SYNETIQ and LV= provide key to sustainability
SYNETIQ has launched a client initiative with LV= Insurance which sees unused keys sold to raise money for charity. The two businesses have come together to sell unused keys for reuse to support the insurer’s chosen charity, FamilyAction.
Copart to open new Corby Operation Centre
Copart UK is opening a new Operation Centre in Corby, Northamptonshire.
The site, expected to be operational by the autumn, will enable Copart to increase vehicle storage capacity in this region by 32%.
Repair volumes dip in July
Trend Tracker’s latest Market Intelligence Report has revealed that repair volume demand is still tracking at 95% of pre-pandemic levels, although it has identified significant monthly fluctuations with June at 107% and July dipping to 87%.It also found that repair inflation is slowing down with a drop in year-on-year increases, although it remains at record levels.
Battery recycling a significant sustainability challenge
SYNETIQ has examined the challenges posed to the industry by battery recycling, and revealed how it is working with the sector to find best outcomes.
LKQ Corporation completes Uni-Select acquisition
LKQ Corporation has completed the acquisition of Uni-Select, which distributes automotive refinish and industrial coatings and related products in North America and the UK.
Europcar expands EV fleet
Europcar is upgrading its fleet of electric vehicles. It has made new premium Mercedes-Benz models available to customers as well as the ORA Funky Cat.
IMI report reveals gender divide
The Institute of the Motor Industry’s Baseline Report has identified stark challenges around gender equality, with just 19% of those working in automotive female.
The report also revealed that vacancies have risen to a 21-year high, with 758,000 jobs unfilled.
Axalta publishes strong profits
Axalta has reported that net sales increased 4.8% year-on-year in the second quarter, while income from operations totalled £108m compared to £81m in the same quarter of 2022.
PartsXchange announces AutoParts partnership
Online marketplace for recycled parts PartsXchange has announced a new partnership with Charlton Recycled AutoParts.
As part of the deal it will now list AutoParts’ range of green parts on its website.
EV sales soar in second quarter
Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has revealed that the UK’s used car market rose by 4.1% in the second quarter of the year.
It found that 1,832,267 units changed hands, with used battery electric vehicle sales growing by 81.8% to 30,645 units.
New scrappage scheme launched in London
A new £110m scrappage scheme has been introduced in London to help drivers prepare for the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on 29 August 2023.
The scheme will offer grants to motorists looking to scrap or retrofit vehicles that do not meet new emissions standards.
Drivers urged to display emissions stickers
UK motorists heading to Europe this year risk a £154 fine if their vehicles do not meet air quality regulations.
Drivers have been warned to apply for and display the correct windscreen stickers before travelling, adding that different regions require different stickers.
Fix Auto Devon sites complete EV training
Fix Auto Crediton and Fix Auto Newton Abbot have completed Thatcham Research’s EV Aware and EV Ready training programmes.
The online courses, available via Thatcham Research’s ecademy learning platform, ensures all colleagues have the level of knowledge suitable to their jobs to handle electric vehicles.
Premiums reach record highs
Motor insurance premiums reached a record high in the second quarter of 2023, with the average comprehensive policy now £511. This is a seven per cent rise on the first quarter and 21% up on the same quarter of 2022.
Meanwhile, insurers paid out £2.4bn in all motor insurance claims in the first quarter of this year, a rise of 14% on the first quarter of 2022.
Government launches EV inquiry
The government has launched a new inquiry into electric vehicles as it considers the viability of its proposed 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. It is seeking real-world insights from drivers, manufacturers, repairers and all industry stakeholders around buying experience, aftersales support, charging and end-of-life disposal.
People
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has appointed John Ricardo-Neto as its new Head of Product Planning.
LV= has appointed Matt Crabtree as Head of Finance Crime Strategy.
