Industry leaders in ‘protect aftermarket’ call
Business leaders across the UK have united to call on the new government to work closely with the automotive aftermarket and to offer a package of tax cuts and other investment to breathe new life into the sector.
A group of the aftermarket’s leading suppliers, repairers and trade bodies has co-signed a list of ‘policy asks’, urging the transport secretary to ramp up industry backing.
The ‘Fighting for the Right to Repair’ letter, sent by LKQ UK & Ireland to Louise Haigh, was prepared in partnership with automotive communications consultancy Citypress.
The letter was co-signed by Halfords, Kwik Fit, the AA, RAC, Micheldever Tyre Services, Formula One Autocentres, ATS Euromaster, Hella, ZF, TMD Friction, Schaffler, the IMI and the IAAF.
In the document, LKQ UK & Ireland CEO Kevan Wooden said: “Significant challenges persist that threaten the independent aftermarket and risk creating a monopoly for the vehicle manufacturers. And they have real implications for the economy, and for consumer choice and affordability.
“The Department for Transport has an important part to play in resolving these challenges and ensuring the independent sector can continue to compete and thrive.”
Regulations
Five key areas of focus are outlined by the signatories “to engage with government and set a new tone for its relationship with our sector”.
LKQ and Citypress consulted the IAAF and their other partners to agree and prioritise the five key requests to support the UK aftermarket’s long-term vitality and viability.
Specific to the independent workshop — and critical to protecting consumer choice — was a call to align vehicle type approval and motor vehicle block exemption regulations.
The industry leaders said a wider regulatory framework was needed to tackle access to data and cybersecurity, which is “not dissimilar to the single, mandated all-manufacturer SERMI scheme being rolled out across Europe”.
‘Critical need’
Other issues covered included the need for tax cuts on training and other business investment, to help independent technicians qualify to work on ADAS-enabled vehicles and hybrids and EVs.
And more widely, a national automotive employment scheme was highlighted as a critical need.
The document also identified the lack of a secondary market for the refit and refurbishment of EV batteries.
Fiona Carmichael, head of automotive and mobility at Citypress, said: “If the UK is to meet its climate obligations, if our roads are to remain some of the world’s safest and if our consumers are to retain a choice for affordable repair and maintenance services, it’s time for the government to recognise the value and contribution that the UK aftermarket provides.”