Auto Windscreens calls together partners and parliamentarians to tackle industry challenges

Auto Windscreens co-hosted a dinner at the House of Commons alongside MP for Chesterfield, Toby Perkins, on Wednesday 22nd April.

Attendees discussed issues in the automotive industry including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration, the transition to electric vehicles, recruitment challenges, apprenticeships and the case for professional recognition of the automotive glazing profession.

The dinner was sponsored by diagnostic and calibration equipment supplier Hella Gutmann, tool supplier, Panther Tools and glass supplier, Pilkington. It was attended by 23 fleet and insurance partners and parliamentarians including Chris Bloore, MP for Redditch, who is also part of the Business and Trade Committee and Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and Dr Scott Arthur, MP for Edinburgh South West, who sits on the Transport Committee.

James MacBeth, Managing Director at Auto Windscreens commented: “New cars sold in the EU and Northern Ireland must be equipped with specific ADAS as standard. Although this isn’t yet mandatory in the UK, many vehicles on the road now include at least one ADAS feature. We’re seeing first-hand how quickly this market is growing. Of the vehicles having a windscreen replacement with us, currently 41% require an ADAS calibration.

“It’s imperative this work is undertaken by trained professionals, using the right equipment properly and in a controlled environment. We wanted to highlight to the Government that this isn’t always happening. It was fantastic to get so many knowledgeable partners and supportive parliamentarians around the table to discuss how we can tackle this issue, among others, in our industry.”