Feb 13, 2015 aftermarket, VehicleRepair, garages, VehicleTech
The IMI - the British equivalent of our RMI - is urging automotive businesses in the UK to focus training efforts on technologies related to autonomous driving, as the government in that country reveals plans to update road rules to allow for driverless cars on UK roads.
The IMI is concerned that, whilst the British government is pushing ahead with making driverless cars a reality, the service and repair sector does not yet have the skills and infrastructure in place to deal with the new technology. While SA has not yet moved anywhere towards driverless cars, and is unlikely to in the near future, the issue raises the very real importance of the auto sector - in SA too - keeping up with international technology.
IMI CEO Steve Nash called on businesses to take steps to address this sooner rather than later: “The review is a statement of intent by the government, who are forging ahead with bringing driverless cars to UK roads in 2015. Burying your head in the sand will not work if you wish to continue operating effectively in the modern service and repair industry. Businesses must begin investing in training on the latest vehicle technologies in order to meet future demands. Even if driverless cars do not become common, their development will accelerate the inclusion of driver aid and driver safety systems on modern vehicles, raising the skills requirement to work on them.”
He continued: “with MPs highly divided in their view of driverless cars and no licence to practise currently required to work in the industry, it is unlikely the impetus to prepare us for the technology will come from outside the sector. It is therefore vital that the automotive industry steps up and takes the lead on this issue. It will be our reputation on the line when motorists are let down.
Meanwhile the IMI will continue to campaign for a licence to practise for our sector. This would guarantee standards are in place, as well as ensuring those who invest in training are on a level playing field with those who do not. We believe the government is yet to fully grasp the pressures we are under.”
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