IAAF-D Annual Conference
An exciting future for ADF and the independent aftermarket
The last ADF Conference before expansion into the IAAF excited members with a view of the future direction for the Federation and its work on behalf of the independent automotive aftermarket.
From the start the presentations combined to paint a picture for delegate, of technological change and the actions needed to equip the independent sector to exploit the opportunities. And there were hints, along the way, to prove that the Federation was ready and able to act appropriately.
Tony Sackett |
Acting as moderator for the conference was Quintin Cornforth in one of his last acts as ADF President. He reprised the content and outcomes of the 2007 and 2008 ADF Conferences, and he reminded delegates how those events had developed the ADF’s activities on training and business standards. He recalled the demand for the right to repair, for improvements to competencies in our businesses, and for assessment of parts quality. He explained how the event would demonstrate the Federation’s commitment to move the industry forward. Federation vice-President Tony Sackett led the conference through recent strategic review work, revealing the objectives of the Federation’s plan and the projects designed to deliver the results. |
In this he was assisted by his fellow Board members Robin Shaw and Brian Spratt, each of whom further explained the specific project for which they had responsibility. Delegates reacted positively to the clear commitment to pushing forward the aftermarket’s agenda.
Francoise Blais, Marketing Director Valeo S.A., gave a complete and clear exposition of the trends in the automotive sector for 2020, showing the transition through hybrid to electric vehicles, and identifying the opportunities for the aftermarket. With a wealth of statistical information to back up the conceptual nature of cars of the future, Mrs. Blais left her audience in now doubt as to Valeo’s positive view of the future automotive world. |
Francoise Blais |
Standing in for a sadly withdrawn speaker, Brian Spratt used his recent series of presentations at the CVW Expo show as the basis for discussing the Federation’s Code of Practice and the assurances this document, and the CV Section Members who have declared their intent to use it in their businesses, provide to truck and bus operators and repairers. Questioned by Quintin Cornforth, Mr. Spratt made it quite clear that any transgressions of the Code would be met with swift, determined action by the Federation. He also praised the proactive attitude of CV Section members and, in particular, the hard work of the CV Chairman, Peter Higgins.
Former garage owner and automotive writer Julian Belcher gave, what was described as ‘a view from the greasy end of the spanner’, and he urged the ADF to take advantage of its own success.
“The ADF does an amazing job on behalf of the IAM,” he said, “but you don’t tell the people who need to know; the garages and service centres.” He identified the danger to independent garages in technology changes, and he urged parts suppliers to provide the training needed to ensure independent garages survive and thrive. “You have a vested interest,” he said. He suggested the ADF become the industry’s training organisation, and he felt that it made sense for the Federation to assume that role. “If you don’t... ! Will there be an IAM in 10 years’ time?” he asked.
David Lansdowne |
David Lansdowne, from Aftermarket Solutions, a consultancy with wide experience of assessing parts operations profitability, claimed that, for many parts businesses, their stock represented idle capital rather than working capital. To support his argument, David used information gleaned from his recent research into independent parts businesses and compared it to earlier work with dealers’ parts operations. He claimed many business owners are constricted by a reliance on the systems they use, and fail to make the functions produce the best possible results. |
“Relying on a system is not enough; many are just ways of managing transactions. Even if the functionality is in the system, many people don’t use it. The person controlling the system is often not managed correctly and is set inadequate objectives,” he argued. He identified three key measures for use in a parts business: stock turn – surplus stock – customer service; but he worried about under achievement. “It doesn’t matter what your stock turn figure is; just know you can do better!” he declared.
Kevin Kelly of Delphi Aftermarket’s training operation demonstrated the clear business case for staff development in all areas of the business. Picking up on earlier comments regarding business planning and technology changes, he showed how the ATA framework assisted in improving staff performance and the benefits that brought to the business.
He was followed by Steve Scofield of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), who have worked with the Federation in developing the Parts Advisor ATA programme. He showed how the IMI had responded to industry demand for a flexible approach to the assessments. He praised the employers in the sector for setting themselves the challenge of achieving a target of 1,000 ATA accredited parts advisors in twelve months. He also introduced to the audience the concept of the Automotive Management Award (AMA), a concept for staff development at all levels, involving appraisal by peers and colleagues and in-depth mentoring by experienced trainers. |
Steve Scofield |
Distribution Council member David Russell brought members right up to date with the Right to Repair Campaign; he said that the success it had achieved in industry collaboration was a pointer to the future. He argued that the Federation was the right organisation to sire the ‘son of R2RC’ in dealing with the myriad of complex topics facing the industry in the future.
In his concluding remarks Tony Sackett, by then formally ADF President (ahead of the transformation to IAAF), asked delegates to remember the four major aims of the Federation he’d outlined earlier in the day and use them as a measure of the Federation’s success in the future. He urged members to consider how they could help the Federation achieve its ambitious targets, and step forward to give their commitment.
The day closed on a most positive note for the future of the independent aftermarket.
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