Insurance, People, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is part of the US Department of Transport, has published data from a series of collisions involving vehicles with various levels of autonomy.
The data was provided by vehicle manufacturers after the NHTSA issued a standing order last summer to submit such data in an effort to understand how best to progress with the continued introduction of self-driving cars to public roads.
Dr Steven Cliff, NHTSA’s Administrator, said, “The data released are part of our commitment to transparency, accountability and public safety. New vehicle technologies have the potential to help prevent crashes, reduce crash severity and save lives, and the Department is interested in fostering technologies that are proven to do so; collecting this data is an important step in that effort. As we gather more data, NHTSA will be able to better identify any emerging risks or trends and learn more about how these technologies are performing in the real world.”
The data found that of the 130 crashes, 108 involved collisions with another vehicle and 11 involved a vulnerable road user. However, only one incident resulted in serious injury, with 108 causing no injuries at all.
The full agenda has been revealed for the ILC/ARC360 Motor Claims Showcase Event providing a full day of highly engaging and interactive elements for attendees.
Headline sponsored by Enterprise, along with sponsors EDAM Group, and supported by ILC and ARC360 corporate partners, the event takes place on Wednesday 29 June at the CBS Arena, Coventry.
Industry stakeholders are now being invited to view the proposed draft and consider the amendments that have been made after the first public consultation.
She was a finalist in the Executive Category of the event, which celebrates the most influential women in the British car industry across categories including marketing, sales, vehicle development, and manufacturing.
The recognition reinforces Repairify’s continued investment to accelerate its scale and growth in response to the needs of the marketplace in the UK and across Europe.
By incorporating more than 16 billion data points from 12 million connected cars every day, Microsoft Maps will deliver enhanced traffic data to drivers enabling them to make faster, smarter, and more cost-efficient driving decisions.
Allianz bolsters motor claims team
Allianz has announced that motor damage expert Nick Rossiter and recoveries specialist Lee Crouch are joining its commercial motor claims team as technical managers.
Motorcare names new manager
Motorcare Liverpool has appointed Lynsay Plunkett as new Bodyshop Manager. She joins from A&D Bodyshop, having previously worked for Crossleys Accident Repair Centre and Lookers.
Jason Donohoe, Operations Manager at Motorcare Northwest, said, “Lynsey will bring a wealth of experience to the team at Commercial Road as well as the wider Motorcare North West management team and we’re all very excited to see the impact she has over the coming months.”
In this webinARC we look at the evolution of the vehicle incident repair supply chain as it faces some major challenges in light of global market forces.
Covid 19, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
Business practices have not kept up with the way the automotive aftermarket has changed since the pandemic, with much of the pressure forced down onto repairers.
She suggested that many of the challenges impacting repairers today could be softened if not alleviated completely if work providers adapted their business practices. For example, she said that cash-flow is now one of single biggest concerns for bodyshops but that could be eradicated if repairs and/or parts were paid for in advance.
She said, “A lot of current problems among repairers is because business practice is lagging behind. For example, blue chip companies are putting the cashflow onus on businesses that are still recovering from the pandemic. We’re going to lose those businesses if we keep doing that, so the industry has to look at itself and change.”
Flexibility
Moring-Beale was joined on the panel by Neil Marcus, Marketing Director, Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres, and Garry Bloom, Senior Operations Manager, Davies Group, both of whom said that if nothing else the pandemic had emphasised the need for flexibility in the way we work.
Marcus said, “Covid-19 taught us that nothing stays the same and you have to adapt. In terms of your strategy, you need to know where you want to go and how you are going to get there.”
He admitted that it is difficult to remain on course when there are challenging external factors impacting almost every facet of the business – but said changing course is sometimes the better options.
“There is a perfect storm of things you can’t control at the moment. People are working from home more now, there is a shortage of HGV drivers, energy costs and labour rates are rising. The smaller the business the easier it is to adapt, but you must be prepared to do that sometimes. There is no shame in changing direction.”
Technology
Technology has actually created more options for businesses seeking change, either in the way they do business or what business they do.
Marcus said that among the most significant changes implemented by Selsia was a shift toward digitalisation, which has added resilience and cohesion to the network.
He said, “A lot of our systems are now cloud-based, which means we’re in a better position to communicate with our bodyshops and talk in a single voice. We are now working more as a single unit with a common service level.”
Bloom said that Davies Group is also making better use of technology post Covid, estimating that a 15-year evolution had been compressed into a matter of months. He identified communication as the single-biggest area of change, and said that only through greater communication both internally and externally would the sector find a way through its current challenges.
He said, “Everyone is in the same boat now so communication has become the most important thing. We need to have the conversations we’d not have had a few years ago and with the people we might not have had them with – that means suppliers, customers and competitors.
“We need to manage expectations because there are only a certain number of parts and only a certain number of jobs repairers can do. We’re in such a competitive market but need to be upfront and honest and admit there are delays and they are out of our control. Parts supply is a big issue and we haven’t got a timeline for when it will return to normal. It could be well into 2024 before it calms down. We don’t know. Everyone wants certainty, but we can’t give it to them at the moment.”
Electrification
Another influence on business strategy is the technology within cars, with electric vehicles joining the UK car parc faster than anyone would have predicted just a few years ago. As such, there has been a dramatic surge in electrification investment from all sectors.
But while that might appear now like an obvious business strategy, some are urging caution before tying up their futures in the technology.
Marcus warned that in the short-term it was unlikely that workshops would get enough EV jobs to make considerable investment in equipment and tooling pay off, an opinion which Bloom supported.
“The unknown factor is how many jobs investment in EV equipment will deliver,” he said.
Meanwhile, Moring-Beale went even further and wondered if hydrogen technology would not prove to be more viable in the long-term. She described electrification as a ‘flawed technology’ as long as the infrastructure is not in place to support widescale adoption. She said public charging stations were too few and too slow, and home charging options were impractical considering many people live in flats or terraced houses.
Bloom concluded, “We need to keep challenging the norm, whatever that is. But we need to do it together. Working in silos isn’t going to work.”
ARC360 would like to thank its Corporate Partners Solera Audatex, BASF, BMS, CAPS, Copart, Emacs, Entegral, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Innovation Group, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance, S&G Response, and Sherwin Williams as well as Partners asTech, The Green Parts Specialist, Indasa and Prasco, and Associate Partners Gemini, Thatcham Research and Trend Tracker.
CEO of Copart UK & Ireland Jane Pocock has been recognised in the 2022 Autocar Great Women in the British Car Industry Top 100.
She was a finalist in the Executive Category of the event, which celebrates the most influential women in the British car industry across categories including marketing, sales, vehicle development, and manufacturing.
Pocock joined Copart in 2019 and heads up an organisation employing 1,200 people across 19 locations. Since taking the helm she has led the company through a period of continued growth and transformation, with key investments in automation and AI technology leading to significant improvements in efficiency and service.
Jeff Liaw, President of Copart Inc, said, “Jane is a key member of our global leadership team and has been instrumental in Copart’s continued growth and success in the UK. Jane is held in extremely high regard for delivering outstanding results for our customers, championing equality, diversity, and inclusion within the automotive industry, and for her strong focus on achieving our vision of a more sustainable and greener future.”
Bodyshop, Insurance, People, Supplier, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
The second public consultation of proposed updates to BS10125 is available until 30 June.
Industry stakeholders are now being invited to view the proposed draft and consider the amendments that have been made after the first public consultation.
BS10125 is the British Standards for Bodyshop. This is its first review since 2014, steered by the Institute of the Motor Industry, and is intended to update the standard in line with developments in vehicle design and manufacture, as well as new technologies impacting the sector such as ADAS.
Critically, the IMI has also added a new Continuous Professional Development (CPD) framework to ensure technicians continue to achieve the professional standards expected.
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Training, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words
Ben, the automotive industry charity, is encouraging everyone in the automotive community, to take a personal MOT test to give their body and mind a health check.
Ben has prepared a quick and easy MOT test which you can take here, with questions designed to give you an overview of how your mental and physical health are functioning and providing top tips on how to improve your wellbeing to ensure you can keep running smoothly and overcome any bumps in the road.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We all know how important it is to put our cars through a regular MOT, but very few of us take the time to do the same for our bodies and minds. We’re naturally going to suffer some wear and tear and need some maintenance and repairs in life, so our test will give you the chance to find out where you are in your health and wellbeing journey and whether you need to change direction.”
To take the test, click here or for more tips on how to keep your body and mind in good working order, click here.
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
The full agenda has been revealed for the ILC/ARC360 Motor Claims Showcase Event providing a full day of highly engaging and interactive elements for attendees.
Headline sponsored by Enterprise, along with sponsors EDAM Group, and supported by ILC and ARC360 corporate partners, the event takes place on Wednesday 29 June at the CBS Arena, Coventry and will feature an exhibition arena of over 30 key sector suppliers; four keynote sessions on the main stage; four partner showcase sessions in the designated showcase area; a next generation ‘meet and greet’ event; and much networking time.
All aspects of the day are ‘free to choose’ allowing delegates to enjoy and plan the day as they wish using the new ILC event app (available soon).
Amongst the showcase session line-up which includes CAPS, e2e, Enterprise and Innovation Group, e2e CEO, Jim Loughran will look at how insurers, repairers, and salvage and recycling agents can reduce costs and improve efficiency through system integration to enable real time information on availability and cost of reclaimed parts to be factored into the claims process at the front end, supporting claims assessment and repairer estimates.
Exhibitors at the Motor Claims Showcase Event include:
Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Repairify UK Ltd has been awarded the ISO 9001 quality management standard, consolidating its position following Red EU’s award earlier this year.
The recognition reinforces Repairify’s continued investment to accelerate its scale and growth in response to the needs of the marketplace in the UK and across Europe.
Overseen by team leader Steven Mullen, the company’s quality management process aligns with the ISO 9001 standards ensuring Repairify is constantly monitoring, managing and improving the skills and quality of its people, products and services to meet customers’ expectations and regulatory requirements.
The ISO 9001 auditors praised the company’s strong, process-driven system, designed to deliver a robust infrastructure founded on continuous professional development for all staff and a transparent, reliable business environment.
Phil Peace, managing director (SVP) International for Repairify, said, “This latest certification for the business supports Repairify in achieving our growth and expansion ambitions. As a customer-driven organisation, the accreditation reinforces our commitment to deliver best-in-class services and technology solutions and processes that enable our customers to carry out high-quality, safe and compliant ADAS-related automotive repairs to expand their business opportunities and enhance their customer experience.”
Three more stellar names within the automotive aftermarket industry have been confirmed for the inaugural Motor Claims Showcase Event, which will take place at the CBS Arena on Wednesday, 29 June.
Marc Holding, Managing Director, The Vella Group; Nick Sweetman, Head of Vehicle Repair & Service Operations for UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings; and Rebecca Winterhalder, Vehicle Damage Manager, Ageas Motor Claims are the latest names been added to an already impressive line-up of speakers.
Organiser Steve Plunkett said, “We are still seeing donations come in, but a massive thank you to everyone that has dug deep and supported us. Many of you do so time and time again, and it is greatly appreciated.”
The Wolverhampton-based repairer expects its new centre to be operational within weeks. The expansion comes on the back of a strong period of growth which has seen the company increase it workforce, secure new insurance partners and sign additional supply deals.
160-year-old business returns to its heritage
Gillibrand Accident Repair Centre has announced that it is leaving the Fix Auto UK network and will resume trading under its former name.
The family-run prestige car repair centre based in Blackburn has been trading since 1859 and boasts vehicle approvals for brands including Audi, BMW, Ford, Polestar, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.
IAA opens Bristol site
The IAA and subsidiary Synetiq have opened a new 22-acre, state-of-the-art service facility in Bristol to increase capacity across the country.
Tom Rumboll, UK Managing Director for IAA and CEO of Synetiq, said, “The new branch in Bristol is vital to our ongoing expansion in the UK. It will also contribute significantly to our sustainability goals in the country by increasing efficiency and reducing miles driven.”
Taking part in the on-demand session were two of the UK’s biggest repair operations represented by Peter Randhawa, General Manager at Steer Automotive Group, and Dave Sargeant, Managing Director at Gemini Accident Repair Centres.
Registrations still stymied by supply issues
New UK car registrations fell -20.6% to 124,394 units in the second weakest May since 1992, after the 2020 pandemic-hit market, as supply shortages continued to hamper new purchases and the fulfilment of existing orders, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Carzam collapses just 18 months after launch
Carzam has gone into administration just 18 months after launch, with co-founder Peter Waddell blaming the collapse on a wider lack of faith in the future of online vehicle sales.
Waddell formed the Peterborough-based company with Cox Automotive International President John Bailey in November 2020, investing £50m of their own money and promising a 24-hour nationwide delivery service.
Repairify names new sales head
Repairify UK has appointed Gareth Newbery as National Sales Manager. He will be responsible for strengthening the sales team to drive growth of the asTech and Red Digital ADAS solutions.
Phil Peace, Managing Director (SVP) International of Repairify, said, “Gareth will be structuring a knowledgeable and trained team to ensure we continue to support all our customers effectively and to enable the business to continue to penetrate the market successfully.”
Feature interview: Steve Smith, Mirka
The changing face of automotive repair both in terms of technology and materials is having a wider impact on the tooling and equipment required to handle modern vehicles. Furthermore, wider objectives around light weighting and sustainability have in many ways changed the focus of product development.
Mirka has been leading the way in the abrasives sector for almost 80 years, with a history of innovation that has helped to keep its customers at the cutting edge of technological progress.
Withstanding the strain of supply and skills
While it’s impossible to know for sure, the famous saying that a car is ‘a computer on wheels’ must now be nearly a decade old. The amount of technology within modern vehicles has probably doubled since then, and the evolution is still just getting started with automation, connectivity and electrification all still in infancy.
As such, the products and equipment required to repair the modern vehicle is having to move on too, taking skills and processes on the journey with it.
In this webinARC we explore the latest in vehicle incident repair management strategies and best practices as we speak to some leading names from across the motor claims supply chain and discuss the direction of travel.
Featuring:
– Garry Bloom, senior operations manager, Davies Group
– Neil Marcus, Marketing Director, Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres Ltd
– Ruth Moring-
webinARC – business strategies & best practices
1.30pm Wednesday 15 June
In this webinARC we explore the latest in vehicle incident repair management strategies and best practices as we speak to some leading names from across the motor claims supply chain and discuss the direction of travel.
Featuring:
– Garry Bloom, senior operations manager, Davies Group
– Neil Marcus, Marketing Director, Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres Ltd
– Ruth Moring-Beale, national sales director, Morelli
Automotive charity Ben has revealed that one in five people in the industry are now struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.
It says it has noticed a significant increase in people reaching out for support in managing their finances and also dealing with the impact that financial insecurity has had on their mental health.
Apart from providing advice, information and guidance on managing finances or debt, Ben has also created a dedicated page with the top 10 tips for reducing living costs. This includes everything from weekly meal planning to reducing water wastage.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said, “While we can’t alter the rising cost of living, there are many ways that Ben can make life easier for those struggling with financial troubles. Whether that’s making sure you know which benefits you may be entitled to or helping you to manage your money in the short or longer term – we’re here to help.
“Many people suffer in silence because financial insecurity carries a lot of feelings of shame and low self-esteem. We often find that people wait until a struggle becomes a crisis before reaching out to Ben for help. But our whole purpose is to help our automotive family to overcome life’s challenges – without judgment or prejudice.”
