News posted 26/01/2010
The start of the new decade heralds one of the most important developments in recent years for the UK automotive aftermarket, with the launch of the industry's new umbrella organisation, the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation - (IAAF).
The start of the new decade heralds one of the most important developments in recent years for the UK automotive aftermarket, with the launch of the industry's new umbrella organisation, the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation - (IAAF).
The new body has evolved out of the Automotive Distribution Federation (ADF) – the organisation that has long been representing and championing the interests of the distribution sector of the UK independent aftermarket– but the IAAF has been structured in such a way as to encompass the interests of the wider aftermarket.
The new IAAF will comprise three distinct elements, covering distribution, lobbying and workshop activities:
The IAAF-D will continue to carry out the functions of the ADF and represent the interests of the UK's motor factors and the distribution sector as a whole.
The IAAF-G is a newly formed division, which will work for and with the UK's service and repair garages, to offer practical day-to-day help, as well as to represent their wider interests.
The IAAF–L has been created specifically as a lobbying body to represent the wider interests of the UK’s independent aftermarket – in all its forms – with Government and other industries, whether in the UK, Europe, or on a global basis.
IAAF’s Tony Sackett explained, “The remit of the ADF has been widened considerably over the years. As the UK independent aftermarket has developed, the ADF has moved, almost organically, from its roots as the Motor Factor Association, to be much more of an umbrella organisation, encompassing the industry’s major suppliers, the buying groups and campaigning organisations. The new IAAF formally recognises these developments and will progress from there. Its structure is designed to allow for expertise to be channelled into the appropriate area to maximum effect and, with the setting up of the Garage service and repair division – IAAF-G – brings the crucial missing element into one independent unified body.”
The creation of IAAF-G is undoubtedly the most noticeable development in this landmark move. It has come about because it had become increasingly apparent that there was little effective lobbying being done on behalf of garages.
IAAF-G will address these needs and will give garages a much greater say in their future. It will offer the independent service and repair industry the quality of lobbying and representation for which the ADF has become renowned, access service benefits such as legal advice and benefit from an unparalleled communication programme to its membership dealing with key issues affecting their business and the industry in general, for a very, very competitive price.
Additionally members can subscribe for the most in-depth technical help available in the UK; receive a significant discount for membership of the MOT Club and access its’ support when needed; a raft of relevant business support services.
Membership of the IAAF-G offers a package that is designed to be both extremely effective and supremely cost-effective.
The IAAF-G is not, however, intended to replace any existing garage schemes or sector initiatives. 'Absolutely not,' confirms the IAAF’s Quintin Cornforth, “We embrace any initiatives that are dedicated to raising garage standards and we will be active in campaigning on these issues, on improving skill levels and, of course, fully support the Right to Repair Campaign. We firmly believe that the inclusion of the service and repair sector into the IAAF will give us greater, more effective lobbying leverage, as we will have the voice of the whole industry behind us - not just suppliers and distributors.”
“The IAAF’s mission is to serve, strengthen and promote the independent automotive aftermarket on behalf of its members and for the benefit of the consumer,” continues Tony Sackett. “We hope that the launch of the IAAF here today will mark the start of the drive towards a truly unified independent aftermarket in the UK and one which is better-than-ever equipped to deal with the challenges that the sector will face in the years to come.”
The new IAAF was confronted with many difficulties in its launch arrangements stemming from the bad weather which has disrupted much of the UK. To tackle these conditions, the IAAF used a variety of web-based tools to co-ordinate meetings and the press launch. The IAAF’s new website is up and running at: www.iaaf.uk.com
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