Automotive Management Live 2019 takes place at Birmingham NEC on Thursday (November 7) when dealers and carmakers will get insights on FCA motor finance regulation, electric vehicles, future technology and omnichannel retailing for free.

The one-day expo brings together a host of suppliers in the exhibition hall, a series of masterclass sessions focused on particular aspects of running a modern-day dealership, a Future of Motor Finance seminar, a Future Dealerships Zone and the opportunity to network with colleagues.

One feature this year is the IMI People Theatre, where a trio of experts will discuss how dealers can adapt in response to increasingly sophisticated vehicle technology and the onset of electrification including training, accreditation and understanding their legal obligations.

The IMI’s chief executive Steve Nash will tackle the issues alongside Tom Denton, the IMI’s technical expert, technical trainer and consultant; Quentin Le Hetet, general manager of automotive data and research providers GiPA Group UK; and Dean Lander, head of repair sector services at Thatcham Research.

The IMI’s new TechSafe campaign promotes safe working with electrified vehicles (hybrids, plug-in hybrids and pure electric cars) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Nash will discuss employers’ legal obligations under the Electricity at Work Regulations and whilst there is no legislative framework for ADAS, the IMI will highlight its work with partners to establish an industry Code of Practice to develop minimum repair standards, undertaken by appropriately trained and qualified individuals.

By 2020 it is estimated that 40% of new vehicles will have at least two ADAS features, calibrating ADAS features on vehicles, particularly following accidents, has been identified as a major issue by the IMI and its partners.

Nash said: “Nearly every new car has some level of driver assistance on it yet the level of knowledge out there to set those systems up after repairs, even after a windscreen replacement, is really poor. Many don’t have the knowledge or the equipment to do that work.”

When it comes to working with electrified vehicles, Nash has found varying levels of knowledge across the sector with brands like Toyota, where hybrid vehicles have been a feature of its model line-up for around two decades, with high standards of safety and training. However, elsewhere, particularly, multi-vehicle workshops, understanding of the rules and subsequently, the standards of practice in place is patchy with most unaware that the electricity at work regulations even apply.

Nash said: “In the main, the franchised dealers are in the right place but they still need to be aware of the regulations and understand what the implications are and what good looks like from the point of view of the enforcers, the Health and Safety Executive.”

Automotive Management Live, now in its fourth year, will be a useful working day for dealer and manufacturer delegates and free attendance can be booked at https://www.automotivemanagementlive.co.uk/

For more details of what's happening on the day click here.