IAAF responds to SMMT Aftermarket Report

The SMMT report on the UK Aftermarket is a welcome recognition of the vital and substantial contribution that the sector provides to the UK economy and the vehicle owners and operators’ ability to use independent repairers to provide the repair and maintenance for their vehicles, which the substantial majority choose to do.

The report also includes a proposal to enhance the MOT to reflect the vital safety systems in modern vehicles - a position which the IAAF has previously lobbied for, and fully support.

While the report details many aspects of this entrepreneurial and vibrant industry sector, we must continue to address the way that today’s vehicles use remote over-the-air access to real-time vehicle generated dynamic data when the vehicle is being driven. 

This increasingly uses embedded applications that process data to provide improved ways to identify what work the vehicle may require, but this remote access and use of this high quality vehicle generated data is not available to independent operators, which is distorting the market to the detriment of vehicle owners and operators.

The IAAF will continue to call for the UK Government to recognise the changes within the sector and urgently address the rights of independent operators to compete effectively. 

Mark Field, IAAF Chief Executive, said: “The SMMT’s report provides valuable insight into a sector that is dynamic, innovative and essential to keeping the UK on the move. However, as vehicles become more connected, the aftermarket’s ability to compete depends on fair and direct access to in-vehicle data. Without this, the balance of power shifts unfairly towards vehicle manufacturers and their authorised networks, limiting consumer choice and threatening the independence that defines our sector.

“The IAAF will continue to urge Government to recognise the pace of change within the industry and to act decisively to protect the rights of independent businesses to operate on a level playing field.”