The Motor Ombudsman plugs in new EV Garage Finder feature
Published: 27 November, 2019
The Motor Ombudsman has launched a new search facility on its Garage Finder to allow drivers to easily find and identify accredited businesses that service and repair electric vehicles.
The latest upgrade to the online tool follows the body’s YouGov poll of 1,903 UK driving licence holders, which revealed that 84% of people would not know of a local independent garage or car dealership where they could take it for its annual service.The study also found that only 12% of respondents were familiar with how an annual service for a battery-powered vehicle differs from one that has a petrol or diesel engine.
Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman, said: “Sales of electric vehicles are fast gathering pace, and they all need to be serviced and maintained in accordance with recommended manufacturer guidelines. Our research showed that there was an inherent need to make it quicker and easier for repairers to make motorists aware that they can service electric vehicles, and for owners to be able to easily find a business where they can take their car in. The new facility on our Garage Finder responds to both of these requirements, and therefore we expect it to be an extremely popular addition.”
To access The Motor Ombudsman’s Garage Finder, visit www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Garage-Finder
- More focus on EV training says IMI
This week the government has published its response to the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee report ‘Electric vehicles: driving the transition’, and the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), is supporting calls for further development of electric vehicle skills to protect the safety of technicians. The IMI has announced today (Monday 21 January) that they will be hosting an Electric Vehicle Advisory Group meeting on Tuesday 5 February at the Head Office in Hertfordshire. Attendees from across the industry will be working together to develop a Professional Standard that will safeguard the UK’s workforce of technicians by ensuring they are well trained and have the skills they need to repair electrified vehicles safely. Sales of electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles have seen a sharp increase of 21% since 2017 according to the latest figures from the SMMT. However, just 3.5% of the UK’s 188,500 vehicle technicians are currently qualified with the skills to service and repair the high voltage components of this technology. Steve Nash, Chief Executive at the IMI, said: “The response to the BEIS Committee report is confirmation that government must work with businesses to help workers develop their skills when it comes to new vehicle technology. There must be more focus on the skills needed if the UK is to become a world-leader in the manufacturing and repairing of electrified vehicles. Steve added: “By bringing together a committee of experts from across the motor industry to discuss, agree and develop electric vehicle professional standards, we can then provide the appropriate benchmarks and recognition for individuals to work towards, supported by the appropriate quality of training. In doing so we can create the expert, skilled workforce needed to support the next generation of vehicles.”
- Smart move trial highlights potential for electric vehicles within UK fleets
2011 marked the introduction of a new generation of refined and reliable EVs into the UK from mainstream automotive manufacturers. Combined with UK government grants for both car and van purchase and the creation of charging infrastructure, the momentum for plug-in vehicles will continue to grow as a range of new models are set for release.
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- Smart move trial highlights potential for electric vehicles within UK fleets
2011 marked the introduction of a new generation of refined and reliable EVs into the UK from mainstream automotive manufacturers. Combined with UK government grants for both car and van purchase and the creation of charging infrastructure, the momentum for plug-in vehicles will continue to grow as a range of new models are set for release.
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- Bosch to buy Unipart garage programmes
Bosch is buying Unipart Group’s workshop programmes in the UK, for an undisclosed price.
- EVs and hybrids show growth in falling 2018 new car market
EVs and hybrids rose in popularity during 2018 in what was otherwise a very challenging market for new car sales, according to the latest figures released today (Monday 7 January) by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
