A massive rise in demand for MOTs and servicing could see fleets facing significant vehicle downtime, according to ATS Euromaster…

Vehicle Downtime Risk 

Increasing demand for both MOT tests and servicing could see fleets facing significant vehicle downtime; assuming they fail to properly manage their vehicles’ maintenance. British motorists were granted a six-month extension on the MOTs during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, garages are now dealing with an extensive backlog. 

ATS Euromaster’s data has shown that there was a notable rise in MOT bookings between May and September in 2020. However, demand in May 2021 was already higher than in the previous year. This is largely due to 12-month work cycles, but will likely be made worse by the addition of new cars reaching their three-year ownership point i.e. when they come to require MOT testing. To complicate things further still, garages are facing increased demand from fleets which are now returning to full business operations as the economy begins to recover. 

The Need To Plan Effectively 

Mark Holland, head of operations at ATS Euromaster, has advised fleets to thoroughly manage the maintenance of their vehicles. He said, “with more than five million additional tests expected to take place by the end of the year, it is vital to get MOTs and other repairs booked in. Otherwise drivers risk a hefty fine as well as risk driver safety and insurance invalidation”. 

He continued, “failing to plan effectively for necessary vehicle maintenance could also result in lost revenue as vehicle off road issues impact business opportunities. As lockdown restrictions have eased, we have been ramping up the business to meet the expected demand”. 

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