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March 2022 webinARC: Vehicle Technology
In this webinARC we hear from a broad cross-section of the industry to explore the changes taking place with vehicle technology and how repair management is changing to keep pace.
Featuring:
– Andrew Hooker, Head of Technical, Solus Accident Repair Centres
– Franco Iannotta, Bodyshop Development Manager, Volkswagen Group UK
– Phil Peace, Managing Director (International), Repairify Inc
ARC360 unveils brand new event
ARC360 and ILC’s Motor Claims division have joined forces to introduce the Motor Claims Showcase Event at the CBS Arena, Coventry, on 29 June.
More than 400 key persons of influence from the sector will attend the event, which will focus on best practice across the supply chain – specifically the accident damage sector – while offering a host of engagement opportunities from hands-on exhibitions and in-person networking, through to insightful keynote presentations, open panel discussions, ILC key partner insights and much more.
Thatcham Research secures prestigious IMI award
ARC360 Associate Partner Thatcham Research has been recognised by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) for its Outstanding Contribution to the Motor Industry.
It collected the accolade, presented by ITV Lunchtime News presenter Nina Hossain at a gala dinner hosted by the IMI in London on March 17, in recognition of its unwavering support not only for apprentices during the pandemic but also the wider repair sector through its dedicated research and training programmes.
Green light at Driver Academy
Training has commenced at vehicle remarking and recycling experts Copart’s new Driver Academy, which aims to deliver 100 new drivers in the first year alone.
The first part of the three-month course, delivered in association with HGVC, sees drivers shadowing a driver mentor, observing daily duties such as safe loading and unloading from multi-car transporters, before candidates move to practical learning on Copart transports, with off-site tests and assessments.
Verisk and GT Motive announce tech collaboration
Verisk and GT Motive have announced a new technology partnership that will streamline workflows, accelerate claims decisions and reduce manual input. The collaboration will see Verisk integrate its IVI motor repair pricing and triaging solution with GT Motive’s claims calculator.
This is expected to provide rapid assessment of potential total loss and repair costs by allowing the GT Estimate calculation module to be accessed directly from within the Verisk IVI application.
Chartwell sets net zero target
Super brand repairer Chartwell has announced it has started its journey towards net zero operations throughout its Derby-based site. It will be working with Evolution Markets to achieve its targets.
Chartwell is an approved repairer for 12 of the world’s leading super car manufacturers, offering a lifetime repair guarantee.
Shorade confirms LKQ Coatings deal
Shorade UK has announced an exclusive new distribution agreement with LKQ Coatings. The agreement extends to all existing Shorade sites – Shorade Cannock, Finesse Dorking, Finesse Redhill – as well as new sites expected to be announced in the coming months.
Shorade, which has the capacity to handle electric vehicle repairs, ADAS calibration, as well as aluminium and carbon fibre repairs, has said the new distribution agreement will not impact operations or delivery dates.
Smart Repairs launch national recruitment drive
Smart Repairs has announced that it will recruit upwards of 100 technicians this year as it seeks to build on a stellar performance in 2021. Turnover for the Leeds-based company rose from £3m in 2020 to £5m last year, and is expected to reach £7m this year, with profits set to exceed £1m.
The cosmetic repairer has recently acquired a new 18,000sqft freehold premises in Leeds and is now looking to expand within the M25, Essex, the north of England and Scotland.
SMMT welcomes EV grant extension
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has welcomed the government’s decision to extend the Plug-in Van and Truck Grants for a further two years.
Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: “While the van market saw record electric uptake last year, it remains some distance behind cars, with battery electric vans making up just 3.6% of new registrations. The speed of uptake must be increased, therefore, which requires attractive incentives and significant investment in EV charge points especially those that meet the specific needs of commercial vehicles in every region of the UK.”
Good call from NBRA
The NBRA hosted of the first of 10 planned Independent Repairer calls, set up to allow businesses to share experiences and challenges of operating in a post-Covid-19 and post-Brexit marketplace.
The call addressed keys issues such as parts availability, work provision, mobility, sustainability and staffing issues, as well as the influence of work providers continue to have on efficiencies.
Vella Group makes Climate Pledge
The Vella Group has committed to becoming net zero by 2040 after signing up to The Climate Pledge, an international initiative with more than 300 signatories from 29 countries.
As part of the pledge, The Vella Group will report regularly on its emissions, implement businesswide decarbonisation strategies, and offset any remaining emissions with permanent and socially beneficial initiatives.
FMG extends Alphabet partnership
FMG has signed a two-year contract extension with mobility solutions specialists Alphabet, for whom it has provided a full range of incident management services since 2005.
The contract includes 24/7 incident reporting, repair and downtime management as well as uninsured loss recovery for its leasing customers.
US updates autonomous legislation
The US Department for Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has introduced legislation that for the first time directly addresses the safety of occupants in automated vehicles.
The rule clarifies the standards vehicle manufacturers have to meet when developing vehicles with autonomous capabilities, emphasising that the high level of occupant safety provided to traditional vehicles must be maintained in vehicles with ADS technology fitted.
Feature interview: Dean Lander, Thatcham Research
ARC360 Associate Partner Thatcham Research has been at the cutting edge of vehicle technology since it was established in 1969. Occupying a unique position between motor insurers and vehicle manufacturers, its research is critical to helping the sector understand vehicle safety, security and repair.
Here, we speak to Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services, about the fast development of vehicle tech, and the challenges it poses to repairers.
