Automechanika - Garage Services Online suggests considering your local market when investing in EV and Hybrid equipment and training

Automechanika Birmingham delivers divided opinion on the future of garage workshops

In what was largely billed as the most important aftermarket event for four years, Automechanika returned to the NEC, Birmingham on 6-8 June.

A record 14,402 visitors attended the three-day show including 6,750 garages, workshops and body shops.

As well as having the opportunity to visit over 500 exhibition stands, visitors had a packed seminar programme to choose from, a Keynote Conference presentation programme and training hubs.

Jim Lang, managing director at Garage Services Online was among the visitors and attended many of the presentations. Whilst applauding the event in general, he said garage owners could be forgiven for coming away with mixed messages about the future of garage workshops.

“The quality of the presentations and panel talks across the three days was great. They were informative, thought-provoking and often humorous.

“However, there seem to be two distinct camps; those who believe EV and new tech vehicles are here to stay, and those who are sceptical about EV and believe ICE vehicles have more longevity than the Government’s 2030 deadline would have us think.

“Both sides provided facts, figures and very compelling arguments which were intriguing to listen to. But where does that leave a garage owner who’s deciding what their garage should focus on in the next ten years and where they need to invest?”

The latest stats delivered by GiPA at Automechanika showed 57 per cent of customers with an EV vehicle would change garage workshop, and 43 per cent would stay with the one they took their ICE vehicle to.

Jim continued: “A lot of our customer members are servicing both markets very successfully, some are specialising and investing in EV, and some say the ICE car parc is still growing at such a rate, their business is sustainable without an EV offering or many years to come.

“Personally, I think we could see two car parcs emerging: one for new vehicle technology and one for ICE. Each may require different business models, but who knows?

“What I would say to any garage owner on the fence is: do your local research. What’s needed near you? Monitor the car parc around you and ask your customers what their vehicle replacement plans are.

“Armed with that information, make the decision, fine-tune your website, and let it make the business work for you.”