The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has urged the industry to gear up for change in its fittingly titled virtual conference, ‘Aftermarket for the Future’, as it provided a detailed and in-depth look at the upcoming opportunities and challenges the trade is set to face, while advising on how to futureproof their businesses in the years to come.

Held on 2nd December, this year’s conference, sponsored once again by Alliance Automotive Group, was headed up by a new face at the IAAF, it’s recently appointed chief executive, Mark Field.  

The conference included a fascinating analysis of key industry trends by Quentin Le Hetet from GIPA, wjo highlighted the increase of the ageing vehicle parc and how this will directly affect the industry.

This was followed by automotive expert on Brexit, Professor David Bailey, taking centre stage to discuss the hot topic of Brexit and the effects it has had on the automotive aftermarket since coming into place earlier this year. He highlighted the decrease in new car sales and the decline of diesels, while also stressing how the slow shift to electric vehicles will impact the aftermarket.

Members then heard from Christopher Lowe and Sophia Mir from the DVSA Market Surveillance Unit (MSU), discussing rules and legislation affecting the aftermarket.

Ronan McDonagh and Pierre Thibaudat, Technical Director, Governmental Affairs & Communication Manager at FIGIEFA next to discussed Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (MVBER) and most importantly, how it affects the automotive aftermarket. With the current framework expiring in 2023, the duo stressed how 2022 is a crucial year for EU aftermarket legislations, while revealing what is at stake for the industry and the steps FIGIEFA has taken to reinforce and improve existing legislation.

The conference then featured a second guest speaker of the day, Martin McCourt, the previously long-standing CEO of Dyson. He provided members with expert advice on meeting and overcoming adversity and how to turn this into positive opportunities, as well how to retain a business’ identity, while scaling up and continuing to grow.

Mark Field was then welcomed back to outline the successful activity the IAAF has been undertaking to help support its members and the future of the federation in the coming years. This was followed by the IAAF industry awards.