Technicians in the Mitsubishi Motors UK dealer network are set to receive Institute of the Motor Industry qualifications following specialist training on EV and hybrid vehicles.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has already delivered its first IMI Level 3 course in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles after “taking a lead role” in assisting with the creation of the IMI’s industry-standard courses in the maintenance of alternative-fuelled vehicles, a statement revealed.

The Level 3 course — one of the highest levels in the suite of electric and hybrid vehicle IMI courses that have been developed to educate everyone from valeters to sales advisors, roadside patrols to master technicians — will now be delivered as standard to all Mitsubishi technicians within the Service and Maintenance level of their Pathway.

It is designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to work safely in and around a vehicle’s high and low voltage electrical system and electric drivetrain system.

Ray Watts, training manager, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: “With IMI Qualifications we are working to provide our technicians with additional industry recognition and qualifications that set the benchmark in electric and hybrid vehicle repair and maintenance.

“It’s another illustration of how we’re investing in our people and franchise to ensure that we are able to deliver the best possible service.”

The IMI-approved training has evolved from what was originally a one-day technical overview course introduced on the UK launch of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in 2014, to now be a three-day course incorporating online and practical examinations.

On passing the training, Mitsubishi Technicians will have an industry-recognised qualification to work on Mitsubishi vehicles, as well as other EV and hybrid vehicles.

The IMI Qualifications are the culmination of 12 months of preparation by the Mitsubishi Training Academy, including its Technical Trainers – Gary Preece, Jeff Mills and Gary Found – being themselves independently assessed by the renowned industry organisation.

Lance Bradley, managing director, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: “The evolvement of our in-house training mirrors the growth in popularity of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

“This officially-recognised course provides customers of what is the best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle in the UK with the knowledge that their local Mitsubishi dealer is able to cater for all their maintenance requirements as their ownership experience continues.”