Kevan Wooden, Chief Executive, LKQ UK & Ireland, said:
“The full approval of SERMI in the UK is a hugely significant moment for the independent aftermarket, and one that should be warmly welcomed. It marks the culmination of many years of work by the IGA and others to ensure independent garages have a secure, trusted route to the vehicle data they need to repair modern vehicles safely and professionally.
“SERMI is a proven framework that already operates successfully across Europe and Northern Ireland. Its approval in Great Britain brings much-needed clarity and creates a clear pathway for manufacturers and the aftermarket to align around a single, trusted standard for accessing security-related repair and maintenance information.
“Independent garages play a vital role in keeping motorists moving, and fair, secure access to vehicle data is essential if they are to remain competitive and keep more work in-house. Widespread adoption of SERMI by vehicle manufacturers is therefore critical.
“Looking ahead, mandating the scheme would be the logical next step to ensure consistency, reduce uncertainty, and create a genuinely level playing field across the UK. IGA securing SERMI approval is a major structural breakthrough, but it does not in itself create a legal obligation on manufacturers to comply in this country.
“In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with the IGA, OEMs and industry partners to encourage adoption and support independent garages as vehicles become ever more complex.”
