ARC360 event continues to raise the bar
More than 25 insurer brands and over 75 of the sector’s leading vehicle repairer entities are already set to join ARC360’s 2025 event in May as it continues to raise the bar across the sector.
The event takes place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon. Full story
The NBRA has provided an update on EDAM: “The NBRA continue to work at understanding how best to resolve the repercussions to the industry following EDAM being placed into administration. We are in active dialogue with Interpath and their solicitors and have instructed the team at MILS our NBRA solicitors, and legal counsel to draft a response to correspondence outlining the legal position.”
AutoRaise is calling on UK bodyshops to take urgent action to secure the future of the automotive repair industry. The UK’s vehicle repair sector is facing a severe skills shortage, with over 5,000 vacancies currently unfilled and the gap widening each year.
Fix Auto UK has given its full support to Apprenticeship Central, the unique recruitment organisation dedicated to serving the vehicle repair sector. The endorsement could not have been better timed as across the country businesses are celebrating the 18th annual National Apprentice Week (February 10-16).
James Alpe has announced it is now a Tesla approved bodyshop.
Linda Jones has started a new position as Senior Customer Service at HB Accident Repair Network, while Phil Allman has been appointed Commercial Programme Manager.
Daryll O’Keefe has been promoted to Fix Auto Vice President, Strategic Business Development – North America.
Honda-Nissan multi-billion dollar merger collapses
Merger talks between Honda and Nissan have collapsed after the firms failed to agree on a multi-billion-dollar tie-up. The Japanese carmakers, along with junior partner Mitsubishi, had aimed to combine their businesses to fight back against competition from rival firms, especially in China. Full story
Driving the next generation of automotive talent through apprenticeships
During this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, Volkswagen Group UK is not only celebrating with a visit to the Houses of Parliament to showcase network skills, but also launching a number of new head office apprenticeship roles, covering data, IT, business and finance. Full story
MINI increases personalisation and usability across MINI family
Following the successful launch of the new MINI family, a range of additions and optional extras are set to further enhance the MINI offering from Spring 2025. Increasing personalisation across the MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Countryman, customers now have a wider choice of exterior colours and trim combinations, alongside new digital features and improved practicality. Full story
Bentley opens doors of new Excellence Centre for Quality & Launch
Bentley Motors has officially opened its new state-of-the-art Excellence Centre for Quality & Launch. The new facility, opened by Gunnar Kilian, Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen AG, and Bentley’s Board of Management, will be pivotal to the brand’s preparations for the first Bentley BEV. Full story
Stellantis and Mistral AI strengthen strategic partnership
Stellantis and Mistral AI are deepening their strategic collaboration to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across multiple areas, from vehicle engineering to in-car experiences. This partnership leverages Mistral AI’s expertise in large language models (LLMs) and AI-driven automation to bring AI to many systems and applications across Stellantis enterprise, improving data analysis, streamlining development, and enhancing customer interaction. Full story
BYD expands ‘God’s Eye’ intelligent driving into its entry level cars
BYD threw a bombshell into China’s EV sector with its announcement that its advanced driver assistance system—known as “God’s Eye”—is now available in over 20 models, with the cheapest model, the Seagull, priced at under £8,000. Full story
ID One name seemingly confirmed for VW’s new sub-£20,000 EV
It’s been reported that Volkswagen’s new baby electric car will be called the ID One. The new model will debut in 2027, and has a promised price tag of less than £20,000. Full story
XPENG announces official launch in the UK
XPENG, a Chinese-born global-orientated high-tech automotive company, has announced its official entry to the UK. It will unveil the ultra-smart all-electric mid-size coupe SUV, XPENG G6 in March, with launch price from £39,990. XPENG is partnering with International Motors to open 20 dealerships in the UK this year. Full story
EV transition drives apprentice recruitment as industry skills up for ‘growth decade’
Top employers in the UK automotive sector are investing in a major skills drive to grow apprenticeship numbers by almost a sixth in 2025, according to a new survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, as manufacturers embark on a ‘green growth decade’. More than 550 new apprentices already having joined the sector this academic year, with an additional 740 apprenticeships still available. Full story
IMI response to government’s new Apprenticeship Reforms and Skills Strategy
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) cautiously welcomes the government’s announcement on apprenticeship reforms as a step in the right direction. However, it urges that short-term flexibility does not come at the expense of high-quality training and future-proof skills development. Full story
Apprenticeship Central breaks down apprenticeship reforms
In the middle of National Apprentice Week the government announced a wide ranging package of reforms to boost growth of apprenticeship placements. Cutting through the jargon Apprenticeship Central has set out what the announcement means. Full story
Demand for used EVs rises to record levels as second-hand car market grows in 2024
The UK’s used car market grew by 5.5% to 7,643,180 transactions in 2024, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Marking eight quarters of continuous growth, the year saw 400,488 more vehicles change hands than in 2023, with growth in the new car market fuelling availability and wider choice within the used sector. Full story
European auto industry champions policies for future-proof workforce at skills strategic dialogue
Securing quality jobs, delivering on skills and training, and ensuring a thriving, competitive European vehicle industry were all at the top of the agenda at the ACEA’s Strategic Dialogue meeting. Full story
Allianz UK warns motor traders of EV battery fire risks
Allianz UK is warning motor traders to be aware of the risks associated with Electric Vehicle (EV) battery fires, which have caused extensive damage in recent cases and created unique challenges. Full story
ACG has appointed Neil Thomas as its latest Business Development Manager.
Gemma Edwards has been appointed Business Development Manager at Remit Training.
Industry Insights is delighted to welcome Alan Cottrill to the motor claims business consultancy team.
Thatcham Research has announced the appointment of Nick Caplan as Chair of the Board of Directors.
Aviva has announced the appointment of Craig Fazzini-Jones as Group Chief Operating Officer.
Chris Payne has been appointed Head of DLG Auto Services at Direct Line Group.
AutoRaise has also announced that Simon Smith, Managing Director and Aviva Repair lead at Solus, will take over from Dave Sargeant, Managing Director of Gemini, as Chair.
