The IAAF has stressed that a new scrappage scheme may not be the answer to help the struggling car industry get moving again.
The British car industry has struggled as a direct result of the coronavirus in recent months, and many are calling for the introduction of a scrappage scheme to give consumers an incentive to purchase a new vehicle.
While the IAAF has said it recognises that it is imperative to get the economy back in gear, it believes there are other ways to do so and a scrappage scheme is not the only way.
The federation has argued that if introduced, it will have a significantly negative effect on public mobility and the automotive aftermarket long term, especially as most of the vehicles eligible for the scheme will still be very much roadworthy.
This prediction is based on previous experience as in 2009, a scrappage scheme removed 400,000 serviceable vehicles from the aftermarket, with more than 90% of vehicles sold under the scheme originating from non-UK factories. In 2020, the situation remains largely the same with 88% of cars sold in the UK during 2019 being imported.
As the UK aftermarket also employs approximately 347,000 people as opposed to 186,000 in vehicle manufacturing, employment in the independent automotive aftermarket would reportedly be damaged by a scrappage scheme and jeopardise thousands of repair businesses. This would also be detrimental to motorists and customer choice.
With a newer vehicle parc, there is also a risk that VMs could potentially gain a monopoly on access to vehicle technical condition data, raising the question of data access.
With the forthcoming block exemption legislation renewal due in 2023, IAAF has continued to argue that the aftermarket should have the same access rights as the franchised sector, providing the workshop is equipped with appropriate tools and equipment, thus creating a level playing field for all.
Wendy Williamson, IAAF Chief Executive, said: “Motorists are currently under great pressure, and they should not be penalised for keeping hold of vehicles that are in good working condition and can continue to be serviced, repaired and maintained long into the future.
“Not only is this unfair to consumers, but it is putting the aftermarket at great risk, as it will result in a direct decrease in the number of vehicles entering independent garages.”
Wendy added: “Changing the habits of consumers is difficult, and if the scrappage scheme is introduced, there is no guarantee that a motorist will opt for an electric vehicle over a petrol or diesel vehicle. Perhaps a more feasible option would be to introduce a limited scheme targeted at those living closest to clean air zones as demand for electric vehicles will be higher in these areas.
“It’s crucial that any proposals are reviewed as the economic impact of a scrappage scheme could be detrimental to the aftermarket and place an unnecessary financial burden on the consumer.”
