Four in five (81.2%) automotive aftermarket workshops have invested in training, talent and tooling to carry out servicing and maintenance of the latest vehicle safety and powertrain technology, according to a new survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The findings come as the SMMT publishes its latest Aftermarket Report, Jobs, Growth, Mobility – What the aftermarket needs to deliver, which explores the sector’s readiness to support increasingly sophisticated and electrified vehicles.
The aftermarket sector is crucial to the British economy, turning over £62.2 billion, contributing £17.1 billion towards UK GDP, and supporting at least 339,000 jobs.
A new survey, conducted for SMMT by Censuswide, has also revealed that industry is investing heavily to acquire the skills and facilities to maintain and repair the latest vehicle technology – with more than four in five workshops surveyed (81.2%) equipped to service electric vehicles and a further 83.3% of those with these capabilities expecting this spend to increase over the next year.
In addition, 77.6% of respondents are equipped to service and maintain Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) systems, with 83.5% expecting to increase spending on ADAS training and equipment over the next 12 months.
The society has made a number of recommendations for government, including ensuring access to repair and maintenance data for independent operators, MOT reform stakeholder engagement, boosting industry kills developmenet, and mandating Security-Related Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information (SERMI) in Great Britain.
There was also a series of recommendations for the automotive industry, including strengthening collaboration between manufacturers and the aftermarket, engaging with insurers to improve confidence on repairs, skills investment for the workforce, and recognising the value that consumers place on “friendly and knowledgeable communication”.
EVs now accounting for more than a fifth (21.9%) of all new car registrations, rising to 80% of the new car market by 2030 under the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate,. In addition, eight out of 10 new cars include ADAS such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control.
Therefore, ensuring tample maintenance provision for the millions of new sophisticated vehicles reaching the road “will be essential” if more drivers are to make the switch to zero emission motoring, the SMMT said.
Significant capital investment is also required for smaller, often family-run workshops in the transition, as they upgrade equipment and upskill staff to keep pace with fast-evolving vehicle technologies.
Providing capital investment relief for these businesses, and unlocking unused apprenticeship levy funding, would help spur investment in the tools and talent the industry, it added.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
“The UK aftermarket is embracing the future of automotive technology, and investing in the skills and equipment needed to maintain the very latest vehicles to help deliver safe, sustainable mobility for all.
“With a rapid influx of smarter, zero emission vehicles reaching the road, however, helping businesses invest will be crucial if more drivers are to make the switch while maintaining the UK’s leading road safety record, and creating crucial jobs in every part of the country.”
Image of report courtesy of SMMT
