Event to set out path ahead for sector
The future of the vehicle repair sector is set to be unveiled at ARC360’s forthcoming ‘future vehicle technology’ themed event, taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.
The specialist event is sponsored by Activate Group and Thatcham Research along with Stellantis which will host the ‘Stellantis Zone’ on the day featuring a number of its latest models.
Bodyshop Briefs
- Gemini ARC marked Mental Health Awareness Week by broadcasting a special edition of the Gemini Way Podcast with Rachel Clift, Health and Wellbeing Director at Ben.
- Fix Auto Harlow was crowned Fix Auto UK’s Bodyshop of the Year at the network’s 2024 National Conference. Meanwhile, Fix Auto Sandhurst was named Admiral Insurance Bodyshop of the Year and Fix Auto UK ESG Bodyshop of the Year.
- DLG Auto Services has transitioned all of its 23 sites to the new BS 10125:2022 standard.
- Ipswich Accident Repair Centre has collected the BMW Approved Bodyshop Customer Satisfaction Recognition award for March.
- Komoo Huddersfield has secured BS10125:2022 certification.
- ARC Coachworks has transitioned to the new BS10125:2022 standard.
Industry News
Repair costs and volumes both up in April
The latest data from ARC360 Associate Partner Trend Tracker has revealed that repair costs in April were up 4.7% on the same month last year, while repair volumes showed a 13% increase – although they remain just below levels seen in April 2019 (97%).
The data also found that cycle times in April were 14% down on April 2023, with lead times and key-to-key times down by 12%.
Ageas hosts sustainability workshop for repairers
Ageas has hosted a ‘sustainable motor repairs workshop’ to promote more environmentally-friendly practices within its repair network.
The focus of the day was promoting repair over replace, and the wider adoption of green parts in repair.
Court backs wider access to VM data
A court ruling in Germany has backed up a previous decision by the European Court of Justice that ensures wider access to technical vehicle manufacturer data for the independent automotive aftermarket.
The Regional Court of Cologne found in favour of Automotive Data Publishers Association member Belron in a decision which aims to promote fair competition in the industry.
Euro NCAP unveils Truck Safe test protocols
Euro NCAP has released new test protocols that will support the framework for its new Truck Safe rating scheme.
The Truck Safe rating scheme will enable industry to accurately assess the safety levels of its fleets.
BASF backs WorldSkills with Glasurit brand
BASF will support WorldSkills Lyon 2024 as exclusive sponsor of the Car Painting category, providing its premium refinish paint brand Glasurit to competitors.
S&G Response enhances engineering quality
S&G Response has underlined the benefits it can offer companies who outsource their engineering provisions.
This includes fast turnaround times, improved service quality, reduced costs and seamless integration of reports into existing systems.
Mirka announces 20% upgrade
Mirka has upgraded its DEROS and DEOS orbital sanders with a long-life electric motor that delivers up to 20% more sanding power.
The tools also feature a new LED indicator to help the operator adjust the sanding speed, as well as a new on/off button and lockable speed function.
Enterprise on target for charity
Nearly £20,000 has so far been raised by Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s inaugural five-a-side charity football tournament in support of Insurance United Against Dementia.
Taking place on 9 May at Goals for Birmingham, the tournament saw 16 teams compete to raise money for a worthy cause.
IMI turns to Morelli
Morelli’s Eyebox Training & Conference Centre is hosting national qualifying rounds for the Institute of Motor Industry’s Body Repair and Refinishing Skills Competition this week.
New report calls for skills policy rethink
A report by cross-party think tank Policy Connect, ‘Skills 2030: Building a World Class Skills System’, has urged the next parliament to reform skills policy to ensure the country has a future-proofed workforce.
It calls for further investment in training and education, and removing barriers for young learners.
Stellantis expands parts range
Stellantis has expanded its Eurorepar parts range to include bumpers. The range will initially launch for brands such as Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall vehicles, with plans to exceed 100 product variants, once all brands are launched.
ACG goes live with new site
ACG has unveiled its new website to announce a new digital era at the company. The new site is intended to encourage wider engagement with customers and future talent.
Markerstudy unveils Sustainable Supply Chain Charter
Markerstudy is inviting suppliers to demonstrate their commitment to its sustainability targets by signing its new Sustainable Supply Chain Charter.
The charter is the first part of Markerstudy’s Sustainable Supply Chain Programme, which will benchmark suppliers via third-party assessments and then support them in making the necessary improvements.
Mental health concerns driving people away from automotive
One in seven automotive workers are considering leaving the industry for financial reasons and strain on their mental health.
This is according to a new survey by automotive charity Ben, which found that 27% of the 1,872 respondents had challenges managing their mental health in the last 12 months, with stress (56%), poor sleep (51%), anxiety (43%), and low mood (41%) the main issues.
Sales tick up for 21st straight month
Car sales edged up by one per cent in April to 134,274 units, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), with plug-in hybrids up 22.1% and BEVs increasing by 10.7%.
Demand for new light commercial vehicles rose 5.4% to 23,889 units, while the UK’s used car market rose by 6.5% to 1,967,923 units in the first quarter and heavy goods sales fell by 3.9% to 11,068 units.
Businesses call for government support towards net zero
BSI’s fourth annual Net Zero Barometer has found that 96% of UK businesses want government support to help them reach net zero targets, with 48% saying cost is the main obstacle.
It found that 35% have not set targets to achieve net zero by 2050, while 23% don’t believe they will.
RWC hosts training day
RWC Training hosted a hands-on training day for Level 2 and 3 motor vehicle students from Bedford College recently, exposing them to technologies not covered in the course such as hybrid and EVs, ADAS calibration, and new welding techniques.
VM News
Stellantis leads Leapmotor International
Stellantis and Leapmotor has received regulatory approval to establish Leapmotor International, a 51/49 Stellantis-led venture that will introduce a range of EVs into Europe from September, expanding through Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America thereafter.
Leapmotor International has been created after Stellantis acquired a 21% stake in Leapmotor, a leading Chinese EV start-up, last year.
Honda sets steep EV targets
Honda has announced plans to make EVs 40% of all global sales by 2030 with more than two million units produced.
This is an interim target as it moves towards 100% EV sales by 2040.
Van drivers tempted by EV switch
New research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has found that 67% of UK van drivers believe an EV would suit their business needs, with 52% thinking it would be more cost-effective than a petrol or diesel equivalent.
XPENG begins international expansion
Chinese EV manufacture XPENG Motors has launched into Europe with the G9 and G6 models now available in France. The move is a milestone in the brand’s international expansion strategy.
NIO unveils new EV brand
NIO has introduced its new smart electric brand ONVO with the launch of its first product, the L60.
Available to market from the third quarter, the L60 is a mid-size family SUV that can achieve a range of over 1,000km with an ultra long-range battery.
JLR reports record revenues and profits
Jaguar Land Rover has reported record annual revenues of £29bn for the last financial year, with profits of £2.2bn.
This follows fourth quarter revenues of £7.9bn and profits of £661m.
People
- Direct Line Group has named Lucy Johnson as Managing Director of Motor, while Dhruv Gahlaut has been appointed Chief Strategy and Investor Relations Officer.
- Nick Risbey has been appointed Director at R&G Accident Repairs.
- Fix Auto Hereford has appointed Kevin Dunlop as Managing Director.
