Major names revealed for ARC360 conference
Paul Llewellyn, Head of Claims (Motor), Ageas; Peter Randhawa, Director of ESG & Special Projects, Steer Automotive Group; and Victoria Turner, CEO, National Accident Repair Group are three of the major names set for ARC360’s conference agenda in May.
Taking place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon – the conference is again set to deliver the most engaging and interactive automotive incident repair/motor insurance claims focused event of the year. Full story
Motofix Exeter is undergoing an £850,000 upgrade with a focus on sustainability. This includes new roofing and cladding to tackle heat loss and improve energy efficiency, LED motion-sensitive lighting and upgraded STL energy-efficient spraybooth technology.
Komoo has announced that the full organisation has achieved carbon neutrality in accordance with PAS 2060.
Mustoe Specialist Vehicle Body Repairs has announced it has become an official Renault/Dacia Approved Accident Repair Centre for the Caldicot, Monmouthshire
Summers Accident Repair Centre has increased its vehicle manufacturer approvals to 12 with Hyundai Motor joining its portfolio.
Gemini ARC has announced thatrecently qualified, Vitaly Simonenko, a past apprentice from Gemini Manchester, has received a Mac Tools toolbox, generously donated by LV= General Insurance through its latest Toolbox Design Competition.
Liam Fussell has started a new position as Group Technical Manager at Page Automotive Group.
ALLDATA Europe will host workshop owners and technicians at Colchester-based Shaikly Motor Company in March to explore repair solutions, share industry expertise and tackle the technical and business challenges shaping the automotive aftermarket.
Volkswagen Passat secures Safety Award victory thanks to well-rounded safety performance
Automotive Risk Intelligence company Thatcham Research is announcing the winner of the What Car? Safety Award 2025. After a rigorous judging process by a panel of experts from Thatcham Research, What Car? and Euro NCAP, the Volkswagen Passat was crowned 2025’s safest car at last night’s What Car? Car of the Year ceremony. Full story
Hyundai Motor Group expands testing and R&D facilities in Europe
Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) is bolstering its leading role as an innovator and driver of change in the automotive industry by expanding its research and development (R&D) facilities in Europe by more than 25,000 sqm. Full story
NIO recognised in Corporate Knights’ 2025 Global 100
On January 22, 2025, Corporate Knights, a renowned independent media and investment research company based in Toronto, Canada, has released its 2025 Global 100, the ranking of the world’s 100 most sustainable corporations. NIO has once again earned a place on this prestigious list, ranking 13th out of 8,359 evaluated companies worldwide. Full story
Suzuki opens doors to new dealership in Cheltenham
Suzuki GB PLC has opened a new dealership in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, operated by Baylis Group. The dealership offers over 500 used cars and has created up to 15 new jobs. Full story
Jaguar Land Rover to axe up to 200 workers in fresh blow for car giant
Up to 200 workers at Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) Halewood site could be set for redundancy before the end of this financial year, as the company has launched a voluntary redundancy scheme. The Merseyside factory is offering eligible employees the chance to leave, which includes an early retirement programme. Full story
Canoo Inc. Announces Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Filing
Canoo Inc, a high-tech advanced mobility and energy company, has filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the US Bankruptcy Code. The filing, made with the US Bankruptcy Court for Delaware, will result in the federal appointment of a Bankruptcy Trustee to oversee the liquidation of the Company’s assets and the distribution of proceeds to creditors. Full story
Trump considers 10% tariff on China from February
US President Donald Trump has said he is considering imposing a 10% tariff on imports of Chinese-made goods as soon as 1 February.Trump said discussions with his administration were “based on the fact that they’re sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada.” Full story
Richard Hammond and The Smallest Cog Team join AutoRaise as Patrons
AutoRaise has welcomed Richard Hammond and his team at The Smallest Cog as Patrons of the charity. This partnership marks a significant step forward in inspiring and supporting young talent in the vehicle repair industry, reinforcing the value of apprenticeships as a sustainable solution to the sector’s skills shortage. Full story
2024 in Motor Claims, and Projections for 2025
With 2024 now behind us, insurers have their sights set firmly on what 2025 will bring for their motor claims supply chains, repair partnerships, and policyholder expectations.
With EVs firmly entering the mainstream, repair capacity challenges easing, and premium prices stabilising, the year ahead will likely bring new challenges, and equally opportunities for insurers and their partners to navigate. Full story
Walking the Sahara Desert for BEN
On 26 February Martyn Rowley, Executive Director, NBRA and VBRA, will walk 100km across the Sahara Desert to raise funds for automotive charity Ben. He will join Karen Jakes, Group Product Manager – Automotive & Repair at Thatcham Research, and nine other automotive industry leaders, on the five-day trek in temperatures likely to exceed 35°C. Full story
Apprenticeship Central unveils exclusive National Apprenticeship Week promotion
This National Apprenticeship Week, Apprenticeship Central is stepping up to encourage businesses to make a meaningful investment in the future of their workforce. From 10-15 February, bodyshops will be able to take advantage of reduced prices on Apprenticeship Central’s core services: RECRUIT and RETAIN. Full story
Admiral data reveals pothole claims in the UK rose by 62% in the past two years
The latest data from our UK business, Admiral Car Insurance, reveals that the number of pothole-related claims continued to climb in 2024 and was 14% higher than 2023 – with a whopping 62% rise in the last two years. Admiral’s data shows pothole related claims have increased by 175% since 2016, and 2024 is set to be a record year for them. Full story
50% Increase in drug driver deaths – AA Charitable Trust
There has been a 50% jump in drivers killed in collisions where the driver was under the influence of drugs, according to The AA Charitable Trust. Between 2022 and 2023 drivers killed under the influence of drugs increased from 96 to 144 – the highest for five years. Full story
The IMI celebrates automotive excellence as it announces shortlist for Annual Awards
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced the shortlist for its Annual Awards, with winners to be announced at the IMI Annual Dinner held at the Intercontinental Hotel on Park Lane on 12th March 2025. This highly anticipated industry event celebrates excellence and honours the talented individuals and influential organisations shaping the future of the automotive sector. Full story
Defaqto names Admiral a ‘Trailblazer’ for innovation in electric vehicle cover
With an increasing number of consumers looking to insure electric cars, the insurance market is responding with many providing specific benefits that relate to these vehicles. Now a pioneer of this market has been identified by Defaqto. Full story
German courts dismiss Stellantis appeal around access to vehicle data
Courts in Germany have dismissed an appeal by Stellantis against a ruling that said barriers imposed by vehicle manufacturers on access to vehicle repair data is illegal. The Higher Regional Court of Cologne (HRCC) found in favour of Belron company Carglass last May when it ruled that independent repairers should have access to essential OEM repair data. Full story
Adrian Serjeant has been appointed Commercial Manager at Auto Plas Bumper Recycling.
James Daye has been named CV & LIC Business Development Manager at LKQ Bodyshop Division.
