Inflationary Insights
Inflation is not a sector-specific challenge; businesses throughout the supply chain have all been facing steepling costs for months.
However, the consequences and coping mechanisms put in place have varied widely.
This was addressed during two sessions, Inflationary Insights Parts One and Two, that were held during the Exclusive Motor Claims Conference at Landing Forty-Two, London.
Enterprise Mobility ushers in new era
Enterprise, a pioneer in mobility solutions for over six decades, has unveiled its new corporate brand: Enterprise Mobility.
As the global leader reaffirms its mobility ambition and looks to partner with others to help shape future experiences, the business is connecting its full portfolio of offerings – car rental, fleet management, flexible vehicle hire, carsharing, vanpooling, car sales, truck rental, vehicle subscription, luxury rental, technology solutions and more – under the new corporate brand.
Sky reports Steer heading towards auction
Sky News has reported Richard Steer, the mastermind behind Steer Automotive Group is working with DC Advisory on the potential sale of a large stake in the company.
Motor Repair Network launches Activate Initiate
Accident management specialists Motor Repair Network has launched Activate Initiate, a new eNOL app to help customers throughout the claims journey.
The app helps to guide the customer through the stages of FNOL, asks them to provide the important information and photographs, and efficiently triages the vehicle and recognises any engineering decisions.
New repair centre partners with WHUFC women
Maldon Accident Repair Centre has become an Official Back of Shorts partner for West Ham United women’s team.
Based in Essex, Maldon Accident Repair Centre is a state-of-the-art crash repair specialist offering services to private individuals, fleet operators, insurance and accident assistance companies and manufacturers.
Thatcham highlights EV challenges
Thatcham Research has highlighted a lack of insight and understanding surrounding high voltage battery condition diagnostics, and detailed repair methods for damaged EVs as the most pressing concerns during the shift towards electrification.
Thatcham Research states the uncertainty has led to inflated insurance premiums and has even resulted in some providers opting out of covering EVs altogether. Adrian Watson, Head of Engineering at Thatcham Research, said, “We must understand whether the battery has been compromised or damaged post incident. What we need at the moment is clarity on the tools required to perform appropriate battery diagnostic.”
Chinese manufacturers achieve five-star Euro NCAP
Euro NCAP has revealed three Chinese electric family cars: the BYD Seal, XPENG P7 and the BYD Dolphin have all achieved five-star ratings.
According to Euro NCAP ‘all three have achieved Euro NCAP’s highest star rating, with little to choose between them, particularly in the areas of adult and child crash protection. All three are well-equipped with an impressive range of safety technologies, including lane and speed assistance.’
ITAS partners with IAEA
ITAS has partnered with The Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors (IAEA) to create a new era of modernisation and efficiency.
The partnership aims to enhance IAEA’s services; deliver extended value; increase and secure membership numbers; and provide a fresh approach to its operations; online training and CPD content; and partnership opportunities.
ACG marks record growth with move
Accident Credit Group (ACG) Ltd, a leading funding partner for the accident repair and credit hire sectors, has relocated to new offices following a record year of growth.
ACG Operations Director, Ian Budsworth. “The joint efforts by every part of the business have resulted in this incredible milestone, and we’re excited to see what the next chapter has in store for us”.
Thatcham Research welcomes work experience
Thatcham Research recently welcomed 24 young people to its family work experience day at its Berkshire HQ.
The young visitors took part in a carousel of activities across Thatcham Research’s sites including: witnessing a live crash test followed by a post-impact walk around assessment; demonstrations of car security; hands-on virtual spraybooth simulator; demonstration of safe driving and active safety technology, assisted driving, and automated parking; and some were also given insight into the work of our recruitment and data teams.
Seventy-eight per cent of attendees said following the event they would consider a career in automotive research.
Rivian opens Dusseldorf centre
Rivian has opened its first Service Center in Düsseldorf, Germany.
The centre is strategically located two hours from Rivian’s EU Parts Distribution Centre in the Netherlands and will focus on servicing EDV’s for its Amazon partners and around the city.
The 34,000sqft features five two post lifts, alignment rack, ADAS, office and lounge space.
The Düsseldorf Service Center will be joined by several other German based Service Centers including locations in Munich and Berlin.
Entegral enabling frictionless claims
Frictionless claims and repairs is a priority for insurers, repairers and drivers alike: Entegral explained to delegates at ILC’s ClaimsTech Live 2023 event how its suite of products are helping to make it a reality.
IMI Diversity Task Force launches toolkit
As part of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Diversity Task Force’s commitment to supporting more inclusive workplaces, a new Neurodiversity Awareness in the Workplace Toolkit has been launched.
The toolkit provides crucial information, advice and guidance and lived experiences from automotive people to help educate and raise awareness about neurodiversity in the workplace.
Britain’s manufacturers have best September since 2020
Manufacturing figures grew by 39.8% in September with nearly 90,000 vehicles leaving factory production lines in Britain. This makes September the most successful month for growth since September 2020, according to The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
That being said, the tariff-free trade deal with the EU requires crucial maintenance for EVs. The bilateral trade is at risk due to costs of EV batteries that could harm the competitiveness of both UK exports and EU imports. This could potentially raise the average cost of EVs by £3,600.
Synetiq secures ISO recertifications across the board
Synetiq shows their commitment to the highest standards of health and safety, environmental management, quality management and information security management.
“As a leader in the vehicle recycling industry, protecting our client, customer and policyholder data is essential to how we operate,” said UK Managing Director for IAA and SYNETIQ CEO Tom Rumboll. “We are equally proud to achieve recertification for ISO 9001, which highlights our commitment to ensuring we supply our customers and clients with high quality products and services every time.”
eBay UK shed a light on potential fines this winter
While drivers are not obligated to bring spare bulbs on their journeys, waiting one to two weeks before changing a blown bulb could now cause a £100. Reports from eBay UK have stated in the worst case, this could also be challenged and raised to £1,000 in court.
Eatron Technologies foresee battery failure
In utilising artificial intelligence (AI), Eatron Technologies have been able to recognise potential battery failures in EVs before they occur. This could not only help to schedule service visits sooner but also affect the way in which the battery is managed to prevent further damage.
People
HB Accident Repair Network has appointed Steven Gilligan as Group Production Manager.
Rik Green has been appointed as Total Loss Repair Consultant at Solus Accident Repair Centres.
Karen Jakes has started a new position as Group Product Manager – Automotive & Repair at Thatcham Research.
