A director at LKQ Euro Car Parts has called on the automotive aftermarket to build on its successful collaboration at Automechanika Birmingham in June, with the future of the aftermarket set to be shaped by partnerships and organisations working together.
Matt Robinson, B2B trade director at the leading distributor of car parts and aftermarket services provider, praised the collaboration on show at the UK’s leading event for the aftermarket, with meaningful progress being made to tackle skills challenges, to help garages to grow and to drive technological advancement.
Matt Robinson, B2B trading director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “There’s an incredible sense of connection in the aftermarket, which was on full display at Automechanika Birmingham. It’s clear to see the desire and optimism across the industry to work together, and we need even more of it to drive the future success of the aftermarket. No single organisation can deliver on major transformations like the EV transition, or answer big challenges like the skills gap, on their own.”
LKQ Euro Car Parts joined forces with industry leaders within the newly launched Motorvate section at Automechanika Birmingham, in support of the not-for-profit’s mission to address the automotive sector’s skills gap.
Education providers and young talent heard from LKQ and several other industry-leading names ranging from Bosch to Toyota GB, about the rich opportunities on offer in the sector to help plug the sector’s skills gap.
LKQ Euro Car Parts’ workshop solutions team partnered with Messe Frankfurt, organisers of Automechanika Birmingham, to deliver its Modern Garage stand, where visitors could engage with specialist talks highlighting how garage owners can adapt their technical capability and customer service provision in response to developing industry trends.
Brands also backed garages by providing new revenue streams. LKQ supported its leading supplier Emotive at its first major UK show. The business’ team of experts showcased its industry-leading brand portfolio including ERA, Starline, MPM Oil, OPTIMAL and VEGE – with VEGE highlighting its sustainable remanufacturing solutions.
Robinson continued: “Collaboration isn’t just something we see at the big shows. It’s routine for LKQ as we act on our responsibility to shape the future of the aftermarket. For example, last month our colleagues in Europe worked with the industry to gather evidence to submit to the European Commission’s Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Review consultation, finding 16 cases of anti-competitive behaviour that could shape right-to-repair policy for the better. It follows in the UK our own letter to the Transport Secretary with a series of policy asks co-signed by major names in the industry.
Robinson concluded: “By working together, we have the best chance of defining our collective success, delivering the skills, revenue opportunities and technological evolution the aftermarket needs to thrive.”