Month: November 2023

Fix Auto UK expands service and footprint

20 November 2023
Bodyshop, Environment, Mobility, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words

Fix Auto Penzance has installed a bank of on-site electric car chargers for customers and colleagues alike.

The company has installed two 40 KW fast charge DC units along with a 20 KW AC fast charger, while an app enables drivers to pay for the service ensuring there is no cost to the business.

Directors Stuart and Joel Cameron said, “EVs are the future for motoring. Like many bodyshops, we’re seeing more and more come through the workshop. A lot of those who come to us often need charging so we decided to looking into providing our facilities but we were concerned that they’ll cost the business money to run. When we discovered there are charging units available that pushes that payment onto the user it became obvious that not only did we need to install them, but we could make them available to the public too, especially as there’s only a handful in the town and only one of those is a fast charger.”

Meanwhile, the Fix Auto UK network is continuing to grow in Northern Ireland with the appointment of MRB Auto Body, a 10,000 sqft site which will now operate as Fix Auto Ballymoney.

Owner Matthew Balfour said, “I am very ambitious and although I believe in what I have created, I realised that I needed to be part of something bigger if I am to fulfil those ambitions which is why I have taken the decision to become part of Fix Auto UK to help me take my business to that next level.”

Ian Pugh, Managing Director for Fix Auto UK, said, “The potential for Fix Auto Ballymoney is truly exciting. Matthew is extremely ambitious. We outlined various requirements we expect of a business and he has delivered on his promises to meet those obligations.”

ARC360 News – Friday 17 November 2023

17 November 2023
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

Solera data unpicks EV versus ICE repair costs

Solera has announced findings of global research comparing the repair cost trends of electric vehicles and internal combustion engines.

The study examined more than 92,000 repair estimates and found that, overall, EV repair costs are 29% higher while EV parts costs are 48% higher on average.

WorldSkills winners to be revealed

The National WorldSkills finals have been taking place at a number of training and education providers throughout the UK this week, with the winners set to be announced at a glittering ceremony at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester this evening.

Among the 51 disciplines that have been tested include Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Refinishing, Automotive Technology and Heavy Vehicle Technology.

Prasco unveils seamless service

Leading supplier of independently certified non-OEM replacement parts Prasco UK is redeveloping its website to make it more intuitive and user-friendly.

The Doncaster-based operation has developed a series of new functions to ensure the process of searching for parts, ordering and then monitoring through a real-time tracked delivery service is as seamless as possible.

Ben announces strategic vision

To meet rising demand for its services, automotive charity Ben has announced a new five-year strategic plan that will see its care and village services transferred ‘to the stewardship of new operators.’

Since 2018, Ben has managed a 300% increase in enquiries through its confidential helpline and supported over 200% more individuals through its support and specialist services.

Mirka celebrates 80th anniversary

Mirka UK parent company Mirka Ltd is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Since being founded in 1943 it has grown to become one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the surface finishing industry.

Gemini ARC secures GQA approved training centre status

Gemini Accident Repairs has been named an Approved Training Centre to deliver GQA National Qualifications.

The initial four qualifications offered by Gemini include GQA Level 3 Award in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Awareness; GQA Level 3 Award in ADAS Awareness and Competence; GQA Level 3 Award in Competence and understanding in 4-wheel alignment; and GQA Level 3 Award in Understanding the principles of 4-wheel alignment.

GT Motive launches parts lists checker

GT Motive has unveiled GT QCheck, an automated webservice that analyses and corrects a parts’ lists to improve accuracy, reduce order mistakes and optimise delivery expenses.

M&A Coachworks marks Porsche milestone

Longworth-based M&A Coachworks has this month completed its 10,000th insurance repair for Porsche since securing approved repairer status in 2015.

Dozen up for Komoo

Komoo has opened its 12th site and first in Northern Ireland. Located in Bangor, County Down, the site will be managed by Carl Henderson.

Standard success

L&I Eaton Sheffield has achieved BSi 10125:2022 accreditation.

Dwane Walsh, Site Manager, said, “I’m delighted with all the staff for their support and commitment to achieving accreditation – it was challenging but demonstrates our commitment to being one of the UKs leading accident repair centres.”

Big achievement for XL Motors

Coventry-based repairer XL Motors has secured Lotus Bodyshop Approval.

On the up Down Under

Thatcham Research is touring Australia with partners Suncorp Group, sharing insights around sustainable vehicle repairs, EVs and skills with the industry.

Head of Repair Sector Services Dean Lander and Group Product Manager, Automotive and Repair Karen Jakes have already delivered sessions to local technicians and businesses in Melbourne and Sydney.

Walton celebrates Stellantis success

Walton Accident Repair has achieved full multi-brand approval status for the Stellantis UK Accident Repair Programme.

Polestar4 in production

Polestar has begun production of its new SUV Coupe, Polestar4, at the Geely-operated facility in Hangzhou Bay.

Roll out to Chinese customers is expected by the end of this year before orders open to UK customer early next year.

Dark days for broken glass claims

Vehicle claims for broken glass has risen this month in line with the darker nights. According to Auto Windscreens, this is a familiar trend when the clocks go back, with most broken glass claims attributed to ‘break ins’.

However, overall, body glass claims have halved since 2011, coming down from 1,171,000 to 729,000.

Team UK honoured at Houses of Parliament

Team UK’s success at EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023 was celebrated at a special event at the Houses of Parliament, London. The team collected nine medals, including one gold, and two bronze medals, plus six Medallions for Excellence.

IMI announces Budget wishlist

The IMI has announced its automotive industry ‘wishlist’ ahead of next week’s Autumn Budget.

It is calling for increased funding for apprenticeships, greater support for SMEs to offer apprenticeships, further education around ADAS, and more incentives for drivers switching to alternative fuelled vehicles.

SMMT produces manufacturing manifesto

The SMMT has joined industry bodies from the four other main manufacturing sectors in the UK to produce a manifesto to secure continued growth.

Alongside the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space Group, the Chemical Industries Association, and the Food and Drink Federation, the SMMT has called for a fresh focus on skills, policies to promote innovation, and further collaboration with business to support sustainability.

Mercedes-Benz expand valet parking solution

Mercedes-Benz has announced its automated valet parking solution, Intelligent Park Pilot, is now available in its E-Class Saloon and Estate, the EQE SUV and the EQS SUV.

The solution allows drivers to exit the vehicle in the carpark and let the car drive itself to a pre-booked space.

Skills gap stifling growth

A lack of skills was cited as the main obstacle to growth by 22% of SME respondents to a survey by the Federation of Small Businesses.

That figure was at 28% for manufacturing businesses and 23% for those in technical sectors.

LKQ Euro Car Parts launches graduate programme

LKQ Euro Car Parts has launched its first Graduate Scheme. The new three-year programme will help graduates progress into the financial sector through continued learning and dedicated mentors.

Seal slides into UK market

The fully-electric BYD Seal has launched in the UK this week. Featuring a 15.6-inch centre console and the latest innovations in front and rear lights, the model can accelerate from 0-100km in 3.8 seconds and is fully rechargeable in just 26 minutes.

Car of the Future revealed

Nine-year-old Oliver Gorrod has created the ‘Car of the Future’ after entering the nationwide MINI Minds competition, which challenged children aged 4-10 to imagine their perfect car.

Oliver’s winning solution is fully electric, with a camouflaged design to blend into the natural environment.

Politics and football colour buying habits

A study by Cazoo has revealed the 23% of drivers would rule out buying a car if its colour represented a political party or football team they don’t like, with 47% of under 30s saying they’d refuse to buy a car in the colour of a political party they don’t support.

Cybertruck drivers could face Tesla lawsuit

Business Insider has reported that buyers of Tesla’s new Cybertruck could be sued for £40,000 if they sell the vehicle within a year.

The Cybertruck will be released on 30 November, with a quarter of a million set to be produced by 2025.

AutoRaise on the road

AutoRaise has been promoting the industry to the next generation during a series of visits to apprentice and school-leaver events.

It has been showcasing the tools and technology within the automotive sector, and highlighting the career opportunities that exist within the industry.

People

Kaylie Skitt has been appointed as senior financial controller by Smart Repairs.

Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers of Automechanika Birmingham and UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, has named Joanne Knowles as Event Director.

Dark days for broken glass claims

17 November 2023
Insurance, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words

Vehicle claims for broken glass has risen this month in line with the darker nights.

According Auto Windscreens, this is a familiar trend when the clocks go back, with most broken glass claims attributed to ‘break ins’.

However, overall, body glass claims have halved since 2011, coming down from 1,171,000 to 729,000.

Shaun Atton, Auto Windscreens’ Business Development Director, said, “Body glass claims are often as a result of theft from a vehicle, and it’s good news that we’ve seen these type of claims reduce year on year, but it suggests when thefts do take place, criminals are finding different ways to break into vehicles, through locks and doors. When we see these type of glass claims, the majority are usually during November.”

“During the next few months, with shorter days and darker nights, we’d remind all drivers, including fleets, to remain vigilant.”

Ben announces strategic vision

17 November 2023
People, Supplier, Technology, wellbeing and Words

To meet rising demand for its services, automotive charity Ben has announced a new five-year strategic plan that will see its care and village services transferred ‘to the stewardship of new operators.’

Since 2018, Ben has managed a 300% increase in enquiries through its confidential helpline and supported over 200% more individuals through its support and specialist services.

With the cost-of-living continuing to put pressure on families, Ben’s Board of Trustees and Executive team have spent the past 12 months completing a strategic review of every aspect its support and services and has made some key decisions about the future strategic direction of the charity.

Zara Ross, Ben’s CEO, said, “The announcement being made today marks a significant period of change for our charity, but we believe now is the right time for us to make this commitment. This will enable us to grow and accelerate support and services for our automotive family.

In a statement, the charity said, “Through a recent strategic review process, Ben’s Board of trustees reflected on the changing context for people working in the automotive industry and the impact that it is having, and will have, on their health and wellbeing. In light of the growing demand for Ben’s health and wellbeing services, the Board concluded that over the next 5–10-year period, the priority of the charity will be to significantly increase these services for industry people and their family dependents. This will entail enhancing and accelerating both our reactive and preventative health and wellbeing support services and driving increased impact and engagement across the automotive industry. We will be in a position to share our plans for these developments over the future months. 

“Establishing Ben’s future focus has required a fundamental review of all Ben’s current services. Our care, and latterly village, services have been an integral and valued part of the charity for over 70 years. Both the Board and Executive team are extremely proud of these services and the excellent reputation they have achieved over the years. After very careful consideration, the Board, supported by Ben’s Executive team, has unanimously concluded that now is the right time to recommend the transfer of these services to the stewardship of new operators. We believe this will ensure that these services and our employees working in them have the very best opportunity to continue to flourish, develop and thrive going forward.”   

Prasco unveils seamless service

17 November 2023
Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words

Leading supplier of independently certified non-OEM replacement parts Prasco UK is redeveloping its website to make it more intuitive and user-friendly. 

The Doncaster-based operation has developed a series of new functions to ensure the process of searching for parts, ordering and then monitoring through a real-time tracked delivery service is as seamless as possible.

Kelvyn Waugh, Prasco UK’s Managing Director, said, “We are continually driven to ensure we provide an industry-leading service, one that ensures our customers receive the best personal and personable service possible and that means we can’t afford to rest on our laurels and we have to continually invest in our services.

“We are all consumers and experience the high-level of service the various leading online companies like Amazon deliver. We cannot afford to not provide our customers with a similar level of service.

“A new web-based system takes at least 18 months in development so, in the fast-paced world of digital distribution where we experience a constant stream of new innovations, whenever we reveal a new system, in all reality it is on the verge of being out of date which is why we are continually working on something new that is able to speed up our services and deliver as efficiently as possible.”

Prasco has also invested in its warehouse that significantly increases its level of available parts which have been steadily arriving on site over recent weeks. Its delivery fleet has also been increased to further speed up its next day delivery service.

WorldSkills winners to be revealed

17 November 2023
People, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words

The National WorldSkills finals have been taking place at a number of training and education providers throughout the UK this week, with the winners set to be announced at a glittering ceremony at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester this evening.

Among the 51 disciplines that have been tested include Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Refinishing, Automotive Technology and Heavy Vehicle Technology.

The winners will be invited to represent Squad UK at WorldSkills Lyon next September, when more than 1,500 competitors from over 65 countries will take part.

WorldSkills has been developed to upskill and develop talent from all backgrounds and abilities, with 97% of previous entrants saying the competition improved their technical skills and 93% saying the competition improved their personal and employability skills.

Solera data unpicks EV versus ICE repair costs

17 November 2023
Bodyshop, Environment, Mobility, Salvage, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words

Solera has announced findings of global research comparing the repair cost trends of electric vehicles and internal combustion engines.

The study, which focused on the Hyundai Kona EV and its ICE model counterpart, considered data from 20 countries, examining more than 92,000 repair estimates between January 2021 and August 2023.

It found that, overall, EV repair costs are 29% higher while EV parts costs are 48% higher on average. Meanwhile, driver airbag systems were replaced eight per cent more frequently on EVs, rear bumper absorbers were replaced 1,390% more frequently on EVs and rear bumper reinforcements were replaced 14% more frequently.

John Felahi, Solera’s Head of Global Data Science, Analytics and Data Business, said, “There’s been a lot of industry speculation as to why EV repair costs are more expensive than ICE repairs. The findings from Solera’s landmark research offers a first-ever look at key elements shaping EV versus ICE repair costs with a goal of helping the collision repair industry to better understand some of the trends and anomalies that can be optimised to enhance their business.”

Gemini ARC secures GQA approved training centre status

17 November 2023
People, Supplier, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words

Gemini Accident Repairs has attained Approved Training Centre status, enabling it to deliver GQA National Qualifications.

The initial four qualifications offered by Gemini include GQA Level 3 Award in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Awareness; GQA Level 3 Award in ADAS Awareness and Competence; GQA Level 3 Award in Competence and understanding in 4-wheel alignment; and GQA Level 3 Award in Understanding the principles of 4-wheel alignment.

Gemini’s Technical Training and Development Coordinator Phil Burrows said, “The GQA approval is a fantastic achievement by the Gemini Training team. There has been a lot of effort to succeed with this recognition, with some fantastic support from Sean Hayes at GQA to achieve this. The GQA approval further strengthens Gemini’s training credentials in the creation and delivery of its own training excellence and shows how committed the business is to be the industry leader for the training of its staff.”

ARC360 News – Friday 10 November 2023

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

October Market Intelligence report

ARC360 has published its latest market report in partnership with Trend Tracker, which reveals that repair volumes in October were 95% of 2019 levels but 105% compared to the same month last year.

Meanwhile, repair costs are up eight per cent year on year, but this is down from the 16% recorded in June.

JLR apologises for parts delays

Jaguar Land Rover has apologised to customers after a shortage of parts has delayed repairs to nearly 5,000 cars.

The company has downsized its UK parts supply network from 18 UK warehouses to one super centre but has experienced a crisis in parts supply since then.

Gemini celebrates Platinum status of The 5% Club

Gemini Accident Repair Group has secured Platinum Membership status in The 5% Club Employer Audit for 2023-2024.

The 5% Club recognises those employers who have committed to developing new talent through earn and learn skills training plans. Only three per cent of all members achieved Platinum status this year.

Steer recognises apprentices with dedicated awards ceremony

Steer Automotive celebrated the emerging talent within the group during a special awards ceremony dedicated to its apprentices.

The Steer Apprentice Academy Awards was attended by industry professionals and partners and included a session on the future of the automotive industry led by Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services from Thatcham Research.

LV= unveils new charity initiative

LV= has raised more than £600 for its charity partner Family Action through a new initiative that also tackles the challenges around finding courtesy cars.

The LV= initiative involves its network repairers inviting customers to opt out of taking a courtesy car while their vehicle is being repaired, with the bodyshop donating at least £25 to the charity instead.

SMMT urges government to unlock CAM windfall

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has urged the government to clear the path for the UK to capitalise on a potential £66bn connected and automated mobility windfall by 2040.

In a new report, Connected and automated mobility: The UK economic and market opportunities, the SMMT also says CAM technology has the potential to create an additional 342,000 skilled jobs and prevent upwards of 60,000 serious accidents.

Premium prices spike 29% in third quarter

Motor insurance premiums have risen to £561 in the third quarter of the year, according to data from the Association of British Insurers.

This represents a 29% increase on the same period last year and is nine per cent higher than the second quarter of 2023.

New car sales hit pre-pandemic high

New car sales have hit their highest point since before the pandemic, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

It found that October’s new car market grew by 14.3% in the month to 153,529, which is 7.2% above pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile, light commercial vehicle registrations increased by 17.7% in October to 26,342 unites.

Steer expands Scotland footprint

Steer Automotive Group is expanding its presence in Scotland with the launch of a new state-of-the-art site in Glasgow.

Solera zeroes in on scope 3 emissions

Solera has unveiled a new suite of solutions, Sustainable Estimatics, to help the industry move towards a greener future.

Using its own extensive data in conjunction with a range of industry partnerships, it is able to analyse and measure the CO2 emissions during each stage of a motor claim.

SYNETIQ secures environmental silver

IAA company SYNETIQ has been awarded a silver medal by EcoVadis, an internationally-recognised sustainability platform that evaluates companies across a range of criteria, including environment, social and ethical practices.

SYNETIQ earned a silver medal after being ranked in the top 25% of more than 100,000 international businesses assessed.

IMI highlights dangerous ADAS skills gap

The Institute of the Motor Industry believes there is a now a shortfall of 18,000 technicians in the UK qualified to work on ADAS-equipped vehicles.

It warns the gap will increase as at least one in ten cars on UK roads will feature Level 2 autonomy by the end of the year, and this will grow to almost half of the car parc by 2030.

Belron named IMI TechSafe Centre of Excellence

Belron International has become the latest organisation to be named an IMI TechSafe Centre of Excellence, following significant investment in training facilities for its more than 1,100 UK technicians.

The other IMI TechSafe Centres of Excellence are the BMW Group Academy and Lincoln College.

AkzoNobel announces new Sustainability Challenge

AkzoNobel will launch a 24-hour challenge to accelerate carbon reduction in the vehicle repair industry.

Taking place from 21-22 November and involving insurance companies, fleet and lease companies, bodyshops and OEMs, the Vehicle Repair (VR) Sustainability Challenge will spark dialogue around new innovations in energy transition, process efficiency and circular solutions.

Standard successes

A number of bodyshops have achieved BS10125:2022 certification recently. They include Diss-based Bressingham Car Bodyshop, Patersons ARC, Alton Cars Sheffield, and Cosmetic Repair Solutions in Chesterfield.

Thatcham Research backs autonomous focus

Thatcham Research has backed the government’s plans to accelerate legislation around autonomous vehicles, as highlighted in His Majesty the King’s Speech.

Jonathan Hewett, Thatcham Research’s Chief Executive, said, “Thatcham Research champions stringent standards and comprehensive legislation vital for the secure and effective deployment of self-driving vehicle technology. It is through rigorous safety frameworks, clarity in legal liability, and collaborative efforts between government, industry, and insurers that the full potential of this transformative technology will be realised.”

First Hydrogen and the Potential of FCEVs

Clare Bestall and Craig Gibson from National Windscreens attended MIRA Technology Park in Coventry recently to find out more about the potential of hydrogen as a viable fuel alternative.

MIRA is Europe’s leading mobility R&D location for developing the latest automotive technology.

MONITRR reaches assessment landmark

Outsorc’s software solution MONITRR has now completed over 112,000 assessments and audits in 96 countries using five internet browsers on desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile.

Worrying research identifies EV charging cables risks

New research carried out by What Car? has revealed that some aftermarket electric vehicle charging cables could overheat and shock users.

It bought three ‘Mode 2’ chargers, which allow EV owners to charge their vehicle using a three-pin domestic socket, and found that all three failed all or some of its Residual Current Device (RCD) tests.

Meet the e2e Network

e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management has published the latest instalment of its ‘Meet the Network’ series.

The latest blog focuses on ASM Auto Recycling, which operates from five sites across Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. It processes over 35,000 vehicles a year and offers for sale over 1,500 cars, vans, and motorbikes every week via the e2e network online auction Salvage Market platform.

People

Martyn Rowley has officially taken up his new position as Executive Director at NBRA – VBRA.

Komoo has announced that Paul Halligan has joined the business as Group Compliance Manager.

Page Automotive Group has announced two internal promotions, with Neil Pettit and Scott Balson both further their careers within the group.

Premium prices spike 29% in third quarter

10 November 2023
Bodyshop, Insurance, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words

Motor insurance premiums have risen to £561 in the third quarter of the year, according to data from the Association of British Insurers.

This represents a 29% increase on the same period last year and is nine per cent higher than the second quarter of 2023.

Premium increases have been attributed to a 16% rise in the cost of paint over the last 12 months, an 11% rise in spare part prices and inflation of 46% for other costs.

The ABI is now appealing to the government to reduce IPT in the Autumn Statement, which accounts for up to 12% of all premiums.

Mervyn Skeet, ABI Director of General Insurance Policy, said, “We appreciate that another quarter of increased motor insurance premiums will be concerning for households who are already grappling with rising costs in other areas.

“Insurers continue to do all they can to keep motor insurance as competitively priced as possible, despite facing substantial increases in costs outside of their control. We’re bringing together representatives from across the sector to discuss issues such as vehicle safety and security. However, the government could help drivers with an immediate reduction in costs by reducing Insurance Premium Tax.”