IAAF-D Annual Conference 2010
Conference Report
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Spirited defence of Independent’s future
The IAAF conference had as its theme ‘driven by technology’, and aimed to alert delegates to the needs for and uses of technology in today’s’ automotive businesses at both parts distribution and garage/service centre level.
Council Member David Russell welcomed everyone to the Conference, despite the weather. He advised the audience that the usual AGM session at the conference was postponed to the New Year.
IAAF director, Brian Spratt gave delegates a view of the variety of topics tackled by the Federation on behalf of members, using Block Exemption, Euro5 and 6, MoT testing and the EU CARS21 committee as examples, were all and said that support for their trade association was not an imposition, but an investment.
Other speakers majored on the way in which car companies hide technical information within vehicle systems and restrict access to their in-house data.
Motortek’s Peter Coombes, for instance, confessed to a cynicism born out of many years’ attempting to wrest information in a useable way from Vehicle Assemblers. He felt there was a ‘fog’ preventing independent operators from properly accessing vehicles and data, which was giving a disservice to motorists and fleet operators.
Dave Garrett, chief executive of the Garage Equipment Association, impressed with his clear explanation of the manner in which vehicle systems work and the effect on repair and maintenance techniques.
Dr. Paul Spear of Leicester University’s ‘Leading Edge’ team related the results of research into the return on investment for training, pointing out that training is a growing necessity in order to cope with an increasing technical world. With example from a variety of industries, including the automotive sector, he gave delegates some simple tools with which to make a basic ROI calculation, along with some of the more in-depth techniques used by his team. He warned that not training staff risked the businesses’ future effectiveness, and he acclaimed a proper evaluation of ROI as the ‘Holy Grail’.
Mike Owen, who’s heading the IAAF’s garage section development, looked to the future activities of vehicle assemblers, and the way in which they will be changing their business model when the old Block Exemption for vehicle distribution expires in 2013. The threats from direct access to the motorist highlighted the need for independent garages to equip themselves for the future; “the garages have got to shape up,” he said.
He also urged the distribution sector of the IAM to get behind the garages who want to change and improve. Quality of parts was one of the critical elements in ensuring a proper repair, he argued.
Garage owner Andy Savva related his experiences in the motor trade in dealerships before starting his own garage – experiences which led him to recognise that a well-run independent could surmount the challenges offered by dealers. He identified a lack of respect for well-trained technicians an – rather than the partnership he looked for within his own business and with his suppliers. He argued that there had never been a better time to invest in a garage business, as long as the best techniques are employed to deal with employers, suppliers and customers.
Frank Massey pointed out that vehicle systems employ multiple computer network control and complex mechanical systems, meaning a motor vehicle technician requires several critical core skills. Advanced mechanical dexterity, In-depth systems knowledge often specialising within specific systems, well developed logic procedures.
The event was hosted by ex-race driver Steve Deeks who’s becoming a well-known figure at aftermarket events, using his down to earth questioning technique to good effect.
CAT magazine supported the event as part of its launch of the new look magazine.
Latest News
| View full news archive | | | IAAF News Feed  |
