PMM Editor’s Viewpoint December 2017.
If you had spent 2017 in outer space and only returned home this December, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d landed on the wrong planet. It looks and feels like the earth you once inhabited, but it’s a kind of dystopian version – one where Donald Trump resides in the White House, the world teeters on the brink of nuclear war, and all the while the UK languishes in political purgatory. Upon witnessing this sorry state of affairs, it’s arguable that returning to the desolate, gravityless solitude of space might seem appealing!
“The automotive market is surely one of the most progressive, unpredictable and, dare I say it, exciting environments to be working in. As ever, PMM hopes to be a valuable resource in helping independents to navigate the barrage of challenges thrown at them and stay ahead of the game.”
Perhaps I’m dramatising a touch, and apologies for beginning what is supposed to be a cheery, festive December issue with such a grave opening gambit, but 2017 really hasn’t offered much in the way of positive news – at least on a global level.
But what about the aftermarket? There’s frankly not enough space on this page to examine the trials and tribulations that our industry has endured, so I’ll leave the difficult task of dissecting the year’s notable events to Neil Pattemore, who offers a comprehensive overview of the 2017 industry talking points in his ‘End of Term Report’.
Also in this issue – and on an altogether more positive note – PMM dishes out some accolades to deserving manufacturers and suppliers. The annual Top Product Awards feature provides a round-up of the products and innovations that have caught the eye of readers across the year.
And so we turn to 2018 and what the future holds. The automotive market is surely one of the most progressive, unpredictable and, dare I say it, exciting environments to be working in. As ever, PMM hopes to be a valuable resource in helping independents to navigate the barrage of challenges thrown at them and stay ahead of the game.
Now, where’s that spaceship of mine?
