An Automotive Aftermarket Webinar looking at how Coronavirus has affected businesses throughout the aftermarket supply chain has proved a success, with hundreds of industry professionals logging in to view. Launched by Messe Frankfurt UK, the organisers of Automechanika Birmingham, the virtual discussion covered challenges and opportunities brought on by the pandemic.

 
Hosted by Automechanika Birmingham PR consultant Mark Field, the panel covered the full supply chain with speakers including Quentin Le Hetet, GiPA; David Clarke, Autosupplies Chesterfield; Richard Welland, WAI and Vice President from IAAF and Hayley Pells, Avia Autos.
 
Quentin Le Hetet highlighted key statistics, pointing out that at its lowest point, trade reduced by 90 percent, but gave hope, saying that the figures are starting to return to normal, with the lockdown period increasing the sentiment of the importance of owning a car. He also discussed the growth of digitalisation, with the aftermarket now seeing more workshops embracing services that they never had time to consider previously.
 
David Clarke said he had a positive lockdown experience, saying that staying open was one of his best business decisions to date as he has experienced a 20% increase in trade, while also agreeing that ways of working have evolved, stressing the importance of adapting to change in order to progress. This includes embracing demand for new, in-demand products such as vehicle sanitiser kits or safety screens.
 
As a supplier, Richard Welland stressed the importance of acting fast, speaking to customers directly about their needs and sourcing products and solutions that would help customers keep their doors open.
 
Hayley Pells said lack of vehicle testing had hit her garage hard with business down 85% at one point. However, it is now returning to pre-lockdown levels. With the personal car currently being the transport of choice, she stressed the need to communicate with the customer to meet their requirements, going beyond presentation and having a long-term plan in place so that the customer can make informed choices and manage the upkeep of their vehicle.
 
For those who were unable to attend the webinar, the live session has been recorded and is available at www.automechanika-birmingham.com/webinar.