Thatcham Research is introducing new IMI-accredited ADAS calibration training designed to address a skill gap in Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) repair, ahead of the arrival of a Code of Practice at the end of the year.

 Thatcham says the lack of a clear approach to the repair of ADAS-equipped vehicles is having an effect across the whole repair industry

The introduction of the training, intended to provide vital competencies to technicians, follows the launch of industry-first ADAS repair guidelines in May. Since then, Thatcham Research has been engaged in industry consultation with key industry associations and bodies – including the IMI, SMMT and BVRLA – which identified the lack of technical capability and capacity to effectively manage the current volume of ADAS in repair as a key industry issue, with an impact on fleets too.

More and more vehicles come equipped with ADAS – four million cars on the road today are fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and all the 29 cars tested by Euro NCAP so far this year have at least one ADAS technology fitted as standard. The number will ramp up dramatically from 2022 when ADAS technologies including AEB will become mandatory for new cars under EU plans.

However, ensuring these safety systems remain in operation once a car has been repaired is vital and according to Thatcham, the lack of a clear approach to the repair of ADAS-equipped vehicles is having an effect across the whole repair industry.

Dean Lander, head of repair sector services, Thatcham Research, said: “The evolution, and widespread adoption, of ADAS features on new vehicles presents the whole repair sector with a challenge. It’s paramount that repaired vehicles are returned to customers with these potentially life-saving features operating as they were pre-accident. This course will give technicians the knowledge and skills to do that job and provide peace of mind that ADAS has been reinstated safely.”

Lander added: “The process continues as we work towards releasing a Code of Practice at the end of the year, to ensure a sustainable, standardised approach to the repair of ADAS-equipped vehicles.”