'The FSG feels that quality will not be a marketing
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edge in the future — it will simply be an expected requirement'
Factoring Services Group ESC chairman Arnold Parker says: / The FSG network of independent automotive parts distributors is committed to the challenge of the next 10 years, and its planned programme stretches through and beyond that decade. Already dedicated to quality in its alignment to the leading specialised component manufactures, FSC, sees this continuing in more formal recognition of its ethical products policy as more FSG factors are certified to the British Standards Institute's BS57500 Quality Standard and other appropriate gradings.
Despite this quality emphasis. FSC feels that quality will not be a marketing edge in the future — it will simply be an expected requirement for being in the automotive supply business.
We are most optimistic about the future of the UK aftermarket 23 years been developing training courses. These include the development of the Modular Training Scheme, which in conjunction with practical skills assessment provides an alternative to the more traditional methods of training. The scheme covers all operational areas including vehicle repair and maintenance.
The RTITB is currently undergoing a change in status, from a statutory to non-statutory independent body as outlined in the Government's White Paper Employment for the 1990s. published in December 1988. The proposals. put forward by the Board, were accepted in November and the Board is now proceeding with the preparation of detailed plans for their implementation.
However, the successor organisation will continue to be a focal point for setting and monitoring standards, although it will Road Haulage Association Technical manager Bob Stacey says: / There is little doubt that b "green" will be the colour of the Nineties and will change the way we do things in the haulage industry.
Within the decade we are due to be faced with stricter rules on noise. Will these rules be confined to existing assumed noise emitting sources or will pressure from the environmentalists extend the scope of any legislation to include new areas? Having had the London Boroughs Transport Committee requirement to fit exhaust silencers vetoed in the High Court, will we find that silencers are subsequently given EC approval or incorporated in C&U Regulations?
Particulates and exhaust emissions will also be big news. There will he pressure to improve the "green" quality of diesel. We hope for good news on brake testing. A review of standards and procedures could reduce the artificially high failure rate.
And I would like someone in the Ministry to have the vision to see that making BS 5750 approval mandatory for repairing tachographs is nonsense.