Last chance to join…
Less than a week to go until ARC360’s return to face-to-face events. Taking place at the British Motor Museum, Warwickshire the Back to the Future themed event includes a great speaker line-up; the opportunity to have your say via our audience interaction app; networking with industry peers; the chance to discuss the latest products and services with our exhibitors; and the option to explore the World’s largest collection of historic British cars within the museum.
Copart confirms further expansion
Vehicle remarketing and recycling company Copart is developing a new 68-acre Super Centre in East Anglia. Situated just north of Bury St Edmunds, it will become the largest vehicle storage and processing centre in the UK.
It is expected to be operational by the end of 2022, providing between 100 and 120 jobs, including new apprenticeships.
EV penetration well short of green targets
Electric vehicle uptake is just a third of what it needs to be in order to reach the goals set by COP26. EV registrations grew 41% in 2020 compared to a fall in the overall vehicle market, but that is a long way short of environmental targets.
Jonathan Hewett, Chief Executive of Thatcham Research, pointed to IEA data which suggests that at the current growth rate EVs will represent just seven per cent of the global car parc by 2030, barely a third of the 20% target of the Paris Agreement.
NBRA calls for urgent action
NBRA’s latest market comment has highlighted the continued challenges faced by the automotive aftermarket following Covid-19 and called for a series of immediate steps to ease the pressures they are feeling.
They include removing parts discounts from repairer contracts and allowing the use of approved non-OE parts and green-recycled where appropriate, and removing or reducing paint discounts from repairer contracts.
The trade association has urged insurers, accident management companies and fleet owners to establish a working group to bring about these changes.
IMI warns of imminent EV skills shortage
The Institute of the Motor Industry has warned that the automotive industry will be short of 37,500 electric vehicle technicians by 2030. It has calculated that 90,000 automotive technicians will be required to serve the volume of zero emissions vehicles predicted to be on UK roads by 2030 – the government’s Road to Zero deadline.
But while the automotive sector is working hard to retrain and upskill, the IMI expects the EV skills gaps to materialise in 2026.
NBRA welcomes Premier Group
The NBRA has announced that Premier Group is the latest organisation to become a member.
Premier Group owner Phil Ashley said, “There has never been a better time join our industry-leading association. The technology we see on a day-to-day basis is incredible and is growing so fast. For us to be able to keep up with these changes we are investing in more training and more equipment which all come at a very large cost. Unfortunately, we can’t keep soaking up these costs and things must change, this is where NBRA can help.”
Castle Coachworks secures VWG approval
Northampton-based Castle Coachworks has secured Volkswagen Group approval, achieving 100% in its latest crash repair centre audit.
The audits check all aspects of business from parts and repair methods to tooling, staff training, working environment and customer satisfaction.
Cazoo expansion continues
Cazoo’s growth strategy has continued apace with two new major collaborations.
It has agreed a long-term partnership with Ogilvie Fleet to provide end of life vehicle solutions, and has also acquired Swipcar, Spain’s leading consumer car subscription marketplace, for €30m. Swipcar has recently launched in Italy and Portugal and the acquisition is part of Cazoo’s long-term plan to expand through southern Europe.
Vella Group becomes Living Wage employer
The Vella Group has announced that it is now an accredited member of the Living Wage Foundation, meaning it has committed to being a Living Wage employer. The Real Living Wage is calculated on the basic cost of living and, at £9,50ph, exceeds the UK government’s National Living Wage.
Helen Driscoll, Head of HR at The Vella Group, said, “The leadership team has always had a real belief in wanting to be an ethical business, and one in which everyone has the opportunity to develop and earn a decent living.”
Industry leaders launch Christmas campaign
Five insurance claims industry leaders are joining forces to help make sure that foodbanks are fully stocked this Christmas. The group consists of Donna Scully from Carpenters Group, Kate Goodwin of Innovation Group, Ruth Moring-Beale from Morelli Group, Dan Chesney from Onyx PDA and Andy Whatmough from S&G Response.
They have named Friday, 17 December as ‘Donations Day’, and are urging everyone in the sector to support their campaign, ‘Every Little Bit Extra Helps’, by donating to local foodbanks, and sharing their efforts on social media with the hashtag #ELBEH.
AW Repair celebrates new talent
The latest group of AW Repair Group apprentices have begun their leaning at Thatcham Research Academy. The new cohort, which will follow the Thatcham MET Apprentice pathway, were signed up following the AW Apprentice Showcase in October.
Meanwhile, the group has launched a series of short films, AW – A Career for Life, highlighting the variety of roles within the company. The docuseries focuses on individuals within AWG, from new joiners to seasoned heads of departments.
Ben calls for further support
Ben is hoping to raise at least £500,000 though its new Christmas Appeal. The automotive charity has seen a 147% increase in demand for its services during 2021, with issues ranging from mental and physical health to poverty, domestic abuse, homelessness and more.
However, with many of this year’s fundraising events falling victim to cancellation, the charity is asking businesses to pledge support for those industry colleagues and their families who may be struggling.
ILC fundraising to break £1m barrier
ILC is set to take its fundraising efforts for the Rainbow Trust beyond the £1m barrier when it hosts the much-anticipated 2022 ILC Motor Claims Networking Lunch on 21 January.
The ‘must-attend’ event of the motor claims industry calendar will include all the elements that has made it such a success over the past 11 years, but with even more fanfare as it celebrates its landmark support of its chosen charity. https://arc360.co.uk/ben-urges-industry-to-tap-into-giving-spirit/
