The Chief Executive of SMMT has said that he welcomes ‘competition’ from the aftermarket in respect to block exemption regulations and their upcoming renewal.
[caption id="attachment_26215" align="alignright" width="300"] Mike Hawes SMM[/caption]
READ: IAAF's BLEASDALE WARNS INDUSTRY OVER BLOCK EXEMPTION REVIEW
Responding to a question from CAT at the SMMT Update Live event, Mike Hawes said: “The position of the industry and of the SMMT will be to try to ensure that competition thrives, because that is of benefit to the consumer”.
READ: SMMT BOSS SPEAKS ABOUT THE AFTERMARKET
He did, however, stop short of calling for a renewal of the regulations as they currently stand.
The rest of the conference primarily dealt with the industry's switch to EVs by 2030, and the more pressing matter of the current no-deal situation over Brexit, which according to Hawes will hamper growth, particularly 'green' growth as the 'clock ticks ever closer to midnight on the Brexit negotiations'.
Well done Mike. Its always an uncomfortable fit / balance between the independent aftermarket and the big aggressive OE - car brands. A real political diplomatic role that Mike carries off with some style.