The British Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), has launched a new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Accreditation aimed at helping ensure technicians have the ability to identify and interpret information relating to a specific vehicle and its ADAS features.
According to Euro NCAP, ADAS technology has already reduced rear-end collisions by 38%. And approximately 10% of vehicles on UK roads currently use windscreen-mounted ADAS technology, with this set to rise to 40% by 2020. The IMI hopes the accreditation will help technicians determine which method of calibration for vehicles is required and then calibrate correctly.
The accreditation has been designed and developed by key industry organisations, including ATT Automotive, Auto Industry Consulting Ltd, Belron, Nationwide Accident Repair Services Ltd and Thatcham, to guarantee that the stand-alone assessed outcome module is fit for purpose; effectively raising standards in ADAS.
Steve Nash, Chief Executive at the IMI, said, “It’s predicted that between 2014 and 2030, ADAS technology will save more than 2,500 lives and prevent in excess of 25,000 serious accidents. Ensuring that accurate recalibration is undertaken following a vehicle repair or when replacing components such as windscreens is therefore vital. And as the Professional Body for the industry it is right that the IMI ensures the training undertaken by vehicle technicians is in line with the developments in this technology.
“Businesses need to invest in training continuously to make sure they are equipped with the right skills to be able to handle this new and rapidly evolving technology. IMI ADAS Accreditation helps to establish a recognised mark of quality for those needing to demonstrate their competence to safely work with ADAS.”
Chris McGowan, Technical Training Manager at Nationwide Accident Repair Services, added “The new IMI ADAS Accreditation is a fantastic showcase for the IMI’s dedication to remaining abreast of modern technologies and ensuring that the correct training and education is available for technicians to continue their development. The ADAS module will see technicians prove competency on fitting a component and a safe reset of the machine.”
Furthermore, Tim Camm, Technical Training & Quality Manager at Autoglass commented, “The ADAS calibration procedure is now part of the windscreen replacement process and it has been identified as a specialist task by the wider automotive community. We value the technical skills of our technicians extremely highly and we hope that this accreditation will demonstrate the aptitude and professionalism of ADAS technicians in the UK. Autoglass® launched the first ADAS calibration solution in the UK and are proud to have collaborated with IMI to develop this accreditation, which will set a new industry standard to support the existing IMI Accreditations.”
The IMI says technicians looking to undertake this stand-alone module should be working in the automotive industry and must have relevant diagnostic experience to ensure they are familiar with the skills, knowledge and techniques required to calibrate ADAS systems.
