GSNL-3_UK_A4_12pp_August2023

Garage Support Supporting you and your business

2023 Issue 3

What’s inside? • What are the common MOT Failures • The future of MOTs • Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order • Introducing Garage Hive • And more

MOT Focus Edition

Call your local branch now!

A message from Andy

I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering how September is here already – a busy time for all of us as MOT demand peaks. Proactively getting customers booked in when their MOTs are due is a great way to drive trust and means you can stay on top of demand. For more tips on maximising the MOT opportunity check out page 3. We’ve seen fantastic interest in GMS (Garage Management System) this year which is really positive – in our own Carsys solution and the other platforms we partner with. Many of you will know I’m a big believer in digitalisation, and GMS has an important part to play in that journey. Using your customer database to send automated text reminders is just one of its many benefits, alongside integrated digital parts ordering and streamlined quoting and invoicing. We recently invited the editor of CAT Magazine to follow the journey of a digital order at our Eastleigh branch – you can read his write up on page 6. And for more info on our new partnership with leading GMS provider Garage Hive, check out the interview with Alex Lindley on page 7. Thank you to each and every one of you who continues to provide the top quality, affordable local service we know UK and Ireland motorists rely on so heavily, especially at a time when so many are feeling the pinch of cost of living challenges. Appetite for our quality component brands like Starline and MPM remains strong as garages across the country tailor their recommendations to suit every budget. Please don’t underestimate the value of listening to

your customers and helping them choose the right option for them. There’s a lot of material in this edition of Garage Support – and that reflects a busy and dynamic time in the aftermarket! Together we continue to support motorists and embrace the challenges and opportunities of our day-to-day, all while investing in training and development with an eye on the future.

Andy Hamilton, CEO, LKQ Euro Car Parts

More about MOT’s As MOTs start to peak again in September, is your workshop ready for the influx of vehicles that will require an MOT or repair work if they fail? The statistics tell us that vehicles in operation are now back to something like pre pandemic, the likely hood is that these vehicles will require new parts and or servicing through wear. MOT failure rates It’s expected that in September the UK will see over

4 million MOTs carried out through the independent motor trade with October and November, over 3 million plus. Failure rates can vary, here’s what the statistics say the most common failure rates are and what to look out for:

Seat belt failures 3%

Brake failure 26%

Driver view of the road 9%

Body structure failure 6%

Light signal failure 26%

Suspension failures 19%

Tyre and wheel failure 26%

Supporting your customer Why not perform a health check, whilst your customers vehicle is in the workshop. Scan QR code to find out more.

Page 2 | Garage Support | 2023 Issue 3

It’s no secret that inflation is having a huge squeeze on disposable income, many customers are making do with the vehicles they have, keeping vehicles for longer meaning the car parc age rising. Great news for the independent aftermarket, however, it can also be the case that many people are looking for ways to make their money go further. Some maybe holding off getting advisories done before or after an MOT, others may be looking at cheaper alternatives to OE parts. Whatever the scenario, is your business able to offer your customers options? Inflation on the rise (again) Super September – Is your workshop MOT ready?

How we can help? Quality alternatives to OE

Payment Assist Offer customers a convenient way to pay their bills. This clever system allows a customer to get the work done and then spread the cost over 4 monthly payments with no interest. The best bit for a workshop is that the invoice will get paid in full upfront, so you don’t have to worry about cashflow. No interest, no catch for you or your customer. Soft credit check 98% acceptance. Scan for more:

At LKQ Euro Car Parts we work hard on bringing alternative solutions to OE. With brands such as Starline, Eicher, Triple QX and Crosland, you get quality trusted products backed with “Industry Leading” warranties. Our Eicher braking warranty is 24 months / 24,000 miles including manufacturer defects, but it also covers Wear and Tear. Our new Starline warranty for Steering and Suspension is upgraded to 4 years, and we’ve added unlimited mileage. Both these warranties are truly industry leading, and benefit both you and your customer.

TQX Oils and workshop consumables

Starline Steering and Suspension, Batteries, Rotating, Electrics, Cooling

Crosland Filters (Oil, Air, Fuel)

Eicher Pads and Discs

Garage Support | 2023 Issue 3 | Page 3

*Circumstances may vary – based on standard lease terms.

Institute of the Motor Industry Two ways the MOT could change in the future With so much activity around the MOT, including the recent consultation and the release of the DVSA’s strategic plan setting out some possible changes and areas of focus, the test could see a lot of changes in the future. Here are two ways the MOT could look very different…

The first possible change is the use of ANPR cameras,which are currently being trialled in a few workshops. If the trials are successful and the project is rolled out,the idea will be that a Tester will take a picture of the car on their phone or tablet, and the system will pick it up, check the details, and fill in the details, leaving the tester to just check for any discrepancies, such as two chassis numbers on the car. The idea behind this system is to cut down on mistakes that can happen when data for a vehicle is entered incorrectly. The process of collecting data on a piece of paper and then walking to an office to enter it onto a computer seems simple, but it's so easy to make a mistake. This isn’t helped by manufacturers not always putting the VIN plate in an easily accessible place. Trying to write a VIN down with a clip board in one hand, a torch in the other, and a boot liner balanced on ANPR cameras

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Another change is the inclusion of ADAS systems in the MOT. Firstly, the MOT test criteria for tyres would need to be updated. Tyres give early warning signs of improper alignment, there could be more emphasis on types of tyre wear that would flag up the need for immediate maintenance. A lot of ADAS systems have no way of knowing if the vehicle is aligned correctly but can rely on alignment to work. As the IMI has recently shown with its research into MOT failures, tyres are a high failure point and are likely to get worse as cars get heavier. There is also the cost of completing an ADAS check as part of the MOT. Taking out the cost of the equipment for now, if the test fee stays the same, customers are not going to pay the cost of an ADAS check when they can just have the MOT done for half the price. This isn’t going to help MOT test stations or garages that rely on ADAS as a service. It’s not clear what changes are coming for the MOT test as the consultation results are still under review by the DVSA. But there will definitely be changes in the very near future.

your head, with the customer's every possession balanced on that boot liner, is not the most efficient way to collect important vehicle identification data. That VIN will still need checking,but not having to write while balancing stuff on your head might make life a little easier. So why is it such an issue to have the odd error? Because when an error is corrected, a new record is created for the vehicle that just goes off on its merry way to some far part of the database, just waiting to poke its head up when an MOT history check is done, or somebody goes to tax the vehicle, which can cause all sorts of system errors. So far, the reports are that this system works well, and the Testers who have been trialling it have got on well with the system. It would take us one step closer to the linked system that has been slowly rolling out for some years now too.

Keep your MOT training up-to-date with the IMI, your one-stop shop for all yourneeds – theimi.org.uk/mot

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LKQ Academy

How one workshop boost their business

We spoke to Britannia MOT’s Mick Bentley, to discuss how the LKQ Academy has benefited his business Located in Aylesford, Kent, Britannia MOT has been serving local drivers for more than two decades, and prides itself on being a one stop shop for all repair needs. In the words of owner, Mick Bentley: “there’s nothing we really turn away” . Mick and his team of five technicians recognise the importance of continued professional development and signed up to the LKQ Academy a fewmonths ago, to ensure they’re ready to complete every job to the highest standard.

EV training In 2019, 90% of new cars sold were petrol or diesel. Last year this dropped to less than half (47%). And Mick has noticed the change. “We trained our first technician in hybrid and EV servicing 2019, and we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of plug-ins coming through the doors ever since” , he states. For this reason, Mick continues to invest in bringing the whole team's skills up to a high standard when it comes to hybrid and EV servicing and maintenance, and soon, all will be trained to level four.

important to me as any money spent on new technology”, says Mick. “Being able to access all of the training virtually means that we’re able to respond to changing trends by brushing up on the latest skills.” Learn to earn Upskilling goes beyond hybrids and EVs – even though that’s what tends to make headlines. According to The IMI, there could be a shortage of 51,000 ADAS-trained technicians by 2030. A major refit of the Brittannia MOT

workshop is planned, to make room for the latest ADAS servicing equipment – and Mick intends to follow this up with a programme of training through the LKQ Academy. “Investing in training now allows us to keep up with the latest trends and position ourselves to deal with any issue a customer may have, so that they can trust they’re leaving our workshop with a fully functioning vehicle. This helps us build our reputation as a trustworthy garage to visit.”

Stay relevant As well as learning the new skills

required to deal with the latest vehicles, Mick recognises it’s important to remain on top of the basics, too. “The range of courses available through the LKQ Academy our technicians never get rusty on the essentials, and ensure my whole team is working from the same baseline of knowledge” states Mick. “My employees are my greatest asset, so investment in their abilities is just as

For more information on how the LKQ Academy can benefit you, visit www.lkqacademy.co.uk

Garage Support | 2023 Issue 3 | Page 5

MVBEO Watershed moment for the industry The newMotor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MVBEO), which came into force earlier this month, is a ‘watershed moment’ for the independent aftermarket, according to LKQ Euro Car Parts CEO Andy Hamilton, who said: “The newMVBEO regulations have delivered on many of the industry’s key requests. It is more comprehensive – now covering software, training and improved access to data and information alongside parts – and it is now shorter in duration, coming up for review again before the end of the decade. This should allow the framework to be updated to keep pace with the rapidly evolving vehicle market.”

is still casting a shadow over the industry’s future.” Andy added: “Because of all these issues, we and our partners in the industry are not resting on our laurels, but as our efforts on MVBEO show, when the industry unites around a common purpose, we can work with the legislator to challenge the dominance of the global OEMs and achieve outcomes that support a thriving independent aftermarket and its loyal following among British consumers.” The MVBEO, introduced by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), replaces the EU-derived Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (MVBER).

have worked closely with the CMA as it developed these new regulations. The evidence submitted was overwhelming to the point where we had to be listened to.” “As vehicles continue their gradual evolution to becoming tech hardware, there remain gaps in the legislative landscape that OEMs extension, limit consumer choice. This includes cybersecurity where the UK currently has no plans to introduce a standardised certification system, such as the SERMI scheme that is due to come into force in Northern Ireland and the EU this summer. Meanwhile, the threat of damaging MOT reforms will no doubt exploit to restrict access to independents and, by

LKQ UK & Ireland, which includes LKQ Euro Car Parts & LKQ Bodyshop, was one of a companies and organisations including the IGA, IAAF and UK AFCAR who lobbied for the MVBEO to build on and expand the framework provided by the outgoing MVBER framework. Andy continued: “This is a real success for the independent aftermarket, where its ability to service modern vehicles was slowly being squeezed by OEMs capitalising on the shortcomings and loopholes of the ageing MVBER framework and advances in vehicle technology that support new business models.” “I’d like to thank the many workshops and bodyshops that engaged with us, as well as the IAAF and UK AFCAR who

Published by CAT Mag 12th June 2023

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) ULEZ, also known as LEZ or sometimes CAZ (Low Emission Zone, Clean Air Zone) is an inner-city area where drivers of more polluting vehicles must pay to drive through. The aim – to encourage drivers to use newer, less polluting vehicles, or make the switch to public transport. The most well-known zone in London is set to expand as of August 2023 with over 700,000 car drivers being affected by the expansion, and TfL estimates that around 160,000 non- compliant cars a day currently drive in the area that will become part of the expanded zone. With the increase in cities introducing these zones and the expansion of London’s zone, what does this mean for your workshops? Coming soon: Look out for our ULEZ special edition, where we’ll be sharing more details on what it means for you, advice and solutions.

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Garage Hive

Find out how partnerships and digital can grow your business Hear from Garage Hive’s Alex Lindley You might have seen the exciting news Garage Hive users can now access the full LKQ Euro Car Parts catalogue through their GMS solution. We caught up with Director of Garage Hive and of the award-winning Lindley’s Autocentres, Alex Lindley, on how he thinks the partnership is going and why garages should embrace the digital world.

Can you tell us a bit about you and your background?

Why did you decide to partner with us and integrate our offering into the Garage Hive platform? Our network is very interactive – we use feedback from the network to make most of our important business decisions. We have a strong community of garage owners on social media and essentially, they told us that they’d like us to partner with LKQ Euro Car Parts. And we know that LKQ Euro Car Parts will deliver on the things that matter to our users – that came out of our recent poll. What’s the feedback been from the Garage Hive community since the LKQ Euro Car Parts integration went live? Feedback on the integration from our community has been overwhelmingly

I’ve been in the industry for nearly 20 years now. I joined my family business, Lindley’s Autocentres, as an apprentice and worked my way up the ranks – eventually helping to expand it, opening 10 new branches. When we were growing the business, we were always on the lookout for new software that made the admin or running of a garage that little bit easier. That’s when we came across Garage Hive and absolutely fell in love with it’s foundations. We ended up investing in Garage Hive and have now been with them for over six years. My role with the business mostly focuses on analysing and utilising data to drive business decisions.

Garage Support | 2023 Issue 3 | Page 7 Garages that build relationships with suppliers get so much more out of them. And suppliers like LKQ Euro Car Parts can also offer added value services to garages they know well, like training or equipment provision, to help take that garage to the next level. I know my local LKQ Euro Car Parts team really well and genuinely feel they’re a true partner to our business. Why is it important for garages to embrace digitalisation, and what’s your advice to those looking to get started? Digitalisation is becoming more important than ever and garages that embrace the digital world will reap the rewards. New technology is becoming more and more accessible and affordable – and when used correctly, it will save technicians time and money, paying for itself in no time. If a garage can run their booking system using technology, for example, then the whole admin process of taking phone call and manging the booking process is taken care of. This will save valuable workshop time and ensure efficient, accurate scheduling and quoting. People are increasingly used to booking everything they need online – from their haircuts to their doctors' appointments – so it’s vital that garages make their services available in the same way, to avoid missing out.

What’s important to the Garage Hive community when choosing a parts supplier? In a recent survey, we asked Garage Hive users what’s important to them when considering which parts supplier to use. We took their responses and turned them into a poll, asking the community to rate different attributes from most important to least important. It turns that the Garage Hive community values high quality parts the most, closely followed by receiving the right part first time and having a strong working relationship with the supplier.

positive. We’ve even had some members say that they expect their monthly spend with LKQ Euro Car Parts to increase significantly, as buying from them without leaving the platform is so simple. From a workshop perspective what is the importance of partnerships over relationships when dealing with suppliers? We’ve learnt that having a partnership with suppliers is super important when it comes to running a successful garage. Partnerships benefit both parties.

EV and Hybrid An aging and changing car parc What does this mean for your workshop heading into MOT season? Statistics from the SMMT show that used car market is starting to grow again after several years in decline. Great news for independent workshops, as this growth will ultimately see more vehicles into your workshops. However, are you ready for the change in vehicle type is the question? With more EV and Hybrid vehicles changing hands in the used car market, is your workshop

equipped to take advantage of this increasing trend? Used car sales: Q1 2023

BEV sales up 56.5% as 26,257 change hands, representing 1.4% of the market in Q1.

Best start to a year since 2020, but market remains below pre-pandemic levels.

UK used car market grows 4.1% in Q1 2023 after three successive quarters of decline.

How are you adapting your workshop to stay competitive? Operating on these vehicles can be very different to normal combustion engines and come with added complexity and safety issues. There is no doubt that over the next coming years this changing car parc will continue to grow, so how do you adapt your workshop to take advantage of this change?

Adapting your workshop Charging points, the correct safety equipment, PPE and lifting equipment that can take the weight of these heavier vehicles are all required to operate safely. If you are considering upgrading your workshop to service this new business, then talk to our experts in the Workshop Solutions team who can help and guide you through the process as you take your business to the next level.

Page 8 | Garage Support | 2023 Issue 3

EV and Hybrid Training

Getting you, your staff and your workshop Electric Vehicle ready Electrify Your Expertise! Becoming an EV Workshop Business

Not only have we got the right technical courses to get you and your staff EV ready – your workshop can now take it’s first steps into the future of automotive and unleash the power of electric vehicles with the launch of the 2 day becoming an EV workshop business course in partnership with our partners at T10 Automotive.

This new course will put you and your workshop on the road to success and starts with embracing electric vehicles – you’ll dive deep into the world of EVs and unlock a world of opportunities for your garage. During this course we’ll cover topics such as:

• Experience Learning Outcomes: Offer strategies for promoting and growing an EV specialist business, ensuring you stand out as a leader in the electrified automotive landscape. From targeted marketing campaigns establishing strategic partnerships with charging station providers, we’ll guide you through proven tactics to expand your customer base and enhance your reputation. that highlight your expertise in EV maintenance and repair to

• Discover Financial Objectives: Learn how embracing electric vehicles can skyrocket your revenue and enhance your bottom line. From increased service demand to tapping into government incentives, we’ll show you how to drive your profits forward • Embrace Customer Objectives: Understand the evolving needs and expectations of today’s environmentally conscious clientele. Learn to offer exceptional EV

services, build trust, and create customer loyalty that drives repeat business • Ignite Internal Objectives: Foster a culture of innovation within your garage. Equip your team with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the fast-paced world of EV maintenance and repair. Boost employee morale and create a high- performance work environment

The Importance of Becoming an EV Garage: With the automotive industry shifting towards sustainability, electric vehicles are becoming the new norm. By adapting to this revolution, you position your garage as a pioneer, attracting a growing market segment and future-proofing your business. Training your employees Don’t get left behind when it comes to servicing and repairing hybrid and electric vehicles (EV). With government plans to cut emissions by stopping the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and multiple car manufacturers such as Volvo and Ford committing to a 100% electric range by 2030, the change is inevitable. There is no doubt that hybrid and EV’s will become the vehicle of choice over the coming years and beyond. Through LKQ Academy we can offer training packages that can get your technicians up to speed with EV and Hybrid. With courses at a little over £550 each, your technicians can get all the latest information and practical skills to be able to maintain, replace and diagnose problems that arise with these types of vehicles. Get in touch today to find out more

Garage Support | 2023 Issue 3 | Page 9

Pagid Proud to Fit

Congratulations to M & N Vehicle Services Ltd on becoming the 1000th Pagid Proud To Fit workshop member in the UK & Ireland. Welcome to our 1000 th member

Scan to watch our interview

Ian Brooks, Key Account Manager for Pagid UK, comments, “Firstly congratulations to Michael & Chris on becoming our 1000th member of the scheme. As the UK’s largest network of independent garages, M & N are worthy winners of this accolade and we wish them every success in the future. We are proud to support their growth and share their vision of the future. M & N are where the independent aftermarket is going in the UK, they are the next generation of workshops that offer dealer level service and knowledge to each and every customer. They are trusted to keep Peterborough’s vehicles on the road. Pagid is the UK’s largest braking brand and with the exclusive distribution agreement we have with LKQ Euro Car Parts, it’s a perfect combination to support workshops like Michael’s and Chris’. Good luck for the future” . products and have been a devoted customer of Pagid for the past 10 years. Throughout this time, Pagid has seen the business expand in both size and reputation, becoming that trusted braking specialist in the region.

Based in Peterborough, owners Michael Ambrosio & Chris Noll have run this very successful independent workshop since its inception in 2010. The business offers dealer level service across the region, including, vehicle servicing, MOTs, tyre replacement, breakdown services, bodywork, maintenance and repairs for car, light commercial & heavy commercial vehicles. The facilities include an extremely busy workshop area, comprising of five ramps for car and LCV & four additional HCV ramps.

M&N have been a loyal customer of LKQ Euro Car Parts for more than a decade. About 25% of their revenue comes from braking products, which is just a part of their diverse business. Upon opening their workshop in 2010, they started installing Pagid braking

The Pagid Proud To Fit garage scheme is a support program that supports over 1000 independent workshops across the UK and Ireland. Members are leading installers that fit Pagid’s OE quality braking parts and whom enjoy a range of benefits, which include: • Aspire rewards programme • Technical help and resources • 25 month industry leading wear and tear warranty • Marketing support and point of sale material • Training programmes • Access to regular new to range product introductions • Regular communication.

“Get it right, first time!” is the business’ mantra and the team of 18 committed staff members, including accredited & qualified technicians, who strive daily to offer complete satisfaction to each and every customer. Many of these are long standing and this can be seen by the numerous five-star reviews enjoyed on Google Reviews and WhoCanFixMyCar.com.

Page 10 | Garage Support | 2023 Issue 3

1TEC Auto Hub

Are you embracing the future? A message from Louise Davies, our Head of Concept Sales It’s been an exciting start to the summer for our business, from an encouraging and uplifting few days at Automechanika Birmingham, to the launch of our new concept garage platform, 1TEC Auto Hub – a personal highlight for me since the last edition of this newsletter.

For anyone who’s unfamiliar with how a garage concept can help their workshop, consider this an introduction! As a business, LKQ Euro Car Parts is on a mission to help the independent aftermarket compete on a more level playing field with the dealerships. Perhaps the biggest single reason a motorist might chose to use a dealership’s workshop or bodyshop is because of the OEM logo. But garages that belong to a recognised, successful access to exclusive benefits designed to help them not just meet, but exceed the level of service the dealerships can offer, locally and at a better price. Concepts have a big part to play by giving quality independent workshops

Shell, Pagid, Varta, Valeo, MPM, Schaeffler, ZF Aftermarket and us – supplying their support and access to the latest technical data, tools and products. In this sense, 1TEC Auto Hub is very much focused on the future and helping garages to adapt to rapidly developing trends in automotive world. The response to the 1TEC Auto Hub launch has been hugely positive, and the garages we’ve already onboarded have felt the benefits from day one. If you want to join them, and for more information on our range of garage concepts, then please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team at concepts@LKQEurocarparts.com.

concept network, with its logo above the door, can provide that same level of reassurance. Being a concept garage sets an expectation that customers will receive a high standard of service, that the workshop will use quality products and that the team working there will be supported with external training and expertise. We believe that concept garages have a key role to play in supporting the sector’s future, and that’s why we’ve created 1TEC Auto Hub to sit alongside our existing partnerships with Bosch Car Service and the RAC. What separates 1TEC Auto Hub is the unique roster of partners behind it –

www.1TEC.co.uk

Garage Support | 2023 Issue 3 | Page 11

Why join 1TEC Auto Hub? Something big is here and we want you to be part of it. Alongside seven of the automotive industry’s leading suppliers, including MPM, Pagid, Schaeffler, Shell, Valeo, VARTA UK, and ZF Aftermarket, we’ve launched a new and unique garage concept, 1TEC Auto Hub. Developed to provide independent workshops with all the tools, training, and business support you need to grow and thrive in the ever-changing automotive landscape, 1TEC Auto Hub will also offer its members exclusive rewards to benefit you even further. What you’ll get • Marketing support to help your business grow • Exclusive invites to events and workshops • Training fromTechnical parts and the award winning LKQ Academy • Business Support to unlock even more revenue streams • Exclusive Rewards Platform housed in one easy to use digital platform. A garage network prepared for the future • Access to a GMS to suit your workshop • Access to the very latest Technical Data

Garage Management Solution

Technical Partner Data

Technical Data

Business Support

Trade Events

Loyalty Platform

Ready to take the next step? www.1TEC.co.uk

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