Bodyshop Briefs
- Fix Auto West Hampstead has celebrated its 75th birthday.
- The Vella Group has announced that all its sites will join the NBRA/VBRA.
- Vertu Motors has announced the acquisition of Burrows Motor Company.
- Autoglass has launched a new site in Luton to enhance the support and services it offers customers in the region.
- Sorted Garages in Leeds has secured BS10125 certification.
- Fix Auto Mid Devon & Newton Abbot have both achieved BS10125:2022 compliance with the support of Ezi Methods.
- Lloyd Motor Group has acquired Stratstone Tyneside BMW & Mini, which will be renamed Lloyd North Tyneside BMW & Mini.
- Vertu Motors has worked with Kings Fleet Services to unveil another state-of-the-art smart repair mobile workshop.
- SMART Bodyshop Solutions has cut the ribbon on its latest 18,000 sqft vehicle accident repair centre in Reading.
- FixAuto Hereford is the first bodyshop in the country to have invested in the new GYS US Keo spot welder.
- Solus Sheffield has been declared officially open after the ribbon was cut by Aviva’s Director of Personal Lines Home and Motor Claims Hazel Johnson.
- Chesterfield Car Clinic has thanked Automotive Training Solutions for delivering exams for qualifications.
- PJB Accident Repairs has passed its second annual BSI audit and also achieved PAS 2060 certification.
- Allscreens Nationwide has been named as the sole provider of windscreen repairs and replacements for Tesco’s 10,000-strong fleet of home delivery vehicles and lorries.
Industry News
IMI invites Apprentice of the Year nominations
The Institute of the Motor Industry is inviting nominations for its Apprentice of the Year Award. Nominations close on 13 November and the winner will be announced at the organisation’s 2025 Annual Dinner and Awards night. Full story
IMI outlines its manifesto for automotive
The IMI manifesto outline sets out three key priorities for the professional body: Attract and Recruit, including engaging with employers to remove barriers to apprenticeships and collaborating with government on addressing qualifications gaps; Retain, including supporting upskilling and continuous professional development; Future Skills and Technology, anticipating emerging skills needs and partnering with like-minded organisations to future-proof the sector. Full story
Copart holds first auctions at new St Helens Operation Centre
Global leader in online vehicle remarketing and recycling Copart UK has held its first auctions at its brand-new Operation Centre in St Helens, Merseyside. Full story
LKQ lead aftermarket in calling on Transport Secretary to support the independent workshop
A group of the aftermarket’s leading suppliers, repairers and trade bodies has co-signed a list of policy asks sent by LKQ UK & Ireland to the Secretary of State for Transport. Under the title, ‘Fighting for the Right to Repair’, LKQ UK & Ireland CEO Kevan Wooden outlines the critical contribution of the automotive aftermarket, and of independent repairers in particular in ensuring safe and roadworthy transport is accessible to all. Full story
New report reveals that the cost of getting on the road jumped by 19% in 2024
A new report from Go.Compare Insurance has revealed that the cost of getting on the road in 2024, including the cost of a first car, has increased by 19%, from £5,947.40 in 2023, to £7,100 in 2024. The report looks at the overall costs associated with getting on the road, including the total cost of driving lessons, the price of tax and insurance, the cost of a first car, alongside a number of other factors. Full story
SYNETIQ’s climate targets validated by Science Based Targets initiative
SYNETIQ, an IAA company and one of the UK’s leading vehicle salvage, dismantling and recycling companies, today announced it has received validation of its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets from the Science Based initiative in line with the company’s ambition to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Full story
Delphi Academy unveils expanded ‘OEM-level’ training centre
Delphi Academy in Warwick has officially opened its doors following a major expansion project, setting a new standard in aftermarket training. With a £500,000 investment, the Academy now spans 1,430 square meters, making it one of Europe’s largest automotive training centres. Full story
Landmark Court of Appeal ruling promises £21bn payout for motor finance mis-selling victims
In a groundbreaking victory for consumer rights, the Court of Appeal has ruled that lenders are accountable for mis-selling Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance agreements, a decision that could see over £21bn returned to UK consumers. Full story
Automotive still Britain’s number one exporter of goods despite year of renewal
UK car production output declined by 20.6% in September, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) as 70,039 units rolled off production lines. Full story
Repair or replace? Why technology is driving the future of the automotive industry
In this exclusive contributed article, Solera Product Manager Victoria Repice explains how technology is changing the debate around repair or replace, and driving a more sustainable sector. Full story
Gemini ARC supports World Mental Health Day 2024 with Ben’s Big Breakfast
In recognition of World Mental Health Day 2024, every Gemini Accident Repair Centre took part in Ben’s Big Breakfast, supporting the invaluable work of the Ben Automotive Industry Charity and raising more than £800. Full story
New Mirka DEROS Rotary Sander tackles tough sanding jobs with ease
Mirka UK is introducing its new Mirka DEROS RS 600, blending power, precision and user-centric design to tackle paint removal, furniture restoration, cabinetry, solid surface and flooring projects with ease. Full story
Mirka continues to clean-up with its new extractor
Mirka UK is expanding its extractor range with the introduction of the new Mirka DEXOS 1217 M AFC dust extractor. This M class extractor blends power and versatility to ensure users have a dust-free work environment. Full story
Green technology and dozens of new jobs – Mirka invests in Jakobstad
Mirka is investing £21m in a new production line in Jakobstad, Finland. The manufacturing line supports the green transition and is based on technology that could transform the entire abrasives industry in the coming years. Full story
WorldSkills UK reaction to the budget
Emma Roberts, Director of External Affairs, WorldSkills UK said: “The Chancellor has set out a comprehensive set of plans to grow the UK economy with skills rightly recognised as a critical element in boosting productivity and improving living standards. Full story
Driving Change: How women can steer the automotive industry out of its talent crisis
The gender disparity within automotive is holding both the industry and women back. It is up to major organisations to initiate a lasting change. In this contributed feature, Victoria Repice, SVP – Product Management, Solera, considers the issue. Full story
BCA introduces EV Battery Health Grading to the remarketing sector
In a first for the UK remarketing sector, BCA is introducing a new EV Battery Health Grading service, allowing BCA’s customers to buy electric vehicles with even greater confidence. Full story
Motofix partners Keycafe
Motofix is partnering with Keycafe, a leading smart key exchange platform, to enhance security across our repair centre network. This cloud-based platform securely stores keys and ensures that only verified personnel in our business can access them. Full story
LKQ UK announces sustainability upgrade
LKQ UK has upgraded its Tamworth site with 6,500 solar panels. It’s estimated this can cut emissions by 12,554 tonnes of CO2 over the system’s 25-year lifespan – the equivalent of taking almost 3,000 cars off the road for one year. Full story
The Motor Ombudsman reports the busiest third quarter on record for vehicle service and repair case submissions
The Motor Ombudsman has reported the highest ever volume of service and repair cases brought by consumers to its dispute resolution service during the third quarter of the year. Full story
VM News
Jaguar Land Rover reports 59% surge in plug-in hybrid sales
Jaguar Land Rover has reported a significant increase in the popularity of its plug-in hybrid models (PHEV), which it says serve as a transitional phase for customers moving towards fully electric vehicles (BEV). In the first half of their financial year, the automotive leader announced a 59 percent surge in PHEV sales compared with the same period last year. Full story
Stellantis reports lower Q3 2024 net revenues
Stellantis has reported net revenues of £28bn for the third quarter, down 27% compared to the third quarter of 2023. Full story
Volkswagen Group’s nine-month results impacted by higher fixed costs
The Volkswagen Group expects deliveries to customers to be around nine million vehicles for the first nine months of the year. The company expects Group sales revenue to be around £270bn. Full story
Volkswagen says it must close German factories after China sales slump
Volkswagen stressed the ‘urgent need’ to close factories after profits crashed 64% following a slump in sales in China. Full story
Renault building R&D team in China to develop EVs for Europe, report says
Renault is building an EV R&D team in Shanghai to target mass production of a new model by the end of 2025, but the new model will be built and sold only in Europe, according to a media report. Full story
Toyota, NTT to Develop Driver Assistance System to Prevent Accidents
Toyota Motor and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone have agreed to develop a driver assistance system to prevent car accidents. Full story
Magna debuts scalable, eco-friendly ICE to hybrid transmission for European OEM
Magna is accelerating the industry’s move toward a cleaner future with the debut of its innovative Dual Clutch Transmission Eco (DCT Eco) solution for a European OEM. This contract marks the first high-volume award for the new transmission family and supports various models in global markets with ICE transmissions. Full story
Hyundai Motor reveals bold and efficient hydrogen FCEV concept previewing new design language
Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its INITIUM hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) concept, offering a range of 450 miles with a maximum motor output of 150 kW. Full story
Stellantis advances technologies, achieves commercial successes in transition to next-generation products in key global markets
Stellantis has announced a global blitz of introductions based on new platforms, with approximately 20 new products expected this year. It will also soon announce details of STLA Frame, the third of four all-new multi-energy platforms. Full story
People
- BYD has appointed UK Group Managing Director at Stellantis Maria Grazia Davino as Regional Managing Director for Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic.
- Carwow has appointed Cox Automotive’s Dealer Development Director Daniel Boakes as Sell My Car Commercial Director.
- Director of Digital Solutions at Cox Automotive Tom Marley has changed his role, adding Movex to his remit along with Consumer Car Buying.
- Fleet Assist has promoted Garry Winckley to Business Development Director, while Joanna Cooper has become Strategic Projects Director, Sara Smith has joined as Head of Vehicle Supply and Funding, and James Elliot as Technology Director.
