IMI ‘danger’ warning over ADAS technicians shortfall

The Institute of the Motor Industry has warned of what it said is a dangerous shortfall in the number of technicians qualified to repair and maintain vehicles featuring ADAS systems.

Latest IMI analysis indicates that 13% of vehicles currently have some degree of autonomy.

However, the organisation said just 2% of the technicians in the UK (4,425 individuals) are IMI TechSafe registered and qualified to work safely on servicing, repairing and maintaining these complex and potentially life-saving systems.

IMI executive chair Kevin Finn said: “The proportion of ADAS-equipped vehicles has grown from 11% in January 2024 to 13% in July, yet there has not been a similar increase in the proportion of ADAS-trained technicians.

“As the proportion of vehicles featuring ADAS accelerates, ahead of the introduction of fully automated vehicles, it is critical that more technicians are trained to work on vehicles with this technology.”

‘Catastrophic’

With ADAS the pre-cursor for fully automated vehicles, following the Automated Vehicles Bill 2024 becoming law last May, the IMI is keen to see future legislation take into account the skills required to meet the maintenance and repair needs of the growing ADAS car parc.

As drivers become more reliant on ADAS safety features, the risks when failures occur increase dramatically. For example, when lane departure warnings or emergency braking fail at high speed, the outcome could be catastrophic, the IMI said.

When vehicles are serviced, many drivers falsely believe the ADAS systems are checked, so they do not seek out specialist checks and maintenance, unwittingly putting themselves and other road users at risk.

The IMI launched level 2 and level 3 ADAS qualifications in 2022 and the TechSafe recognition programme provides independent assessment and recognition of the technical competence of technicians working in the UK automotive sector.

IMI TechSafe identifies a member’s professionalism and safe working practice in the field of EVs and other safety-critical vehicle systems such ADAS.

Aftermarket reported in September 2022 that the BMW Group UK Academy in Berkshire had been named as the first IMI TechSafe Centre of Excellence.