The Garage 364

UK Garage & Bodyshop Event Review
ALLDATA Europe explores future of automotive
aftermarket at UK Garage & Bodyshop Event
Hosted by Simon Frost, ALLDATA
Europe’s UK sales director, the
discussion centred on the critical
changes that are reshaping the sector. The
topics included the influence of EVs and
ADAS, as well as rapid advancements in
service and repair methods and exploring
how original, accurate repair data, such as
that from ALLDATA Repair, is a vital resource
to professionals.
The panel also focused on how the
industry, collectively, can make it an
increasingly attractive one to work in.
Steve Scott, founder of the SimplyDiag
network and host of the YouTube channel,
Simply Diagnostics, Karl Booth, the head of
sales and marketing for Opus IVS in Europe
and the Rest of the World, and James Dillon,
technologist, diagnostics expert and trainer
– also founder of Technical Topics and host
of the Harmonic Podcast – all voiced views
on their specialist subjects but also listened
to the opinions of their colleagues and
engaged in a lively but respectful discussion.
What was discussed?
Challenges of new vehicle technologies:
Panellists discussed the evolving landscape
of automotive repair, emphasising the need
for foundational training to keep up with
technological advancements.
Steve said: “A workshop’s awareness of
these technologies (is the biggest challenge).
From front-of-house and technicians to
ALLDATA Europe, a provider of original vehicle manufacturer (VM)
diagnostic, repair and maintenance data, showcased its understanding of
the opportunities and challenges faced by the automotive aftermarket by
hosting an expert panel during the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event.
the first-year apprentice, it’s crucial to
understand the implications of getting it
wrong when working on EVs and ADAS.
“We have a responsibility to work safely,
comply with regulations and manufacturer
guidelines. We need to ensure that systems,
especially ADAS, are calibrated correctly
and fully functional when they leave our
workshops.”
Importance of VM data: The necessity of
access to reliable VM data, such as ALLDATA
Repair, was highlighted as the basis for
effective diagnostics and repairs.
Steve continued: “Access to VM data
sources, like ALLDATA Repair, is essential for
providing functional descriptions, system
information, and critical safety bulletins.
Training, information, and equipment should
be viewed, not as hurdles, but as necessities
for efficiently and profitably working on
these systems.”
Investment in tools and training: The
discussion also stressed the importance of
continuous outlay in high-quality diagnostic
tools and ongoing staff training to maintain a
competitive edge.
Karl said: “Modern vehicles are equipped
with many sensors and computer systems.
Diagnostic tools can talk to these systems
to retrieve error codes; however, that only
will ever give a steer; there is still a lot more
work to be carried out at this point – and
that’s where data plays a massive part.
Both sides are needed to help determine
which path you take in problem solving in
diagnostics.
“Traditional diagnostic methods often
require guesswork or a lengthy process
of elimination. Diagnostic tools and data
together in one solution can provide
precise and accurate information about
the problem, reducing the time needed
to identify issues and making the process
more effective, which, in turn, will mean
the workshop will be more efficient and
profitable.”
Staff recruitment and retention:
Strategies for efficient recruitment and
retention of skilled staff were identified
as crucial for workshop profitability and
sustainability.
James argued: “Staff retention is
key; retaining staff relies, not only on a
competitive wage structure, but also
on a well-equipped and well-resourced
workshop.
22 THE GARAGE
UKGBE Review ALLDATA.indd 1 01/07/2024 15:59