The Original Equipment Suppliers Aftermarket Association (OESAA) has revealed it will be supporting the ‘Back on Track’ campaign by distributing 3,000 free ‘Back on Track’ packs of workshop POS and essentials to UK independent garages.
The new pack has been designed to supplement the earlier run of 2,000 that were developed and distributed by Schaeffler during May, and contains a floor sticker, hygiene hook, window sticker, three A2 posters and a British made washable face mask.
As the country is encouraged by the government to return to work, and with public transport usage significantly reduced, it’s believed the car will become even more crucial to commuters. The ending of the MOT exemption in August will also see an extra influx of cars needing essential checks, tests and repairs, so independent garages are expected to be in high demand to carry out all of this work safely and professionally.
An OESAA spokesman explained: “The MOT delay does not mean these cars are roadworthy. Garage owners have a duty of care to keep their customers safe, and vehicle owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their cars are safely maintained.”
Many garages have reportedly shared horror stories during lockdown of unsafe brakes, worn out tyres and broken suspension components on cars exempted from MOT. Many workshops are said to be already offering free safety checks to attract customers into workshops, a common-sense stance that OESAA supports and is featured on one of the posters.
The spokesman continued: “The packs are part of wider efforts to reassure customers it’s safe to come to their local garage for essential maintenance.”
OESAA has also created an interactive ‘COVID-19 awareness’ training session and assessment, which has been based on industry guidelines produced by leading trade organisations. Participants can take part in the training here, before downloading a participation poster for their reception.
The spokesman concluded: “It’s been a big investment by OESAA members for the good of the trade but we believe it’s essential we support garages in the tough times as well as the good ones.”
