The EV impact on engineering and skills
The rise and rise of electric vehicles has already brought about a fundamental change to the industry, with repair processes and skills now seemingly in a constant race to catch up according to Adrian Watson, Head of Engineering, and Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services from Thatcham Research.
EMCC set for high level insights
ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference (EMCC) 2023 will explore the key areas impacting the motor insurance claims sector through the lens of a variety of key industry stakeholders.
IMI report reveals worrying training dip
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has published a new report highlighting the dip in training and education across the automotive industry since the pandemic.
Its research has found that automotive apprentices have risen 12% so far this year, but are still eight per cent below 2019/2020 levels and 31% below what they were in 2018/2019.
Further, it has found a seven per cent drop in vocational qualifications compared to last year.
Enterprise tackles US skills gap
Enterprise Holdings is tackling the skills gap in America by announcing that the Metropolitan Community College in Nebraska will now offer its Collision Engineering Programme (CEP).
CEP is now available in seven educational institutions across the US as Enterprise tackles the expected shortfall of 110,000 technicians by 2026.
Enterprise expands rental network
Enterprise has cut the ribbon on a new rental branch. Based in Dagenham, the new site will create five new jobs, including three graduate trainees.
Galaxy stars in Mirka product range
Mirka has unveiled its new self-sharpening Galaxy abrasive tool, which enables technicians to sand faster and longer and comes with a clog-resistant coating and multi-fit hole configuration eliminates dust.
Solera Global launches AI-powered triage solution
Solera Global has unveiled a new intelligent triage solution that helps claims handlers immediately assess whether a damaged vehicle is repairable or not.
The AI-powered solution delivers early identification of total losses and vehicles that are unsafe to drive, as well as a streamlined triage process and compatibility with any estimating platform.
Meanwhile, Audatex has announced the latest AudaEnterpriseGold data release, adding 12 new and 83 updated model sheets to the vehicle database.
Brand success for Fix Auto UK partners
Fix Auto UK has announced that four franchise partners have secured Toyota and Lexus vehicle approval.
Fix Auto Leicester, Fix Auto Mid Devon, its sister site in Newton Abbot, and Fix Auto Slough have all completed the manufacturers’ stringent compliance process.
Autocraft completes £250,000 solar investment
Autocraft Telford has completed a £250,000 investment into solar energy.
It has installed a 216kW solar power system on the roof of its 25,000 sqft headquarters in Shropshire which is expected to reduce electricity costs by up to 70%.
Doseley Motors celebrates 18th JLR birthday
Doseley Motors has retained its JLR approval for the 18th consecutive year after passing its VM audit. It achieved a score of 94%, underlining its commitment to meeting the brand’s exacting repair and training standards.
Fix Auto Harlow investment yields instant rewards
Fix Auto Harlow has seen a 40% increase in productivity after securing a new 5,000 sqft site alongside its existing facility.
The new unit has been fitted out with an additional spraybooth, improving workflow to support productivity growth to more than 110 vehicles a month.
CMA approves Copart/Hills deal
The Competition and Markets Authority has officially given the green light to Copart’s acquisition of Hills Motors.
In May it launched an investigation into the proposed deal, fearing a lessening of competition in the UK market for vehicle salvage services.
Leading brands create new support hub
Eight leading automotive brands have merged expertise to create 1TEC Auto Hub to support the repair sector with training and advice.
LKQ Euro Car Parts, TMD Friction Group, Shell, Clarios, Valeo, MPM, Schaeffler, ZF are working together to deliver the ‘next generation of workshop concept’, providing technical data, business support and dedicated support.
IMI launches automotive awareness campaign
The Institute of the Motor Industry has launched a new campaign to promote the industry to the next generation and debunk some of the myths around the sector.
It will use real stories from real people in the industry to highlight the varied career opportunities that exist.
Used EV values comparable to ICE models
Aston Barclay has reported that the price of some used EVs are now comparable to their ICE equivalents after revealing that used EV values dropped 1.4% in the second quarter of 2023.
Average prices decreased to £22,100, with an average age and mileage of 30 months and 22,128 miles.
JLR confirms £4bn investment in UK gigafactory
Jaguar Land Rover owners Tata Group has confirmed it will develop a new EV battery gigafactory in Somerset.
The site represents an investment of £4bn and is expected to create upwards of 9,000 additional jobs.
Magnificent seven for Genesis
Genesis Motor UK has appointed seven new retail partners to complement its existing Genesis studios and online services.
They are Ancaster Group, Arnold Clark, Hendy Group, Holdcroft Group, Pendragon, Richmond Motor Group and Sinclair Group, with representatives from each attending the prestigious Genesis Scottish Open last week for an official signing ceremony.
New guide helps fleets meet ULEZ compliance
Shoreham Vehicle Auctions (SVA) has launched a commercial vehicle disposal guide to help fleets optimise their residual values as they transition towards a ULEZ compliant fleet.
The guide helps fleets set the correct reserves and points out the benefits of offering vehicles to an open market across both physical and online channels.
Allianz apprentices join SYNETIQ
SYNETIQ has welcomed three Allianz Insurance apprentices to its Doncaster headquarters.
They will spend a few days on site working with the SYNETIQ teams to follow the salvage journey once a vehicle arrives on site.
Motor premiums soar 40%
Comprehensive car insurance premiums have rocketed by 40% in a year, according to the Confused.com Car Insurance Price Index in association with WTW.
Average policies have climbed £222 in 12 months to £776, with drivers aged 17-20 seeing policies soar by £903 to £2,414, representing a rise of 60%.
People
Chris Setz has started a new position as Chief Commercial Officer at WhoCanFixMyCar.
Georgia Brown has been appointed Network Relationship Programme Manager at LKQ Corporation.
Marshalls Motor Group has named Garry Winckley as Group Aftersales Director.
Laird has appointed Adam Fletcher as Desktop Engineer.
