A majority of workshops in the UK are ready to service electric vehicles, according to new findings in the latest aftermarket report from the SMMT.
The study shows that 81.2% of workshops in the country have invested in training, talent and tooling to carry out servicing and maintenance work on electrifed powertrains. This, the SMMT states, will be a critical point to sustain, if the UK’s roads are to become safer and greener.
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 revealed that industry is investing heavily to acquire the skills and facilities to maintain and repair the latest vehicle technology. Alongside the numbers able to carry out EV servicing, 77.6% of respondents are equipped to service and maintain ADAS, with 83.5% expecting to increase spending on training and equipment in this area over the next 12 months.
“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,” commented SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes.
“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.”
The full findings can be found in the SMMT report: Jobs, Growth, Mobility, What the aftermarket needs to deliver.
Digging into the SMMT report
The SMMT asked 2,001 drivers a range of questions about the use of their car, their opinions on the latest vehicle technologies and their preferences in servicing and maintenance.
In total, 72% stated they would use an independent channel for servicing, maintence and repair work. This covered a breadth of options, but the most popular was the use of a one-site independent garage, with 25.9% of respondents preferring this option. Additionally, 12.8% stated they use a workshop of a small independent chain of a few garages.
The majority of drivers would use a mobile or a collection/delivery service from a workshop, with 76% in favour of this. But only just over a third of respondents said they would be prepared to pay a premium for these services.
It is notable, however, that younger drivers are more prepared to pay a premium, with the 25 to 34-year-old group the most willing at 63%, and the 17 to 24-year-old segment next at 43%. Conversely, just 15% of those over the age of 55 said they are prepared to pay for the added convenience.
Thoughts of the aftermarket
The report explores the future of the aftermarket. The SMMT noted that a recurring theme in conversations with its members is the challenge of skills, including attracting new talent, upskilling staff and retaining the workforce.
A shortage of skilled technicians not only impacts workshop capacity but also slows the transition to electric vehicles by undermining affordability and accessibility.
Twice as many workshops feel that EVs will provide them with opportunities rather than challenges over the next five to 10 years, and this sentiment is echoed in confidence around staff upskilling, with 45% seeing it as an opportunity against 19% who view it as a challenge.
Of those that are investing in skills to deal with EV and ADAS, the report states that the majority are spending less than 1.5% of their turnover, although eight in 10 expect to increase this investment over the next year.
This investment is welcome, since an alarming 78% of those surveyed said they expected significant numbers of key staff to retire within the next one to four years, while only 5% said they have no vacancies to fill, and nearly 20% said they have difficulty in attracting the right staff.
Importance of the MOT
The SMMT highlights in its report that while the MOT aims to ensure roadworthiness on the day of testing, advances in vehicle technology have created greater complexity in what is designed to be a simple, affordable and non-invasive test.
The current emission tests, for example, struggle to detect the removal of emissions control equipment or the fitment of substitute parts. In addition, the emissions from a modern vehicle may require extremely accurate measurement equipment to detect changes, whereas in previous times a simple, visual smoke test could be applied to diesel vehicles, for example.
Regarding the cost of the MOT, the SMMT has now added its voice to the call recommending an increase in the current cost cap.
“A key barrier to expanding the scope of the MOT may be cost,” the report states. “A review of MOT fees, unchanged since 2010, together with a full cost benefit analysis of introducing new test equipment, could help address inflationary pressures and support the introduction of this more advanced, but necessary, testing.”
Looking at driver behaviours, the SMMT aftermarket report highlights that a quarter of drivers say they rarely or never check their tyre tread depth. Tyre pressure monitoring systems have probably helped to improve the situation regarding inflation, but 15% still say they pay no attention to this critical aspect of maintenance.
Furthermore, a third of drivers never check or replace windscreen wipers, while 42% do not bother with bulb checks.
Recommendations offered
The SMMT has listed a number of recommendations as a result of its findings. These are aimed at both the government, and the automotive industry.
SMMT recommendations for government:
- Ensure access to technical repair and maintenance data for independent operators through Great Britain Whole Vehicle Type Approval and the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order. These regulations ensure fair competition, consumer choice and value.
- Ensure adequate funding and resource for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) Market Surveillance Unit to effectively monitor the use of non-compliant replacement parts being used on-road and illegal modifications.
- Accelerate stakeholder collaboration on MOT reform. Updates to the fee structure, test content and operational flexibility are needed to reflect modern vehicle technologies. Mandatory Advanced Driver Assistance Systems checks and enhanced emissions testing should be introduced, particularly as ICE vehicles will remain in circulation beyond 2040. A full cost benefit analysis should be done to ensure a realistic and proportionate MOT is in place to deliver the real-world benefits of modern vehicle technologies.
- Introduce capital investment relief for vehicle test stations and workshops upgrading equipment to meet enhanced MOT standards.
Boost industry skills development. Increase the release of unused apprenticeship levy funds to small businesses, simplify apprenticeship systems and expand access to non-apprenticeship training pathways. - Consider need to mandate Security-Related Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information (SERMI) in Great Britain. Greater confidence in the scheme would encourage the establishment of Conformity Assessment Bodies in GB and support a framework with the potential to deliver technical information exchange between vehicle manufacturers and workshops in areas outside of security.
SMMT recommendations for the Automotive Industry:
- Strengthen collaboration between vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket. Easier access to technical information enhances customer experience, brand perception and affordability.
- Engage insurers and stakeholders in joint efforts with manufacturers and the aftermarket to improve confidence and affordability in repairs – especially for complex vehicles and EVs.
- Invest in workforce skills and modern equipment to keep pace with evolving technologies.
- Recognise the value the consumer places on friendly and knowledgeable communication and the location convenience that the aftermarket is able to provide them.
