Dave Celebrates 10 years with Lloyd Motor Group

This week at Lloyd Bodyshop Kelso, Dave Hegarty celebrated 10 years with Lloyd Motor Group.

We caught up with Dave to reflect on his journey and hear his thoughts on the future…

Can you walk us through your journey at Lloyd Bodyshop, including some of the highlights, challenges, or memorable moments along the way?
“I started with Lloyd Land Rover as a Vehicle Technician. There were internal changes being made and I was approached to see if I was interested in moving to the Bodyshop, as their workload required another mechanical engineer. Having worked in a Bodyshop back in the 1990’s, it was a role I was already familiar with.

As everyone might agree, I think the period of COVID-19 was the most challenging time for everyone. One memorable moment was when we were given the chance to have a day at Land Rover Experience at Dunkeld. It was a great opportunity to drive the Land Rover off road rather than just on normal roads.”

What first attracted you to work in the automotive industry?
“As a young boy I was car-mad and I remember my dad taking me to the Ingliston Race Circuit. But it was more my grandfather that inspired me to work in the motor industry as he was a motor mechanic, and I often watched him repair cars.”

How would you describe your role as a mechanical engineer at Lloyd Bodyshop to someone unfamiliar with what you do?
“As a Bodyshop mechanical engineer, the role is a lot more involved than people think. It’s not only mechanical repairs, but it can also include suspension work, removing interior trim after airbags have deployed, replacing dashboards, seat upholstery and wiring repairs and performing diagnostic testing on all makes of vehicles.”

Over the past 10 years, how has your role changed?
“The role has changed with the introduction of modern technology in safety devices, in ADAs and full electric cars.”

What approach do you take to ensure every repair meets both safety standards and high-quality expectations?
“Any vehicle that has been damaged can be stressful to the owner. We follow safety standards and meet high-quality expectations by focusing on first-time repairs and following repair procedures, so when the customer collects their vehicle, it’s as good as, or better than, it was before.”

What emerging technologies or trends in automotive repair excite you the most, and how do you think they might shape the industry in the next few years?
“In the future, the basics will not change. However, electric cars, their motors and battery technology will certainly need more specialised training.”

Do you have advice for someone looking to pursue a career as a mechanical engineer in the automotive repair industry?
“Anyone wishing to have a career as mechanical engineer should have a genuine love and interest in cars and learn the history of cars, it gives you a better understanding, especially as the combustion engine will be around for some time. It’s also important to have a good understanding of physics and electrical engineering, as electric cars will be the future.”

What’s a hidden talent or fun fact about you that might surprise people?
“I am fairly involved in motorsport. At present, I am the Chairman of the Scottish Off-Road Club, and I have been a member for 20 years, and have competed in the non-speed events. I am more involved with helping to set up club events, which in turn has led me to be involved with rallies such as Hell Rally and the Jim Clark Rally, as a registered Motorsport UK marshal and as a Radio Safety Marshal. As a hobby, I am a fully licensed Amateur Radio Operator.”

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