A number of the aftermarket’s biggest suppliers, garages and trade bodies have called on the government to support independent workshops in tomorrow’s Autumn Budget.
LKQ UK & Ireland has written a list of five key requests in a new policy document named ‘Fighting for the Right to Repair’.
It has been co-signed by major names including Halfords, Kwik Fit, The AA, The RAC, Micheldever Tyre Services, Formula One Autocentres, ATS Euromaster, Hella, ZF, TMD Friction, Schaffler, The IMI and The IAAF.
Chief among its calls is the alignment of vehicle type approval and motor vehicle block exemption regulations, which it said would prevent the restriction of access to in-vehicle data and other essential information by manufacturers. This is key for servicing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), it said. It has also requested a legislative framework for access to crucial data.
The document adds that tax cuts are required to help with funding training for the shift to ADAS-equipped vehicles, as well as hybrids and battery-electric models. A national employment scheme is also required to reverse the ongoing skills shortage: vacancy rates for the aftermarket sector are at 43% above the average for all sectors, according to a report published by the IMI earlier this year.
Moreover, the LKQ document calls for the establishment of a secondary market for the refurbishment of electric vehicle batteries, which would improve affordability for end users.
“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,” said Fiona Carmichael, head of automotive and mobility for communications consultancy Citypress.
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