Allianz upskills independent recovery operators with EV training courses

As the SMMT reveals sales of battery electric cars (BEV) and plug-in hybrid cars (PHEVS) continue to buck a declining new car sales market*,  Allianz Partners in cooperation with the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR), confirms it has equipped 72 more recovery operators with the latest technological knowledge to attend to Electric, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles at the roadside.

With September sales of popular hybrid electric and battery electric cars up 32.4% and 125.1% against the same period last year, the annual Allianz free-of-charge EV training programme is set to be in greater demand in 2020.  This year’s programme proved a huge success, with graduates receiving full IVR accreditation and gaining 7 hours towards the 35 accumulative hours of training needed to achieve the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card.

After the popularity of last year’s course, Allianz Partners knew that the demand for Electric, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid knowledge would appeal.  Says Mark Debenham, UK Network Manager for Procurement and Network at Allianz Partners UK; “The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has highlighted a shortfall in the number of technicians that are currently trained in electric vehicle technology.

“As a major provider of roadside assistance, we feel it’s important to take responsibility to try and redress this. By helping our independent recovery operators plug the gap between ‘conventional’ car mechanics and the demands of EVs, we can equip them with the skills to meet the needs of each and every roadside assistance customer.”

The training took place over six days, across six different locations around the UK, including GTG Wolverhampton and the CEME Conference Centre in Essex and was delivered by IVR trainer, Mark Hartell from Recovery Safe. The independent recovery professionals gained valuable hands-on practical experience of hybrid and EV vehicle requirements at the roadside.

Dave Henwood, Proprietor of Fourwinds Garage Cornwall and an attendee at one of this year’s courses said; “It was a really interesting course, delivering important EV information which will help us support this growing market and in turn, our business.”

Meanwhile David Thornes from Ladyroyd Garage added; “Our driver came back from the training with an overall better understanding of electric vehicles, and gaining CPC hours as part of the course was much appreciated too. Of course, the icing on the cake is that the course was free of charge.”

Stephen Hall from Recovery North West (RNW) said; “The course provided our technician with valuable hints and tips on loading and unloading vehicles which will inevitably make his job easier and safer in the long run, and enhance the consumer’s recovery experience.”


* https://www.smmt.co.uk/2019/10/new-car-market-declines-in-first-nine-months-of-2019-as-brexit-fears-hold-buyers-back/

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