IMI to use online tools to help maintain motor industry standards

The Institute of the Motor Industry has affirmed that it is ‘open for business’ in support of the motor retail sector during the Coronavirus pandemic. The IMI is emphasising the availability of its online channels during the coming months. It has dedicated business development, quality and product teams available remotely to help partners to continue to innovate and deliver to their learners and members. All IMI members, Further Education establishments and motor retailers can access a range of information from the professional body’s website. The Institute also has a new website, launching next month.

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, said: “Whilst we all must heed the government guidance in terms of social distancing, the mobility of individuals and the businesses that serve our communities will be vital during the next few months. And that means that vehicles, whether personal or business, must be maintained to safe standards and that the focus has to remain on training the next generation of automotive professionals.

“The news on Wednesday evening that schools will close from this Friday and Further Education colleges are expected to follow suit is, of course, a concern in terms of the education of the next generation. The IMI has a team of experts available to provide remote assistance for FE colleges who will want to continue to support their students pursuing motor sector related qualifications.

“It’s also vital that MOT testing remains in place to ensure that the vehicles used by individuals and businesses are roadworthy. The fact that our MOT Tester and Annual Assessment and CPD can be completed online will help to ensure that the DVSA standards for MOT testing are maintained. We also have remote assessment tools for a number of vehicle servicing and repair qualifications and we are reviewing the option to extend some accreditation periods to ensure that motor industry professionals who can’t get to physical centres in the next few months do not lose their accreditations.”