Synetiq site updates see capacity surge

Synetiq has announced several site upgrades to help streamline operations for the combined IAA and Synetiq business and create cost savings for customers.

The number of dismantling ramps at its Gloucester site has doubled with the creation of a second dismantling department, while the on-site warehouse and storage building has been revamped with the installation of racking.

Meanwhile, Newark has been recommissioned to provide additional capacity while the Glasgow, Red Lodge and Stafford sites have also been expanded to double capacity.

Tom Rumboll, UK Managing Director for IAA and CEO of Synetiq, said, “We are very pleased with the strategic footprint Synetiq provides and will continue working closely to enhance our operational strategy and make appropriate business improvements. Our company is consistently improving and streamlining the way we work to create the best possible experience for our customers and clients, and our property footprint is a key part of this. I’m really pleased to enhance our coverage and increase our capacity while reducing CO2 emissions.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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02-05-2025

Fix Auto Swansea to join the network

Fix Auto UK is enhancing its footprint in Wales with the news that Fix Auto Swansea West will join the network.

The site is managed by Matthew Davies and Paul Gravell, whose team of 12 now repairs up to 80 vehicles a month. However, there are plans to up capacity significantly by adding a new unit to take floorspace from 14,400 sqft to 45,000 sqft as part of an ambitious strategy to become a multi-site operator.

Paul said. “We’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short space of time. We have built up a great reputation for not only repairing cars to the highest standards but also being great employers. We’re still on the tools and love being part of the team but, we are super ambitious and realise without the help and support being part of an organisation like Fix Auto UK brings we would struggle to take the business to that next level.”

Fix Auto UK’s Managing Director Ian Pugh, said, “What Matthew and Paul have achieved in such a short time frame is astonishing. From start up to repairing 80 vehicles a month and cultivating a highly enviable reputation in four years is a credit to them. They have done everything right with the correct processes in place that return impressive metrics. But they are full of ambition and want to take their business to a whole new level. The fact they’ve turned to Fix Auto UK to help them fulfil those ambitions is tribute to our own proposition and we’re excited to have them on board.”

Benathlon and Big Breakfast on the menu

Automotive charity Ben is inviting the automotive community to take part in two charity initiatives this autumn, the Benathlon in September and its Ben’s Big Breakfast in October.

The Benathlon invites participants to exercise in their own way for 30 minutes each day for the 30 days of September and raise £30 for Ben. It is held twice a year and aims to improve mental and physical health while also raining valuable funds.

Meanwhile, Ben’s Big Breakfast is now in its third year and will run from 9-15 October.

Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement and Income at Ben, said, “We can’t wait to get cracking with our next fundraising events later this year and hope to see many of our automotive family take part in both. Demand for Ben’s support services has reached new highs due to the cost-of-living crisis, so without your support we can’t continue to support the increasing demand.”

Scene set for specialist EV event 

Some of the leading names from across the motor claims sector are set to share their insights at ARC360’s forthcoming specialist EV event – The EV-olution. 

Sponsored by Control Expert and Thatcham Research, along with ARC360 Corporate Partners and Partners, the event takes place on Tuesday 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Coventry. 

Some of the expert names set to take to the stage focusing on areas such as FNOL, repair capabilities, cost inflation, skillset requirements, health & safety, repairability, vehicle valuations and end-of-life vehicle management include: 

  • Derren Martin, director of valuations, cap hpi 
  • Adrian Watson, head of engineering research, Thatcham Research 
  • Dave Sargeant, managing director, Gemini ARC 
  • Maria Loukadaki, motor repair specialist – future technology specialist, Direct Line Group 
  • Raul Yuste Sepulveda, global key account manager – battery recycling, BASF 

Many of the UK’s leading insurers, vehicle manufacturers and vehicle repairers set to attend the event include insurers AA, Direct Line Group and Markerstudy; vehicle manufacturers JLR, Lotus and VWG; repair groups Apollo Motor Group, Penning’s Ltd and Rye Street Group; and independent repairers Accident Express; Castle Coachworks and Fylde Coast Accident Repair Centre. 

A limited number of tickets remain available to the event, to book visit: https://www.iloveclaims.com/product/arc360-gaining-ground-together-2023/ or to find out more about the opportunities available to get involved in the event and place your brand at the heart of the industry’s evolution, contact jonathan@iloveclaims.com or mark@iloveclaims.com 

One free ticket is available per repairer, please email rachael@iloveclaims.com to secure now. 

The shape of claims to come

Claims and motor repairs are evolving rapidly as new technologies and new ways of working disrupt the landscape. These changes are putting pressure on bodyshops and insurers and to move with the times to ensure they continue to offer a safe and streamlined service to drivers. 

Here, Solera Audatex considers the implications of the fast-changing landscape. 

Claims costs have been rising and are likely to keep rising, even when cost-of-living pressures abate, thanks to a shifting road transport landscape and skills shortages. 

The road transport landscape is undergoing the most rapid and remarkable evolution since the invention of the motor car. Welcome and essential as many of those changes will be, there is also considerable uncertainty, additional cost and an undeniable impact on claims costs.  

As the twin pressures of poor air quality and relentless climate change require new drivelines and infrastructure, vehicle bodyshops are having to invest in new diagnostic equipment for electric vehicles. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said in April 2023: “One in every 32 cars now comes with a plug with 1.1 million electric cars now in use.”  

A further 24,513 EVs were registered during May, up 58.7% on May last year to secure a 16.9% market share. 

Bodyshops and repairers therefore need the skills to manage petrol, legacy diesel and battery electric vehicles. Although electric vehicles may ultimately be cheaper to maintain because they have far fewer moving parts, currently this represents a major investment in battery diagnostics. 

However, the outlook is complicated by the lack of vehicle technicians. The UK suffered a significant exodus of EU vehicle technicians following Brexit and of domestic technicians during Covid. Office of National Statistics (ONS) figures show 30,000 fewer vehicle mechanics (a 12% drop) between 2019 and 2022. (ONS Business Register and Employment Survey). 

Technician shortages are now affecting every part of the automotive repair and maintenance business, including in-house fleet workshops, dealerships and independents. Salaries have risen accordingly as these skilled occupations have gained a ‘write your own cheque’ rarity value. According to Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) vehicle technicians’ pay increased by 5.5% in the six months to October 2022, and advertised salaries for tyre, exhaust and windscreen fitters grew by 21.3% between 2019 and 2022. 

The technician shortage is particularly acute for heavier commercial vehicles, and the IMI predicts a critical shortage of technicians for electric vehicles, and for the advanced driver assistance (ADAS) technologies which are now being built into new vehicles. A Social Market Foundation report echoes this, saying that the UK will lack by 25,000 qualified EV technicians by 2030. 

Typically, technician apprenticeships take three years to complete, so although starter numbers are encouraging, the industry will need help in the short-term managing this critical skills gaps, possibly from the Shortage Occupations List. 

The IMI calculates 178,038 new recruits will be needed by 2031 to replace those leaving the retail automotive sector due to retirement, migration and occupational mobility. 

Meanwhile, The ONS Services Producer Price Inflation Time Series (SPPI) shows vehicle maintenance and repair climbing from 115.6 in 2021 to 122.54 in 2022. Data analysis by Intelligent Motoring revealed repair costs to have risen 33% from the first six months of 2021, compared to the first six months of 2022. 

With inflation only just dropping below 10% in April 2023, these price rises have continued.  

Director of Valuations at cap hpi, Derren Martin, said, “Used car prices have risen enormously over the past two years, and continued strong in the first three months of 2023. The first indications of marginally lower prices were apparent through April and May.”  

Martin will address many of the issues facing insurers and the need for up- to-date, dynamic valuations information at ARC360’s specialist EV event 2023 on 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Coventry. 

The factors affecting claims value don’t stop there. Parts shortages, initially fuelled by a lack of semiconductors, Brexit delays and the closure of much manufacturing during the Covid pandemic, caused repair backlogs, slow turnaround for garages, and extra time off road for vehicles.  

The delay in getting vehicles fixed and back to their owners can also bump up claim value through the increased need for hire vehicles. Courtesy car availability has been a contentious issue for some months, with hire costs rising steeply – to the extent that Autocar recently reported that courtesy car costs were driving up total loss claims, as insurers found it cheaper to write off vehicles than to repair them. 

All this is occurring against the backdrop of rising interest rates and rising energy costs, both of which are problematic for automotive businesses. The cost-of-living impacts upon motorists may also potentially affect servicing, maintenance and MOT compliance, which, as well as damaging the repairer’s bottom line, some commentators believe to be a road safety threat, potentially resulting in a greater number of claims. 

Solera Audatex Sales Director, Neil Garret said, “It is a particularly challenging and uncertain time for insurers, with repair capabilities, cost inflation, skillset requirements, repairability and the availability of replacement vehicles just a few of the issues affecting both claims cost and the speed of claims resolution. At Audatex we focus on streamlining and facilitating the journey for claims assessor and bodyshop, enhancing and speeding their tasks with AI capability, and ensuring the fastest and most profitable job turnaround.” 

As an integrated claims management platform, bringing together all stakeholders in the claims journey, Solera Audatex is uniquely placed to help motorist, insurer and bodyshop to achieve the most efficient and cost-effective resolution to claims, while improving customer satisfaction and lowering carbon impact.  

Audatex’s innovative cost mitigation begins at FNOL. Qapter guides the motorist to capture vehicle imagery immediately, enabling an AI preliminary damage estimate, informed by up-to-date claims data from Audatex and valuations from cap hpi.  

Our AI Estimating module identifies the parts best repaired rather than replaced and, for necessary replacements, bodyshops are able to source the parts required, whether OEM, non-OEM or ‘green’ parts.  

In all, Solera improves business turnaround for the bodyshop, cuts cost for the insurer, and improves customer satisfaction.  

Fix Auto UK introduces new ADAS calibration capabilities

Fix Auto UK has announced a new partnership with US-based AirPro Diagnostics to enhance ADAS calibrations within its network.

AirPro Diagnostics is a pioneer in remote vehicle diagnostics and calibration products, and will initially bring into the UK its unique ‘AUGGIE’ mobile system that enables ADAS calibrations to be easily and swiftly completed outside of the workshop by any productive.

Ian Pugh, Fix Auto UK’s Managing Director, said the technology is a game-changer and its simplicity and useability ensures it can be operated by anyone from a newly inducted apprentice through to a senior technician.

He said, “We’re in an age where our repairers face the necessity to complete ADAS calibrations on almost every modern vehicle but it’s a procedure that can dramatically slow down the whole repair process. Being part of a global organisation, I reached out to my overseas colleagues to see what products were available that can speed up and simplify the process.

“AUGGIE is a phenomenal piece of kit. A real game changer. AirPro Diagnostics developed it to deliver with precise accuracy in any environment even with a vehicle parked on an uneven surface. It is so simple to use, after brief training anyone can use it which enables a vehicle to be taken out of a workshop, freeing up valuable space for the next repair.”

Michael Quinn, President AirPro Diagnostics, said, “AirPro is proud to launch into the UK, with the Fix Auto UK Group agreement. We know Ian and the UK network to be the most operationally disciplined bodyshop group in the UK and we look forward to working closely with his Franchise Partners and delivering our unmatched capabilities in diagnostics and cost-effective ADAS calibration equipment and services to ensure a complete and safe repair for motorists.” 

Maria Charlton, AirPro UK Managing Director, said, “We are extremely confident in our ability to safely service and calibrate the majority of vehicles serviced by Fix Auto UK, our North American track record of thousands of satisfied shop clients can readily attest to this fact.”

Fix Auto UK expands network with Kidderminster site

Fix Auto UK has announced that new state-of-the-art repair centre Fix Auto Kidderminster will join the network.

Fix Auto Kidderminster will be fully operational by the end of June, supported by a 12-strong team and featuring a spraybooth and 11 work bays with ramps.

The brainchild of entrepreneur Nav Singh, the site is the first step in his ambition to become a multi-site operator.

He said, “Through my logistics company, I have experienced subpar customer service when seeking vehicle repairs. While I understand the challenges involved, I believe I can do better. That’s why I turned to Fix Auto UK for their support and guidance to turn my vision into reality.”

Ian Pugh, Managing Director of Fix Auto UK, said: “Nav embodies the qualities we seek in a Franchise Partner – ambition and a determination to grow alongside our business model. His vision and desire is infectious, the only missing piece being a repair centre which he has kept to his word and developed over recent months. As a serial entrepreneur, he is already envisioning future expansion as a multi-site operator, and we are thrilled to be a part of his journey.”

Glasurit and Summers ARC mark 40-year partnership

BASF’s premium paint brand Glasurit has celebrated the 40th anniversary of its partnership with Ashford-based Summers Accident Repair Centre.

To mark the occasion, BASF colleagues visited Summers to explore the site and discuss the production of other BASF products, including nematodes.

Further, Glasurit UK, supported by STEM Ambassador lead Natalie Wong, will volunteer 40 hours to one of Summer’s chosen local primary schools.

Chris Titmarsh, Senior Vice President, BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions EMEA, said, “Summers ARC’s loyalty to the Glasurit brand is a testament to the success of our product’s performance and the exceptional service our UK team delivers. Our innovative product portfolio stands for the highest eco-efficiency, helping our customers grow and become more competitive whilst reducing their environmental impact. We’re delighted Summers ARC are on this journey with us.”

Ian Summers, Director of Summers, added, “For us at Summers ARC, it’s a simple choice to use Glasurit – and that shows with us having a long-standing account with the brand for over 40 years. The continued support and help from the UK Glasurit team alongside great products fit perfectly with the core of our business to be the best as we can.”

ARC360 News – Friday 16 June 2023

Specialist EV event to set new standards

Understanding the impact of electric vehicles will be taken to the next level at a groundbreaking event hosted by ARC360 next month.

The EV-olution; Gaining Ground Together, taking place at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry, on 4 July, will feature experts from across the sector to consider the rapid growth of EVs and how the technology is reforming the repair and motor claims landscape.

The specialist event will bring together insurers, VMs, and the UK’s leading repairers to consider everything from FNOL, repair capabilities, cost inflation, skillset requirements, health & safety, repairability, replacement vehicles and end-of-life vehicle management.

Fix Auto UK expands network with Kidderminster site

Fix Auto UK has announced that new state-of-the-art repair centre Fix Auto Kidderminster will join the network.

Fix Auto Kidderminster will be fully operational by the end of June, supported by a 12-strong team and featuring a spraybooth and 11 work bays with ramps.

Glusurit and Summers ARC mark 40-year partnership

BASF’s premium paint brand Glasurit has celebrated the 40th anniversary of its partnership with Ashford-based Summers Accident Repair Centre.

To mark the occasion, BASF colleagues visited Summers to explore the site and discuss the production of other BASF products, including nematodes.

Further, Glasurit UK, supported by STEM Ambassador lead Natalie Wong, will volunteer 40 hours to one of Summer’s chosen local primary schools.

Halo unveils new training facility

Halo has launched a new Centre of Excellence Training Facility to support the continued skills development of colleagues.

The centre combines diverse training programmes and expert mentoring.

Devonshire Motors secures VM approval

Devonshire Motors ARC has become an approved repairer for Toyota and Lexus for the all-new body and paint programme. Certification means all colleagues are trained to VM standards and equipment and tooling meets VM approval.

Intelligent Motoring taps into Synetiq parts pipeline

Intelligent Motoring has joined forces with salvage expert and green parts provider Synetiq to offer customers quicker repair times and discounted prices through the use of reclaimed parts.

EV accreditation for White

Assistant Bodyshop Manager at EV Bodyshops Luke White has gained IMI Level 3 Electric Hybrid accreditation.

Gold star for Silva Brothers

Silva Brothers Autos has achieved BSI approval for its products and services.

Thiago Mendes de SouzaThiago Mendes de Souza, Garage Manager, said, “This achievement reflects the hard work, expertise, and dedication of our team. We have diligently worked to ensure that our processes, systems, and practices align with the highest industry standards.”

Turners set for site expansion

Sheffield-based Turners Accident Repair is expanding after acquiring a new17,684 sqft site. The business will move from its 9,500 sqft unit on the same industrial estate.  

Morelli culture commended by in prestigious list

Morelli Group has been recognised in the inaugural ‘The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2023’ list.

Andrew Moring, Marketing Director, said, As a family business entering our 66th year, with 4th generation family members in the business, it is important for us that our staff feel valued and happy at work. We continue to have staff passing 25 years’ service with our oldest serving member of staff well past the 40-year mark.”

Perfect 10 for Activate Group

Activate Group has been listed at number 10 in the UK Women-Powered Businesses Report from J.P. Morgan Private Bank.

The recognition underpins the company’s commitment to promoting equality throughout the workforce.

Lexis Nexis launches one-stop data solution

Lexis Nexis Risk Solution has released a new product to help insurers gain a more granular view of the vehicles they are insuring.

Lexis Nexis Vehicle Insights provides a single source of accurate, real-time information on the vehicle’s ADAS systems, current status, valuation and maintenance history. These deep insights will vastly improve risk assessment and enhance the customer experience from quote to claim.

‘Ghost driver’ paves way for autonomous cars

The University of Nottingham has carried out a real-life study to gauge pedestrian reaction to self-driving vehicles.

The aim was to identify which designs and signals from an autonomous car were trusted most by pedestrians.

Ford opens European EV production site

Ford has opened the Cologne Electric Vehicle Center in Germany to manufacture its next generation of EVs for the European market.

The site is expected to produce upwards of 250,000 vehicles every year.

In-car distractions reach record high

A new survey has found that more than 10 million UK drivers could be driving erratically due to in-car distractions, with 15% admitting to being distracted by sat-navs and 10% saying they check their smart watches while driving.

Meanwhile, 35% said they regularly eat and drink while driving, and 10% admit they still use their phones behind the wheel.

Car parks wilting under weight of modern cars

New guidance from The Institution of Structural Engineers has said that car parks in the UK need to evolve to cope with bigger and heavier cars.


Nyobolt reveals six-minute charge concept car

Nyobolt has unveiled a new concept electric vehicle that can fully charge in six minutes.

The Nyobolt EV weighs just over one tonne, offers a 250km range, and uses a 35kWh battery that can fully charge with existing infrastructure in six minutes.

MS Amlin unveils AI-powered claims triage process

MS Amlin has launched a new claims triage solution that uses AI to assess damage and direct vehicles to an appropriate repairer, while at the same time providing claims adjusters with a full view of both the claimant and the claim. 

The solution is a result of MS Amlin’s newly-formed partnership with Genpact.

E-roads lead to the future

S&G Response believes roads that charge EVs while they drive could be part of the UK highways infrastructure in the future, but not for a while.

The technology is already being employed in South Korea and Sweden, but introducing it to the UK could be delayed due to cost implications.

ABI to appeal mixed injury verdict

The outcome of mixed injury motor claims processed by the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal is still uncertain after the Supreme Court granted the Association of British Insurers permission to appeal a landmark ruling.

The initial verdict was that victims should be compensated separately for whiplash and other injuries, but the ABI will now appeal the result in the Supreme Court.

Claims costs soar by 14%

Motor insurers paid out £2.4bn in motor claims in the first quarter of this year, up 14% on the same quarter last year.

According to latest ABI data, this was the highest quarterly payout since it started collecting data back in 2013 and 11% up on the last quarter of 2022.

Meet the team

e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management has introduced Autospares & Salvage, a key member of its network of independent, innovative vehicle recycling and salvage firms.

The Northants-based company recovers vehicles from across the region and offers three key services: the re-marketing of repairable vehicle salvage; the provision of quality reclaimed parts; and end-of-life vehicle disposal and recycling.

People

Randy Kobat has been named president of Repair OnDemand.

Motor claims costs spike 14%

Motor insurers paid out £2.4bn in motor claims in the first quarter of this year, up 14% on the same quarter last year.

According to latest ABI data, this was the highest quarterly payout since it started collecting data back in 2013 and 11% up on the last quarter of 2022.

The overall number of claims settled was 599,000, representing a 14% increase on the same quarter 2022. 

Meanwhile, the costs ofvehicle repairs leapt by 33% over the year to £1.5bn, with the price of replacement cars up 29% in 12 months.

In addition, insurers paid out £642m in personal injury claims in the first quarter of this year, up two per cent on the previous quarter.

Laura Hughes, ABI’s Manager, General Insurance, said: “Like most other business sectors, motor insurers face sustained cost pressures which they are finding increasingly challenging to absorb. Despite this they are doing all they can to ensure competitively priced motor insurance, as well as offering the best possible claims service.”