IMI future-proofs accident repair sector

In this article: The IMI’s new accident repair advisory group will help bodyshops, glazing companies and insurers’ future-proof businesses for evolving connected vehicle technology

As the industry shifts and greater levels of connectivity are integrated into our vehicles, the IMI has moved to help businesses future-proof themselves.

The Institute’s new Accident Repair Sector Advisory Group has been setup to ensure consistently high standards in technician competence for accident repair – taking into account the rapid technical development of driver assist systems moving ever closer to higher levels of vehicle autonomy, plus the rapid transition to electric vehicle becoming the new norm.

The group, that met for the first time this month at the Thatcham Research HQ, will provide a forum to examine the current skills standards in accident repair and how they need to adapt for future automotive technology advances in order to provide motorists, insurers and bodyshops with confidence in technician competencies.

Steve Scofield, head of business development at the IMI said: “We believe that both the Accident Repair and Glazing sectors particularly need support because of the very rapid pace of change currently being seen, from advances in windscreen technology to innovations in drivetrain and body repair techniques.”

With apprenticeship standards differing across the four nations the ambition of the new Advisory Group is to achieve consistency across all skills recognition solutions to ensure their acceptance and use in wider industry standards such as BS10125.  

Comprising IMI members and industry stakeholders who bring unique perspectives and expertise, the new Advisory Group will fully represent the diversity of the sector as well as the diversity of the IMI membership.

“In this ever changing industry, we need to stay informed. We are, therefore, constantly looking at ways in which we can ensure industry standards are maintained consistently high in line with current technologies and developments – as well as anticipating future innovation,” said Scofield.