New research commissioned by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) reveals that nearly one in five MPs believe all technicians in their local garage are qualified to work on today’s vehicles. But, according to the IMI, the reality is quite different, with no mandatory requirement for vehicle technicians to be qualified – or to ensure qualifications are kept up to date and in line with new vehicle technology. With separate IMI research revealing that 53 per cent of drivers planning to buy or lease a new car in the next two years are considering an electric or hybrid vehicle, the IMI is urging government to tackle this issue in the interests of public safety – and to help rebuild motorists’ trust in the sector.