Election announcement – IAAF ‘welcomes opportunity to engage’

The IAAF has issued a statement ahead of the upcoming UK election, to be held on 4 July. The IAAF 4 July election statement emphasises the IAAF’s willing to engage with all political parties and MPs.

IAAF chief executive, Mark Field, issued the statement which touched upon key topics such as right to repair, consumer choice and the value of the automotive aftermarket sector to the UK economy.

IAAF 4 July election

Speaking ahead of the 4 July election, Field said:

“The IAAF welcomes the opportunity to engage with all political parties and MPs. As future representatives of the English Parliament, they will play a crucial role in shaping policies that impact various sectors, including the automotive industry.

“As we enter the next Parliamentary term, we strongly advocate for collaborative efforts between policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure the future of a competitive automotive aftermarket. Prioritising smart regulation, embracing technological advancements, and promoting sustainability will all be pivotal in navigating the evolving landscape and securing a vibrant automotive aftermarket for years to come, benefiting consumers and communities alike.”

Consumer choice

Field’s statement, on behalf of the IAAF, went on to emphasise the importance of protecting consumer choice and the ability and right to repair in face of the changing automotive landscape. Field stated:

“Our concerns centre around the restrictions that this new automotive landscape creates on the abilities of the UK’s independent aftermarket to continue to provide competitive consumer choices, as vehicle manufacturers increasingly use new technologies to distort the access to, and the use of, vehicle data and information.”

Future technology

Other key areas which were addressed in the IAAF statement, were the impact of electrification and sustainability within the aftermarket sector. Field elaborated:

“The rise of electrification, software-defined vehicles, and remote access to vehicle generated data and information heralds a new era of mobility, demanding innovative solutions and new business models. It is imperative that we continue to ensure effective competition within the aftermarket sector, as well as prioritising sustainability initiatives, such as the use of remanufactured parts and eco-friendly practices, to reduce environmental impact and foster a more sustainable road mobility future.”