EV exposure increasing according to ARC360 poll
Nearly seven in 10 respondents to a live poll conducted during ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology event cited their exposure to EV claims was now moderate or high.
Bodyshop Briefs
- Steer Automotive Group has announced the acquisition of Gemini Accident Repair Centres, furthering its mission to provide unparalleled automotive repair services across the UK. This acquisition includes all 38 sites of Gemini, expanding Steer’s footprint from Edinburgh to Cornwall.
- Fix Auto Coalville has celebrated its 50th anniversary after being founded by Roger Billett in 1974.
- Scottish vehicle repair centre Anderson Clark Motor Repairs will now be run by its employees after being sold to a newly-formed trust.
- Fylde Coast ARC has passed its unannounced BSI Kitemark audit with flying colours.
Industry News
Stellantis repair network joins NBRA
Stellantis has announced that its entire accident repair network has joined the NBRA.
This significant development brings Stellantis and its accident repair programme, representing nine of the 14 global brands in the UK, into a formal association with the NBRA.
Motor premiums up 34% in a year
New data has revealed that the average quoted price of car insurance rose by 34% in the year to May. This is according to the latest Consumer Intelligence Car Insurance Price Index.
GSR2 makes ADAS mandatory from 7 July
The European Union’s New Vehicle General Safety Regulation (GSR2) comes into effect on 7 July, making a number of ADAS features mandatory in vehicles.
These include Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW), and Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS).
Copart unveils Chelmsford Operation Centre
Copart UK has opened a new Operation Centre in Chelmsford, Essex. The new 30-acre site is part of an ongoing expansion strategy with further announcements to come.
Falling capacity creating bottlenecks
Falling capacity in the refurbishment sector is hitting remarketing, creating substantial bottlenecks in preparing cars and vans for sale, according to the Vehicle Remarketing Association.
Irish motor insurance damage costs soar 126%
The cost of Irish motor insurance claims rose 126% to £160m in the first half of 2023.
Drivers reminded to check insurance
Motor Insurers’ Bureau is reminding drivers to check their vehicle is properly insured, after a YouGov study showed 10% of the British public are not aware that it is compulsory for any vehicle used on a public road.
Silverlake hosts Brazilian recycling delegation
Silverlake hosted nine members of the Brazilian Automotive Recycling Association recently to showcase UK best practice around vehicle recycling.
The tour covered all aspects of automotive recycling including processing vehicles for auction or dismantling for reclaimed parts.
Stella partners with global leader in automotive solutions Assurant
Stella has announced a strategic partnership with Assurant, a global leader in insurance solutions. This collaboration aims to redefine automotive cover with a focus on delivering tailored insurance solutions specifically for women.
SYNETIQ colleagues scale Three Peaks for charity
Colleagues at SYNETIQ, an IAA company and one of the UK’s leading integrated vehicle salvage, dismantling, and recycling companies, have completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, raising over £4,000 for suicide prevention charity ANDYSMANCLUB.
Why skills are critical to the future mobility debate
IMI CEO Steve Nash was part of one of a high-profile panel discussion on skills. He formed part of the Auto manufacturing and skills: reshaping the industry in the electric image session at Move.
Tradex joins the IFB’s fraud-fighting membership
Tradex Insurance Company has joined the Insurance Fraud Bureau membership to play a key role in the industry’s collective fight against fraud.
Car sales pass million mark for 2024
New car sales topped a million units in the first half of the year for the first time since 2019, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Sales in June rose by 1.1% to take total sales so far in 2024 to 1,006,763 units. Meanwhile, the UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market fell for the first time in June after 17 successive months of growth.
Onyx unveils new BMS
Onyx has launched a new bodyshop management system that streamlines workflows and automates core processes like estimating, job scheduling, and parts ordering. It has been developed specifically to address the challenges of legacy systems.
Ben adds details to flagship fundraising events
Automotive charity Ben has announced more details surrounding its two flagship fundraising events, Ben’s Big Breakfast and Ben Ball.
Motor Ombudsman’s Knowledge Base viewed over 170,000 times
The Motor Ombudsman’s online Knowledge Base, the reference tool designed to provide consumers with responses to queries on car ownership, vehicle maintenance and dispute resolution, has seen a rise in usage during the second quarter of 2024.
Final whistle blows on Plunkys All Stars
The final Plunkys All Stars charity match raised more than £26,000 for its three charities Norkfolk and Waveney Mind, East Anglian Air Ambulance, and the Fire Fighters Charity.
The annual matches, the brainchild of industry stalwart Steve Plunkett, have been played for more than a decade now, raising over £119,000 collectively for valuable causes.
MAHLE Powertrain expands dedicated hydrogen powertrain testing capabilities
MAHLE Powertrain is expanding its Northampton facility to include a dedicated hydrogen powertrain testing capability. The capacity to hold two tube-trailers on-site with rapid switch-over functionality between them will ensure a near-continuous supply of hydrogen.
VM News
Stellantis joins with CEA to pursue next-generation battery cell technology
Stellantis and CEA, one of the world’s most innovative research institutions, have announced a new, five-year collaboration that targets in-house design of next-generation battery cells for electric vehicles.
Geotab and BYD Trucks Europe announce integration
Geotab has announced an integration of its European-based fleet management solutions with BYD Trucks Europe. This collaboration provides BYD Trucks Europe with a robust fleet management solution across Europe.
Commercial Van safety performance improving significantly
The latest Euro NCAP Commercial Van ratings show a significant improvement in the performance of ADAS available on commercial vans. Seven of the tested vehicles (40%) received Euro NCAP’s Commercial Van Platinum rating and performed substantially better than the EU General Safety Regulation.
Toyota to host IAATI conference
Toyota will host the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators UK Branch national vehicle crime conference on 9-10 July at its manufacturing plant in Derbyshire, underscoring it’s commitment to combating vehicle crime.
Rimac unveils Verne EV
Rimac has shifted from hypercars to autonomous transportation with the unveiling of Verne, a new electric, autonomous fleet of taxis to be launched in Zagreb in 2026.
People
- LKQ Corporation has appointed Justin Jude as its new President and CEO.
- Motor Insurers Bureau has named Angus Easton as CEO.
- Mark Whiting has been appointed Bodyshop Assistant Manager at Dick Lovett Group.
- Michael Massey has been named Head of Technical Capability & Innovation at FMG Repair Services.
- The IMI has announced a strategic transition of its executive team, with Kevin Finn stepping in as Executive Chair during the transition, Azlina Bulmer as Managing Director and Simon Barrell as Chief Financial Officer.
- Aston Barclay Vehicle Remarketing has appointed Eddie Thomson as Chief Operating Officer.
- Adam Wood is appointed Managing Director Renault brand UK and Country Head Renault Group UK, replacing Guillaume Sicard.
