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.

Gemini said, “We take immense pride in being amongst the top three per cent of The 5% Club members, earning the prestigious Platinum-level recognition.  Our achievement is a result of our consistent Gold Membership status with over 10% of our dedicated employees having actively engaged in an apprenticeship programme at Gemini.”

Mark Cameron OBE, Chief Executive, The 5% Club, added, “Our Employer Audit scheme recognises the efforts of all those employers who invest in their workforce through a broad range of workplace learning schemes.

“It is fantastic that in these challenging times, so many are able to commit to the Employer Audit and to gain the credit for their efforts, and that the majority are striving to expand their schemes over the coming years. Even more impressive is the three per cent who have achieved Platinum level membership – they represent the very best of our movement and of employers offering ‘earn and learn’ opportunities.”

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Steer celebrates 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 builds on the company’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of automotive leaders while at the same time addressing the skills shortage within the industry.  

Attended by industry professionals and partners and including a session on the future of the automotive industry led by Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services from Thatcham Research, the event served to shine a spotlight on Steer’s rising stars, highlighting their achievements and the positive impact they have made.

Richard Steer, Chief Executive, said, “We believe in investing in the potential of our apprentices and providing them with the tools to become leaders in the automotive industry. The Steer Apprentice Academy Awards is our way of acknowledging their remarkable contributions and celebrating their journey towards excellence.”

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ARC360 Market Intelligence: October 2023

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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.

Underpinning the solution is a unique algorithm developed specifically for the motor claims industry to provide emissions insights, including scope 3, and help businesses reduce their own carbon footprint plus those of partners in the supply chain.

Meanwhile, as an ISO-14064-01 certified company, Solera also provides guidelines to minimise CO2e emissions, boosting efficiencies and potentially supporting new revenue streams.

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SYNETIQ celebrates silver for green credentials

IAA company SYNETIQ has been awarded a silver medal by EcoVadis.

EcoVadis is 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, recognising its numerous initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, minimise waste and promote ethical and responsible businesses practices.

The company became the first Carbon Literate organisation in the sector in 2021 and introduced a carbon saving certification scheme for its clients a year later. This year it announced carbon labelling on its green parts.

Elisa Caton, Sustainability Manager at SYNETIQ said, “This award is a great recognition for our continued objective to improve our sustainability performance and report on our plans and progress in a transparent way.”

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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 and the best since 2018. Overall vehicle uptake is now up 19.6% in the first 10 months, making it the best year since 2019.

EV sales also continued to on an upward trend, with hybrids growing 24.6% to reach 19,574 units and plug-ins up 60.5% to 14,285 registrations. BEVs rose 20.1% to 23,943 units.

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

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “With demand for new cars surpassing pre-pandemic levels in the month, the market is defying expectations and driving growth. As fleet uptake flourishes, particularly for EVs, sustained success depends on encouraging all consumers to invest in the latest zero emission vehicles. The Autumn Statement is a key opportunity for government to introduce incentives and facilitate infrastructure investment. Doing so would send a clear signal of support for drivers, reassuring them that now is the time to switch to electric.”

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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 is calling on government to remove all barriers to regulatory reform while at the same time developing a strategy to support private sector investment and innovation.

In terms of markets, it believes CAM technology can generate a £15.2bn economic uplift in on-road logistics, with on-road passenger services and off-road logistics also identified as key sectors where CAM technology can be applied to commercial applications. 

Meanwhile, the SMMT says CAM technology also has the potential to create an additional 342,000 skilled jobs and prevent upwards of 60,000 serious accidents.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “While fully automated road journeys are still some way off, advances in connected and automated mobility technology means they’re within our future – presenting a significant opportunity to revolutionise transport in the UK.

“Government must work with all stakeholders to implement the necessary framework needed to deliver this exciting revolution swiftly and effectively, ensuring that consumers can reap the lifesaving and cost saving benefits. Failing to do so risks leaving the UK in the slow lane, jeopardising our competitiveness and impeding growth and job creation.”

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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.

Family Action supports disadvantaged and socially isolated families by providing practical, emotional and financial help through its network of 170 services based in communities across the country.

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.

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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.

Now Chief Executive Adrian Mardell has been forced to apologise to drivers after their cars were stuck in dealerships awaiting parts. Meanwhile, the JLR network also ran out of courtesy cars for affected customers.

Discussing the change to its parts supply network, Adrian said, “It was a planned transition but the transition is taking longer than we would originally have planned and that’s something that nobody wished for. To be very, very clear, this is something we are really unhappy about.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 3 November 2023

The Credit Hire Conundrum

Compromise and trust are fundamental if the industry is going to create a revised and relevant General Terms Agreement (GTA) that meets the needs of today and ends the long-running friction that exists between insurers and credit hire companies.

That was the verdict of a panel discussion, ‘The Credit Hire Conundrum,’ which took place during ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference.

Gemini unveils new Luton LV Sole Site

Gemini Accident Repair Centres Ltd unveiled the 32nd site in its expanding network during an official opening ceremony on 17 October in Luton.

Gemini Luton – the networks eighth LV= Sole Site Repairer – is headed up by highly respected industry name Mo Givian and the opening ceremony was attended by members of the Gemini ARC senior management team, leading representatives from LV=, as well as Gemini supply partners Axalta and Repairify.

Copart supporting Luton Airport fire vehicle recovery

Copart’s CAT Response Team is recovering vehicles damaged by the fire at Luton Airport to its incident management site in Corby, where they will be stored, inspected and processed for insurance and automotive customers. 

New car sales healthy but used car demand weakens

The latest data from cap hpi has revealed an uptick in registrations of new vehicles while demand for used cars is dampening, with prices softening accordingly.

New report makes business case for upskilling

A new report by Ennis & Co Group has revealed the financial benefits of investing in automotive skills.

The report, ‘The Cost of your Skills Gap’, found that automotive businesses who invest in training can expect a three per cent increase in annual turnover compared to a four per cent drop for those who do not address the skills gap in their organisation.

Euro Car Parts team reunites at GSF Car Parts

Former Euro Car Parts executives Sukhpal Ahluwalia and Steve Horne have reunited as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at GSF Car Parts.

They plan to add a significant number of new branches over the coming years, strengthen its e-commerce offering, and rejuvenate its delivery fleet. They will also expand its range of products for electric vehicles.

IMI identifies ADAS skills gap

New data published by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has identified an existing 18,000-ADAS technician shortfall.

It predicts that about 10% of UK cars will feature Level 2 autonomy by the end of the year, rising to 50% by 2030, however there are only around 3,500 ADAS-qualified technicians in the UK today.

Chaplane celebrates PAS 2060 certification

Chaplane Accident Repair Centre has secured PAS 2060 status, underlining its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and minimising the environmental impact of vehicle repairs.

SYNETIQ secures ISO recertifications

Leading vehicle salvage, dismantling and recycling company SYNETIQ has achieved recertification across a number of ISO standards.

The IAA company has been recertified for ISO 27001 for information security management systems, for ISO 9001 for Quality Management, ISO 45001 for Health and Safety and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management.   

BASF unveils green innovations

BASF experts showcased its latest e-mobility innovations at the R-M Refinish Competence Center in France recently, including its Citroen Oli concept car and new materials to enhance electric batteries.

Golden Windscreens adopts Repairify ADAS tech

Repairify has completed the installation of its digital ADAS system at Golden Windscreens, enabling the site to handle forward collision camera, front/rear radar, and 360 camera recalibration in-house.

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 is calling on government to remove all barriers to regulatory reform while at the same time developing a strategy to support private sector investment and innovation.

OUTSORC secures UAE training partnership

OUTSORC is supporting new partners Al Ghandi Auto in developing a new digital core service process for its aftersales teams in the UAE.

The Excellence Programme will enable Al Ghandi Auto management to identify training needs and deliver targeted training and coaching sessions.

Axalta named BMW supplier

Axalta has been named as the exclusive supplier for BMW Group’s private paint label, ColorSystem.

The agreement applies to 15 European countries and South Africa, and also includes BMW’s network of 730 dealerships and collision repair partners.

Cazoo reports record profit per unit and improved cash position

The online car retailer Cazoo has announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2023, showing a significant improvement in its unit economics and cash position.

The company achieved a new record retail gross profit per unit of £1,470 in Q3, up 14% from the previous quarter and 201% from the same period last year.

DS Automobiles integrates ChatGPT

DS Automobiles, the premium brand of Stellantis, has introduced a new feature to its line-up: a digital travel assistant powered by ChatGPT.

The feature, which is integrated with DS IRIS SYSTEM, allows drivers to interact with their cars using voice commands and receive personalised responses.

Fix Auto UK gears up for 2024 conference

Tickets and sponsorship packages are now available for the 2024 Fix Auto UK National Conference, which will take place at The Vox Conference Centre within the National Exhibition Centre complex from 8-9 May.

Silverlake invests in EV storage facilities

Silverlake Automotive Recycling, which is part of the e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management network, has invested in bespoke lithium-ion battery storage containers as part of its fire risk assessment and mitigation strategy.

Mercedes tops SMMT disposal figures

SMMT has published data showing the number of cars disposed of by vehicle manufacturers in September that were defined as pre-registrations.

It found that Mercedes disposed of 647 vehicles with a value of more than £22m, while Nissan disposed of 90 vehicles with a combined value of £2.7m.

LKQ partners International Rescue Committee

LKQ is partnering with the International Rescue Committee, a global non-profit organisation that helps people affected by humanitarian crises. LKQ will directly support the IRC’s work in over 40 crisis-affected countries.

Car output surges in September

UK car manufacturing rose by 39.8% in September to 88,230 vehicles.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) this this is 25,105 more than the same month last year and means the industry has produced 659,901 units year to date – some 14.9% above the same period in 2022.

Steer joins Porsche party

Steer Automotive Group has been invited to help Porsche celebrate its 75th anniversary by taking part in the Porsche Art Challenge. It will showcase its designs and the skills of its technicians.   

Connecting claims through technology

A motor claims journey involves many parties and even more moving parts, meaning the potential for confusion, delays and customer dissatisfaction is high.

However, technology has the capacity to ease the pressure by creating a transparent, integrated ecosystem than links every stakeholder.

Here, CAPS and e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management explain how sharing data with the right people at the right time can cut costs, delight the customer, and even benefit the environment.

People

Thatcham Research has announced key appointments to its engineering team, with Yousif Al-Ani named Principal Engineer – ADAS, and Dan Harrowell Principal Engineer, Advanced Technologies.

Tesla has appointed Craig Rookyard as Body Repair Tooling and Equipment Specialist for European Tesla Bodyshops.

Billy Jemmett has been named Key Account Manager CV for AkzoNobel.

First Central has appointed Ian Pratt as Engineering Manager.

Mark Rimmer has been named Workshop Controller at CARS of Grimsby.

Evolution Repair Group has appointed Helen Wesolowski as new Northern Operations Director.

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