 2035 deadline.

09 / GOVERNMENT DELAYS ROADBUILDING PROJECTS AND HS2 – AGAIN

Major road projects previously expected to begin next year have been pushed back to at least 2025, as soaring inflation makes infrastructure projects too expensive. The Lower Thames Crossing, set to cost at least £9bn, is expected to be pushed back even further, while HS2, one of the country’s largest ever transport projects, is likely to be delayed by another few years.

08 / ULEZ CAMERA VANDALISM

The growing network of cameras installed to enforce London’s expanding ULEZ zone is being sabotaged by unknown vandals amid widespread controversy surrounding the scheme. Some are being obscured with paint, while others –including four in Abbey Wood – have been physically damaged. Four Tory-controlled boroughs are launching legal action against the ULEZ expansion.

10 / AUDI LAUNCHES E-BIKE

In a welcome departure from its increasingly hefty SUVs, Audi has launched an electric mountain bike. Boasting a 36V, 90Nm motor powered by an integrated 720Wh Fantic battery, the £8,499 bike is inspired by the Audi RS Q e-tron E2 rally car. Its official name? The Audi electric mountain bike powered by Fantic – catchy.

WE’RE

First Step Trust’s Trading Places® project opens the doors to the workshop, bringing in senior executives to work alongside people with mental health problems and other challenges to discover just what people can do when given the opportunity

WORDS_ JAMES SCOLTOCK

veryone understands that the automotive industry needs to attract more talented people into the sector if it wants to remain successful. To achieve that it needs to cast its net wider to find the skilled and enthusiastic people to drive it forward. But that doesn’t always happen.

There’s sometimes a lack of empathy and understanding for people who have had difficult moments in their lives, but when given the right support they can become a core part of a business. The challenge is how you change the direction of automotive and persuade companies to rethink their approach to bringing in new people from a range of backgrounds.

Stigmatisation is an issue that’s putting the brakes on some people being able to build a successful automotive career. Mention mental health and some instantly take a step back, but it shouldn’t be like that, and First Step Trust’s Trading Places® project is positively challenging people’s perceptions.

“I want participants to meet people as

competent workers,” says Ronnie Wilson, Chief Executive of First Step Trust. “They come along, do a session, get to know people who may have mental health problems, and find out how they’ve been supported so they can learn and develop.”

As Wilson says, negative mental health is a lottery you don’t want to win, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation. “The idea is getting people to understand the strengths of others, learning that people could be productive employees if they’re given the opportunity.”

FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE

Trading Places® was an opportunity the IMI was keen to embrace in its determination to improve the industry as part of its drive for diversity and inclusion.

A group from the IMI, which included IMI President Professor Jim Saker, IMI Careers and Student Membership Manager Joanna Hollingdale, IMI Product Specialist Dr Pam Phillippo, IMI Business Development Manager Michelle Barrett, and IMI Executive Assistant Dee McHugh, all headed to First Step Trust in Woolwich, South East London to try their hand at different workshop tasks, learn the different approaches to training, and most importantly, talk with the people Wilson is trying to support.

“We had Professor Jim Saker and others from the team here meeting people,” says Wilson. “They had an opportunity to talk with people in the workshop and see how virtual reality training can help people with disadvantages overcome some of the barriers to employment.”

This experience was invaluable for the IMI team, giving them an opportunity to talk directly with people who haven’t had the easiest path to a successful career, but with a little support have made great inroads. It also highlighted how new technologies can make a big difference,

especially virtual reality.

“There’s no point in putting folk into jobs if they don’t actually have the skills to do it,” continues Wilson. “What virtual reality does is begin to level the playing field, helping to build confidence and competence. That applies to folk who are being disadvantaged in the labour market because of mental health or drug and alcohol recovery problems, and folk that have been victims of homophobia, chauvinistic attitudes to women, or racism, negativities that can stifle people’s development very often from a young age. Virtual reality opens up a new way of supporting that group.”

Anti-clockwise from above: Dee McHugh, Dr Pam Phillippo, Michelle Barrett and Prof Jim Saker get up close and personal with the Trading Places® scheme

OPEN UP TO OPPORTUNITY

For Trading Places® to make real change in the industry, more people need to take part and adopt some of its approaches, expanding the opportunities for those who would love to work in automotive but have faced certain challenges.

Wilson’s message is straightforward: “I would like more executives to visit Trading Places® and look at the programmes that we’re doing such as virtual reality, and see if it’s something that fits them. If it helps open up their business to folk with disadvantages, they would actually be bringing in people who are productive, and everybody’s a winner.”

Automotive offers so many career opportunities, but it hasn’t always been open or supportive enough to help people make the move into the sector. The more it can, the less the skills squeeze will be an issue. The starting point may well be simply getting people to spend time talking to find out how the industry can be more open and supportive.

For more information on First Step Trust, go to www.firststeptrust.co.uk

Above: The IMI team line up with First Step Trust Chief Executive Ronnie Wilson and the scheme’s students

IMI

CAN CHANGE INDUSTRY ATTITUDES

“It was very illuminating and a fascinating exercise putting yourself in somebody else’s shoes, which I think is incredibly important. If you want to be a modern transformational leader in today’s world, you have to understand the breadth of what society is, and Trading Places® helps you do that.

“For me, it was about understanding what is possible in a world where you make reasonable adjustments in the workplace. My takeaway is that I didn’t fully understand it beforehand, didn’t fully grasp what was required, but now I do, and that’s a positive for the IMI and our work.

“The challenge is encouraging people to do this particular type of type of work because this is something that needs to be done from the top downwards. Senior people need to engage in this process so that they understand and can create a strategy that helps them engage with a wider range of society.

“With greater engagement, I think it could take off. People and organisations could help fund and support this activity and put something back into society –something positive, not just tokenism.”

DR PAM PHILLIPPO, IMI PRODUCT SPECIALIST, ON THE OPEN ATMOSPHERE AT FIRST STEP TRUST

“First Step Trust’s Trading Places® uses virtual reality to remove barriers to learning, transforming the experience for people with mental health problems or other disadvantages.

“VR programmes help people learn marketable skills in a virtual world, using the range of equipment found in most garages. Trainees are offered the opportunity to undertake a work placement at First Step Trust’s garage in Woolwich, London to further develop their confidence and learn skills in a range of tasks. I was taken through the VR programme and then had an opportunity to visit the workshop to put some of that learning into practice.

“First Step Trust has established a psychologically safe environment, and there’s a palpable sense of community and belonging. I was moved by the way in which trainees were able to speak so openly about their own particular challenges and what First Step Trust has meant to them.”

“ YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE BREADTH OF WHAT SOCIETY IS”

PRESIDENT PROFESSOR JIM SAKER ON HOW TRADING PLACES®

“ THERE’S A PALPABLE SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND BELONGING”

Above: Dr Pam Phillippo gets to grips with inclusive learning, while (below) Prof Jim Saker sees how small changes can make a big difference

Every year, the IMI champions and celebrates the automotive sector’s outstanding individuals and organisations across the UK. Presented at the IMI Annual Dinner, the IMI Awards 2023 showcased the impressive diversity, innovation and versatility across the entire industry

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

OUTSTANDING

CONTRIBUTION TO THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Auto Trader

Sponsored by AutoTech Group

Working with the Carbon Literacy Trust, Auto Trader introduced a first-of-its-kind Automotive Carbon Literacy Toolkit. It’s more important than ever that the automotive industry moves towards a carbon-neutral model, and the free one-day course supports this. Designed in collaboration with several leading brands, the toolkit helps to educate staff, suppliers and customers, and encourage people to take action in reducing their carbon footprint. Over 512 individuals have already been trained from 85 automotive businesses.

Shortlisted

Andrew Crook, GotBoost

Darren Smyth, Exeter College

CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORK OF THE IMI

BMW Group Academy UK

Sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts

The BMW Group Academy UK was the first ever IMI TechSafe® Centre of Excellence, delivering exceptional training and achieving the highest number of high-voltage-qualified technicians in the industry. The Academy actively supports the IMI’s wider business objectives, from hosting European delegates on behalf of the professional body to working on the development of EPAs, such as re-shaping question banks and optimising assessment best practice procedures. The BMW Group Academy has many longstanding IMI members, with three staff awarded Fellowship of the IMI (FIMI) in 2022.

Shortlisted Autotech Training Acorn Training College

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

George Hinkley

Scania South Mimms

Sponsored by GSF Car Parts

At 19 years old, George has already won a number of prestigious industry awards. Colleagues describe him as an outstanding employee at Scania GB, approaching each day with passion and dedication. With a wealth of facts and figures, George is constantly demonstrating his commitment to both personal and professional development, and was awarded a distinction for his Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship standard in 2022.

Shortlisted

Coll Izatt, Fife AutoTech

Natalie Dickinson, Chelmsford Audi

FULL-TIME STUDENT OF THE

YEAR

Thomas Morris

Bridgwater & Taunton College

Sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts

Thomas is a great role model and outstanding student, taking immense pride in his work and attendance. Always willing to support other students and helping those who need it, he has faced various hurdles in his learning, but has identified ways to ensure he is learning in a way that suits him. Thomas is currently working through his qualifications and is looking forward to going into full-time employment in the automotive industry.

Shortlisted

Declan McCloughlin, Macclesfield College

Imran Uddin, New City College

Outstanding Contribution to the Automotive Industry

Contribution to the Work of the IMI

PARTNER OF THE YEAR

AWARD

LKQ Euro Car Parts

Sponsored by Auto Trader

LKQ Euro Car Parts is forever championing the values of the IMI, demonstrated by its commitment to CPD, learning, upskilling, compliance and best practice. This year, the organisation launched PDC accredited programmes and continues to support the IMI in the ‘Road to Zero’ mission through its increased coverage of new tech and EV qualifications. The company’s customer-focused approach caters to all stages of the industry’s learning needs, and results in it being a great contributor to the sector and a major player when it comes to reducing the skills gaps.

Shortlisted

Exeter College

Technical Topics College

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

UK Truck & Plant Group (UKTP)

Sponsored by ALPHERA Financial Services

UKTP is leading the way in terms of environmentally friendly and sustainable business practices. It’s pushing for a paperless office, incorporating new technology to eliminate unnecessary travel and recycles around 91% of all generated waste, such as engine oils, coolants, filters and scrap metal. UKTP has partnered with Carbon Footprint and is set to be carbon negative by spring 2023. With the current environmental impact of the industry, this push for carbon neutrality is key to the future of the sector.

Shortlisted

The AA Rivus

DIVERSITY AND

EQUALITY,

INCLUSION AWARD –CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY

IN AUTOMOTIVE

Volkswagen Group UK

Jointly sponsored by NFDA and IGA

Volkswagen Group UK’s diversity and inclusion journey has gone from strength to strength. What started as a drive to increase the number of women in the sector has grown to include a drive for cultural diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, disability and neurodiversity inclusion, and more. Its work has led to dramatic increases in representation across all these areas, which is great news for the industry.

Shortlisted

Arnold Clark

Jardine Motors Group

SUE BROWNSON AWARD 2022

Prof. Jim Saker

Created in honour of former President of the IMI, the late Sue Brownson OBE, this prestigious award is a celebration and recognition of outstanding leadership in the automotive industry.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS

Honorary FIMI – Julia Muir

The founder of the Automotive 30% Club and last year’s winner of the IMI’s Sue Brownson Award has this year become an Honorary Fellow of the IMI (FIMI).

Honorary FIMI

Graham Smith OBE

The industry veteran and former IMI President was awarded an Honorary Fellowship.

Supporting sponsors: Shell, Lucas-Nülle, Boswell Aftermarket, and Snap-on

Full-time Student of the Year

President’s Award Partner of the Year

Apprentice of the Year

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Honorary FIMI – Graham Smith OBE

Honorary FIMI – Julia Muir

Being a nice guy gets you a long way in life. Mixed with a determination to provide the best service possible, Matthew Wiseman has grown Wiseman Motor Services into a vital part of the Solihull community

WORDS_ JOHN CHALLEN IMAGES_WILL AMLOT

LOCAL HERO

You raise me up!

tarting your own business aged 19 might sound like a daunting prospect for most people, but Matthew Wiseman knew his own mind. Studying and sports – two key elements in most people’s school years – weren’t for him, so at 16 he joined the military. But it wasn’t the right choice, so he went straight into work at a local garage instead.

“Even though I was privately educated, I wasn’t really academic,” explains the founder of Wiseman Motor Services. “I was always mechanically minded. We lived on a working farm with a number of outbuildings and I’d been doing all sorts of manual jobs there since I was 12 years old. Whether it was lambing sheep or fixing tractors, that’s what I was more interested in. Even at that age, I had an absolute determination to be successful in what I do. I don’t really compete with others, but I’m certainly personally competitive.”

It didn’t take long for his personality and drive to push his career forward. He saw enough of his first boss giving the garage business a bad name that he decided after two years to go it alone.

However, it wasn’t the straightest of paths. While working as a tree surgeon during the day, Wiseman spent his evenings fixing cars and learning many of the lessons he still uses today.

“I was absolutely determined to create a business that people wanted,” he says. “We’re in a distressed sale industry and I wanted to make that experience as painless as possible for my customers.”

And it’s that determination that’s made Wiseman Motor Services a triumph.

How did your journey into the automotive sector begin?

Good communication and transparency. A customer recently told me he was quite picky about who he has working on his car. Because he’s an engineer, he knows what needs to be done when it goes wrong. He said he liked the fact he could trust us to do a good job. We don’t try and deceive anyone and we still make a living out of the business. We must offer a good service because some customers have been coming to us for every one of the 35 years that we’ve been in existence!

Has the vision for the business changed over time?

Not really. It’s never been a short-term money-making venture. This is a long-term project that’s lasted for 35 years, and I’ll probably keep at it for another 20. We have a couple of staff members who are becoming more involved in the running of the business, and will be a big part of its future. My son’s gone into teaching so he’s not necessarily interested, but these two are of a similar age and place in their lives to him.

Boss Matthew Wiseman leads the 90s boy band revival

“WE STARTED OFF WITH ONE OF THE FARM’S BUILDINGS AND NOW IT’S SIX TIMES THE SIZE OF THAT. WE KEPT DOUBLING THE SIZE AND SPACE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, AND NOW HAVE NINE RAMPS, WHICH ARE ALWAYS FULL”

Since its origins as a separate division of Autotech Group, Autotech Training has witnessed significant growth and is now a company in its own right with a growing team at the helm

TRAINED TO PERFECTION

Created to upskill the company’s contractor network and support the upskilling of the automotive aftermarket, Autotech Training reported a tenfold increase in demand for its courses last year. This demand has resulted in considerable growth in bookings for its IMIaccredited electric/hybrid vehicle training courses, with over 1,100 people EV trained throughout 2022, including delegates travelling from countries as far away as the Caribbean, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. Midway through 2022, the company also added IMI EV Heavy Vehicle courses to its portfolio, boosting demand further.

On-site training

Located in Milton Keynes, Autotech Training’s headquarters feature a purpose-built EV Training Suite complete with an electric vehicle for hands-on learning. While a draw for delegates, the company’s success has been defined by the unique roll-out of its training courses. By conducting courses on the site of any workshop or business across the UK, Autotech Training is helping organisations make an average saving of 25% when compared to the full cost of sending employees off-site for training.

“On-site training is becoming increasingly sought after,” explains Colin Gleghorn (right), managing director of Autotech Training. “While cost saving and minimising business downtime can be a dealbreaker, delivering training to a group of employees at their place of work ensures that the same message is

conveyed. Last year, 70% of the training we delivered was conducted on the premises of a garage or business, with our experienced trainers collectively travelling over 150,000 miles, delivering courses as far afield as the Shetland Islands.”

Earlier this year, Autotech Training also extended its offering to Northern Ireland with the appointment of Dasos Michaelides as head of business development for Ireland. With over 40 years of experience working within Northern Ireland’s automotive industry, Dasos will head up the roll-out of electric/hybrid courses across the region.

Challenges solved

However, EV training hasn’t just been restricted to the automotive industry. Autotech Training’s flexible offering has created awareness across other sectors, with major contracts in place with EV production facilities, vehicle refurb companies, local authorities, and the emergency services.

Over the last year, demand for upskilling has increased, with all areas of Autotech Training seeing an uplift. During 2022, over 200 MOT managers were trained, while Automotive Air Con Refrigerant and Handling courses remained popular, with the training of hundreds of vehicle technicians and delivery of over 50 IRTEC, REACT and ADAS courses. While the skills shortage continues to deepen across the industry and the pool of available talent depletes, vehicle evolution has continued apace. For example, there’s little doubt that technology has transformed mobility, but this is causing challenges for the aftermarket as connectivity is leaving them exposed, particularly the independents who don’t have vehicle manufacturers above them passing down mandatory training. Without the knowledge to create robust digital defences, garages are running the risk of cybercrime, which could make them fall foul of insurance companies. Technology should also be harnessed to streamline processes and monitor data. The DVSA is already utilising the power of tech to crack down on MOT fraud, and this needs to be filtered through to the testing stations to ensure they have the skills and technology available to process MOT data. The digital tools are available; they just need to be implemented correctly, and training will support this.

Staying one step ahead

There is little doubt that the sector has changed beyond all recognition, particularly for people who have worked within it for decades. The required level of skill has massively evolved, and the risks have grown tenfold. As a result, Autotech Training will continue to enhance its offering to support the industry and create courses which will help those working within the sector stay one step ahead.

For more information, go to www.autotechtraining.co.uk

How have you grown the business since you first started?

We’re now up to seven staff and offer the full range, including servicing, tyres and body repairs, all the way up to complete engine rebuilds. We started off with one of the farm’s buildings and now it’s six times the size of that. We kept doubling the size and space over a period of time, and now have nine ramps, which are always full.

What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

Convincing people that I could do the job and getting people to take you seriously as a new starter. I was fortunate because a local estate agent gave me the opportunity to fix his company’s cars, and because he

was so well-known, it wasn’t long before lots of other people were coming to me. After that, the next hurdle was getting people to understand that you weren’t going to be cheap, but you’d do a great job. I’ve always been honest and told people how much things cost – no one ever leaves here with a bill they don’t know about. We don’t start anything until we’ve got all of the details nailed down.

What have been the biggest successes?

Obviously, having a thriving business with a raft of happy customers counts for a lot. I don’t really measure success in a financial way. Success is how people view you and I’ve always been sensitive to people’s opinion of me – especially in this business, which is often portrayed in a bad light. I’ve worked hard to change that image and like to think that I’ve made a difference.

What is the importance of being an OESAA garage?

Part of what I’m interested in is attracting youngsters into the industry, because it can offer a great career. We talk to Delphi, Bosch and lots of Tier One OEM suppliers and they always ask what’s happening to the motor trade, because there’s no one coming into it. That’s partly why OESAA exists, because it creates a platform for youngsters to interact with the likes of Brembo, Delphi and Bosch. For those suppliers, if you talk to these young people, you instil a level of knowledge and understanding about their brands,

British chair ways: Matthew Wiseman and a staff member enjoy a welcome rest

so they are more likely to use, for example, Brembo components.

You’ve made more connections to the community through football. How’s that working out?

We give a free MOT away to a random car that’s parked in the car park as part of our marketing efforts. We all love football here: I’m a Birmingham City supporter and my colleagues in the office are Aston Villa, so there’s not much mutual ground. But we sponsor Solihull Moors, which is a local club looking to get out of the National League. We meet customers and potential customers around the ground and interact with people that we wouldn’t normally interact with. It’s a good opportunity to ‘press the flesh’ and tell people who you are and what you do. If you’ve got something in common with someone, it’s a good starting point to a conversation and you never know where it might lead.

The IMI’s Professional Register is an industrywide database of professional individuals recognised for maintaining their knowledge, skills and competency. To find out more, go to www.imiregister.org.uk

For a full list of the IMI’s accreditations, which provide proof of current competence for an individual’s automotive abilities, go to the Accreditation section of the IMI website

(Left) Laugh and the whole world laughs with you. (Above) Oh...

The UK’s largest automotive trade event is heading to the NEC in Birmingham in June, offering a vital opportunity for aftermarket professionals to source the latest tools, technology and innovations

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO

AUTOMECHANIKA BIRMINGHAM

SAY HI TO THE IMI AT AUTOMECHANIKA

The IMI are excited to announce that they will be at Automechanika, delivering a series of training sessions, alongside exclusive talks by Steve Nash, Chris Cotterill and Steve Scofield. As well as EV training in HV System Isolation and Plug-in Charging, we have the EV Training Academy, a thrilling opportunity to boost your EV skills and knowledge.

As a partnership between the IMI and Our Virtual Academy, the EV Training Academy will run a series of free 30-minute

training sessions on EV and hybrid vehicles throughout the event, teaching tips and tricks, and helping you understand the new world of electrification. You will also have the opportunity to ask our experts anything about EV and hybrid technology.

The IMI will be at Stand 0118 in the EV PARC. Discover our full range of training courses, as well as the benefits of being a member

Automechanika Birmingham, and after a four-year hiatus, it’s back. The UK’s largest automotive trade exhibition has reported unprecedented visitor demand as registration figures are currently 112% higher among garage professionals than the same period when the event was last held.

Taking place between 6-8 June 2023 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the event will be the first Automechanika in the UK since 2019, with exhibiting brands including Bilstein Group, Bosch, Brembo, Castrol, Delphi, HELLA, LIQUI MOLY, MANN+HUMMEL, and ZF Aftermarket.

All visitor metrics for the event are currently surpassing figures set at the same point before the show was last held in the UK four years ago, with 168% more bodyshop and collision repair professionals now registered ahead of this time in 2019.

Be part of the debate

Automechanika Birmingham is considered the most important event for the UK automotive industry, and it comes at a vital time, with so much disruption and change impacting the community. The free show

opportunity to source the latest tools, technology and innovations, as well as network with the UK market to compare challenges and offer insight.

“It’s fantastic to see such a large cohort of the automotive aftermarket embracing the opportunity to share knowledge and find solutions to the immediate challenges,” says Alex Jones, marketing director at event organiser Messe Frankfurt UK. “The entire organising team is delighted to see such a strong take-up – these figures have surpassed our expectations.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming so many aftermarket professionals from across the garage and vehicle repair industry alongside automotive enthusiasts to the NEC in Birmingham this June. With so much on offer, it’s no wonder that the exhibitor line up is the strongest it’s been since launch, and visitor registrations are at recordbreaking levels.

“As reports grow of business owners and industry stakeholders returning to attend industry conferences inperson, we’re delighted to see the trend repeating itself here, with delegates benefitting from the chance to network and learn with their aftermarket peers.”

Exceeding expectation

Boosted by a refreshed Automotive Supply Chain Forum event held within Automechanika Birmingham, visitor registrations for supply chain stakeholders are almost 300% higher than the event team at Messe Frankfurt UK expected.

Features at the show include a Workshop Training Hub, which will deliver technical seminars on engine fault diagnostics, MOT, diesel, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems and much more. There will also be a new Electric Vehicles Training Hub, featuring discussions on EV and hybrid technology, and how to make the successful transition to EV repairs.

For more information about Automechanika Birmingham, go to www.automechanika-birmingham.com

“IT’S FANTASTIC TO SEE SUCH A LARGE COHORT OF THE AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET EMBRACING THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE KNOWLEDGE AND FIND SOLUTIONS TO THE IMMEDIATE CHALLENGES”

Automechanika is a leading global platform that brings together the world’s most innovative automotive products and technologies, which is why the Automotive Training Academy is excited to be a part of the 2023 show.

“Our participation in this event offers the perfect opportunity to showcase our unique range of EV and diagnostics training,” says Andy Brooke, managing director of the Automotive Training Academy and sister company Maverick Diagnostics. “From the fundamentals of diagnostics to advanced dealer diagnostics courses, we look forward to demonstrating our expertise in providing solutions to the modern independent garage.”

Essential stages

Along with acquiring the right tooling and subscribing to technical and software support, training is an essential stage in a workshop’s journey to becoming a modern and profitable business in the new world of EVs and the latest wave of advanced automotive technology. As technology advances and workshops are faced with vehicles peppered with sensors, security gateways and component protection, all controlled by manufacturer software, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest tools, techniques, and training.

The Automotive Training Academy has the solution with its wide range of EV and diagnostics training, and will present its offerings to workshops at Automechanika Birmingham in June.

TECH TRAINING AT AUTOMECHANIKA

The Automotive Training Academy is delighted to be involved in this year’s highly anticipated automotive exhibition, Automechanika Birmingham, alongside sister company Maverick Diagnostics

Diagnostics training

With a wide range of diagnostics training, including the fundamentals of diagnostics, oscilloscope and specialised dealer tool training courses, the Automotive Training Academy (ATA) can help independent workshops gain the deep levels of knowledge and expertise needed to diagnose and repair modern, highly computerised vehicles efficiently and confidently.

Designed with the independent workshop in mind to level the playing field with the dealerships, the ATA’s dealer diagnostics courses cover the VAG, BMW, PSA and JLR brands, with Mercedes, Ford and more coming soon. “If independent workshops use the same diagnostic tools and knowledge as dealerships, they can provide a higher level of service, keep complex jobs in-house, and win more business,” says Brooke.

EV and hybrid training

As electric and hybrid vehicles become more prevalent, EV training has become another essential component of the

modern garage. With the ATA’s IMI EV & Hybrid training courses, independent garages can expand their services and take advantage of the growing demand for EV repairs and maintenance using newly acquired skills and knowledge to service them safely and effectively.

Higher level of service

Ultimately, the key elements of a modern garage are all about providing the highest level of service to its customers. With dealer tools, technical support and training, garages can modernise and stay ahead of the competition.

“It’s vital that workshops invest in their future today and start building a modern garage that will both withstand and flourish in the latest wave of automotive technology,” says Brooke.

Meet the Automotive Training Academy at Automechanika

Automechanika Birmingham will take place from 6-8 June 2023 at the NEC. The Automotive Training Academy invites you to visit Maverick Diagnostics’ booth L140, where Automotive Training Academy will be exhibiting, and discover how we can help you take your diagnostics and EV skills to the next level. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our passion for automotive training. See you at Automechanika!

Click here to register for your free pass

— Visit www.automotivetraining.info to book your training

COME AND SEE US AT

COME AND SEE US AT

Join us and Our Virtual Academy at Automechanika and witness the latest and greatest in electric vehicle (EV) technology. With two EV’s on the stand, the opportunity to take part in the EV Training Academy and speaking sessions from Steve Nash, Chris Cotterill and Steve Scofield sharing their knowledge, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

Join us and Our Virtual Academy at Automechanika and witness the latest and greatest in electric vehicle (EV) technology. With two EV’s on the stand, the opportunity to take part in the EV Training Academy and speaking sessions from Steve Nash, Chris Cotterill and Steve Scofield sharing their knowledge, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

The IMI and OVA are delivering an EV Training Academy during the event

The IMI and OVA are delivering an EV Training Academy during the event

Essential EV Training

HV System Isolation: Low-voltage service disconnect.

Essential EV Training

HV System Isolation:

Low-voltage service disconnect.

Advanced EV Training

Advanced EV Training

Plug-in Charging: Proximity pilot circuit. EV PARC STAND 0118

EV PARC STAND 0118

Plug-in Charging: Proximity pilot circuit.

Register for tickets:

Register for tickets:

6-8 June 2023, NEC, Birmingham

6-8 June 2023, NEC, Birmingham

WHY CASTROL?

Buy a minimum of 120 litres of EDGE + 120 litres of MAGNATEC between 3rd April and 2nd June and receive £100 voucher. Double your order and get £200 Voucher.

HERO

."(/"5&$ 5W-30 A5

."(/"5&$ 5W-40 DPF

."(/"5&$ 0W-30 C2

."(/"5&$ 5W-30 C2

."(/"5&$ 5W-20 E

."(/"5&$ 0W-30 D

."(/"5&$ 0W-30 GS1/DS1

."(/"5&$ 5W-30 DX

."(/"5&$ 5W-30 S1

."(/"5&$ 0W-20 GF

."(/"5&$ 0W-20 DSL

THE CASTROL NETWORK

Each order needs to include a minimum of 3 of the hero products listed here that you have not purchased in the last 6 months.

CALL 0800 371910 (OPTION 4) OR EMAIL SALES@THERACEGROUP.CO.UK

TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP ENERGISE YOUR WORKSHOP

Castrol’s lubricants, technical expertise, business support and branding options for independent workshops could help your business grow. Just ask Tim Benson of Oldfields Garage Services

“EVERYONE’S HEARD OF CASTROL!”

Providing an outstanding range of lubricants, technical expertise, business support and branding options to independent workshops is central to the Castrol Service opportunity, helping businesses to grow and develop a competitive advantage by joining a recognised and supported network. Tim Benson, owner of Oldfields Garage Services, immediately felt a boost in all areas of operations when he joined Castrol’s Service Network in 2022.

Customer service has always been integral to the success and reputation of Oldfields since it was founded by Tim’s parents over 30 years ago. The fully branded exterior, along with interior signage and point of sale materials, establish a reassuringly professional and distinct image. “We wanted to be affiliated with a well-known brand,” says Benson. “It was a no brainer from a customer point of view – everyone’s heard of Castrol!”

Distinctive Castrol branding runs through many visible aspects of the business, from signage outside the workshop, digital messaging to welcome customers in reception, through to workwear, leaflets and stationery. The Castrol Guarantee also provides complete customer peace of mind when engine work has been undertaken using their lubricants.

Get energised

“It’s really energised our workshop in terms of how we can get access to information” says Benson, citing specific training opportunities and online product selectors as being invaluable.

Sam Peters, auto technician at Oldfields, agrees: “The website’s really good because it allows you to quickly identify what oil you need for what car. Racks, jugs and easy-pour dispensers

allow you to easily find the oil you need”.

Oil delivery products such as the 20l oil stand create a safe and tidy workshop environment with all Castrol products in one place, while the FastScan application gives rewards to the workshop each time they use Castrol.

Working with Castrol Ambassador Distributor The Race Group also provides essential professional support to workshops such as Oldfields. “The Race Group team is knowledgeable and helpful,” says Benson. “They even conducted a lubricants survey to ensure we stock the right oils for the wide variety of makes and marques we see in the workshop. The levels of customer service and technical advice they provide are truly first class.”

Every element of the Castrol Service Network offering has been designed to reflect the true needs of today’s independent workshop, including access to marketing campaigns, customer incentives and promotions. Inclusion in the ‘Look Up’ online service locator drives new customers to their door from the

Castrol website. As Benson says, “This is another avenue to access customers, while promotions help us to engage with them.”

Expanding business

“EVs and hybrids are very much in the marketplace” says Benson, with Castrol offering specialist training on the specific lubricant needs of these vehicles, which now represent an increasing proportion of Oldfield’s customer base. “Growth is very important to our business, and it’s important that we look at all areas.

Castrol has really given our business a boost – the whole ethos is really good and customers are prepared to pay more for a better product.”

Castrol is often first-to-market in developing new products, and regards appropriate technician training as essential. Accessible and immediate online training modules are often made available to the Service Network before being released to the wider market, giving those garages the opportunity to capitalise on new trends and products, as well as talk confidently to customers about the lubricants they are using.

Benson would certainly encourage other independent workshop owners to find out more about becoming part of the Castrol Service Network. “It’s a winning team,” he says. “It’s given our business a boost and I’d encourage you to look at it carefully yourselves.”

To find out more about becoming a Castrol Service Workshop, please contact call 0800 371910 (Option 4) or register your interest here

Come and see us

Stand N100

Visit the team on our biggest stand to check out our exclusive in-house component brands like Starline and MPM, and feel the quality for yourself.

Get to know the full braking range - Pagid and Eicher – with warranties that guarantee happy customers every time.

And try your luck on spin the wheel for the chance to win!

Stand N125

Come and visit us at the Modern Garage stand being hosted by our expert Workshop Solutions team.

We’ll be covering a range of new tech and how to implement it in your workshop. Plus we’ll be hosting live demonstrations throughout the event on GMS, Diagnostics Solutions, and more!

Plus, find out more on how to up-skill your workshop from the UK’s biggest, best and award-winning training provider – LKQ Academy.

Modern Garage

Stand O315

Head to the 1TEC Auto Hub stand to meet the team behind the newest Automotive Concept Community. This is one you really don’t want to miss.

1TEC Auto Hub brings together eight leading automotive partners to provide you with all the tools, training and support required to reach your goals and stay ahead of the competition.

Our mission is simple - to develop the market-leading automotive concept community. And we want you to be part of it.

Register for your free event ticket

Stand Y100

Head over to meet our bodyshop technical and sales team to discover what we can offer to help future proof your Bodyshop.

You can get up close with our collision parts, get involved in our virtual reality ‘spray area’ or step into our sustainability zone to see what practical changes you could make…that don’t have to cost the earth!

We really are committed to being your supportive partner of choice.

VISIT

To register for your FREE pass to Automechanika Birmingham, scan here:

Automechanika

Tool Connection is the leading automotive specialist tools supplier in the UK, providing innovative solutions to both the independent aftermarket and to OEM’s. Covering both the workshop and bodyshop markets, with our Laser Tools and Power-TEC brands, along with Connect Workshop Consumables for both markets, Tool Connection keeps up-to-date with automotive technology, constantly researching and launching new products into the market.

COME AND SEE US AT THE SHOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

� 1st PRIZE

2 x VIP Passes to the BTCC at Donington Park on 27 Aug 2023

� 2nd PRIZE

£250 worth of tools from the Laser Tools range

� 3rd PRIZE

A Laser Tools Racing Chair

To enter, ask Tool Connection’s staff working on the stand to scan your show pass with a chance to win*

MAKING MASS MOBILITY COOL

A British startup that wants to rework the approach to two-wheeled mobility, Maeving’s RM1 combines the aesthetic purity of vintage motorcycles with the minimalist elegance of electric propulsion. MotorPro explains why the small brand has succeeded where many others have failed

INSIDE THE MAEVING RM1

The government wants more EVs on the road, but what happens if one has an accident? Find out how the insurance, recovery and repair sectors could change as electrification gathers pace

WORDS_ JAMES SCOLTOCK

CRASH COURSE

s the automotive sector slowly weans itself off combustion technology and transitions to an electrified future, the number of questions that need answering increases. But not every question is related to an EV’s range and where you can recharge the battery. The increasing number of EVs on the road also raises key questions for the repair and insurance sectors, which is why more research is being conducted in the area.

Launched at the end of 2022, the nattily titled Impact of BEV Adoption on Repair and Insurance Sectors research project looked at what happens in the collision repair and salvage processes, and how the involvement of an electric vehicle impacts insurance claims and their associated costs. Funded by Innovate UK, the project brought together Thatcham Research, insurer LV= and SYNETIQ, a specialist in vehicle

salvage, dismantling and recycling, for five months of intense investigation that could transform the entire car insurance sector.

BIG-PICTURE THINKING

The shift to electric has shown the industry to be extremely agile in adapting to meet the net zero challenge, with sales figures proving that more drivers are plugging into EVs. This makes it critical for those throughout the value chain to put everything in place to support the rapid transition. So which gaps in knowledge is the project looking to fill?

“There aren’t necessarily gaps in knowledge,” says Thatcham Research’s engineering manager Mark Fry. “It’s all about taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, working with the insurance and repair sector to gain an overview of where the potential issues could occur.”

While EV accident repair is no different

Stand and deliver: Mark Fry, engineering manager of Thatcham Research gets ready for the EV revolution from internal combustion engine vehicles in many circumstances, at the centre of the issue is the EV battery pack. Conscious that batteries are expensive and vulnerable, OEMs rigorously protect them within crash structures, resulting in batteries rarely being affected by low-speed impacts. However, the challenge comes when the battery is involved, either directly as a result of a collision, or indirectly when the high-voltage system becomes associated with the repair.

“It may be obvious, but if you take the high-voltage system out, there’s very little difference in process from an ICE vehicle to an electrified vehicle,” says Fry. “One important thing to highlight is that it can affect every single part of the claim flow. It’s not just the repair side, it’s everything from the point that the consumer first makes an insurance claim.”

The research includes examining the difference in claim times between ICE vehicles and EVs, as well as additional expenses, such as the possibility of an EV’s battery requiring quarantining after being compromised in an incident. All those potential costs can add up in the event of a claim, so the industry needs to be prepared for them.

It’s vital that the industry comes together to ensure that customer expectations of owning, insuring and repairing an EV can be met, and that

the experience can be better than with an ICE vehicle.

RECYCLE AND REPAIR

Thatcham Research is working in close partnership with LV= General Insurance, drawing on real-world claims data to inform project modelling. Chris Payne, head of networks and engineering at LV=, says: “As a motor insurer, we’re focusing on two trends at the moment: developing green methods of repair and supporting the wider adoption of electric cars. That’s why this project is so exciting and crucial. It’s about finding together as an industry the best way to repair EVs and their batteries, rather than writing them off. This will not only have a positive impact on claims costs, but will also feed a healthy second-hand EV market.”

Vehicle salvage, dismantling and recycling specialist SYNETIQ also played a key role in the project. As a business focused on recycling and re-using as much of a crash-damaged vehicle as possible, it will bring essential insight into the readiness of the market for financially and environmentally sustainable EVs post-accident, with a particular focus on their batteries.

SYNETIQ, “and we look forward to seeing how we can achieve this with EV batteries. We’re excited to lead and develop a way forward, and we look forward to sharing the results with the rest of the industry.”

THE FIRST STEP…

Once the project has identified where the claims workflow is different for EVs and revealed potential pain points, the resulting challenges will be quantified by projecting how the uptake of EVs will affect the transition to a fully electric car parc. The results will then be fed back to the industry so action can be taken.

“As part of the delivery of the project, we’re going to have a cross-industry roundtable discussion,” says Fry. “We will have vehicle manufacturers, insurers, independent repair networks and the Department for Transport at that event. As well as presenting our findings, we’ll discuss how we can overcome the challenges.”

This is just the beginning of a larger awareness campaign. Moving forward, further work will need to be done to uncover the challenges electrification brings and how the insurance and repair sectors can overcome them.

Fry is keen to point out that the research isn’t creating barriers to adoption, but finding solutions to new problems to help the industry and consumers make the shift to electrified vehicles more easily. — TAKE

“The purpose of our business is to maximise the financial and environmental return on vehicles,” says Tom Rumboll, UK Managing Director for IAA and CEO of

A LOOK AT THE IMI’S COURSES TO SEE WHERE YOU CAN UPGRADE YOUR SKILLS GET READY FOR THE NEW AUTOMOTIVE FUTURE BY GAINING IMI TECHSAFE® RECOGNITION

“IT’S ALL ABOUT TAKING A STEP BACK AND LOOKING AT THE BIGGER PICTURE, WORKING WITH THE INSURANCE AND REPAIR SECTOR TO GAIN AN OVERVIEW OF THE POTENTIAL ISSUES”

IT’S ELECTRIFYING!

Each time we put pen to paper about electrification in the automotive sector, processes have changed, more information is known, and the skills of technicians have grown.

“We are working with a lot of vehicle manufacturers, and they are working much smarter in relation to the 12V battery and the EV pack,” says Ken Clark, Managing Director at Rotronics. “There’s a growing recognition that the health of the 12V battery remains central to an electric vehicle. Some manufacturers have Flying Doctors, a specialist team sent out to fix problems at dealer level, while others choose to have dedicated specialist EV-enabled dealers. Some even have full-blown EV capability across all dealers.”

In the aftermarket, EVs are being supported by improved specialist teams, who are being trained to solve a number of electrification issues. However, there is still limited capability, and today’s technology supports

an ‘all-makes’ solution. We must also recognise that many EVs remain under manufacturer warranty and won’t come into the aftermarket for some time.

“We know with our recent customer problem-solving that the most simple and realistic issue to solve remains the 12V battery,” says Clark. “This is worked on by everyone, not just specialist teams. Every workshop has to be able to manage the 12V battery in the best possible way. Even in an EV, the 12V battery remains at the very heart of the vehicle and its systems, and unlike the EV pack itself, is often only provided with a two-year warranty. This makes it a good fit and an opportunity for any aftermarket workshop to maintain and replace.”

It’s also worth noting that problems with the 12V battery remains the number one cause of roadside breakdowns –something that hasn’t changed despite more electric vehicles being on the road.

Back to college

Rotronics has been working with a UK-based training academy in the South West to find the best technology to support EVs, with a primary focus on the EV pack and the 12V battery. The training academy called in the Rotronics

team to solve a problem with a malfunctioning vehicle. The EV pack appeared to be OK, but it took four days for the lecturers to work out that it was actually the 12V battery at fault.

“The 12V battery was flat but they had no test or charge technology,” explains Clark. “Worse still, they didn’t know they should have the technology because they thought the EV pack would solve any issues with the 12V battery.

“They have since invested in a CPX900 and GRX5100 to ensure they can look after the electric vehicles used for training in the academy. The GRX5100 offers an unrivalled ability to safely discharge and balance HEV and EV battery packs.”

Keeping up with changes in the industry as we head towards an electrified future is incredibly important if you want to be successful

“WE ARE WORKING WITH A LOT OF VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS, AND THEY ARE WORKING MUCH SMARTER IN RELATION TO THE 12V BATTERY AND THE EV PACK”

KEN CLARK, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT ROTRONICS

Heavy support Rotronics has also been called in to provide assistance to electric truck manufacturers.

“Not surprisingly, the assistance we have been asked to provide is not only how to support and manage the EV packs, but also the technology required to sort out the 12V batteries as a matter of priority,” says Clark. “We have done that, and it’s been heartening to work with the team as they understand that the management of the 12V battery is the principal consideration.

“Without a 12V battery in the best condition, the EV trucks go nowhere. I may have sounded like a broken record for a while about battery management, but it’s great to see that

PLEASE CONTACT THE ROTRONICS TEAM FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AVAILABLE PRODUCTS AND THE BATTERY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES

workshop managers and vehicle manufacturers are now really taking notice and seeking help. It’s saving them considerable sums of money.”

End of life

Another area of the automotive sector that’s coming forward to seek assistance for their electric vehicles are the end-of-life or reclamation and recycling teams. But they need to understand where to start by answering the following questions:

• What tools do you need?

• How do you communicate with the vehicle?

• Do modules need charging?

• How do you discharge down?

• How do you recycle the pack?

Rotronics is pleased to be in the development stages of working with end-of-life vehicle suppliers, finding better ways to recycle and recover EV packs for second-life applications. There is little consistency in the EV pack across vehicles or battery manufacturers, while there are multiple cables to attach the diagnostics to the pack.

The 12V and 24V battery sets in a passenger car or commercial vehicle in a BEV application remains one of the most important components that, if not maintained, will cause the vehicle to break down.

Automotive needs to bring in as much new talent as possible, and while the focus has traditionally been on exciting a new generation about the sector, it isn’t the only avenue.

There are a lot of people looking to change careers, shifting from what they know to a new challenge in automotive. But the road to the industry isn’t always clear, which is why the Mission Motorsport charity is helping with the transition.

As part of the MoD’s Career Transition Partnership, the charity helps those leaving the military to find employment in the automotive industry. An IMI training provider, Mission Motorsport delivers a range of qualifications up to and including Level 3 Diploma courses and full apprenticeships to enable service leavers to bridge the gap between military service and a second career as a civilian.

MotorPro Editor James Scoltock chats with David Guilfoyle, technical training manager at Mission Motorsport, and ex-student James Eaton to talk about how to make the move from military service to automotive a success.

FOR MORE FANTASTIC IMI PODCASTS, HEAD TO OUR PODBEAN CHANNEL FOR THE LATEST CONTENT

TRAVELLED TO FRANCE TO DRIVE A STRATOSPHERIC HYPERCAR

ebruary 22, 2006 is a date etched in my memory: a jam-packed day trip to Molsheim in France, home to supercar manufacturer Bugatti. My mission? First and foremost to talk to engineers about the Bugatti Veyron’s engine, an eight-litre W16, quad-turbocharged 987HP and 1,250Nm behemoth.

Back then, the Bugatti Veyron was the fastest production car in the world, and our readers wanted to know all about that engine. We’d already covered the car’s ‘difficult’ development – delayed, over budget and complications in testing – so we were hoping for a more positive angle on the much-hyped hypercar.

At the time, I was working for a relatively small publisher who didn’t have the sway of the people behind some of the more popular weekly or monthly publications. We had to punch upwards, work on the ‘Don’t ask, don’t get’ principle, and really sell ourselves to make things happen. So when I signed off an email with a cheeky PS along the lines of ‘If there’s a Veyron around when I’m there, I’d love to have a go,’ I wasn’t really expecting a prompt reply stating (and I can remember this word for word): “A Veyron has been reserved for you at 14:00hrs on the 22nd February”. Life goals and all that.

IT’S REALLY HAPPENING…

In truth, I still didn’t actually expect to get behind the wheel until I was literally in the driver’s seat. After doing my ‘proper’ work, I was taken out by one of Bugatti’s test drivers – at 14:00hrs exactly – who talked me through the car and his background. Nice fella, but I think I only heard half of what he said as I was in a combined state of excitement, fear, shock and disbelief that I had got myself into this position!

After a while, my driver pulled into a lay-by and I realised IT was happening. Settling into the driver’s seat – which was very comforting and supporting for a car with that much performance – I was naturally a bit cautious. It’s often easier to get a feel for a car’s attributes at lower speeds, so after giving the engine a bit of a rev, just to hear it growl, I gingerly made my

way along the country roads.

My confidence in the car soon grew, helped by the fact that the Veyron was surprisingly easy to drive. Maybe it was the Volkswagen engineering at the heart of the beast, but it wasn’t intimidating and didn’t really possess the rawness of other supercars (and this one’s a hyper- not a supercar really). The levels of luxury and refinement were befitting of its €1m price tag.

What did alarm me was when I veered a bit too close to the edge of the French road where the tarmac stopped and there was a sheer drop into a drainage trough. “A little over to the left,” my companion subtly advised, before hinting: “Each Veyron wheel costs the same as a top-of-the-range Polo, so we like to look after them!”. He also added that the transmission – a sevenspeed, dual-clutch automatic that had been developed by Ricardo in the UK – was the same price as a top-spec Phaeton (c.£80k at the time). Those financial revelations helped to focus the mind a little.

“I SIGNED OFF AN EMAIL WITH A CHEEKY PS ALONG THE LINES OF ‘IF THERE’S A VEYRON AROUND WHEN I’M THERE, I’D LOVE TO HAVE A GO’”

FULL-THROTTLE TEST DRIVE

Leaving those worries – and roads –behind, we ventured into the French countryside, with smoother roads, great visibility and not much traffic. It was time to really open the Veyron up. I couldn’t tell you exactly where it was in relation to the Molsheim HQ, but I remember fields surrounding us on a long straight.

I brought the Veyron to a complete stop, took a breath and floored the throttle. The overwhelming sensation was being thrown back in my seat to the point where I couldn’t move any part of my body for a few moments and not wanting to move, such was the impact of the acceleration. It was like nothing I’d experienced before – or have ever experienced since.

In reality, I didn’t get anywhere near the car’s top speed of a whopping 253mph, but I had no doubt it would get there, such was its rapidness when you properly pressed on the throttle. The Bugatti Veyron very much lived up to the hype. After all, this was a car

that won Top Gear ’s ‘Car of the Decade’ for the 2000s.

The performance was insanely impressive for that time but, ultimately, unusable the majority of the time. So much of my drive in the Veyron was more sedate, but I still found opportunities in the almost deserted French countryside to experience a lot of those near-1,000 horses. Delivered with such speed, but with an awesome soundtrack generated by the W16 sat behind us. It was exhilarating.

All told, the Veyron was a very accomplished package – steering, chassis and brakes all excelled – and I felt it had been engineered to perfection. This was a car bought by enthusiasts. I remember the Bugatti guys telling me they had turned down rappers, football players and film stars who wanted one, instead favouring real advocates of the brand, with previous models in their garage.

One story stood out, that of a customer who signed the papers for three cars while he was in hospital recovering from surgery. He’d purchased one for him, one as an investment and one for his neighbour!

A DAY TO REMEMBER

Towards the end of my drive, it was school chucking-out time and I spotted a group of schoolboys being stopped in their tracks as they spotted the oncoming Bugatti. They eventually regained movement, but only to start bowing down in a Wayne’s World “We’re not worthy!” way.

If you’ve had a journey that has changed your life or made a lasting impression, email james.scoltock@ thinkpublishing.co.uk to feature in our next edition

Such was the smooth progress being made and muted engine note at the lower speeds we were doing through the town, for a split second I forgot I was in a millioneuro hypercar and was confused as to what they were doing. Remembering, I gave them a blip of the throttle as I approached them and then sped off into the distance as the speed limit lifted. Briefly looking in the rear-view mirror, I could just about make out their open mouths. Job done.

That day remains one of the most memorable and rewarding days of my career. Just to spend any time in the company of an automotive legend such as that was an honour. Those days don’t come around very often.

John Challen is a freelance automotive journalist and editor

Interior design masters: The inside of the Bugatti Veyron supercar is as stunning as its outside

SHORT-STAFFED?

WE PROVIDE RELIABLE TEMPORARY COVER FOR ABSENT TECHNICIANS AND MOT TESTERS IN YOUR WORKSHOP.

• Business peaks, annual leave, training days and sickness cover

• Fully qualified and vetted vehicle technicians and MOT testers

• Contracts lasting from one day to six months at a time

• UK-wide network of over 450 contractors

• Flexible work patterns: early, late, night & weekend shifts

Contact us today to book your contractor!

Tel: 01234 430358

Email: hello@autotechrecruit.co.uk

Web: autotechrecruit.co.uk

NEED FRESH TALENT FOR YOUR WORKSHOP?

TAKE OUR INTERN TO CHECK THEIR POTENTIAL AS A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE.

• 6 to 12-month paid internships are a new, risk-free way of bringing new talent to your workshop

• Vetted candidates with a recent IMI Level 3 automotive qualification, equipped with a starter toolkit, basic safety workwear and uniform

• Assess your intern’s skills and work ethic beforecommiting to bringing them on as a permanent employee

• Over 200 candidates ready for an immediate start

We have interns ready to fill roles. Get in touch today!

Tel: 01234 430358

Email: hello@autotechacademy.co.uk

Web: autotechacademy.co.uk

THE HOW TO SECTION

Everything you need to know to do your job brilliantly, by the IMI’s expert contributors

P57_UNDERSTAND SUBSCRIPTION

As the subscription sales approach to car finance becomes more popular, we look at its advantages over traditional HP and PCP deals

P61_LIFT SAFELY

All vehicles need lifting in the workshop, including the electric ones, so find out how to do it with minimal risk to you, your staff and the vehicle

P63_WORK

WITH CONNECTED CARS

Everything you need to know about the latest data technology and how you can keep your customers’ data safe and secure

P68_KNOW

YOUR TYRE TECH

Tread carefully with the latest tyre technology and understand how these shoes of the road perform in all conditions

Are you ready for the electric vehicle revolution?

The IMI offer a huge range of electric vehicle (EV) training courses to ensure that you are qualified to work on electric vehicles.

Courses range from eLearning all the way to a Level 4 nationally recognised Qualification. It is not only passenger vehicles we offer training for, the training can be adapted for any EV, i.e. coach, bus, off road and range vehicles. Courses cover a range of topics, depending on your training needs.

Call 01992 519 025 or email hello@theimi.org.uk to enquire about courses now

Courses cover a range of topics, depending on your training needs:

• Introduction to electric vehicles

• Vehicle components and maintenance

• Diagnostics

• Control systems

• Hybrid vehicle courses

• So much more!

What are the benefits of completing an EV qualification with the IMI?

• Discounts for members

• Earn your IMI TechSafe recognition and gain your spot on the IMI’s Professional Register

• Stay one step ahead of your competitors

• Remain health and safety compliant

• Keep your training and CPD up to date with the EV revolution and avoid the skills shortage crisis

Understand the subscription approach to car finance

Customers are demanding new ways of owning and using cars. It isn’t all about HP and PCP deals now, especially as subscription offers become more widely available

It could be argued evolution in the world of car finance has been slow over the years. Hire purchase, which has dominated the market for decades, actually began in the 19th century when the industrial revolution created a demand for the financing of new machinery such as sewing machines.

More recently, some of us can remember the control orders on hire purchase to slow

the 1970s. This covered many different types of equipment, and in the case of cars required a 33.3% minimum deposit and maximum repayment period of 24 months. Can you imagine the outcry if those conditions were imposed today!

Up to the early-90s, hire purchase was the only consumer form of finance offered in car showrooms, quite often with low deposits

to five years. Then Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) was launched by Ford Credit, quickly followed by most other captive finance companies. The original idea of PCP was to improve customer retention and was only available for new cars. The aim was to encourage faster change cycles with repayment periods of 24 or 36 months, but with monthly repayments kept

OVER THE YEARS, PCP WAS MARKETED AS A PRODUCT THAT COULD ALLOW CUSTOMERS TO BUY A BETTER CAR THANKS TO ITS LOWER MONTHLY REPAYMENTS”

A NEW ROUTE INTO AUTOMOTIVE

Since its launch two years ago, Autotech Academy has helped over 200 newly qualified Level 3 automotive students into employment through a paid internship. Find out how they did it

Paving the way for a new generation of vehicle technicians, Autotech Academy offers a unique path to automotive employment, which is creating a steady pipeline of new talent for the motor industry.

This path has been an effective solution to a significant recruitment bottleneck, which has resulted in high numbers of newly qualified automotive students leaving the industry before they have even managed to secure employment. Plagued by a longterm skills shortage, the loss of these newly skilled vehicle technicians to the automotive industry was inconceivable.

The missing link

Launched as a division of the employment and training solutions company Autotech Group in 2021, Autotech Academy has been cited as the missing link between colleges and the automotive aftermarket, and embraced by main dealer groups representing brands such as Toyota, Ford and Honda, along with the fast fit and independent sectors.

Working as a conduit between further education colleges and motor industry employers, Autotech Academy identifies qualifying Level 3 automotive students, then equips them with a starter toolkit and uniform, before placing them with an employer for a period of 6-12 months on a paid internship. The length of time and any additional training requirements are based on the specific needs of the employer.

At the end of the internship, the employer

can then decide to employ the intern on a permanent basis with no recruitment fees – a risk-free solution. Over 90% of the interns placed into the industry by Autotech Academy are successfully transitioning to permanent employment on completion of their internship.

“We have effectively taken the pain away from employers,” says Simon King, managing director of Autotech Group. “The fact that so many automotive employers are embracing the concept is demonstrative of the hole in the market that Autotech Academy is filling. In a demanding work environment, employers simply didn’t have the bandwidth to vet, recruit and mentor newly qualified automotive students.”

Internship not apprenticeship

Educating both the industry and colleges on the benefits of Autotech Academy has been no mean feat. The Academy team visit at least six colleges a week, travelling up and down the country, covering hundreds of

miles to talk to automotive students about future career opportunities within the motor industry and the internship. This commitment has enabled the company to overcome a major misconception that surrounded Autotech Academy when it launched, that an internship is the same as an apprenticeship.

“Put simply, an apprentice is a school leaver with no automotive education while an intern is fully qualified with the latest theoretical training and will work full time,” explains King. “They do not require day release to attend college as an apprentice would. The Academy team have worked hard to convey this message and demonstrate to employers that interns are fully qualified. While they need some additional support and mentoring, the majority of the interns we place are working independently very quickly and offer an immediate extra pair of hands.”

An inclusive approach

Autotech Academy’s internship proposition has also reached other sectors. At the end of 2022, Dorset Police, together with Devon and Cornwall Police, collaborated with Autotech Academy to create an internship position for the Force’s Bodmin workshop. The appointment of Holly Treleaven to this position also demonstrates Autotech Academy’s commitment to creating more opportunities for women.

“The number of female interns currently in a placement through Autotech Academy is currently at an all-time high, and this has been a great achievement for the team,” King says. So what’s next for Autotech Academy?

“Demand for interns is high,” replies King. “So the team are working hard to register students who will qualify with a Level 3 automotive diploma this summer. They are also creating links to other automotive sectors including body and paint, who will also benefit from the internship initiative.”

For more information, go to www.autotechacademy.co.uk

Understand the subscription approach to car finance

low by the introduction of the final payment (Guaranteed Minimum Future Value).

Over the years, PCP was marketed as a product that could allow customers to buy a better car thanks to its lower monthly repayments, with retention taking a back seat. PCP was also adopted for selling used cars, usually up to three years old. Fast forward to today and PCP has an 85% share of the finance market for new cars purchased by private individuals, while the product funds around 50% of cars in the used car market up to three or four years old. These days, private customers that walk into a car showroom are likely to be offered a choice of hire purchase or PCP based on their personal requirements and usage. There are other options, such as Personal Contract Hire (PCH). Offered mainly for new cars, this is a form of lease where the customer never owns the car, and like PCP, terms are based on the assumed annual mileage. However, personally I see no benefits to the consumer over PCP, which offers more end-of-term options, while there can be punishing early settlement terms on PCH.

New kid on the block

As well as hire purchase, PCP and PCH, there’s now the subscription model. The COVID epidemic made people review their motoring needs and many realised that car

usage could be reduced, especially with working from home becoming an alternative to 100% office-based. Equally, some families with two cars decided that one car was sufficient for their needs, but on occasions they would require another car for a short period. This gave new entrants the opportunity to provide an alternative to long-term car finance commitments.

Subscription offers vary, with some based on new cars and others on used. The flexibility of the subscription model can be attractive, with certain agreements enabling a customer to switch to a different make or model during the contract period. However, this flexibility does come at a price and people may be put off when comparing with more traditional forms of finance. But will the subscription model have a place in the market?

It ain’t all plain sailing

One of the drawbacks for firms offering a subscription model is the cost of logistics, particularly when a customer chooses a short-term contract or changes cars on a regular basis. In addition, the investment required to have a good choice of cars available can be daunting.

A few car retailers are beginning to offer subscription contracts by having a partner providing the software and certain processes for customer engagement. New cars and near-new cars tend to dominate the offering, but

retailers could select certain used cars held in stock for short-term subscription.

‘Sweating the asset’ is no bad thing and the car can be returned for retail at a more appropriate time to suit seasonal trends or certain market movements.

With many new cars still on long lead times, a short-term subscription offer could be a good stop-gap for those customers coming to the end of a PCP contract and not wishing to extend the agreement while waiting for their next car. Car retailers obviously also benefit from a ready-made distribution network (their dealerships) with no meaningful additional overheads. Naturally, the large nationwide groups are best placed, but regional car retailers could also provide a highly acceptable solution to their local communities.

Retailers need to examine their finance product offering to satisfy those potential customers that prefer a ‘pay-for-use’ facility. This new product can also be attractive to a wider age demographic than just millennials and Gen Z, to which product rental is second nature. Older age groups are also considering their options, especially in these uncertain economic times when entering a longerterm commitment may be a concern. While I believe that tried-and-tested products such as PCP will continue to dominate the market, having a wider consumer offering has to be a good thing.

Ultimately, the key is providing a finance product to suit customer needs, so comprehensive qualification remains a vital ingredient of the sales process and will deliver improved customer outcomes.

Successful partnerships are focused on sustainability.

Over 15 years’ experience of sustainab

Over 15 years’ experience of long-term, sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with ALPHERA.

ALPHERA has provided innovative, class-leading motor finance and insurance products since 2006. We work closely with a selected network of motor dealers and brokers nationwide to ensure that our shared customers enjoy a comprehensive range of financial solutions.

Our ALPHERA Partners receive exclusive access to a wide range of resources and expertise, from industry accreditation

to best practice F&I guidance and advice. Also, each Partner benefits from a dedicated Business Development Manager who provides personalised support every step of the way.

Through collaborative problem solving and commitment to true partnership we help our ALPHERA Partners adapt to meet the changing needs of customers.

In a world where the only constant is change, ALPHERA continues to develop and grow with our Partners to ensure that our relationships are sustainable and mutually beneficial in the short, medium and long term. Find out more about ALPHERA’s unique approach to partnerships today.

www.alphera.co.uk/business-partners

Lift safely

Vehicle lifts are an essential tool for technicians as modern vehicles, especially EVs, rarely allow efficient workflow without them. But using them unsafely can lead to accidents, injuries and even death

Working on vehicles in the workshop means making sure they’re in the best position to deliver optimum access for the technician, and vehicle lifts are a major part of this.

But it’s essential to follow best practice when using them, including following the manufacturer’s instructions, using the appropriate lifting pads and adapters, and inspecting the lift regularly.

If you take the easy option or don’t follow the instructions, the results could range from small accidents that slow your work down to death. And that’s something you definitely want to avoid.

Where to start

When lifting very heavy components, you should be aware of the potential hazards of raising heavy objects and use lifting aids such as hoists, cranes and stands to lift and support components safely.

Removing heavy items from a vehicle can also affect its centre of gravity, causing it to become unstable. So you should also be aware of heavy items inside the vehicle that can shift around inside, especially on work vans and trucks. Follow manufacturer instructions when removing heavy components from a vehicle and ensure that it’s supported securely to prevent

it from tipping over.

Electric vehicles bring different challenges because they can have different types of batteries and specific requirements for lifting and handling. For example, some EVs have a battery pack located on the underside of the vehicle. If a lift isn’t used correctly, it can damage the battery pack or even cause an electrical shock hazard.

When lifting, it’s important to avoid damaging the battery pack or any wiring connections, so use the manufacturer’s recommended lift points and avoid placing the lift pads on the battery pack or any wiring connections. Some vehicles will state not to lift on the battery pack, but some now use the battery pack as part of the structure of the vehicle and require the vehicle to be lifted on the pack itself. So make sure to access the most up-to-date manufacturer’s information.

Ratings check

It’s also essential to ensure that the lift is rated for the weight of the electric vehicle, including the battery pack. Many lifts were purchased when vehicles where a lot lighter, but recently vehicles have become heavier because they include technology such as ADAS and high-voltage components.

In addition, be aware of the potential for electrical shock hazards when working on electric vehicles. Only qualified technicians should engage with high-voltage work. They should follow manufacturer instructions for disabling the high-voltage system before any work involving those systems, using insulated tools and appropriate protective equipment to avoid any electrical contact, while making sure that the working area is made safe from accidental or curious intruders. The IMI provides training

courses on EV maintenance and safety, as well as hazard awareness courses for those working with them, but not on the high-voltage systems. Technicians can access information and guidance through the IMI’s TechSafe® programme, which provides a range of resources and training opportunities to ensure technicians have the necessary skills and knowledge to work on electric vehicles safely.

Stay informed

Regular maintenance and inspection of lifts is also essential when working on vehicles, and any potential faults should be rectified immediately. Ensure the lift is in good working condition and any potential safety hazards are addressed before use. There’s further guidance on the Health and Safety Executive website that focuses on the safe lifting of vehicles, alongside resources on the Garage Equipment Association website.

Put simply, use lifting equipment with care and remain up to date with lifting techniques, being mindful that some vehicles have specific lifting pads designed for their marque. That way you can steer clear of any of the bad things that can happen, and enjoy better access to the vehicle to get the work done.

Proud to support the IMI Snap-on provide the industry with key products that enable technicians to fix vehicles faster, first time

Keep connected vehicles safe from hackers

The sector is becoming increasingly linked, with people, vehicles and infrastructure all talking to each other, so we need to know how to stay safe from criminals

Here’s a thought that's scarier than Jack Nicholson in The Shining: Every form of electronic data communication or storage is vulnerable to attack. An even scarier thought is that vehicle communication is arguably more serious because of the potential to cause accidents. Most of the issues are technical in nature, but there’s also an important social question of who will work on these vehicles and whether they’ll

be careful with that data. Equally, for technicians and workshop managers/ owners, you’re being entrusted with the personal data of your customers, so you should have appropriate systems in place to keep everything away from prying eyes.

Why? Because in the same way that most of us now store considerable amounts of personal information on our smartphones, some cars hold a treasure trove of details, such as:

Hi honey, I'm home! Now where do you keep your data?

• Who you know (address books)

• Where you go (GPS data)

• What you spend (banking information)

• Everything you do and who you know (social media)

• Who you work with and their personal details (emails)

Vehicle software updates are another area in which it’s crucial for the work to have a high degree of integrity.

WORDS_TOM DENTON FIMI, AUTHOR OF AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN TRAINING

Keep connected vehicles safe from hackers HOW TO...

Everything everywhere all at once

The vehicle of the future will not only be able to connect to the internet, but be an essential part of a range of systems that will allow it to connect to other vehicles (V2V) , its surroundings (V2X), and even the electricity grid (V2G).

Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V)

V2V communication opens up the possibility of remote control driving and cooperative manoeuvres. Data collected from vehicle cameras can be collated to create maps that include real-time updates about accidents and temporary roadworks. Because of the higher bandwidth of 5G, large, high-resolution map tiles could be uploaded and downloaded as needed. This enables greater coordination and cooperation between vehicles to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. Pedestrians and cyclists can also be linked in through portable devices.

Integration into the Internet of Things (IoT) also unlocks a host of vehicle-related services. For example, a cloud-based alert could warn drivers within ten seconds if there is a wrong-way driver approaching – a lifesaver in the truest sense of the word.

Vehicle-to-everything (V2X)

V2X enables connected and automated driving in the future, where vehicles can communicate easily with their surroundings, as well as with one another. There is no common standard yet, but it’s possible to create an all-in-one central control unit for V2X data communication.

Cars can then use the Wi-Fi networks available in cities, while they can communicate using cellular networks when outside of the city.

It’s expected that the number of connected vehicles on the roads in Europe, the United States and China

alone will exceed 470 million by 2025. Initially, most vehicles will connect directly to the Cloud. But increasing numbers of vehicles will soon be able to communicate directly with one another, as well as static road features such as traffic signals, road construction sites, pedestrian crossings and buildings. They will then be able to alert one another to potential hazards such as the tail end of a traffic jam, accidents or icy conditions.

Vehicles will also be able to take advantage of a traffic light’s ‘green wave,’ because they will know when the next set of lights is going to turn green. The vehicles can then adjust their speed accordingly to ensure the traffic flows more smoothly.

When it comes to alerting a driver to another vehicle that’s about to pull out in front of them from a side street, every

millisecond counts. This kind of critical information must be communicated in real time using highly reliable technology that’s always ready for use, even if that means the resulting data transmission costs are greater.

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G)

V2G technology allows electric vehicle batteries to store energy then discharge it back into the electricity network when it’s most needed, perhaps during times of peak demand such as early evening. During this time, a small amount of energy is taken from connected vehicle batteries and then returned during times of lower demand, such as overnight. Some of the energy stored in the battery is effectively sold back to the market to help with fluctuating supply and demand.

This two-way exchange can result in several economic, environmental and

operational benefits, but this will only possible if the vehicle is connected.

Safe as houses

Securing the vehicles of the future is a big challenge – at least when something goes wrong with your home computer, ‘crash’ is only a metaphor. A recent survey found that almost all of today’s cars include some form of wireless technology that could be insecure. To make matters worse, most manufacturers may struggle to determine whether or not their vehicles have been hacked.

Physical attacks via onboard diagnostic devices have shown that it’s possible to manipulate systems such as steering even while cars are moving. So for effective cybersecurity, all connected vehicle systems must have these mutually reinforcing qualities:

1. Security

Prevention is better than a cure, and effective risk management begins by preventing system breaches in the first place.

2. Vigilance

Hardware and software can degrade, and the nature and type of attacks can change. No level of security is perfect, so security must be continually monitored to ensure it remains secure and check if it’s been compromised.

3. Resilience

When a breach occurs, there must be a system in place to limit the damage and re-establish normal operations. The system should also neutralise threats and prevent further spread.

Luckily, help is at hand through the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) standardisation.

PAS 1885 helps all parties involved in the vehicle lifecycle and ecosystem understand how to improve and maintain vehicle security and the security of associated transport systems. This specification sets out fundamental principles that describe how to provide and maintain cybersecurity in relation to reducing threat and harm to products, services and systems within increasingly connected and collaborative intelligent transport ecosystems.

The concept of an automotive ecosystem encompasses:

• Vehicles

• Related infrastructure, including roadside and remote systems that provide services to the vehicles, their operators, occupants and cargo

• The human elements, including vehicle owners and/or operators, designers, manufacturers and service providers.

The PAS applies to the security and functional safety aspects of the entire automotive development and use lifecycle, including specification, design, implementation, integration, verification, validation, configuration, production, operation, servicing and decommissioning.

A whole-lifecycle approach is required to tackle all the risks that will arise from a constantly changing threat landscape to protect vehicles and vehicle-related systems once they have been delivered to the market –which is where we come in.

It’s good to talk

An Application Programming Interface (API) is a piece of software that enables applications to talk to each other. They play a key role in security because they are used to control access to devices and software functions.

For example, if you use a scanner with a dongle that connects to the Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) then you are using an API that allows the software on your computer to talk to the vehicle. Another way to describe an API is that they are the hooks that allow vehicle applications to interact with other apps.

Is it time for an upgrade?

Find out if you are entitled to upgrade your membership status with the IMI and get the recognition and opportunities you deserve

IMI members are accorded professional recognition based on skills and experience. It may be time for you to upgrade and be fully recognised for your expertise!

Have you completed a qualification since becoming a member and gained additional experience?

Are you interested in even more discounts and benefits you receive with IMI membership?

All it takes is for you to get in touch with the team to answer 4 quick and easy questions to potentially upgrade your member status. Be recognised for your experience and expertise with the IMI. Our purpose is your success.

UPGRADE MY MEMBERSHIP

Have your skills and experience changed? Tell us about changes to your job role and add any new courses to your account, you may qualify for an upgrade to your status. Login to IMI Connect or call the team now to discuss membership upgrades on 01992 519 025 or send an email to hello@theimi.org.uk

Keep connected vehicles safe from hackers

Because of the API’s role, they are the main focus for attack. BMW recently announced it would sell access to heated seats via software. The signal to switch on this feature, as well as other things, is sent over the air then via an API on the vehicle. I’m sure some people are already trying to hack it! Many layers of defence need to be used on a vehicle. Ford calls it ‘Defensive Depth’, but there’s always a balance required between ease of access and overall security. One example of a simple security feature could be that if a vehicle unlock request is received from a phone app, a geographic check could show if the request was local. This is the most likely scenario, but it could be genuine even if from another country, hence the balance required between security and ease of use for the owner.

Hacked off

The interconnectivity of current and future vehicles makes them potential targets for attack. Connectivity opens vehicle systems to the dark side of the internet, forcing automakers to develop strategies to ensure they don’t join the litany of corporations hit by hacking attacks. The Society of Automotive Engineers has produced Recommended Practice J3061, the Cybersecurity

Attack vectors, methods and consequences

Vector Methods

On-Board Diagnostics DLC

Wi-Fi

Custom software connected to the port

Using a ‘packet sniffer’ is a common way to attack Wi-Fi

Cellular network

Mobile apps

Example consequences

Engine stopped and brakes disabled

Disabling of the car alarm

Internet

Infotainment system hack

Many vehicles already have apps that can be modified

‘Normal’ hacking methods in which ransomware such as WannaCry is implanted

Electric charging points

Connection plug or wirelessly

Brakes disabled

Locks, lights or sunroof activated while driving

Factory production stopped and user details stolen from data centres

ID card numbers stolen and funds redirected

many of the benefits of internet access, but they also bring security issues including the threat of dangerous cyberattacks.

Guidebook for

CyberPhysical Vehicle Systems

As more vehicle systems connect to the outside world, more opportunities open up to hackers. Manufacturers are working hard to reduce the chances of this happening and are helped by what can be described as ethical hackers. Connected vehicles bring

What increased cybersecurity means for you

Manufacturers may require you to be qualified or licensed to practice in the area of connectivity and cybersecurity with respect to your business and the vehicles you work on. In due time there will be short courses presented by the IMI’s network of authorised centres, together with associated qualifications. A code of practice is also likely to be introduced. This is why the IMI team and a Sector Advisory Group are starting the process of creating a Connected and Cybersecurity option for IMI TechSafe, in the same way that already exists for EVs and ADAS.

Find out more about IMI TechSafe® and make sure your skills are up to date

Electronic data communication or storage of any sort is inherently vulnerable to attack, particularly when wireless. Technical solutions are available, but if not implemented properly, they are worthless – just like using ‘pa55word’ as your password!

Technicians and workshop managers/owners entrusted with customer data will need to follow all the relevant guidelines carefully, otherwise the more connected automotive becomes, the more trouble we could find ourselves in.

HOW IT WORKS

Get to grips with tyres

WORDS_JAMES SCOLTOCK

Tyres are a vehicle’s sole contact with the road. A welllooked-after tyre designed for all conditions is arguably the most important piece of technology on a car to help keep it moving safely. The engineering that goes into designing the shoes of the car is incredible, meaning that no matter the conditions – with options for summer, winter and all-season – performance remains constant.

Tyres consist of a number of different rubber compounds that offer varying levels of viscosity and elasticity. Depending on the mix, they deliver exactly the right attributes for every eventuality, whether you’re track racing, delivery driving, or Sunday driving.

Beneath the rubber sits a range of plies, from nylon cord embedded in rubber to enhance high-speed suitability, to steel cord for belt plies to aid shape retention and directional stability. Textile cord plies also help control the internal pressure and maintain the tyre’s shape.

As the industry shifts from combustion to electricity, tyre technology is continually being developed to make it better able to cope with the increased weight and torque attributes of EVs.

Tread Made from synthetic and natural rubber, the tread is comprised of three sections: the cap, which is responsible for gripping the road and providing directional stability and wear-andtear resistance; the base, which reduces rolling resistance and damage to the casing; and the shoulder, which forms an optimal transition from the tread to the side wall. The rubber compounds used in the construction of the tyre and its tread will define performance in different environmental conditions, under load, and durability.

The inner liner Most vehicle tyres won’t have an inner tube, so they need to be airtight. The inner liner is typically made from butyl rubber and seals the air-filled inner chamber, acting as a tube in tubeless tyres.

Breaker The breaker stops the tyre growing as speed and temperature increase, while improving lateral stability. In essence, the breaker delivers more strength during high performance or in high-speed conditions.

Side wall Protects the casing from external damage and atmospheric conditions. Information about the tyre can also be found on the side wall, including width, aspect ratio, wheel diameter and speed rating.

Bead The tyre’s bead is made up of a number of components, including the reinforcement. Made from nylon and aramid fibres, this can enhance directional stability and ensure steering precision. The bead apex, a synthetic, rubber material, also improves directional stability and steering precision, while improving comfort and the bead core. Finally, a steel wire embedded in rubber ensures the tyre sits firmly on its rim.

Abrasion gum Consisting of a special rubber with very low hysteresis and viscous attributes, abrasion gum increases abrasion resistance, making it difficult to wear down and improving the tyre’s durability.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT YOUR IMI?

THE IMI ADDS THE INDUSTRY’S VIEW ON THE MOT CONSULTATION

The IMI has conducted an in-depth analysis of MOT data in order to formulate a considered and balanced response to the Department for Transport’s MOT Consultation. Working with Garage Industry Trends to examine root causes in current patterns of MOT failure, the IMI analysis provides clear evidence that extending the date for the first MOT will significantly increase road user risk.

In particular, the risks surrounding electric vehicles – which are heavier than ICE vehicles and cause

heavier wear to their tyres – will be heightened if the first MOT date is extended. Evidence drawn from MOT testing records supplied to the IMI by the Department for Transport shows that, compared to petrol engine vehicles, electric vehicles are much more likely to fail their first MOT test.

The data shows that EV failure rates for 2018registered vehicles (all classes) was 11.51%, which is lower than diesel (15.98%) but higher than petrol (10.89%) – a pattern that holds for the 2017 and 2016

registration years. Given that a large proportion of EV owners in 2018 can be classed as enthusiasts (early adopters), and are more likely maintain their car better than today’s average EV driver, the IMI believes this is a significant finding.

“With the majority of first MOT tests coupled with routine maintenance, it is shocking that these figures exist for failure rates at all,” says Hayley Pells (above), policy manager at the IMI. “This suggests that many of these vehicles have not been subject to routine

maintenance that would pick these items prior to the test.

The IMI’s response to the MOT Consultation therefore strongly advises that increasing the time before a periodic inspection of cars is detrimental to road safety. It reduces the frequency of maintenance and inspections that are critical to ensuring that vehicles are in good condition and performing at their best.”

The MOT consultation has now closed and a summary of responses, including next steps, will be published within three months.

WE WISH TO EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF…

Robin Chilvers

MIMI, West Yorkshire, aged 80

Peter Clark

MIMI, Nottinghamshire, aged 84

Collingwood Curwen

MIMI, Newcastle Upon Tyne, aged 89

David Evans

MIMI, Dyfed, aged 71

Bernard Hunter

FIMI, Midlothian, aged 86

Dean Jaggard

MIMI, Essex, aged 49

Timothy Phillips

MIMI, Bedfordshire, aged 67

John Smith

MIMI, West Sussex, aged 76

Andrew Wilson

FIMI, Edinburgh, aged 91

HAVE YOU LOGGED ON TO THE INDUSTRY STANDARDS HUB YET?

It can be difficult to stay on top of all the knowledge you need, but the IMI is helping you keep up to date with its Industry Standards Hub. It’s your chance to discover the latest information, tools and resources on IMI TechSafe, BS10125, NOS and much more.

The Industry Standards Hub is designed to help you, and we would love your feedback on the standards you would like to see in your sector. Help the IMI shape the future of the motor industry by telling us where you feel their knowledge, proficiency and application should be applied.

And if you have any questions, comments or concerns, feel free to get in touch with our teams in each section of the Industry Standards Hub.

Get in touch

We’re always open and available to talk if you have any questions or queries. Get in touch with the membership or centre support teams on 01992 511521 or email hello@theimi.org.uk

FRANCO BOSCARELLI

The IMI’s Partnership Manager took an indirect route into automotive, but once part of the sector, he hasn’t looked back

Did you always want to work in the automotive sector?

I hadn’t given a career in the motor industry any real thought. My passion for languages and a growing interest in the travel industry led me to my first job at London Heathrow Airport for Alitalia. I enjoyed a brief but exciting introduction to the world of work – shift work to be exact – and an in-atthe-deep-end introduction to customer service.

It’s said that you’re not a proper petrolhead unless you’ve owned an Alfa at some point in your motoring life, and it was during my stint at Heathrow that I purchased my first, an Alfa Romeo 75 1.8 Veloce. At that point, the seeds were sown for the start of a career that was far away from check-in desks, airside and Terminal 2!

How did you make the shift from Alitalia to automotive?

It was another of my lifelong passions, football, that eventually led me to the sector that was to become the mainstay of my career and one that I have now introduced to my son. While playing in a Sunday League game on Hackney Marshes I sustained a minor injury to my right foot that saw me laid up for a week. In order to combat the intense boredom, I’d taken to reading all manner of books and newspapers, and it was in one of the latter that I spotted an advert for a sales executive to join the international sales team at Volvo Export.

You’ve spent a large part of your career at Volvo and Saab. How did that help build your skills for your next move?

Unlike local retail, export and tax-free involved a great deal of business development activity. Long-term relationships, often with very senior figures in military and diplomat environments, were the order of the day, and the role demanded a wide and varied skillset, including knowledge of import/export rules, special registration processes and tax-free

status, not to mention an understanding of cultures from all over the globe. Errors of any dimension were extremely costly and I quickly learnt the importance of detail and accuracy – these were no ordinary customers! To this end, my move to Fiat Group as a commercial skills trainer and bi-lingual course designer gave me the ideal environment in which to use everything I’d learnt during my time in specialist sales, and to enjoy imparting that experience to others.

What prompted the move to the IMI?

As with much of my career, my next move was more by chance than outright planning, although I had experienced the exceptional values of the IMI, having become an accredited assessor through the ATA programme. In many ways it was the next logical step, working directly with qualifications and accreditations in the industry’s professional body, helping to shape the careers and professional development of others.

What advice would you give to someone looking at automotive as a possible career path?

It would be too easy, and probably quite cheesy, to simply say follow your dreams. I’d much rather advise properly, taking stock of all of the roles on offer and choosing very carefully. Once you’re in, it’s a sector that you’ll find incredibly difficult to abandon for any significant length of time, and one that will repay your passion in an amount that will never cease to surprise you. By all means be bold and listen to your heart, but for the best results, handle with care and sprinkle with a generous helping of logic to taste.

Franco Boscarelli FIMI is the IMI’s Partnership Manager

To feature in our next edition, email james.scoltock@ thinkpublishing.co.uk