LKQ UK and Ireland has welcomed the launch of SERMI (Security-Related Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information) in Great Britain, reiterating it’s calls for closer alignment with the EU and Northern Ireland to ensure fair access for independent garages.
SERMI provides a secure way for technicians to access the vehicle data they need from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to deliver security-related repairs, including key programming and anti-theft system maintenance.
Already mandatory across the EU and Northern Ireland, the framework protects motorists’ data while allowing independent garages to keep more jobs in house. And with participation in Great Britain currently voluntary, LKQ UK and Ireland is urging vehicle manufacturers to adopt the scheme to ensure independent garages have access to the information they need.
Kevan Wooden, Chief Executive at LKQ UK & Ireland, said: “Independent garages play a vital role in keeping the UK on the road. To stay competitive, they must have secure and fair access to the same information and systems as franchised workshops. SERMI provides a clear and proven framework to achieve that.
“OEMs are already legally required to implement SERMI across the EU and Northern Ireland. And participating voluntarily in Great Britain, by extending existing systems in place elsewhere, would signal openness and fairness from automakers to the aftermarket and its customers.
“I recently received from the Right Hon Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for Future of Roads, confirmation that while the government doesn’t currently intend to mandate SERMI in Great Britain – unlike Europe and Northern Ireland – it does expect every vehicle manufacturer to give access to repair. This is great clarity for us to have, and we’re committed to encouraging adoption of SERMI alongside our partners within the current non-mandated basis.”
LKQ UK and Ireland is also working alongside other key industry bodies to call for alignment between the UK and EU SERMI schemes.
Partners including the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), IGA and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) all share the belief that a single, trusted standard for data access is key to protecting vehicle security while keeping repair work open, competitive and safe.
Kevan added: “I also had the privilege of talking to the IAAF, IGA and SMMT together, as our major supporters of the independent aftermarket. We all believe it makes sense to have as much alignment as possible across Europe and for the GB SERMI scheme to have support.
“Having one common standard for protecting vehicle security reduces administration for everyone and creates improved protection and service to the consumer, manufacturer, and garage alike.”
