Provides aftermarket update

The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) hosted its second Industry Briefing of the year at vGroup International in Milton Keynes on Thursday 25 May.

Headed up by Mike Smallbone, membership development manager, attendees were updated on IAAF’s activity surrounding MOT proposals, Type Approval, the Connected Car and also the Your Car, Your Choice campaign.

The Federation gave an insight into the future developments of vehicle technology and efforts by vehicle manufacturers to control the technical information available to independent workshops. The independent aftermarket must ensure it remains a viable and competitive alternative for vehicle servicing and repair.

In light of the recent tragic events in Manchester, all guests came together in respect of the families and friends affected and the event was put on hold for a minute’s silence at 11 am.

Smallbone began by discussing the dangers surrounding the recent MOT consultation, with plans to move it from 3-1-1 to 4-1-1, meaning a new vehicle would not be required to undergo its first MOT until it was four years old.

Guest speaker, Quentin Le Hetet (GIPA UK), was in attendance to further examine the impact of extending the MOT period to four years on the industry, while also looking at the future of parts distribution in the UK and the global consolidation taking place across the automotive aftermarket.

Smallbone said: “We’d like to thank all members for attending as these sessions are a great way to keep up to speed on the many issues affecting the aftermarket and can be of great benefit to members’ businesses. As always, Quentin was on hand to provide some very interesting statistics and really bring home the significance of the MOT proposals. We now look forward to the next briefing.”

The regional sessions begin at 10.00 am offering the chance to network over a coffee, before finishing at 1.00 pm with lunch.

Further meetings will be held and announced throughout the year with the following meeting taking place at the Haynes Motor Museum in Sparkford, Yeovil on Thursday 21 September.

Places are limited and therefore IAAF is advising members to book early to avoid disappointment by emailing Ann Silvester at [email protected]