Month: October 2023

Exclusive Motor Conference proves major success

Around 150 leading influencers from across the UK’s motor claims insurance sector joined ILC at its Exclusive Motor Claims Conference last week in London for discussion, insights, and networking.

Supported by ILC’s Corporate Partners and headline sponsored by Enterprise along with sponsors BHR Assist, Clearspeed, EDAM Group, LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Wiser Academy, the event included a highly influential line-up of speakers focusing on a host of key topics from across the sector.

Repairify updates calibration system

The asTech Digital ADAS Calibration System from Repairify has been updated to support the new Nissan Juke and Nissan Qashqai models.

Prasco extends next-day delivery window

Prasco UK has announced that next-day deliveries will now be available for orders placed before 5.30pm.

This extends the Monday-Friday window for next-day deliveries by 30 minutes. The announcement also includes Saturdays, which previously had a cut-off time of 12.30pm.

Gemini scale Snowdon for Ben

Gemini ARC supported automotive charity Ben by scaling Mount Snowdon. Twenty seven Gemini colleagues climbed the highest peak in Wales, raising more than £2,700.

Thatcham Research unveils espire

Thatcham Research has launched its espire training solution to support bodyshops on their path to BS10125 certification.

The framework covers 18 competencies including ADAS, electric vehicles and vehicle damage assessment and features mandatory knowledge tests and practical assessments.

This comes after recent revisions to the standard which now include a CPD requirement.

Ready and ABL

ABL 1 Touch Group has welcomed its latest cohort of apprentices, supported by PPG. They will now head to Emtec Colleges for induction.

Komoo expands with Wigan launch

Komoo has cut the ribbon on its 11^th site and first in the North West as it continues to expand its network.

The Komoo Wigan repair centre will be managed by James Francis.

Top marks for 4 Elms

4 Elms Group has secured CARS QA BS10125 certification after receiving a 100% pass on its latest audit.

Suzuki celebrates customer services award

Suzuki GB is celebrating another customer service award after winning UK CXA’s ‘Customers at The Heart of Everything’ award.

The award recognised the company’s outstanding service across all four of its divisions – Car, Motorcycle, Marine and All-Terrain Vehicles.

AEG mitigates claims inflation

Audatex Head of Account Management Tom Hart has explained how bodyshops can mitigate repair inflation through AudatexEnterpriseGold, which delivers right-first-time methodology, while the payment process can be accelerated through AudaInvoice’s quick and frictionless solution.

Team UK honoured at Houses of Parliament

Team UK’s success at EuroSkills Gdańsk was celebrated at the Houses of Parliament this month. The team is now focusing on selection for WorldSkills Lyon 2024.

IMI to review EV National Occupational Standards

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is seeking industry feedback ahead of its review of Electric and Hybrid Vehicle National Occupational Standards (NOS).

The first phase of the consultation will see the IMI running face-to-face and online meetings with industry stakeholders while also carrying out digital surveys, before the second phase will invite wider industry consultations.

AXA highlights EV obstacles

AXA UK has published a new report assessing the obstacles around the UK’s transition to electrification.

The report has underlined the importance of UK gigafactories to attract investment and warned a lack of EV repair skills could deflate the used car market. It has also called for clear regulation and targets around public charging infrastructure and said the industry must do more to raise customer awareness around the cost-benefits of owning and running an EV.

SMMT calls for ROO delay

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has called for a three-year delay to stricter Rules of Origin regulations which are due to be introduced on 1 January.

Rules of Origin apply to the manufacture and import of car batteries, with EVs failing to meet the threshold subject to a 10% tariff.

The SMMT fears this could add a combined bill of £4.3bn to the price of EVs, or £3,400 per car made in Europe and sold in the UK.

Moon shines after ride-along day

Allianz Partners UK and Ireland Chief Executive Patricia Moon witnessed the company’s roadside technicians in action during a ride-along day.

She said, “Our roadside assistance colleagues are incredibly well-skilled and their vehicles carry an impressive number of tools to ensure we are able to help our customers as swiftly as possible.”

NBRA spread talent net far and wide

The NBRA is supporting the industry tackle the skills shortage with its Easy to Recruit initiative.

Easy to Recruit specialises in bringing highly skilled vehicle technicians from overseas, and assisting them through the immigration and settling in period.

James Alpe on the tee for charity

Clitheroe-based Accident Repair Centre and vehicle conversions specialist James Alpe has raised more than £2,000 for the North West Air Ambulance Charity and Ronald McDonald House Charities UK by hosting a golf day at Accrington & District Golf Club and Wilpshire Golf Club.

ABI Luton Airport car park fire update

The ABI has issued its latest response to the fire at Luton Airport’s car park.

It said, “We’ve worked with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to obtain and share the number plates of the vehicles in the car park with our members, who are contacting customers as quickly as possible. Many insurers are covering the costs of their customers’ journeys home from the airport, others have said they will waive policy excesses and that any claim from the fire will not impact no claims discounts.”

People

Komoo has appointed Catrin Morgan as Head of Business Development for the UK and Ireland.

Matthew Adlem has been named Head of Credit Hire at Acorn Insurance and Financial Services Limited.

The Institute of the Motor Industry has appointed Jason Embery as Product Manager.

Ross Pengilly has been appointed Director of Partnerships at Affinity EV.

Gemini welcomes latest cohort of apprentices

Gemini Accident Repair Centres has welcomed 19 new apprentices to the group.

The apprentices, who have completed a five-day induction at EMTEC, include seven VDAs and 12 level 3 multiskilled apprentices.

ARC360 Market Intelligence: September 2023

ARC360 have released their analytics report, studying the trends of economics and vehicle repairs and sales. A must-read.

Copart completes Bristol expansion

Vehicle salvage and remarketing specialist Copart UK has completed the expansion of its 80-acre Super Centre in Bristol.

The addition of a further 21 acres adds 30% more vehicle capacity, providing secure storage and enlarged areas for vehicles that require specialist handling like EVs, HEVs, and flood and fire damaged vehicles.

EV supply could outstrip demand

Sales of EVs could slow following the government’s decision to delay the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, according to David Borland, EY UK & Ireland Automotive Lead.

He said, “There is a risk that with OEMs, retailers and charge point operators all having invested significant capital in anticipation of a 2030 ICE sales ban, the policy shift could see supply outstripping demand.”

Fix Auto UK expands network

Fix Auto UK has announced that Ultimate Accident Repair has joined the network and will now operate at Fix Auto Gloucester.

Owned by Aron Matthews, the 8,000sqft bodyshop includes 12 work bays, two external spraybooths and an oversized commercial booth inside the unit.

Yeovil ARC achieves repair accreditation

Yeovil Accident Repair has secured BS 10125 certification after a successful stage 2 audit.

DF Crash Repairs meets the standard

Despite undergoing a full refurbishment, DF Crash Repairs was still able to pass its BS 10125 audit, achieving the industry standard vehicle repair accreditation.

IMI welcomes Labour Party skills plan

The Institute of the Motor Industry has praised plans by the Labour Party to restore the 2030 deadline on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles and introduce 80,000 more skills workers to the sector, announced at the Labour Party Conference by Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.

Government to relax rules for EV vans

The government has said it will remove the mandatory five-hour training requirement for van drivers switching to EVs, while towing rules will be applied consistently across EVs, petrol and diesel vans.

The announcement was made in its response to its consultation on driving licence flexibility for alternative fuelled vehicles.

Rising premiums dampen EV demand

Surging insurance premiums for electric vehicles coupled with an end to subsidies could halt EV sales across Europe, according to a report by Forbes.

It revealed that EV repairs cost about 25% more than petrol or diesel equivalents, and can take 14% longer.

ABI advice for Luton fire drivers

The ABI has offered advice to drivers affected by the Luton Airport fire.

It said, “Comprehensive and third-party fire and theft motor insurance policies will cover fire damage. Drivers affected should notify any claim to their motor insurer. We will continue to work with our members and Luton Airport to understand the situation, as and when more information becomes available.”

Green light for red light recovery agents

The government has announced that breakdown recovery vehicles will now be allowed to use red flashing lights when helping the public.

This measure will apply to England, Scotland, and Wales.

Jason Connon concludes John Clark Motor Group deal

Jason Connon ACII has announced a new partnership with John Clark Motor Group to deliver its insurance services to customers.

The move is part of wider strategy to become a top-tier Private Client insurance broker.

Fix Network announces F1 collaboration

The Fix Network has announced a new partnership with the Alfa Romeo F1 Team which will offer it access to industry-leading expertise, research and development opportunities.

Ezi victory

The winners of the inaugural Ezi Methods Industry Golf Challenge have been revealed.

A team of Martyn Rowley, GT Motive; Chris Dore of Apollo/Steer Group; I Love Claims’ Chris Ashworth; and Fix Auto UK’s Earle Avann won the event at the Old Thorns Resort, Hampshire.

GT Motive adds Tesla to platform

GT Motive has announced that it has now added the new Tesla Model 3 to its estimating platform.

Meanwhile, the Tesla Model S and the Tesla Model Y will be available in the November and January releases.

Gold star for Silverlake

Silverlake Automotive Recycling’s Operations Manager Steve Diaper was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Hampshire and IOW Fire & Rescue Services, recognising his continued support for the organisation.

The presentation took place after the second HIOWFRS training exercise this year at the Southampton site of e2e member Silverlake.

People

Maria Charlton has been named Managing Director at AirPro Diagnostics.

Stephen Murray has been appointed Director of Operations at ECF – Accident Repair, MOT & Service Centre.

Castle Coachworks in Northampton is promoting former Volvo apprentice Nathan to Vehicle Damage Assessor.

Komoo has appointed Steve Hill to the newly-created role of Finance Director.

Nav Singh has been appointed Managing Director at CLiiKk Accident Repair Centre, Kidderminster.