Automotive aftermarket suppliers, repairers and trade bodies have united to urge the Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh to support independent repairers with a number of policy initiatives.
In a letter co-signed by LKQ UK & Ireland, 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, they have made five key requests.
Specific to the independent workshop – and critical to protecting consumer choice – is a call to align vehicle type approval and motor vehicle block exemption regulations, to eliminate the potential for vehicle manufacturers to restrict access to in-vehicle data, information and other essential inputs that are required to diagnose, service or repair a vehicle – particularly in the context of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
In a similar vein, a wider regulatory framework has been called for to address access to data and cybersecurity.
Automotive aftermarket training
Other issues tackled in the document, Fighting for the Right to Repair, include 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. More widely, a national automotive employment scheme has been highlighted as a critical need.
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. We have identified five key areas of focus where support is urgently needed, and we are keen, together with our partners, to engage with government and set a new tone for its relationship with our sector.”
