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March 2022 webinARC: Technology (vehicle)
In this webinARC we explore the ever-evolving and rapidly developing world of vehicle technology and explore what it means for incident vehicle management across the supply chain.
NBRA details repairer challenges
The body repair industry is ‘under a great deal of pressure from all sides’ according to the NBRA’s latest market update.
In the repairer market comment January 2022, Chris Weeks, director of the NBRA said detailed how repairers are ‘struggling’ with lead times being stretched.
He pointed to a recent survey of its members which estimates approx 100,000 damaged vehicles are currently waiting to be brought in for repairs. Across the market, driveable vehicles are taking over five weeks longer to get booked in than they were pre-pandemic.
Hills Group continues green parts expansion
Hills Group has expanded into the south-west with the acquisition of a new parts delivery hub in Gloucestershire.
The move, one year on since its expansion into Scotland, will allow Hills and the Green Parts Specialists to despatch freight in bulk to the new facility overnight from its headquarters in Skelmersdale, ready for delivery across the south of the UK the very next day.
Feature Interview: Kelvyn Waugh, Prasco UK
The supply of parts is now arguably the greatest single challenge facing the automotive incident repair aftermarket today.
Here, we speak to Kelvyn Waugh, managing director of Prasco UK, to find out how he is investing in technology, training and partnerships to streamline operations and ensure service and deliveries to customers around the UK remains as efficient as ever.
INSHUR seeks internal solution
INSHUR has launched a new in-house claims solution which it says will enable it to manage the entire value chain without the need to outsource. The technology-led solution provides a supportive and transparent journey for customers and will control claims costs, allowing savings to be passed on to policyholders.
The development is part of the company’s wider strategy of delivering fair and simple insurance.
Chartwell scoops prestigious Bentley award
Chartwell of Derby has been named Bentley Bodyshop of the Year 2021. The prestigious award underscores Chartwell’s position as the UK’s leading super-brand bodyshop, providing quality service to a long list of supercar manufacturers.
The company said, “It was wonderful to see the attention to detail and passion for Bentley that everyone showed.”
ABL opens another LV= sole site
ABL 1 Touch Group has cut the ribbon on its 17th site. Based in Rayleigh, the LV sole site strengthens its ties with the insurer and continues its strategy of growth.
Michael Golding, LV= Network Manager, said, “It’s great to have another sole site.”
ABL 1 Touch is an award-winning repair group based in the South East and Midlands, with approvals for a many of the UK’s leading insurers and vehicle manufacturers.
Redde Northgate celebrates awards treble
Redde Northgate companies Auxillis, FMG and FMG Repair Services have collectively won the Supplier of the Year Award at Admiral Group’s ‘Manager Awards 2021’.
The awards recognise companies who have ‘demonstrated their commitment in working together to ensure Admiral is getting the very best in service provisions for their customers.’
Rob Harper, Head of Claims Business Support, Admiral Group Plc, said: “Congratulations to all three companies for winning our prestigious Supplier of the Year Award.”
Fuel prices hit new high
As anticipated, fuel prices in the UK have hit a record high with petrol soaring to 148.02p a litre and diesel up to 151.57p a litre. These new highs exceed the prices previously reached in November, and have been blamed on rising wholesale prices.
Meanwhile, exacerbating the squeeze on UK motorists, figures from the Office for National Statistics revealed that UK wage growth is still lagging behind the rising cost of living. In real terms, wages fell 0.8% between October and December.
Top marks for Fiat in safety ratings
Thatcham Research and Euro NCAP have announced the results of the world’s only Commercial Van Safety Rating programme, which was introduced last year due to concerns that safety-critical equipment on new cars was not being made available on vans.
The results found that FIAT is the manufacturer that has raised its game the most since the first batch of test results were released, with its Ducato improving from a safety score of 28% to 88%, which makes it the first van ever to receive a Platinum rating.
SMMT publishes EV action plan
The UK automotive industry has published a new seven-point plan to ensure the switch to electric vehicles is not undermined by a lagging charging infrastructure.
The plan, published by the SMMT, urges greater collaboration between government and industry to provide a charging network that is fit for purpose.
Among the measures being called for is a national strategy that is locally managed, greater investment in public chargers, binding targets around chargepoint numbers, and support for electricity networks to ensure they can cope with EV demand.
Scramble for skills intensifies
Skills is the number one challenge facing businesses today, while communication and collaboration with partners is the best way to overcome this and other challenges.
That was the message from the second ARC360 webinar of 2022, hosted in association with I Love Claims.
The session, which addressed the operational issues facing the industry post-pandemic, featured panellists: Harry Abraham, Operations Director, Halo ARC; Jeff Mack, National Account Manager, NWVA; Jane Pocock, Managing Director, Copart UK; and Robert McWilliams, Approved Repairer Vendor Manager, UKGI Claims, Zurich Insurance.
