Bodyshop, Insurance, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Admiral Insurance has revealed changes to its repair network strategy which will see it work with ‘a select number of industry leading repair suppliers’.
In a statement, the insurer said, ‘As part of our mission to provide the best possible customer service, we have undertaken a strategic review of our repair network operating model and we are making some changes as a result.
‘Our new network model will enable us to focus on strategic partnerships with a select number of industry-leading suppliers. This means we can more closely manage our customer journey and have the optimal performing repair capacity for today, and for future business growth.
‘We’ve informed our current repair network of our decision and are implementing the changes from 24 October 2022.’
Audio, Covid 19, Environment, Insurance, People, Technology, Training and Words
What the data tells us
The exclusive motor conference next week will see four data presentations on specific specialist areas. This will be followed by a panel discussion to decipher how the data all interlinks and what more might it be able to tell us about how insurers are ‘advancing’ when it comes to claims.
The AutoRaise Rally is on track to break the £200,000 fundraising barrier after 62 teams and 160 people took part in the U-Pol-backed three-day event last week.
Between them they covered more than 21,000 miles in support of the charity that is tackling the current skills gap by promoting the industry to new talent and then helping them find apprenticeship roles.
The latest cohort represent 2Excel Engineering, Apollo Motor Group, Artis Accident Care, DLG Auto Services, FMG Repair Services, Foray Motor Group, Lillywhitegarage, RJM Repair and Paint, Rolls Royce, Smart Answers and Solus Accident Repair Centres.
Thatcham Research Academy delivers practical and online learning, covering the latest technologies, including ADAS and electric vehicles.
According to data from LV= General Insurance, the theft of steering wheels has risen by a staggering 133% since 2017 (average claims cost of £7,000), with demand for airbags, gear levers and dashboard components doubling during the same period.
The UK’s leading vehicle salvage and remarking company has joined more than 3,000 other businesses that have committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which has provided it with a clearly defined pathway towards reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.
This six are Liam Fowler (Apollo Horsham), Aiden Faulkner (Apollo Yeovil), Harley Chambers (Apollo Basingstoke), Ben Tomes (Apollo Swindon), Dominic Motani (Apollo Polegate) and Marcus Stepney (Apollo Cheltenham).
Wejo links AVs with connected tech
Wejo has unveiled a new autonomous vehicle prototype that integrates with real-time connected vehicle technology such as the number of cars on the road, pedestrians, cyclists, road barriers and road conditions.
DLIVEREE has been created to support the further development of autonomous vehicles.
Founder and CEO Richard Barlow said, “Wejo is not entering the race to develop autonomous vehicles. We are ultimately supporting the creation of the most experienced driver on the road.”
A1 ADAS Solutions has welcomed Paul Harris to its team. ADAS-qualified, he brings a wealth of main dealer experience with hi having worked at Audi and Jaguar Landrover.
David Dollar has been promoted to Senior Body Repair Claims Specialist, EMEA, Tesla.
ITAS has appointed Mark Thorns-by as new Regional Performance Manager.
Rebecca Winterhalder has been named Head of Motor Claims, Accidental Damage at Hastings Direct.
Bodyshop, Environment, People, Supplier, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Fix Auto UK has announced a new partnership intended to enhance and improve apprenticeship recruitment and development throughout its network.
It is partnering with Able To (Support Services), founded by Bob Linwood, which will now manage the apprenticeship programme for its franchisees.
Any Fix Auto repairer interested in taking on an apprentice will simply contact Able To, which will source appropriate candidates and then conduct a six-week pre-employment programme to enhance engagement and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Mark Hutchins, Head of Commercial for Fix Auto UK, said, “Able To’s proposition takes the recruitment onus off our franchise partners; they simply must make Able To aware they’re able to employ apprentices and Able To takes on the challenge of finding the right candidates and manages the entire process. The pre-employment process is a game-changing addition as it ensures both the candidates and repairers make the right choice. Once employed, franchise partners and their apprentices can also benefit from a unique learning journey management programme and safeguarding support.”
Bob said, “While some repairers are fortunate when a proactive individual knocks on their doors asking for an apprenticeship, they are few and far between compared with the numbers required in our industry. It is our role to find perfect candidates for the network and once they have been employed, to ensure they have a positive journey through their apprenticeship. The support modules we provide are unique and we know that repairers don’t always have the time and energy to focus on the apprentices ever developing needs.
“For me, it’s all about education, which is where we come in. There are large numbers of opportunities that need presenting to the right candidates to enlighten and illustrate the great careers within the vehicle repair sector.”
Environment, Insurance, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Copart has announced it has set science-based targets to reduce carbon emissions throughout its operations.
Earlier this year the UK’s leading vehicle salvage and remarking company joined more than 3,000 other businesses that have committed to the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which has provided it with a clearly defined pathway towards reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.
The SBTi Net-Zero Standard sets a series of robust targets that Copart must meet in the next decade and to achieve these goals, and as part of its own Plan-Net-Zero strategy, the company has already introduced a number of initiatives.
It is continuing to expand its recycling and green parts capabilities, supported by the acquisition of Hills Salvage & Recycling – The Green Parts Specialist. Further, it has introduced a company-wide roll out of the Carbon Literacy Project training programme and introducing smart technologies and green solutions to increase energy efficiency.
It is also delivering carbon neutral training through its partnership with HGVC, and is carrying out an ongoing sustainability refurbishment programme of its offices.
Copart is also evolving its fleet with to provide Euro VI compliancy, and has introduced more green spaces around sits to improve air quality.
Meanwhile, Copart is also part of the ‘Business Ambition for 1.5°C’ campaign, a conglomerate of companies aiming to help halve global emissions by 2030.
The company said, “We’re excited about making further meaningful and measurable changes as we continue on our Plan-Net-Zero journey towards a greener future.”
Car and commercial vehicle manufacturing both rose sharply in August, with car output up 43% on August 2021 and commercial vehicles surging by 92.9%.
But while commercial vehicle numbers are genuinely strong – August was the best performing month since 2012 while 64,828 units year-to-date is 19.4% higher than the pre-pandemic five-year average – car production is still lagging.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the August figure of 49,901 units remains 45.9% behind pre-pandemic levels and year-to-date the industry has produced 78,501 fewer cars than last year and a staggering half a million fewer than 2019.
This means the sector is on course to produce fewer than a million cars for the third year in a row as vehicle manufacturers face crippling costs.
The SMMT found that the collective energy bill for vehicle and component manufacturers in the UK has risen by more than £100m over the last 12 months to over £300m, and these costs are expected to more than double again next year.
Meanwhile, average prices of raw materials are up by 38%, semiconductors by 95% and logistics costs have climbed by 43%.
As a result, 41% of manufacturers have delayed or cancelled investments, 13% have reduced shifts with nine per cent cutting jobs.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “While another month of rising UK car production is good news, and testament to sectoral efforts to overcome supply chain shortages, it overshadows what is an extremely tough and uncertain environment for manufacturers. Volumes are down dramatically and firms are having to take drastic steps to safeguard their businesses in the face of myriad challenges. “The government’s measures announced last week to alleviate crippling energy costs provide valuable respite, but long-term action is needed to restore stability and provide the sector with a globally competitive investment framework. Reform of business rates, enhanced capital allowances, an affordable and secure supply of low carbon energy, and investment in new skills can enable this critical sector to deliver the economic growth, productivity improvements, balance of trade benefits and job security the UK sorely needs.”
Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Steer Group has cut the ribbon on a new prestige flagship facility in High Wycombe.
The purpose-built 28,000 sqft site has been designed to repair the world’s leading vehicle brands.
Environmentally-friendly with dedicated customer and business lounges, Steer Prestige High Wycombe will combine the latest in repair technology with a skilled and fully trained team of technicians to deliver approved repairs to the most modern vehicles in the car parc.
In addition, the group has also created the Steer Training Centre on site to provide colleagues with a dedicated place for continued learning and development.
Environment, Finance, Insurance, People, Technology, vehicle sales and Words
New research has revealed a fresh target for car thieves – car parts.
According to data from LV= General Insurance, the theft of steering wheels has risen by a staggering 133% since 2017 (average claims cost of £7,000), with demand for airbags, gear levers and dashboard components doubling during the same period.
Parts are then being sold on to garages, who use them instead of new parts in repairs to lower costs.
The research also found the theft of keyless cars is peaking, with claims for stolen Audis, BMWs, Mercedes and Land Rovers up by 19% from last year – although it’s not just high value vehicles being targeted with brands such as Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Toyota and Vauxhall also popular, especially in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.
Alex Hammond-Chambers-Borgnis, Interim Underwriting Director said: “We’re certainly seeing an increase in car-related thefts and any spare parts opportunistic thieves can get their hands on to make some extra cash. This is also being fuelled by the fact car parts are currently in very high demand as a result of global supply chain disruption, which is adding to the problem.
“With second hand cars also sky rocketing, we’re seeing all types of vehicles being stolen, and keyless cars in particular remain a problem. The technology of keyless cars continues to improve as more cars are produced, but unfortunately it doesn’t take long for thieves to work out a way to steal them and advance their own tactics.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Mobility, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words
Redde Northgate has told shareholders that the future looks encouraging with trade remaining strong despite post-Covid challenges and claims and services recovering well.
It held its Annual General Meeting in London, when it said that trading has continued to build on an encouraging start to the year and that although the new van supply market in the UK remains tight, new car availability is improving.
“Margin levels have remained strong, with inflationary pressures being actively managed,” the company said.
Meanwhile, it reported that traffic activity, fuel costs and inflation have had little impact on claims and services, with its car fleet continuing to grow (thanks partly to the acquisition of Blakedale) and previously announced new contracts reaching implementation this year.
The company said, “Whilst mindful of economic uncertainty, the Board remains confident that it has the right strategy to deliver long term sustainable value. The Group is supported by its enhanced mobility solutions platform, the structural growth in outsourcing, a diverse revenue stream and a broad spread of customers providing the business with quality, repeatable long-term contract-backed earnings.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
The AutoRaise Rally is on track to break the £200,000 fundraising barrier after 62 teams and 160 people took part in the U-Pol-backed three-day event last week.
Between them they covered more than 21,000 miles in support of the charity that is tackling the current skills gap by promoting the industry to new talent and then helping them find apprenticeship roles.
The rally began in Stratford-Upon-Avon on Wednesday morning before the convoy parked up at Tynrhyd Retreat in Aberystwyth for a BBQ and live music and dancing on the Service Certainty Live Stage.
Thursday took the Rally through the Brecon Beacons and some of the most scenic roads in the UK before the 340-mile journey ended at St David’s Voco in Cardiff, where participants enjoyed a Thatcham Research-hosted Gala Dinner.
Steve Thompson, AutoRaise Vice Chairman and Director at Industry Insights, said, “The challenges this industry faces are well known. The skills shortage is critical and AutoRaise is here for one reason – to promote apprenticeships in the bodyshop sector to young people. AutoRaise has directly impacted on 500 apprenticeship starts in the industry and secured more than £1m levy funding. The money raised from this Rally will help us continue this important work.
He continued, “U-Pol’s partnership is invaluable in making the Rally a reality, and I also want to thank our supporting sponsors, SYNETIQ, Axalta, and Egertons Recovery Group.”
Meanwhile, to celebrate the Rally’s return after a two-year Covid-enforced break, a number of awards were also presented:
Fancy Dress: Team Baywatch from GT Motive (Richard Edwards, Martyn Rowley and Luke Le Souter)
Veteran Car: The Porsche 928 driven by the team representing National Windscreens and Industry Insights
Best Design: The Renault Dauphine, designed by Gemini’s John Henderson
Best Design ‘banger’: The VW Beetle designed by Gemini Rotherham’s Craig Hand
Best Photo: Prasco
Best fundraising: Martyn Rowley (£3,145 and counting); Gemini Rotherham (£3,110); National Windscreen (£2,850)
Veteran Driver: Martyn Rowley, with honourable mentions for Rye Street Group’s Billy Duffy and Lee McNaughton, Fix Auto Dagenham’s Neil Parker, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s James Titchener
Oldest Car on the Grid: The Austin A30 (Steven Hames, Solera)
Environment, Finance, Technology, wellbeing and Words
Making the right connections
Connectivity and integration are the keys to bringing the disparate technologies within automotive claims together and making them work for repairers, insurers and customers alike
That was the message of the latest webinARC, which addressed the role technology can play in improving efficiencies and streamlining the customer journey.
The panel, made up of Chris Ashworth, Founder, ILC; James Driscoll, Senior Claims Manager – Motor Damage & Credit Hire, Aviva; Simon Gallimore, CEO, EDAM Group; and Charles Layfield, Senior Advisor, ACSO will discuss the latest movements within the credit hire market.
Green parts partnership recognised at awards night
As more and more technology comes into the industry, so more and more data is being generated. Collecting, collating and sharing that data in a seamless yet safe manner is now fundamental to business operations.
It will display up to five vehicles at the Grade II listed building, which joins other Polestar sites in Manchester Trafford Centre and Solihull Touchwood Centre.
To support his fundraising efforts he is inviting anyone who makes a donation of £10 or more to pick his finishing time for a chance to win a bottle of champagne.
Listen Up!
ARC360 Podcast Episode 25: Kelvyn Waugh, Prasco UK
In this episode, we speak with Kelvyn Waugh, Managing Director of replacement parts giant Prasco UK who provides us with the lowdown on the sectors purported parts challenges.
