A new SMMT survey has found that over 81% of UK automotive workshops are ready to service electric vehicles. The SMMT Aftermarket Report, titled Jobs, Growth, Mobility – What the aftermarket needs to deliver, highlights the sector’s adaptation to new technologies and its readiness to support increasingly sophisticated vehicles. The report indicates that four in five workshops have invested in the necessary training and tools for EVs and advanced safety systems.
The aftermarket sector contributes significantly to the UK economy, with a turnover of £62.2 billion and supporting 339,000 jobs. The survey found that 81.2% of workshops are equipped to service EVs, with 83.3% expecting to increase their investment in this area over the next year. Similarly, 77.6% are equipped to service Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), with 83.5% expecting to increase spending on related training and equipment.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, stated that this investment is crucial for maintaining the UK’s road safety and supporting the transition to net-zero. He said: “With a rapid influx of smarter, zero emission vehicles reaching the road, however, helping businesses invest will be crucial if more drivers are to make the switch while maintaining the UK’s leading road safety record, and creating crucial jobs in every part of the country.”
To support this continued growth, the SMMT recommends that the government provide capital investment relief and grant access to unused apprenticeship levy funds. The report also calls for a review of the MOT fee structure to reflect modern vehicle technologies and for greater collaboration between vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket to improve access to technical repair data.
Source: SMMT