IAAF virtual conference urges aftermarket to futureproof industry

The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has urged the industry to gear up for change in its ‘Aftermarket for the Future’ conference. Held on 2 December, this year’s conference, headed up by recently appointed chief executive, Mark Field.

The conference saw Field kick off the proceedings by celebrating the hard work the aftermarket has carried out over the course of what has once again been a difficult but rewarding year for the trade, before introducing the first speaker of the day, Quentin Le Hetet from GIPA.

Analysing key data and trends, Le Hetet provided an informative insight into where the aftermarket is heading in the not-so-distant future, highlighting the increase of the ageing vehicle parc and how this will directly affect the industry.

Next up was arguably one of the most anticipated segments of the conference, with UK automotive expert on Brexit, Professor David Bailey, taking centre stage to discuss the hot topic of Brexit and the effects it has had on the automotive aftermarket since coming into place earlier this year.

Bailey reiterated the decrease in new car sales and the decline of diesels, while also stressing how the slow shift to electric vehicles (EVs) will impact the aftermarket.

Members then heard from Christopher Lowe and Sophia Mir from the DVSA Market Surveillance Unit (MSU), with the pair outlining how the MSU can support the trade with its range of useful work programmes and by providing clarity on rules and legislation affecting the aftermarket.

Ronan McDonagh and Pierre Thibaudat, Technical Director, Governmental Affairs & Communication Manager at FIGIEFA stepped up next to discuss Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER) and most importantly, how it affects the automotive aftermarket.

With the current framework expiring in 2023, the duo stressed how 2022 is a crucial year for EU aftermarket legislations, while revealing what’s at stake for the industry and the steps FIGIEFA has taken to reinforce and improve existing legislation.

Mark Field concluded the conference on a positive note, commenting: “It’s been another eventful, yet exciting year for our sector, and it’s been great to see aftermarket businesses do what they have always done best and step up to the challenges and tackle them head on.

“As outlined in the conference, these challenges aren’t likely to disappear any time soon, but with challenges always comes an abundance of opportunities and I am personally looking forward to taking an active role in supporting the industry as we head into this exciting new stage for the automotive aftermarket.”