In response to LKQ Euro Car Parts’ call for the independent automotive aftermarket to ‘ride the MOT wave’, NGK Spark Plugs backed the distributor’s calls for workshops to take advantage of the surge in demand for MOT tests.
Vehicles due an MOT between March 30th and July 31st last year were eligible for a six-month extension due to the nationwide lockdown – and 5.5 million owners (more than a fifth) took up the offer, according to Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency figures.
Motorists who took advantage of the six-month extension from the end of March last year would have deferred their car’s annual check-up, with the knock-on effect resulting in high numbers of vehicles now needing the annual test.
As a result, LKQ Euro Car Parts urged the sector to capitalise on the likely spike in demand. It pointed out the deferred tests are on top of the MOTs that have always fallen later in the year, presenting an opportunity for workshops, calling on them to manage the surge in demand and maximise revenue.
MOT tests likely to fail because of emissions
NGK claimed many thousands of vehicles would fail the MOT test on emissions, leading to increased demand for lambda sensor replacement and coinciding with a big demand for pre-winter servicing spark plug and glow plug replacement.
NGK Marketing Manager, Mark Hallam, said: “For the past few months, we have been predicting that workshops were in for a very busy autumn, as they deal with the increase in demand for MOTs and that has now been echoed by a leading UK distributor.
“MOTs and pre-winter vehicle servicing demand will lead to increased replacement of lambda sensors for vehicles that fail the MOT emission test and also spark and glow plug replacement, as owners make sure their vehicles are in good order in preparation for the cold winter months.”
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