The largest supplier of parts, training and equipment in the UK and Irish automotive aftermarket has reported that demand for the IMI-accredited EV and hybrid training it offers has increased by more than 300% in just two years.
So far in 2022, LKQ Euro Car Parts – through its LKQ Academy – has already trained more than 1,280 technicians to work with pure electric and hybrid vehicles.
Another 500 EV and hybrid training seats have already been booked this year, and there are more than 300 additional spaces still available – across more than 20 LKQ Academy locations throughout the UK and Ireland.
The number of seats filled in 2022 to date – with four months still to go – represents more than a 300% increase on 2020’s annual total.
Since the start of 2020, LKQ Euro Car Parts has upskilled more than 3,000 technicians working in independent garages to work with hybrids and EVs.
Bob Wiffen, workshop solutions director at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “We understand that small businesses are having a difficult time at the moment, and are doing everything we can to support.
“But while there are undoubtably challenges to deal with in the present, aftermarket operators have to have one eye on the future. And critically, the future has arrived.
“Hybrids are increasingly commonplace in the independent aftermarket, and EVs won’t be far behind, once they start coming out of warranty at scale.
“Independent garages are already widely acknowledged to be ahead of the dealerships on quality of service and value for money.
“Now is the time to upskill, so that they can keep pace with a customer base that’s evolving. Those that move first will enjoy a competitive advantage locally, at least for the time being.”
According to LKQ Euro Car Parts, effective marketing is key – to all garages, but especially those with a point of difference when it comes to maintaining vehicles with zero-emission capability.
As well as retaining existing customers that trade up to the latest, cleanest, greenest technologies – workshops that promote their expertise in working with battery-powered vehicles can win business from their competitors.
The LKQ Academy has committed to training more than 2,000 technicians in EV and hybrid service, maintenance and repair in 2023, and is launching two new courses: EV troubleshooting and HV Battery Repair.
For more information, visit www.lkqacademy.com. Unlimited access to training is available for just £999 + VAT per person.
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