LKQ Europe supports EU’s Mobility Transition Pathway with landmark technician training pledge

As part of the Mobility Transition Pathway, LKQ Europe has committed to an ambitious training target to support the green and digital transformation of the automotive sector.

The Mobility Transition Pathway launched last February to foster a sustainable, competitive, and innovative mobility ecosystem. In its first round of stakeholder pledges, 45 organisations submitted 80 concrete commitments addressing key transition topics, with LKQ Europe’s technician training programme standing out as a critical and transformative initiative.

Through the dedicated LKQ Academy training division, the company will upskill 24,000 technicians to safely maintain and repair hybrid and electric vehicles across 11 countries by 2028. 

Andy Hamilton, President and Executive Managing Director of LKQ Europe, said, “Our pledge directly contributes to the EU’s vision of a greener, more digital mobility landscape. And more broadly, our pledge will support the future of the automotive aftermarket as it adapts to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world – keeping people and businesses moving safely, affordably and sustainably.”

LKQ’s seven-day Level Four Training Path includes theoretical foundations of hybrid and EV electric components, safety policies for hybrid and EV maintenance and diagnostics, manual de-energising of hybrid and EVs, special control functions, and advanced diagnosis for hybrid and EVs.

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Apprenticeship Central shines a spotlight on VDAs

Apprenticeship Central has highlighted the key role Vehicle Damage Assessors play in a bodyshop’s efficiency and success.

More than just an estimator, the VDA plays a pivotal role as the link between the customer, the repair process, and the business’s bottom line. A skilled VDA doesn’t just contribute to the business; they help define its success.

Profitability through precision: Accurate damage assessments ensure the right repair methods are used, reducing costly errors and maximising profit margins.

Streamlining Workflow: VDAs play a central role in managing the repair process, helping to reduce delays and improve key to key times, which keeps the workshop operating efficiently.

Customer Confidence: VDAs don’t just speak the language of insurers anymore— by providing clear, professional damage reports and estimates, VDAs help build trust with customers, enhancing the overall experience and driving repeat business.

Quality and Compliance: Ensuring repairs meet both safety and quality standards protects not just the vehicle but also the reputation of the bodyshop.

Apprenticeship Central has now urged bodyshops to invest in VDAs through apprenticeships

It said, “There’s a growing recognition of the benefits of developing talent from within through apprenticeship programmes. Apprenticeships aren’t limited to young people – employers can invest in individuals of any age. For apprentices aged 18 and over, businesses only contribute five per cent of the training costs, with the government funding the rest.

“Some of the most effective VDAs have come through apprenticeship programmes later in their careers. These individuals often bring valuable skills from other roles within the industry, accelerating their development.

“Instead of paying expensive recruitment agency fees, investing in an apprenticeship programme for a VDA is a cost-effective alternative. It not only reduces recruitment expenses but also allows businesses to develop talent tailored to business needs, effectively futureproofing a workforce.”

It concluded, “A strong VDA team is fundamental to the efficiency, profitability, and reputation of any bodyshop. Investing in their development, and exploring apprenticeship options as a route to do so, can have a lasting impact on business success.”

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More leading names added to ARC360 conference line-up

Michael Golding, Network Manager, Allianz; Martyn Rowley, Executive Director, NBRA & VBRA Commercial; and Andy Whatmough, Managing Director, S&G Response are three more leading names added to ARC360’s conference line-up. 

More than 20 major insurance brands and over 60 of the sector’s leading repairers have already confirmed their support of ARC360’s 2025 conference which takes place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon. 

The three key additions join previously announced leading influencers: Paul Llewellyn, Head of Claims (Motor), Ageas; Peter Randhawa, Director of ESG & Special Projects, Steer Automotive Group; and Victoria Turner, CEO, National Accident Repair Group all set to take to the stage. 

Titled: ‘A new era – the changing dynamics of a sector’, the event – which will also feature a significant supplier exhibition area – will deliver an understanding of the current market dynamics, the impacts they are having and what it means for the future of business; an insight into what is top of insurer priorities and what solutions you can offer; chance to contribute to how all stakeholders have a role to play in making the industry ‘future fit’; interaction with industry experts on how their specific sectors are evolving and the opportunities it is creating; and the ability to align with the opportunities the future industry will bring. 

Leading insurers already confirmed to attend include:  Ageas Insurance Ltd, Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe, Allianz, Arch Insurance, Aviva Insurance, Broker Direct plc, Collingwood Insurance Services Ltd, Covéa Insurance, Direct Commercial Ltd, Direct Line Group, esure, First Central Services UK Ltd, Hastings Direct, Inshur Inc, LV= General Insurance, Markerstudy Insurance Services Ltd, NFU Mutual, Sabre Insurance plc, Tesco Underwriting, Trinity Claims and Zurich Insurance. 

The event is supported by ARC360 Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Entegral, Enterprise, NWVA, Mirka, S&G Response and Solera Audatex, along with Partners: e2e, Prasco and Repairify; and Vehicle Manufacturer Partner: Stellantis. Event sponsors include Activate Group and Thatcham Research.  

To find out more about the event – including the sponsorship opportunities available and how to purchase tickets – contact Liane on liane@iloveclaims.com 

For a full insight into last year’s occasion, click here to read the Better Tomorrow post-event publication.  

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Truro Accident Repair Centre Manager picks up prestigious motor award

Tony Bird, Accident Repair Centre Manager at Vertu Accident Repair Centre Truro, has been named as Accident Repair Centre Manager of the Year at Vertu 2024 CEO Management Awards. 

He collected the award in recognition of his outstanding performance and leadership after joining the business following the group’s acquisition of Rowes Group.

He was hired with the challenging mandate of getting the site up to speed with all of Vertu’s industry leading systems, alongside gaining British Standard Compliance. Under his leadership, the performance at Truro has exceeded expectations, achieving nearly four-fold growth. 

The CEO Awards celebrate individuals who excel in their roles while embodying Vertu’s core values, setting them apart as outstanding contributors within the company. Nominations are made by the CEO Committee and senior directors, ensuring only the most deserving colleagues are recognised. 

Tony said, “I am absolutely delighted to have received this award. When I joined Vertu Accident Repair Centre Truro, we faced some challenges and a lot of work. But the dedication and resilience of my team, as well as their willingness to learn and do things differently has been incredible. I am so proud of them and how the team has grown professionally and personally.”

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu, added, “Tony’s leadership and relentless drive have been key to the success of the Vertu Accident Repair Centre Truro. His ability to exceed every KPI and build a cohesive, motivated team is truly remarkable. 

“Tony’s journey with us has been nothing short of extraordinary. His determination and strategic vision have been vital. I look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of the Truro centre under his guidance.”

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The Vella Group acquires First National Vehicles

The Vella Group has announced the acquisition of First National Vehicles, which trades as Central Accident Repairs, in Wednesbury, West Midlands.

This new location will become The Vella Group’s 18th site and marks the company’s first acquisition of 2025, following a year of significant expansion in 2024.  Last year’s growth included the acquisition of four new sites and the opening of a purpose-built facility in Manchester East.

The Wednesbury site, located between Wolverhampton, Walsall, West Bromwich and Dudley, is ideally positioned to strengthen The Vella Group’s presence in the region. 

Capable of repairing up to 10 vehicles per day, this 23,000 sqft acquisition represents another milestone in The Vella Group’s strategic growth plan and reinforces its commitment to delivering high-quality accident repair services across the UK.

Marc Holding, Managing Director of The Vella Group, said, We are pleased to be growing our footprint in the Midlands with the addition of First National Vehicles/Central Accident Repair team to The Vella Group.  The location is ideal for bridging the gap between our Stoke, Coventry, Daventry and Leominster sites, enhancing our ability to serve our clients and their policyholders in this key region. We look forward to welcoming the team into The Vella Group and working together to continue delivering exceptional repair services.”

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Solera Audatex hits key growth milestone in 2024

Solera Audatex has announced a significant milestone in its growth and impact on its UK user base.

In 2024 it supported an additional 222 UK repair sites across 187 new customers, averaging more than four new sites per week, enabling greater connectivity across the UK crash-repair supply chain. 

Solera Audatex’s industry-leading technology and software platforms empower insurance companies, repair shops, and other stakeholders to assess vehicle repair costs accurately. Its extensive technical database covers over 30 million vehicles, representing almost all vehicles (99.7%) currently on the UK’s roads. 

The company has also extended its collaborations with leading parts suppliers in the UK including eBay, GPS and Synetiq. By the end of 2024 Solera Audatex has expanded its network to 17 suppliers, helping insurers and bodyshops to formulate effective, right first-time decisions and repair more vehicles.

Chris Wright, Vice President – Northern Europe, said, “In today’s vehicle repair industry, precision and efficiency are essential. Accurate estimates not only ensure proper repairs but also help maintain cost-effectiveness and customer satisfaction – and having access to high quality, accurate and comprehensive data is critical to achieving this. We’re proud to be helping more repairers make more right-first-time decisions, resulting in more vehicle repairs and ultimately creating happier end customers.”

Solera Audatex’s network is also helping increase access to green parts, which are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The repairs industry can benefit commercially from a remarkable 22% in cost savings on green parts compared to new ones and as well as a 70% reduction in sourcing time.

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