Silverlake supports motorsport’s green agenda

Recycled parts provider Silverlake Automotive Recycling is promoting the benefits of going green to the UK motorsports market through its partnership with the C1 Racing Club and Club Racing UK, a central hub for all UK-based club racing. 

It has revealed that teams can save up to 70% of RRP by using its quality graded recycled parts, while also avoiding the delays now common in trying to source new parts.

Allen Prebble, Managing Director at Silverlake, said, “We are proud to be supporting the UK motorsport market in this targeted way. Running two race teams ourselves in the annual C1 Racing Series, for which we are headline sponsor, we know first-hand the savings to be made in money and time. 

“We were taking recycled green parts to the race meetings to repair our own vehicles trackside and the interest from other race teams saw us begin to carry extra stocks to meet their needs. Our experience indicated the gap in the market and after further research, a recycled green parts proposition for UK Motorsports, delivering the product direct to their door, was a natural next step for us as a business.”

Club Racing UK said, “It’s no secret that motorsport is expensive so it makes total sense to partner with Silverlake to drive the increasing upkeep costs down. Having seen how meticulous Silverlake is and the quality of its customer service, we have absolute confidence in the products the company supplies.”

Meanwhile, C1 Racing Club’s Robin Welsh added, “We are delighted to be able to offer our members the added value of access to discounted, recycled C1 parts through our partnership with Silverlake. We know the parts are quality graded and meet the UK standard and that our members and are happily benefitting from the savings and convenience of track-side spares and door-to-door deliveries.”

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iRG enhances sustainability solution with BASF partnership

Innovative Repair Group (iRG) has announced a new partnership with BASF’s premium refinish brand, R-M Automotive Refinish which will accelerate its strategy of sustainable operations.

Following a successful trial, its Pontypridd repair centre will now adopt the R-M Agilis waterborne basecoat system.

The groundbreaking Agilis system generates a VOC content under 250 g/L, which is 40% below the EU solvent limit.

Phil Dawson, Compliance Director at iRG, said, “This strategic partnership with R-M paint will now allow us to lead the environmental change within the industry and really make informed, eco-friendly choices. We are also using the R-M Pioneer Series, which is a range of clearcoats and ancillaries. These products are produced using renewable biomass, further helping to reduce their CO2 emissions during the production process.”

Terry Jackson, Country Manager, BASF Automotive Refinish UK & Ireland, said, “We are delighted to be partnering with the Innovative Repair Group. With environmental sustainability sitting at the heart of our vision, we’re committed to meet the global challenges and growth of the automotive refinish industry. With the launch of our breakthrough Agilis system, we’re leading the industry with its short application, process, and flash-off times. This exciting partnership will allow iRG to improve their ecological footprint with Agilis and take their sustainable refinishing processes to the next level.”

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Fix Auto UK launches mental health support initiative

Fix Auto UK has launched a major new initiative to support colleagues overcome mental health challenges.

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, Fix Auto has announced that every repair centre in its network will train at least one person to be a qualified mental health first aider.

The initiative is being led by Regional Business Manager Carl Norton, who has undergone the training himself to become the network’s first official Mental Health First Aid Trainer. A further 14 colleagues from within Fix Auto UK will now start their own training.

Norton said, “Mental ill health can strike at any time and can affect any one of us. But the reality is we don’t tend to know how to take care of our mental health, or even identify when someone is suffering with it.

“The course is all about educating people on how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. You simply learn how to recognise warning signs of mental ill health and develop the skills and confidence to approach and support someone while keeping yourself safe.”

Ian Pugh, Managing Director for Fix Auto UK, added, “The statistics whereby people of all ages suffer with mental illness are alarming. We have duty of care to all we can to help one another and for me, this is an absolute essential element of it.

“Our goal is to ensure every franchise partner along with the head office operation has at least one certified mental health first aider. Yes, we could have employed a company or an individual to be a mental health first aider trainer to ensure everyone within the entire network is supported, but it was obvious to sponsor Carl through the course so we have someone within our own ranks to ensure it will be a continual process.”

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Market Intelligence: Wednesday 11 May 2022

Market-Intel-11-May-2022

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Copart introduces new wellness initiative

Copart is marking Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 by announcing the launch of a new Mental Health First Aider programme.

The initiative is being launched in partnership with St John Ambulance, and will see one teammate from each of the company’s 19 UK locations attend a two-day course in recognising and supporting colleagues with mental health issues.

After completing their training, which comes with a national recognised qualification, the Copart Mental Health First Aiders will then be a point of contact for teammates who are experiencing mental health issues or emotional distress.

Leanne Carroll, Human Resources Manager, said: “As part of our Copart Cares CSR commitment, we‘re dedicated to doing everything we can to enhance the wellbeing of our teammates. The launch of our Mental Health First Aider programme is yet another way for us to encourage a healthy and happy working environment, alongside our existing health and wellbeing benefits package.

“We all go through challenging times which can impact on our mental health and make it feel difficult to cope. From those experiencing financial difficulties due to the cost-of-living rise, through to ongoing confidence issues and feelings of isolation following the pandemic, the launch of this programme feels very timely and relevant.”

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AW releases docuseries double-bill

AW Repair Group has released a new double-bill feature as part of its Career for Life docuseries, which celebrates mentoring, development and engagement within its workforce.

In the first part, Finance Director Kantha Arumugam explains how he joined the company 11 years ago as an accounts assistant and now leads a team of nine at AW Repair Group’s head office, while Payroll and Human Resources Manager Kim Jackson reveals her progress from payroll clerk 18 years ago to the expanded and fulfilled role she has today.

Further, the two stories highlight the diverse range of skills within AW Repair Group, emphasising that it takes more than technicians to keep a repair business successful.

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Qashqai tops latest safety ratings

The Nissan Qashqai scored highest in the latest round of Euro NCAP testing, which assessed four new models with ‘Level 2’ assisted driving systems.

It scored 74% for assistance competence and 93% for safety back-up to achieve a ‘very good’ result overall.

Matthew Avery, Chief Research Strategy Officer, Thatcham Research said, “Previously a ‘very good’ rating has been the preserve of premium vehicles. However, Nissan has proven that it is possible to deliver a high performing, well-balanced assisted driving experience at the more affordable end of the market, proving that as technology develops it becomes more accessible and ultimately ubiquitous.”

Meanwhile, the VW ID.5 was also rated ‘very good’, scoring 76% for assistance competence and 85% for safety back-up, while the Polestar 2 received a ‘good’ rating after a raft of over-the-air improvements since it was last rated in 2021.

However, the Jaguar I-Pace, the only vehicle in this round of testing that does not cease driving while the assisted driving mode is engaged if the driver becomes unresponsive, achieved an ‘entry’ level score.

Avery said, “Some of the vehicles have performed very well in this latest round of testing, and it’s especially positive to add two new ‘very good’ cars to the previous ratings. It is interesting to see the improvements Polestar has made to its vehicle using OTA updates, an excellent means of tweaking performance for the better overnight. It is also becoming ever-more apparent that electrification and automation go hand in hand. We would strongly encourage drivers to use this technology, it is more than just a feature count, it protects drivers and other road users alike with numerous safety benefits.”

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Used car market rallies after 2021

The UK’s used car market increased 5.1% in the first quarter of 2022, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). It recorded 1,774,351 transactions in the first three months of the year, up 86,596 on the same period in 2021.

The rise was driven by a buoyant market in January and February, when used car sales rose 17.7% and 7.4% respectively before a 6.8% decline in March.

However, used car transactions remain 12.2% down on pre-pandemic 2019.

Demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continued to surge, with transactions more than doubling from 6,625 to 14,586, while plug-in hybrids and hybrids rose by 35.3% to 14,433, and 28.8% to 35,007 units respectively.

This represents an accumulated market share of 3.6%, up from 1.6% in the first quarter of 2021.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “With the new car market hampered by ongoing global supply shortages, growth in the used car market is welcome, if unsurprising especially given we were in lockdown last year. Electric car sales are energising the market, with zero emission vehicles starting to filter through in larger numbers to consumers looking forward to driving the latest and greenest vehicles. Although there is some way to go before we see the recent growth in new EVs replicated in the used market, a buoyant new car market will be vital to help drive fleet renewal which is essential to the delivery of carbon savings.”

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Audatex enhances Agile collaboration

Audatex has announced that automotive insurtech Agile Developments is launching a new app that will use Audatex data to help determine at FNOL if a vehicle is repairable or a total loss.

The app is being launched to identify total losses earlier in the process and therefore reduce the number of vehicles going into the repair network. By capturing the relevant data and claims information quickly and easily, it is expected to speed up the claim, mitigate losses while also helping to reduce fraud.

Dominic Czechak, National Account Manager at Solera, said, “We are excited to continue working with Agile Developments and collaborate with a growing Insurtech on their innovation journey. We are always seeking new ways to support our customers and deliver on our vision of touch-less claims and improved experience for all policyholders, utilising our global data and claims expertise.”

Scott Greenhill, Founder and CEO, Agile Developments Group, said, “Agile Developments is proud to be working in collaboration with Solera Audatex, offering innovative, transformational, data and technology solutions to the automotive and insurance industry. The launch of the Agile Claim app will give us the ability to support our business partners and their customers by simplifying the process of making a claim, enabling faster decisions on repairs, total loss, liability and settlement, while also reducing claims duration and cost,” said.

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ARC360 News Round Up – Friday 6 May

Showcase event powers ahead

ElectriX – powered by LV= General Insurance, The AA and Trustpilot are just a few of the names to be taking to the keynote stage at ILC and ARC360’s inaugural Motor Claims Showcase Event on 29 June at the CBS Arena, Coventry.

Headline sponsored by Enterprise, the event will provide a host of engaging initiatives including the main stage agenda with sessions geared at unravelling the future influences on motor claims fulfilment.

Steer expansion continues with Rainbow Group acquisition

Steer Automotive Group has announced the acquisition of Rainbow Group, which operates six sites in the Home Counties.

The deal continues the Steer Group’s strategy of expansion and increases its capacity to support its insurer client partners via its 43 locations.

People power, and how to harness it

For years the automotive aftermarket has been losing the PR battle. While the skills required to repair and develop today’s vehicles are no less technical and science-based than many other sectors, industries such as engineering, aviation and IT are considered to offer far more aspirational career paths.

And as the pool of talent shallows for automotive businesses – the result of an ageing workforce, too few apprentices and skills being lured away – the need to redress the balance becomes ever-more urgent.

Key appointments at Gemini

Gemini Accident Repair has announced two new key appointments, with Brett Wootton joining as Regional Operations Manager from Fix Auto UK, and Chris Arblaster named Technical Support Engineer.

Brett said, “I am very excited to say I have joined the Gemini family and looking forward to working with a great passionate team.”

Chris added, “I’m looking forward to moving forward with this exciting forward-thinking company.”

Consumer confidence in AI claims nearly complete

Consumer trust in AI-driven claims has risen to 79% globally, according to new research carried out by Solera Holdings.

The survey also revealed the growing demand for digital-first automated claims among car insurers, bodyshops and dealer networks.

Copart to double capacity in Scotland

Copart UK will double its operational capabilities in Scotland to around 100,000 cars per year after securing planning permission for a new 31-acre site in East Kilbride.

The new site, which will be operational next year, will compliment its operation centre in Whitburn and recycling centre in Inverkeithing.

VMs on the brink of transformative change

The Spring Edition of Grant Thornton’s automotive review has predicted transformative change for vehicle manufacturers in the coming years, as a number of interlinked factors start to converge.

Tougher environmental targets are forcing new ways of working, while the demand for electric vehicles means ever-greater investment in low-emission technologies.

Both are impacting profits, and many OEMs are now striving to make cost savings elsewhere.

LV= answers wellbeing call

Ahead of Mental Health Week, LV= is putting phones in its branded workshops to offer employees and customers alike direct access to free wellbeing support through charity partner, Family Action.

The initiative comes after its own research found that 81% of men hide their problems, while 18% don’t know where to seek help.

Record results for online retailer

Online car retailer Cazoo has announced record revenues in the first quarter of the year, up 159% year-on-year to £295m. Vehicle sales were up 102% while retail units sold increased 53%.

Alex Chesterman OBE, Founder & CEO of Cazoo, said, “We expect any macro headwinds to be transitory in nature and remain extremely excited by the enormous market opportunity for Cazoo and are very confident in achieving our long-term growth and margin targets.”

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webinARC – products, equipment & services      

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