Month: September 2023

ARC360 News – Friday 8 September 2023

8 September 2023
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

Mirka publishes sustainability report

Mirka is publishing its 2022 Sustainability Report, highlighting the progress it has made towards achieving a net zero future.

Supported by £26m funding from Business Finland, it has achieved a 56% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions at its Finnish production sites.

Steer Automotive Group announces C&C acquisition

Steer Automotive Group has accelerated its expansion strategy with the acquisition of C&C Vehicle Services.

C&C has sites in Oldham, Chesterfield, Coventry, Sunderland and Wolverhampton.

AutoRaise Rally underway

More than 30 vehicles lined up on the grid for the start of the AutoRaise Rally this week.

The Rally, which tours East Anglia, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, is hoping to raise more than £150,000 for the charity, which was set up to support apprenticeships entering the industry.

Soaring repair costs drive up motor claims

A 46% rise in repair costs in the last year has driven a 29% increase in motor insurance payouts.

According to figures released by the Association of British Insurers, repair costs soared to £1.5bn between April to June, contributing to motor payouts of £2.5bn in the second quarter. This is 29% more than the £2bn paid out in the same quarter last year.

Toyota Hilux sets hydrogen benchmark

Thatcham Research has hailed Toyota’s prototype hydrogen fuel cell variant of its Hilux pick-up as a benchmark in sustainable vehicle design strategy.

The pick-up was developed as part of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing-led project, a collaborative effort to pioneer zero-emission technology in the commercial vehicle market.

AA warns against overloading

The AA has warned drivers of the risks of overloading their cars, with motorists packing their vehicles for holidays abroad and helping students move to universities.

It says that overloaded cars can wear tyres and lead to a loss of control.

Lexus leads in Euro NCAP safety tests

Toyota’s first globally available all-electric executive model has passed all Euro NCAP safety tests.

The Lexus RZ was rated good for all-round crash protection for occupants of all ages and sizes, and comes equipped with the latest crash avoidance systems.

UK’s first EV charging charter published

Electric vehicle and renewable energy campaign group FairCharge has created the UK’s first charter for electric vehicle (EV) public charging.

Developed in partnership with the RAC, the charter aims to improve the reliability, transparency, accessibility, and usability of the UK’s charging network.

UK’s first all-electric plant up and running

Stellantis has begun production of electric vehicles at Ellesmere Port, the first UK plant dedicated to EV production.

Following a £100m investment, the site will produce the Vauxhall Combo Electric, Opel Combo Electric, Peugeot e-Partner, Citroën ë-Berlingo and the Fiat E-Doblò, with passenger cars also being manufactured from 2024.

RWC Training launches IMI-approved EV course

RWC Training is now IMI-approved to deliver a new Electric Vehicle Technician Accreditation.

Tailored to suit bodyshop technicians, the course builds on Level 3 EV Qualification.

New car sales up a quarter

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported that new car sales grew 24.4% in August with 85,657 new vehicles registered. However, this remains 7.5% below pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile, the LCV market was up five per cent to units.

Fix makes it six with Arenacross

Fix Auto UK has secured its Presenting Partner status for both the 2023/2024 Arenacross British Championship and the all-new Arenacross Festival.

The debut Arenacross Festival – or AX Fest as it is known – takes place at the spectacular Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire later this month (15-17 September) as the first round of the new Arenacross season, with full dates for upcoming British Championship set to be announced soon.

People

Hannah Sheehan, Director of the Skills Journey Directorate at the Department for Education, has been appointed the Official Delegate for WorldSkills and WorldSkills Europe.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has named Sally-Anne Hodder as Head of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging.

Auto Windscreens has appointed Stephen Mallon as Finance Director.

The Automotive Council has appointed Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO, Bentley Motors, as Industry co-Chair, while Arun Srinivasan, Head of Bosch Mobility in the UK, has been named Industry Deputy co-Chair of the industry-government partnership.

Soaring repair costs drive up motor claims

8 September 2023
Bodyshop, Insurance, Salvage, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

A 46% rise in repair costs in the last year have driven a 29% increase in motor insurance payouts.

According to figures released by the Association of British Insurers, repair costs soared to £1.5bn between April to June, representing a 46% increase on the same quarter in 2022.

Meanwhile, the cost of providing replacement cars was up by 52% to £157m, and vehicle theft rose by 53% to £157m.

Combined, this saw motor insurers pay out £2.5bn in claims in the second quarter of this year, which is 29% more than the £2bn paid out in the same quarter last year.

However, ABI figures also revealed that personal injury pay outs of £602m marked a fall of six per cent on the previous quarter and eight per cent on the same quarter last year.

Laura Hughes, ABI Manager, General Insurance, said, “Motor insurers continue to deliver when motorists and personal injury claimants need them the most. Despite facing sustained cost pressures, motor insurers remain totally focussed on supporting customers when the worst happens, and doing all they can to ensure competitively priced motor insurance.  

“With many families facing higher cost of living bills, anyone concerned about being able to afford their insurance should speak to their motor insurer to see what options might be available. And despite cost pressures, it can still pay to shop around to get the policy that best meets your needs at the most competitive price.”    

Start your engines for AutoRaise Rally

7 September 2023
Bodyshop, People, Salvage, Vehicle Repair and Words

More than 30 vehicles lined up on the grid for the start of the AutoRaise Rally, which got underway from the Lotus Cars HQ in Norfolk this morning.

The Rally is hoping to raise more than £150,000 for the charity, which was set up to support apprentices entering the industry and businesses looking to secure the skills necessary for the future by tapping into the next generation of talent.

The three-day ‘Viking’ themed rally will travel through Norfolk, East Anglia and Lincolnshire, with live entertainment and dinner provided for the participants in the evening.

Among the starters is a team representing Fix Auto UK, comprising Operations Director Mark Hutchins, Business Development Manager Martin Willis, Head of Brand and Communications Grace Weddell and Commercial Analyst Rickesh Chohan. They are joined by Fix Auto Dagenham Directors Paul Cunningham and Neil Parker.

The generation of vehicle repairer

6 September 2023
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

The evolution of the automotive aftermarket is not slowing down, with every repairer having to reassess processes and priorities to future-proof their businesses. Here, partners Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Repairify share their insights into how the changing landscape is impacting the sector in terms of technology, training and partnerships.

Nick Sweetman, AVP Vehicle Repair & Service Operations for UK & Ireland at Enterprise Rent-A-Car:

“The past few years have seen a new generation of repairers come to the fore and it bodes really well for the future. It will be exciting to see how the industry progresses into 2024 and beyond.

“Bodyshops, whether independents or groups, are more willing than ever to move consistently forward and accept the changes of a shifting industry. There’s a wealth of new information and technology out there that will help them fix vehicles more efficiently and they’re willing to embrace it all.

“In our own repair network, we’ve upgraded our requirements for vehicle scanning and diagnostics pre- and post-repair, and our partners are more than willing to access OEM technology over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and work to OEM standards.

“This has led to a change in the skills the businesses are looking for during recruitment. Although every repairer still needs paint sprayers and panel beaters, many also now look for technology and programming skills. These capabilities help technicians with calibrations and for dealing with increasingly complex vehicles with an array of sophisticated onboard technology.

“We’ve also seen how repairers know what they want to be and are increasingly willing to specialise. Rather than trying to do it all, we’ve seen bodyshops focusing on particular areas such as manufacturer-approved repairs, insurance repairs, cosmetic repairs and even EV-only repairs. It’s helping them build a more focused and higher-quality skillset.

“The new generation is equally thoughtful in their approach to mobility. With the challenges facing the traditional courtesy car model, many repairers are looking for new approaches that make the process better while still maintaining the quality of the customer experience. New initiatives such as access to hourly automated rental are gaining more interest.”

Martin Pinnell-Brown, Managing Director, Repairify Innovations:

The successful repairers of the future will be those who embrace technology and training for staff to address the skills shortage. 

Employers have to invest in apprenticeship programmes and training to attract young people to the industry and in training and incentive schemes to look after and retain their employees.

Management will also need to value staff more to retain employees. Technicians will need to be computer literate, while specialist, dedicated EV technicians will be commonplace in the future as EVs will dominate the car parc.

When it comes to technology, bodyshop owners needs to follow manufacturers’ developments and vehicle technology trends. Ten years ago it was aluminium, tomorrow it could be composite materials. 

Today, they need to embrace advancements in ADAS technologies and hybrid and electric vehicles. They need to invest in suitable equipment to perform calibrations correctly to OEM standards. At Repairify, we are working closely with collision and repair centres to help them understand the opportunities presented by ADAS repairs. Where they have not yet made the investment, we are introducing them to our choice of mobile and remote services, which will enable them to perform complex tasks at an affordable investment that will allow them to retain profitable business inhouse.

We are also aiming to increase the number of mobile technicians in our network that visit shops to advance our technology and help them to maximise the business opportunities presented by ADAS. 

Steer Automotive Group announces C&C acquisition

4 September 2023
Bodyshop, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

Steer Automotive Group has accelerated its expansion strategy with the acquisition of C&C Vehicle Services.

C&C has sites in Oldham, Chesterfield, Coventry, Sunderland and Wolverhampton.

Managing Director Mark Newnes said, “Steer were looking to develop a commercial vehicle sector offering, and C&C will be the foundation of their steps into this new arena. They are committed to driving growth within our business whilst supporting our current customers, suppliers and employees. This acquisition will enable us to invest in the future and build a national commercial network.”

Financial Director Darren Charlesworth added, “This is a really exciting deal for C&C and our staff. What really stood out to us was that Steer bring loads of energy and positivity to the table. Not only do they have a track record of looking after their people, a priority for me, they have a drive and enthusiasm to develop them. Their industry leading apprenticeship programme is a shining example of that. They are also committed to supporting our growth aspirations by increasing the number of workshops we have across the country.”

Mirka publishes 2022 Sustainability Report

4 September 2023
Environment, Mobility, People, Supplier and Words

Mirka is publishing its 2022 Sustainability Report, highlighting the progress it has made towards achieving a net zero future.

Supported by £26m funding from Business Finland, an ecosystem of Finnish companies committed to developing innovative manufacturing solutions, Mirka has invested in fossil-free electricity generated by hydropower at all its production facilities in Finland, leading to a 56% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions, while also installing solar panels at its production facility in Lombardy, Italy.

Mirka is further reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 900 tonnes at its Jakobstad site with the introduction of an energy solution based on geo-energy from geothermal holes, and has invested in a purification and heat recovery system at its Oravais plant in Western Finland, based on recycled energy.

The company has also reduced air transport by 30% and adopted new energy solutions across various sites that have led to 70% renewable energy use.

Mirka’s CEO Stefan Sjöberg said, “Over many years, Mirka has made smart long-term investments to improve the sustainability of its operations. These investments helped us ride out the pandemic’s challenges, and our sustainability work has proved that sustainable operations benefit not only the environment but also companies in the long term.”

A Melton Mowbray business specialising in supplying and distributing high quality vehicle accident repair parts is motoring towards further growth with support from HSBC UK.

Trade Vehicle Parts will use the seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK to source and secure a growing number of vehicle parts such as bonnets and bumpers globally, ensuring customers have more options available when seeking repairs to their vehicles.

The funding package will enable Trade Vehicle Parts to import core stock from countries around the world including Taiwan, China, and Poland. The deal also sees the business utilise HSBC UK’s Global Wallet. This multi-currency virtual account allows Trade Vehicle Parts to make and receive international payments using local account details, making it easier to purchase car parts in bulk, lowering costs and increasing revenue.

The funding package from HSBC UK also includes a refinancing of the commercial mortgage for its 17000 sq. ft. Melton Mowbray headquarters which will benefit by keeping all repayments in one place with HSBC UK consolidating its finance and benefiting from HSBC UK’s competitive rates.

The deal with HSBC UK is expected to result in a 50 percent increase in turnover for Trade Vehicle Parts over the next three years, building on the steady growth the company have experienced up to now.

Deyan Petrovski, Owner & Director at Trade Vehicle Parts, said: “This funding from HSBC UK is a crucial milestone in our growth journey. Operating in an industry where working closely with international suppliers is so important, we are grateful for the ability to maximise our cashflow due to HSBC’s international footprint.”

Kim King, Deputy Area Director at HSBC UK, added: “Trade Vehicle Parts is an ambitious business which provides a fantastic and essential service to vehicle owners and organisations across the country. We’re pleased to assist the business’s growth with domestic and international support.”

ARC360 News – Friday 1 September 2023

1 September 2023
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

Copart expands Disability Adaption training

Copart has underlined its Copart Cares commitment by announcing plans to extend Disability Adaptations and Awareness Training to all colleagues.

AFV training date announced

Park Lodge International and Jeff Mack Consultancy will be hosting its unique Alternative-Fuelled Vehicles Post-Accident & Investigation Training course at Morelli Eyebox, Coventry, on 21 September.

The IMI-approved seven-hour course has been developed to help everyone from first responders to insurance investigators and recovery agents identify and manage the post-accident risks associated with alternative-fuelled vehicles.

Car production enjoys July spike

Car production in the UK soared by 31.6% in July to 76,451 units. However, this remains 29% below pre-pandemic levels of July 2019.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed that production of battery-powered vehicles increased by 74% to 30,180 units while commercial vehicle output was up 9.3% in July to 8,853 units.

Cougar leads LV= CSI scores

Luton-based Cougar Accident Repair Centre topped the LV= network CSI feedback charts in July.

Finesse expansion continues with third site

Bracknell-based Finesse Accident Repair Centres is opening its third site next month.

The17,500 sqft workshop will be the largest in the group and is currently recruiting for a number of positions.

RWC unveils new training site

Milton Keynes-based RWC Training has opened a new 10,000 sqf training centre.  

The site includes dedicated AFV and ADAS zones as well as eight welding bays to offer customers bespoke training and assessments across all bodyshop needs.

Auto Windscreens trials HVO-powered vans

Auto Windscreens has launched a new trial to power its fleet vehicles with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

The vans can operate on both diesel and HVO without requiring any modification.

Warning signs on the path to mass EV adoption

A new blog by S&P Global Mobility has warned of a raft of potential problems that could come with mass EV adoption.

It says the supply chain could face significant disruption as a result on an over-reliance on Chinese production, while cost and a shortage of charging infrastructure could also result in poor driver experience.

JLR to cut freight emissions by 84%

JLR will cut CO2e emissions of its UK road freight fleet by 84%, or 8,433 tonnes, by transitioning to a combination of battery, Bio-CNG and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil powered HGVs.

The new fleet will be operational by next April.

Mitchell data reveals rising EV repairs in North America

Electric vehicle repairable claims frequency rose to 1.49% in the US and 2.64% in Canada in the second quarter, up 0.36% and 0.23% respectively on the first quarter.

This is according to data released by Mitchell, which also revealed that EV repair costs continue to exceed those of ICE automobiles, £765 higher on average in the US and £1,056 in Canada.

New car sales still upwards mobile

The latest monthly Car Market Overview from cap hpi has revealed a strong uptick in new car sales in July, while the used car market continues to struggle as prices remain high.

It reported that 143,921 new cars were registered in the month, an increase of 28.3% over last year. This makes a full 12 months of growth for the market.

People

Direct Line Group is appointing Aviva UK and Ireland CEO Adam Winslow as new CEO.

Aviva UK and Ireland has named Aviva Canada CEO Jason Storah as new CEO. He will take up his role in quarter one 2024.

Mitchell data reveals rising EV repairs in North America

1 September 2023
Bodyshop, Environment, Salvage, Supplier, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

Electric vehicle (EV) repairable claims frequency rose to 1.49% in the US and 2.64% in Canada in the second quarter, up 0.36% and 0.23% respectively on the first quarter.

According to data released by Mitchell, Tesla’s share of US repairs dipped slightly from 75.8% to 74.6%, while Ford’s F-150 Lightning light-duty truck doubled in repair volumes from 1.25% to 3.05%.

But that was not mirrored in Canada, where Tesla’s market share increased from 67.9% to 70.7%.

The data also revealed that EVs are less likely than internal combustion engines to be deemed non-driveable, 10.3% compared to 13.1%.

However, EV repair costs continue to exceed those of ICE automobiles, £765 higher on average in the US and £1,056 in Canada. This is being driven by repair times that are averaging 24.3% longer than their ICE counterparts.

New car sales still upwards mobile

1 September 2023
Supplier, vehicle sales and Words

The latest monthly Car Market Overview from cap hpi has revealed a strong uptick in new car sales in July, while the used car market continues to struggle as prices remain high.

It reported that 143,921 new cars were registered in the month, an increase of 28.3% over last year. This makes a full 12 months of growth for the market.

However, registrations for the month remained down on both 2019 and 2020, by 8.4% and 17.7% respectively.

Year-to-date, 1,093,641 cars had been registered to the end of July, a 19.6% increase on last year but still 23.3% behind 2019.

Meanwhile, EV sales increased by 87.9% in July and are now 38% up for the year, while diesel car registrations continued to drop and now make up just 7.9% of all registrations in 2023. Hybrid sales increased by 18.9% in July, with plug-ins up 79.1%

In terms of the used car market, the report revealed August has been tougher for traders than June and July, with values still upwards of 25% higher than in 2021, but the market remains optimistic for September with ‘necessity purchases’ ensuring continued demand.