LKQ chief urges garages to ‘upskill now’ for EVs, hybrids

13 August 2024  

Increasing growth in the used EV and hybrid market strengthens the business case for garages and workshops to invest in skills and equipment, the CEO of LKQ UK and Ireland has said.

Kevan Wooden’s comments came as latest SMMT figures, reported by Aftermarket on August 8, showed continued growth in the UK’s new and used car markets.

Wooden said only 11% of UK mechanics are currently qualified to work on EVs, which means there is an opportunity for independents with the right capability to position themselves as plug-in specialists, and to retain existing customers as they trade-up into electric, while winning new customers from the competition.

“Given the size of the EV skills gap, the fact that seven in 10 motorists prefer to use independents, and the projected continued growth of the second-hand EV market — not to mention Labour’s commitment to electrification — our advice is to upskill now.

Skills gap

“This will allow technicians to ensure they’re both prepared for the future and well placed to capitalise on the more immediate opportunity presented by growing hybrid adoption.”

Wooden said his company has already upskilled 3,000 technicians in servicing hybrid and electric car maintenance and repair through the LKQ Academy to help address the skills gap.

The company is also expanding its training nationwide to build the capacity needed for a successful EV transition, he said.

Wooden will deliver the keynote address on the opening day of The Aftermarket Event at Farnborough International next month.

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