With new research revealing that nearly nine in ten independent garages have turned away or referred at least one EV or plug-in hybrid enquiry in the last six months, A1 ADAS Group is calling on workshops to look closely at what is preventing them from keeping more work in-house.
Published in September as part of LKQ Euro Car Parts’ first Plug In-Dex, the findings highlight diagnostic access for newer EV brands among the barriers holding garages back from further investment.
But A1 says the issue extends far beyond EVs. Secure gateways, diagnostic coverage, ADAS calibration requirements, unfamiliar vehicle brands, and equipment limitations can all push jobs elsewhere, including back to franchised main dealers.
Richard Taylor, Managing Director of A1 ADAS Group, said: “Every time a workshop has to send a job elsewhere because it can’t access the vehicle, complete a diagnostic function or carry out the next stage of the repair, revenue is walking out the door and key-to-key times are being extended.
“The answer isn’t necessarily to invest in every piece of equipment available. It’s about identifying the work you’re losing, understanding why, and deciding what makes commercial sense to bring in-house and what is better handled by a trusted mobile provider.
“That’s exactly the type of conversation we want to have at Mechanex. Bring us the vehicles, jobs and technical issues that are causing problems and let’s look at what the options are.”
A1 will bring that approach to Mechanex Sandown Park on 10 and 11 November, with its team on hand to answer workshop questions ranging from secure gateway and remote diagnostic access to ADAS, wheel alignment and choosing equipment for different vehicle and workshop requirements.
At 11.25am on both days, A1 will take to the Live Technical Demo Zone to carry out a live ADAS calibration and equipment demonstration using an Autel IA600 on the show’s working vehicle.
Rather than simply watching equipment in action, technicians will be able to question the team throughout the process, exploring why particular procedures are required, what can prevent a successful calibration and how requirements differ between vehicles.
Jamie Willis, Business Development Director at A1 ADAS Group, said: “We see the sticking points first-hand every day. Our technicians work across different makes and models carrying out ADAS calibrations and diagnostic work, while our equipment team advises garages and bodyshops on what will actually work for their business.
“That gives us a very practical view of where jobs get held up and why. It might be secure gateway access, a function a diagnostic tool won’t perform, an ADAS requirement the technician wasn’t expecting or simply having the wrong equipment for the vehicles coming through the door.
“We want people to ask questions during the demonstration. If something doesn’t make sense, ask why. If you’ve had a vehicle in the workshop that has beaten you, tell us what happened. There’s far more value in understanding how to deal with those situations than simply watching someone press buttons on a piece of kit.”
Jamie will also join the Learning Lounge panel discussion at 12.30pm on both days, examining how the automotive aftermarket can attract new people, the breadth of careers available and the opportunities to progress once in the industry.
Having started his own career as a technician, Jamie will bring first-hand experience of where a technical grounding can lead. He will also share his perspective on the range of career routes now available, and the importance of attracting new skills as vehicle technology continues to evolve.
