Garage Support 2023 Issue 2

Garage Support Supporting you and your business

2023 Issue 2

What’s inside? • Get ready for MOT The traditional MOT peak in March has shifted and moved into September. • Air Conditioning There are millions of cars and light commercial vehicles on the road fitted with air-con as standard. • Bringing new talent It’s no secret that our sector is facing a serious skills shortage, especially when it comes to young people choosing to start their career in automotive. • And more

Opportunities and solutions for your workshop

Call your local branch now!

A message from our CEO

MOT – Be prepared for the rush

Get ready for the MOT season this September MOT patterns have changed over the last couple of years, predominantly due to the pandemic that swept the world in 2020. Vehicle owners in the UK were given a six month extension meaning that the traditional MOT peak in March has shifted and moved into September.

The sun is shining and it’s officially time to think about what summer means for you, your garage and your customers. It won’t be long before the phone lines are flooded with requests for air con servicing and repairs – and the last thing you want is to wait until then to get your equipment in shape and team members trained up and ready to go! You can find out more about the air conditioning opportunity on pages 4, 5 and 6 – including specific considerations for the hybrids and EVs becoming increasingly common in the independent aftermarket. Air con servicing can form part of a wider summer health check – a good idea for motorists before they hit the roads for their summer getaways. There’s a handy checklist on page 9, and a link to resources you can download and display in your garage, to help with upselling. Whether your customers are travelling by car, campervan or with a caravan this summer, we’ve got everything you need to send them on their way. On page 7, we look at how to keep your workforce happy and motivated, and a lot of this advice is based on our own experience. At LKQ Euro Car Parts we’ve invested heavily in becoming an employer of choice and making sure we offer what our colleagues need – and want – from us every day. We’re hope we can help others by sharing our journey, as together we work to improve diversity and attract talent into our sector. Automechanika Birmingham is just around the corner, and it will be great to get together with customers and suppliers alike. Events are such an important opportunity to learn from each other. We have a lot going on at the event – including the launch of our new workshop concept, 1TEC Auto Hub – and there are opportunities to get stuck in and win some great prizes, so do stop by our stands and say hello! Until next time! Community means many things to us at LKQ Euro Car Parts, from our colleagues and customers – and the causes they care about – to the people local to our sites and branches. We’ve achieved a lot over the last year and thought we’d share of the highlights we’re proud of: Doing good in the community

How have MOTs been affected?

5,000,000

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

2019

2020 2021

2022

2023

Source: DVSA/ SMMT/ LKQ-ECP.

What does this mean?

Is it a return to the norm?

Is your workshop prepared?

In the second half of 2023, MOT volumes are predicted to increase with September, October and November being the busiest periods.

Over the past couple of years the peaks and troughs have started to shorten and started to realign back to normal seasonality prior to 2020. Looking at the graph above we can still see that familiar dip in April whereas September is starting to take a familiar curve.

With the expected increase in MOTs, a planned workload and well-prepared workforce have never been more important. Don’t wait for customers to call you; now is the time to pick up the phone, use your GMS if you have one and get those jobs booked in. You could also do this by text or email.

Andy Hamilton, CEO, LKQ Euro Car Parts

As part of our ongoing support for Ukraine, this Easter we delivered 700 chocolate eggs, hundreds of preloved teddy bears and lots of hand drawn pictures from our colleagues children. Thank you to all of our customers and colleagues for your continued support – watch this space for

Contact your customers before they contact you!

Are you missing out on MOT advisory work?

Colleagues across our network have been busy raising money for Ukraine. The £63,000 we raised meant we could buy two ambulances for hospitals in the west of the country. And we’ve helped Ukrainian children to go on summer camps, provided toys to help them continue enjoying life, and collected so many Christmas presents a HGV was needed to take them over there!

According to DVSA data around 35% (2022 data) of these vehicles will fail the MOT at the first attempt. 1 in 4 vehicles will pass with advisories, meaning, at some point they will have to return for further work depending on the severity of the advisory. With the cost of living now shadowing our every purchase, many customers may not have the disposable income to fix advisories at the initial MOT stage as it isn’t mandatory. But this is where the power of your customer service or Garage Management System (GMS) can make a difference for your business.

Contact customers early, remind them of advisories that came up last time. Depending on the severity of the advisory there is a good chance that they will need replacing this time. You may also uncover something fundamentally wrong with the vehicle which is causing the initial problem. Good customer service means you can have proactive discussions with a customer and get them in early to free up your workshop for the MOT season.

other ways to get involved with our fundraising efforts.

As always, our teams have been busy with sponsored challenges, fundraising events, bake sales and more. Shout out to branch managers Brad Shuttleworth and Mark Birkhead, for cycling from Manchester to Blackpool to fundraise for Sarcoma UK.

Look out for our MOT special in the next edition

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Garage Support | 2023 Issue 2 | Page 3

Air-Con – Don’t miss out

Air-Con in Hybrid and Electric vehicles

Why invest in Air-con Equipment

There are more cars on the road then ever before!

Air-con systems on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EV’s) cars aren’t just necessary for a cold, comfortable cabin. EV air-con systems are also essential in ensuring the electric motors, batteries and axles remain cool. Electric car components get very hot when in use and could overheat and fail without a fully operational and well maintained air-con system.

There are millions of cars and light commercial vehicles on the road fitted with air-con as standard. And what’s more, the vast majority of all new vehicle registrations now come with air-con as standard. Plus – did you know all Electric Vehicles (EV’s) are fitted with air-con as standard. Air-con is not part of a routine vehicle service. Consequently, it often becomes an after-thought despite manufacturers recommending that Different Types of Gas Up until the end of 2016 vehicles could be fitted with either 134a or R1234yf gas systems. Changes in EU legislation now means that every car manufactured from the beginning of 2017 can only be fitted with the R1234yf gas systems. The chances of a vehicle coming into your garage with R1243yf gas are fast increasing, so whether you’re looking to add air-con as an additional service you offer or are looking to upgrade your existing machine, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. If you’re currently outsourcing air-con servicing because you don’t have the right equipment at your garage, you should consider purchasing one. This will ensure you avoid turning away customers. • Increased revenue streams for your workshop • Minimal technician hands on time • Avoid subcontracting the work out to another garage • Increased customer satisfaction and retention. the system should be checked and serviced regularly. • Millions of vehicles are fitted with air-con systems as standard – and constantly increasing in volume • Air-con systems should be serviced every 12 months • Gas should be topped up every year. Benefits Offer a FREE Summer Health Check Maximise your opportunity A stress-free trip As the warmer weather approaches, it's likely that many customers will be planning a staycation and relying on their vehicle for transportation. By offering a FREE summer health check, you can give your customers the confidence and assurance they need as they embark on their summer getaway. A revenue opportunity not to be missed

What air-con gas is used for Hybrid and EV’s? You may be wondering what air-con gas is suitable to use on a Hybrid or EV? There are things we need to consider before re-gasing an air-con system on an electric vehicle however the type of gas needed is likely to be determined on when the car was manufactured as opposed to whether it’s an EV. As most electric cars have been manufactured in the last 4 years you’ll probably need the new generation air-con gas R1234YF. Hybrid cars manufactured before 2018 may still require the traditional R134A gas.

EV PAG oil Using the correct PAG oil is essential when re-gasing a Hybrid or EV air-con system. If the incorrect PAG oil was used then there’s a risk is could conduct high voltage to the compressor case or connected components. This could potentially lead to damage to components and even electric shock. This is why all our air-con equipment uses a universal PAG oil in every re-gas. Universal PAG oil is suitable for both R1234A & R134YF gas and is suitable to use on both Hybrid and Electric cars.

Over 50% of vehicles now use the new 1234yf gas

Signs of decreasing range in EV • When your air-con refrigerant is low, the air-con system has to work harder to cool the air in the cabin. This extra work uses more power and reduces your EV range. • Your air-con isn’t as cold as it used to be and may even feel like it’s blowing warm air • When you switch the air-con on it smells musty and have a stale odour • You notice more condensation on your windows • Test the temperature of the vehicle using a temperature probe.

Replacing cabin filters on an EV? Electric cars have far less filters than a conventional car which means servicing is much simpler than it is for a petrol or diesel powered vehicles. However, one very important filter they do still need is the cabin filter. Electric vehicle manufacturers usually recommend you change the cabin filter every 2 years.

Here to support you To help you offer a Summer Health check we’ve developed a variety of digital and print based promotional assets for you to use – totally FREE of charge to you.

Get yours at omnipart now

Page 4 | Garage Support | 2023 Issue 2 No only do your customers get peace of mind from a stress free trip – you have thepotential revenue opportunity from work identified on your customers vehicle.

Garage Support | 2023 Issue 2 | Page 5

Service & Warranty

Bringing more apprentices to the industry

Protect your investment and maximise revenue Once you’re kitted out and ready to service a vehicles AC system, you then need to consider keeping your AC machine in tip-top condition. Choose one of our packages to suit your needs and requirements to protect your investment and maximise revenue.

Did you know colleges have Level 3 apprentices

It’s no secret that our sector is facing a serious skills shortage, especially when it comes to young people choosing to start their career in automotive. But there are so many advantages to working in the independent aftermarket, from training and specialist qualifications, to the opportunity to become your own boss. So, what should we be doing to make sure we’re attracting – and keeping – the best talent? 1. F air pay and financial support through the cost of living crisis Fair pay is closely linked to labour rates. Have you put your rates up in line with inflation? Doing so is critical to remaining profitable – so consider whether your rates need to be increased and how best to communicate any changes to customers. A small increase to your hourly rates could be the difference between losing or keeping your most valuable member of staff. Most customers will be open and accepting of any price increases, especially if you’re transparent about it, and continue to offer great service and support!

looking for roles right now?

1 to 5 Year Service Packages Buy one of our packages and don’t worry about your annual service for the next 1 to 5 years

2 to 5 Year Warranty Packages

Offers apply to any new machine purchased or any machine purchased in the previous 12 months through LKQ Euro Car Parts

5 Year £ 1,119 .00 4 Year £ 999 .00 3 Year £ 839 .00 2 Year £ 579 .00 1 Year £ 240 .00 PRICES FROM

5 Year £ 1,249 .00 4 Year £ 999 .00 3 Year £ 749 .00 2 Year £ 349 .00 PRICES FROM

Service Packages

Warranty Packages

3. Training and development

Training should be ongoing throughout your team’s careers, so it’s worth checking whether they’re due any refreshers, or want to upskill in any new areas. When it comes to new vehicles, our advice is to focus on diagnostics, then ADAS and then hybrid/ EV. But don’t neglect the brilliant basics – remember diesel and petrol vehicles will be around for a long time yet, and features like brakes are ever-present and ever-critical! This is also something for workshop owners nearer retirement to focus on. Equipping a potential successor with both business and technical skills is a good way to line them up to buy and run the business one day.

To help you maximise your opportunity we’ve created a special bespoke marketing pack when you purchase any AC machine, gas and Service pack.

Service Packages

Warranty Packages

Any Service or Warranty

4.Diversity Female employment opportunities are growing in garages and bodyshops, but the number of women working in the sector is still tiny. But there’s a real opportunity to encourage more women into the industry. Research has shown that more diverse teams make better decisions and can better understand and meet the needs of their customers.

2. Flexible working arrangements

Any Gas

Any Machine

Perceptions are changing when it comes to what employers should offer in terms of flexibility and a work life balance. Consider offering late starts or early finishes, or the opportunity to take a longer lunch once a week. If planned in advance, flexibility doesn’t have to cause disruption, but can offer huge benefits to your staff.

Find out more at omnipart

At LKQ Euro Car Parts, we’re committed to improving gender balance and female diversity, which is why we’re launching our 25 by 25 plan. Running across every part of our business, 25 by 25 is our strategy to ensure at least a quarter of the LKQ Euro Car Parts workforce is made up of women by 2025. It’s an ambitious commitment, but it’s important to be bold if you want to bring about change. We’ve got less than two years to shift the percentage of women in our workforce from 20% to 25%, but we’re determined to do it. As the leading supplier in our sector, we’re proud to be taking a lead and we’ll be sharing our learnings as we go to encourage businesses of all sizes to make positive changes of their own.

Place this at your workshop to let customers know that you offer Air-con Re-Gas and maximise those revenue driving opportunities. Simply choose your products to suit you and we’ll do the rest.

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Garage Support | 2023 Issue 2 | Page 7

The IMI ' s Automotive Apprentice ROI Calculator

DRIVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD TOGETHER The IMI is the professional body for the automotive community. Our vision is to build a global, diverse, skilled and adaptable automotive community. We do this by providing the sector with the best skills and tools to be the best they can be, fulfilling their career ambitions.

Steve Nash , CEO of the I I , said : “ Some firms facing the upfront cost of funding apprentices may feel that it can ’ t be justified . But our ROI Calculator proves the contrary . e urge all employers to use the online tool to estimate the net benefit .

The IMI’s ROI Calculator shows that a level 3 apprentice in automotive maintenance and repair can deliver a return on investment of more than 200% over the course of three years. What’s more, apprentices typically start to yield a profit within 12 to 24 months! Our free online tool is an easy way to gauge how quickly different apprentices pay off . This transparency is particularly welcome given the recent slump in the number of young people taking up apprenticeships in the industry .

Attracting talent and developing skills Inspiring a more diverse workforce to join the sector and developing ongoing skills from Leadership and Managers, to MOT testers and Technicians.

Adapting to the future Giving our member community a collective voice on future sector challenges, through continued Government. discussion and lobbying.

Changing perceptions and instilling confidence

Embracing emerging technology Offering e-learning

Raising professional standards and public

qualifications and CPD for EV and Hydrogen vehicles, as well as the use of Real Wear Technology End Point Assessments.

confidence across the sector through the IMI Professional Register and TechSafe recognition.

To find out more about our work or joining the IMI Community, visit www.theimi.org.uk or call us on 01992 511521 . #IMICommunity

Ta e a loo now at the IMI ’ s free - to - use ROI calculator for apprentices and see what your return could be : www . theimi . org . u / roi /

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Garage Support | 2023 Issue 2 | Page 9

Travel and Leisure

Training

Check out our training prospectus

Start preparations early, many customers will be looking to get their vehicle set up for a staycation – and a towbar might be just what they need. Whether your customer wants to tow a trailer, caravan, bike carrier, horsebox or boat trailer, Brink always has the right towbar and wiring kit meet requirements. Staycation Ready

The UK’s BIGGEST and BEST VALUE automotive training provider – Just got BETTER!

The Elegant Retractable towbar • Invisible • Retractable • Immediately available.

The Green Bike carrier solution • Developed for

The Invisible Vertically detachable towbar • Invisible • Available in seconds • Does not affect the design of your car. The Professional Flanged ball towbar

Don’t just take our word for it LKQ Euro Car Parts has been awarded Partner of the Year 2023 for their work with LKQ Academy

electrical and hybrid vehicles • Carrying solution only • Detachable. The Classic Fixed towbar • Maintenance free • Permanently available • Lasts the lifetime of a vehicle.

New Garage memberships – available now

The All-Rounder

Our memberships are the best value way to train and make the most of our award winning training offering. Even better we’ve added more options, so that you can pick a membership that suits you and your workshop the most!

Diagonally detachable towbar • Excels in user-friendliness • Sleeve is easy to reach • Available in seconds.

• Adjustable in height • Permanently available • Made for heavy-duty work.

Search by Reg

Our Garage level memberships

Find the right towbar with Brink, head to omnipart.eurocarparts. com and type in the vehicle

NEW

NEW

NEW

ENTER REG

SEARCH NOW

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Platinum

Leisure Batteries Spring – Summer 2023

Our Garage level memberships The perfect solution to upskill your entire workshop

Bronze 263990080

Silver 263990070

Gold 263990060

Platinum 263990000

Membership Level

6 6

10 10

15 15

20 20

Practical training days

eLearning courses

Check out our new brochure

£999

£1,499

£1,999

£2,499

Cost

Batteries covering: • Mobility • Motorcycle • Golf Batteries • Marine and leisure • Garden machinery

All our courses are fully accredited by

Go to www.lkqacademy.co.uk for all courses details Start your training journey today

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The 1TEC Auto Hub programme has been developed to support you with all the tools, training and business benefits to not only grow, but future-proof your workshop against whatever's next on the automotive horizon. 1TEC Auto Hub a Garage Network prepared for the Future.

What you’ll get when you join the 1TEC Auto Hub community?

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

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