Technology dominates at IAAF Conference
The IAAF Conference 2019 has highlighted the massive technology-led transformation in the global automotive industry and how every business in the independent aftermarket can take full advantage.
Kicking off the sold-out conference, Wendy Williamson, chief executive of IAAF highlighted how technology has dominated the topics tackled by the Federation in 2019, from the counterfeit parts campaign to cyber security. She also outlined the work FIGIEFA was doing in securing fair digitialisation opportunities along with other technology led work on Extended Vehicle and SERMI.
Williamson said: “Vehicles are like computers on wheels and we are seeing them becoming increasingly more connected and sophisticated. As an industry, we need to steer the supply chain in the right direction to ensure we’re on track to tackle the challenges we face head on and ensure we are equipped with the tools and knowhow to be able to continue to service and maintain the vehicles of tomorrow.”
Hayley Pells from Avia Garage stepped up to look at how independent garages are ‘coping’ with technological changes, particularly given the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles. Pells said there was still time to prepare for these vehicles but pushed home the need for greater engagement with industry training, recognising that many technicians do not have the correct qualifications and are therefore not in a position to service the latest vehicles on the road.
Sticking with the theme of innovation and change, Andy Hamilton, CEO of Euro Car Parts, explored the digital disruption that is causing the aftermarket to constantly evolve. Stating that 46 per cent of cars are turned away from garages due to being unable to diagnose faults, Hamilton joined Pells in calling on the industry to expand its skillset so it can adapt to the changing needs of motorists and to support garages more, in order to preserve the independent aftermarket.
The message was then reinforced by the next speaker, Dean Lander from Thatcham Research Centre, who delivered an engaging talk on the history and growth of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), again reiterating the need for garages to have greater access to ever-changing technology in order to avoid handing over all power to vehicle manufacturers.
Lander urged the industry to recognise that autonomous vehicles are already a reality and that change is inevitable. With this in mind, he emphasised how crucial it is that staff are trained properly and legislation is put in place to protect all parties.
Mike Smallbone, head of membership development, then provided a full round-up of the Federation’s activity throughout the year, highlighting IAAF’s commitment to addressing the issues with initiatives such as Your Car – Your Choice. The pilot project in Chesterfield was instrumental in the automotive aftermarket winning business from main dealers, as independent garages felt more confident in the greater use of OE-quality parts.
Neil Barlow and Emma-Jane Morris from DVSA outlined the purpose of the market surveillance unit (MSU) and their activities in the automotive aftermarket around vehicle emissions, emissions control and tyres. They re-iterated their determination to work with the industry to educate companies and clarify the rules.
Before the day came to a close, attendees were left with food for thought as Neil Pattemore from FIGIEFA, the industry’s European federation and political representative, spoke of the immediate threats affecting the automotive aftermarket, such as protecting Block Exemption, the risks surrounding the extended vehicle and the importance of cyber security.
