Bodyshop Briefs
- Ipswich Accident Repair Centre Ltd has completed a seamless install of Glasurit 100 Line. The latest install by BASF provide Ipswich ARC with the most advanced and award winning refinish basecoat paint technology. Read more
- HB Accident Repair Network has collected the keys to its brand-new bodyshop site, located in the heart of the North West. This new 16,000sqft facility will service customers across Liverpool, Merseyside, Cheshire, and the Wirral.
- Gemini Accident Repair Centres Ltd first Toolbox fundraiser in support of the Ben Automotive Industry Charity has successfully raised £1,090
- SMART Bodyshop Solutions has secured a 10-year lease on an industrial unit in the Wyre Forest with the support of Worcestershire’s commercial property consultancy, GJS Dillon.
- Solus has opened a new state of the art facility in Exeter.
- Three Sixty Alloys has installed Entegral Eclipse marking the beginning of a new partnership.
- KC Autos has achieved a 100% pass during its recent BSI10125:2022 audits.
- Steer Automotive Group apprentices have just completed an Advanced Paint Development Training Course, honing their skills and preparing for future success in the automotive industry.
- With the recent flooding across the UK, Revive has warned of the dangers of aquaplaning and highlighted the need to check the condition of tyres. Read more
Industry News
New Vehicle Risk Rating model launching to help insurers keep pace with new and emerging vehicle risks
Thatcham Research, the insurer funded global leader in automotive risk intelligence, announces the launch of the new Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) system to improve the accuracy of vehicle insurability assessments. Developed with the motor insurance industry, this new model introduces a more comprehensive and dynamic framework for evaluating vehicle risks, evolving the longstanding Group Rating system. Read more
Sharing vehicle data: let’s not reinvent the wheel
There are over 20 existing EU regulations governing the sharing of data from connected vehicles. These rules already allow consumers full control over their data while providing a fair and balanced system for third-party access. Despite the current load of regulations, the EU is gearing up to introduce yet another one. Read more
Copart Recognised for Setting the Standard for Roadside Safety
Copart has received the IVR Roadside Safety Award 2024 in recognition of our commitment and innovative approach to training, setting standards, and leading by example when it comes to roadside safety. Read more
BSI launches Flex 1886 v2.0
BSI has introduced the second version of BSI Flex 1886 System aspects for remote operation of vehicles – Guide. This updated guide offers practical insights on developing and managing remote operation systems for automated vehicles on public roads and in public spaces. Read more
NWVA welcomes more charity sponsors
AirPro Diagnostics, Campana Gardens and RH Bodyworks are the latest sponsors of the Bob Linwood Memorial Trophy Football Match taking place at The London Stadium on Tuesday 15 October 2024. The latest names join sponsors including: Copart, Entegral, JR Revell, RH Prestige Cars, Expedient Security, Boniface Engineering, AUGGIE, Vision Vehicles and Orbital Repair Solutions. The event is raising funds for DEBRA. Read more
Prime Minister overhauls apprenticeships to support opportunity
The government is boosting opportunities for young people through ambitious apprenticeship reforms in England.
The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson have announced a new growth and skills levy which will replace the existing apprenticeship levy and include new foundation apprenticeships. Read more
316 stolen vehicles recovered in intensification week
The first intensification week as part of national policing’s Operation Alliances to tackle serious organised vehicle crime has concluded with 316 stolen vehicles recovered with an estimated value of over £4m.
The stolen vehicles included cars, motorcycles, lorries, scrap vehicles and various vehicle parts linked to thefts were also recovered. Read more
RAC and Continental Automotive launch exclusive telematics partnership for fleet and business vehicle operators
The RAC’s dedicated telematics division, RAC Connected, is offering business vehicle operators a safer and more efficient method of fleet management through a new partnership with Continental Automotive.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Continental Automotive customers can choose from the RAC’s suite of telematics products, all of which help fleet managers reduce vehicle running costs. Read more
New figures reveal that more than a fifth of MOTs were failed last year
According to analysis of Government figures by motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, more than one in five vehicle MOT tests in Britain ended in failure last year.
The data revealed that more than 9.9 million out of the 43.7 million MOT tests carried out by mechanics in 2023 were unsuccessful. Read more
Annual increases in quoted car insurance premiums slow to 9.8%
Price rises for car insurance are continuing to slow, but motorists still face an annual rise of 9.8% in average quoted premiums, according to the latest Consumer Intelligence Car Insurance Price Index.
However, most of the increase occurred between August last year and December, with average quoted premiums remaining unchanged over the past three months. Read more
Insurance industry detects £1bn worth of fraudulent claims
Cracking down on insurance fraud remains a top priority for the industry according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) as its latest figures reveal £1.1bn worth of fraudulent claims were detected last year, up four per cent on 2022. Read more
VM News
Hyundai Motor, Kia and Samsung Electronics Join Forces to Advance SDV User Experience
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation announced a strategic technology partnership with Samsung Electronics to enhance the integration between software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and smartphones, aiming to secure a leading position in the mobility service ecosystem. Read more
High Mobility integrates Volkswagen Group vehicle data
High Mobility is an authorised data marketplace partner for Volkswagen Group Info Services. This partnership provides access to a wide range of live vehicle data, including mileage, consumption, geolocation, and vehicle maintenance information, supporting various use cases. With all major European brands available, the High Mobility platform is the ideal access point for next-generation fleet operations and advanced fleet management solutions. Read more
Canoo launches commercial operations and activation centre in UK
Canoo Inc, a high-tech advanced mobility company, has announced the company’s official launch into the United Kingdom market by establishing Canoo Technologies UK Limited, a new legal entity in the UK, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy. Canoo has selected Bicester Motion, an iconic automotive campus, as a key location that reflects the company’s spirit of innovation and commitment to sustainability. Read more
Hyundai Motor Company and Škoda Group to Collaborate on Hydrogen Advancement and Energy Efficient Solutions for Mobility
Hyundai Motor Company and Škoda Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to commence collaboration on establishing a hydrogen mobility ecosystem.
Ken Ramírez, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor Company, and Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group, signed the MOU during the Korea-Czech Republic Business Summit in Prague. Read more
People
- National Windscreens has appointed Craig Gibson as its new Sustainability and Compliance Manager
- After 26 years, Dom Lamb is set to leave Fix Auto Mid Devon/Newton Abbot.
- Andy Caine is set to start a new role as Business Development Manager with Autoglass in November.
