Hofmann Megaplan Blog

As expected, the MOT exemption put in place last year to aid vehicle owners is set to cause even more havoc this year – specifically, this Autumn. MOTs are predicted to surge once again throughout the Autumn months of August, September and October, in line with the rise from 2020.

Since the beginning of 2021, the DVSA has been urging vehicle owners who have an MOT due in August, September, October or November this year, to bring it forward into the months of April, May, June or July.

A DVSA spokesperson said:

“Last year we issued exemptions to help keep industry moving during the pandemic.

“As a result, test dates are not evenly spread throughout the year and August, September, October and November are significantly busier than usual.

“For peace of mind, we are advising vehicle owners with test dates in August, September, October and November to bring their vehicle in for test during May, June or July instead, to avoid the busier months.”

Has it worked?

It would appear not.

Despite calls from the aftermarket for more visibility of the advice, the DVSA failed to encourage vehicle owners to bring forward their MOTs this Spring – leading to another expected sharp rise in MOT services this Autumn.

Make sure your garage is ready for this Autumn...

Talk to the experts to see how we can help you deal with the expected demand (especially if you only managed to scrape by last Autumn).

The fully qualified MOT team at Hofmann Megaplan have been busy installing brand new MOT bays throughout lockdown as many garage owners seized the opportunity and made sure their equipment is up to scratch and ready to cope with the expected increase in demand.

Is it about time you did the same?

Check out our specialist MOT division online now or call our team on 01480 8-9-10-11.

Traditionally (pre-covid), March & September are the busiest months for MOT testing. April is usually quiet and we don’t see that changing this year.

The MOT extension which was introduced last year when the first lockdown was announced, meant that many vehicle owners postponed their MOT test and they will be waiting the full 12 months before needing another. However, for garage owners across the UK in need of additional revenue to support their business, any April lull will be unwelcome.

It isn’t all bad news though; vehicle owners are being encouraged to forward-think and book their MOT tests in good time, meaning the lull may not be as bad as first anticipated.

So, how can your garage make the most of a quieter period?

Our steps to MOT servicing success in 2021...

Here at Hofmann Megaplan, we have been keeping a close eye on the peaks & troughs throughout the entire pandemic, and we have come up with some suggestions to make the most out of a potentially quiet month in April...

Personal Development & Training

Step one involves getting your team up to speed with the latest MOT CPD and annual assessments, together with training any non-testing staff to help them get up to speed. Ensuring your entire team are up to scratch can make all the difference when the busier months inevitably return later in the year.

There really is no excuse – now that remote learning is at the forefront of training and development in every industry, there are no obstacles in terms of travel to and from training sites; your employees can develop their skills from the comfort of their own home.

MOT Equipment Maintenance & Improvements

Another area for improvement is the efficiency of your MOT equipment. Making sure that your MOT bay receives the proper maintenance and love it deserves, can help to ensure the longevity and reliability of equipment in the long run.

While your essential kit is potentially under-used throughout April, it may be the best opportunity you will have in 2021 for a thorough inspection and maintenance programme. Alternatively, if you feel now is the time to upgrade your MOT bay completely, call our specialist division on 01480 8-9-10-11 to ensure you get the right advice, equipment and support for your MOT services.

Garage Business Planning

When covid struck the UK last March, many garage owners had to draw up a forecast for their business throughout lockdown 1.0 and the remainder of 2020.

A year later we are still dealing with restrictions, so April is the perfect time to review and develop your business plans and forecasts to incorporate long term goals for your garage and services. Having a realistic approach to what you can achieve in 2021 can help to keep you and your team focused on providing an excellent garage repair and maintenance service for your customers.

Despite a year that has be tainted by the coronavirus pandemic and many businesses taking a heavy hit, here at Hofmann Megaplan, we have continued to go from strength to strength. And we have always been there for you throughout what has been a challenging 12 months so far.

By no means are we saying it has been easy, but we have seen exciting developments take place across the company. So, in case you have missed anything, here is our round-up of everything you need to know...

All-new National Distribution Centre (NDC)

One of the highlights of our 2020, was the introduction of our brand-new National Distribution Centre; a great addition to our constantly evolving business (another EXCITING announcement coming soon).

Our NDC team build, test and calibrate every Hofmann Megaplan Tyre Changer and Wheel Balancer before dispatch, making sure they’re up to the recognised Hofmann Megaplan standard...and are ready to serve you!

Find out more about our new garage equipment facility in our previous blog...

Approvals & Accreditations from globally recognised brands...

Boasting approvals & recommendations from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and now Lamborghini, our range of OEM products are must-have for any premium garage services provider.

From tyre changing to revenue-boosting alignment machines, our Hofmann Megaplan accredited machines are the pinnacle of garage equipment and have been developed to enhance your garage services to a truly premium standard.

Take a look at the amazing machines we have on offer in our manufacturer approved range...

The MOT fightback!

Everyone working within the MOT sector knew there would be an influx of the number of tests that were needed to be completed, once the MOT extension had expired.

The end of Q2 and all of Q3 was completely focused on fighting back strongly to ensure the survival of numerous garages & workshops. As expected, the beginning of Autumn saw the obvious demand for MOT servicing increase as the number of vehicle users returning to the roads for work, also rose to an alarming level.

Some garage owners saw an opportunity and realised that their old, battered MOT equipment wouldn’t be able to cope with such an increase in demand – Hofmann Megaplan were there to help. We completed some of the best-looking MOT bays we have EVER produced. We've received great feedback on how good our MOT bays look and operate once they’re complete.

Choose us and receive the full MOT package, combining our excellent end-to-end installation service with a great finished look.

What will happen in 2021?

The short answer – who knows!

One thing is for sure though, our dedicated team will always be there to help you with your garage equipment needs – especially with yesterday’s announcement, we could be looking at a similar year to last.

Contact us online or call us on 01480 8-9-10-11 to discuss your requirements.