Bodyshop Briefs
- Steer Automotive Group has secured carbon neutrality in accordance with PAS 2060 for the second year in a row, after reducing its CO2 emissions by 5.3% last year. Meanwhile, the group has also expanded its PAS 2060 portfolio to include 24 more main sites.
- Crash Assessor UK has achieved carbon neutrality in accordance with PAS 2060.
- Komoo Inverness has secured BS10125:2022 certification after achieving 100% compliance in its latest audit.
- L&I Eaton Liverpool emphasised its commitment to company culture by organising a day of team-building with colleagues taking part in cross-country riding.
Industry News
IIHS-HLDI research finds little evidence that partial automation prevents crashes
Crash records and insurance data offer little evidence that partial automation systems are preventing collisions, research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute shows.
“Everything we’re seeing tells us that partial automation is a convenience feature like power windows or heated seats rather than a safety technology,” IIHS President David Harkey said.
Prasco trebles cooling system parts
Prasco UK has more than trebled the number of individual part numbers it holds for cooling systems over the last 12 months.
It now includes more than 4,000 individual part numbers at its distribution hub in Doncaster, making it the widest range in the UK.
MIB tackles uninsured drivers with joint initiative
Five police forces across the M62 worked in collaboration with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to tackle uninsured driving. Officers from Greater Manchester, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, Cheshire, and Humberside Police used a number of methods to identify and seize vehicles driven by uninsured drivers.
BASF joins NBRA
ARC360 Corporate Partner BASF has joined the National Body Repair Association and Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association as a Gold Supplier member.
Meanwhile, BASF brand Glusurit has been selected as a preferred supplier by Avant Repair Networks.
SMMT urges government to support industry drive net zero targets
The Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders is urging the new Labour government to use the industry’s decarbonisation success to the UK’s economic advantage, as a new report shows direct carbon emissions from vehicle factories halved over the past 25 years – helping position the country as the ideal place to produce the next generation of zero emission vehicles.
National finalists 2024 announced
Over 400 apprentices and students have advanced to the WorldSkills National Finals.
Competitors have participated in regional competitions at their local colleges, training provider centres, workplaces, or online to secure their place in the WorldSkills UK National Finals, which will take place in Greater Manchester from 19-22 November.
21,000 vacancies offer enormous career opportunities in automotive
As the sector continues to battle its biggest skills gap in history, the IMI and Toyota GB have joined forces to share the real voices of employees to inspire young adults at a career crossroads, and adults looking for a career change into the industry. The stories are being shared on the ‘There’s More to Motor’ YouTube channel.
IMI finalists announced
The IMI has announced the finalists for its Skills Competition, which will see 24 technicians compete in four categories, Body Repair, Refinishing, Light Vehicle Technology, and Heavy Vehicle Technology, from 18-22 November.
Winners can then go on to represent Squad UK in EuroSkills 2025 in Denmark and WorldSkills International 2026 in China.
New AI safety cameras trial expand across Britain
A trial of new artificial intelligence technology that can identify drivers not wearing their seatbelts will be extended until March.
National Highways is working with 10 police forces to test the technology, which captures images of drivers and then uses AI to identify those without seatbelts or using their phones behind the wheel.
Copart expansion to continue in St Helens
Copart has announced that it will open a new Operation Centre in St Helens. As part of its Land and Expand strategy, the new 19-acre site will provide further storage capacity for up to 24,000 vehicles in the region.
Ben raises awareness around financial support
Automotive industry charity Ben is raising awareness around the support it offers to those facing money worries after receiving nearly 16,000 enquiries and offering more than 600 grants in the last year.
Fix Auto Penzance upgrades wheel refurbishment capabilities
Fix Auto Penzance has invested in a state-of-the-art laser-guided diamond-tipped cutting machine to enhance its alloy wheel refurbishment capabilities.
Owner Stuart Cameron bought the DCR Pro machine from Portsmouth-based DCR Systems after seeing the technology in action at the network’s National Conference sponsors’ exhibition in May.
VM News
Dacia and Swift suffer in new Euro NCAP ratings
Euro NCAP has released new safety ratings for a range of models. The Dacia Duster and Suzuki Swift both achieved just three stars, while the Mercedes-Benz E class, the VW Passat, Skoda Superb and Skoda Kodiaq all achieved five stars
Meanwhile, the BMW x2 and Renault’s Espace and Rafale were rated as five-star twins to 2022-tested cars.
Stellantis extends hybrid range to meet demand
Stellantis has responded to growing customer demand by increasing its range of hybrid models. Thirty models be available across Europe by the end of the year, with six more launched through 2026.
Ford unveils re-imagined Capri
Ford has re-released its iconic Capri, with two powertrain options offering ranges of 390 miles or 370 miles.
It also includes full ADAS features including Blind Spot Information System, Clear Exit Warning, Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking Driver Alert, Evasive Steering Assist, Front and rear parking sensors, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, 12 Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keeping Aid, Pre-Collision Assist, Rear-View Camera, Reverse Brake Assist, Selectable Drive Modes, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Wrong Way Assist.
VWG and Rivian form joint venture to develop EVs
Rivian Automotive and Volkswagen Group have formed an equally controlled and owned joint venture to create next-generation electrical architecture and best-in-class software technology.
Chery Achieves Over One Million Vehicle Sales
Chery Group has reported vehicle sales of 1,100,621 in the first half of the year, up 48% on the same period last year.
People
- Stephan Surmont has been appointed Group Managing Director of Nationwide Assistance Group.
- FMG Repair Services has named Kris Hurd as Head of Operations South.
- Paul Titchmarsh has been appointed as UK forecast manager for cap hpi.
