Gemini welcomes latest cohort of apprentices
Gemini Accident Repair Centres has welcomed 19 new apprentices to the group.
The apprentices, who have completed a five-day induction at EMTEC, include seven VDAs and 12 level 3 multiskilled apprentices.
ARC360 Market Intelligence: September 2023
ARC360 have released their analytics report, studying the trends of economics and vehicle repairs and sales. A must-read.
Copart completes Bristol expansion
Vehicle salvage and remarketing specialist Copart UK has completed the expansion of its 80-acre Super Centre in Bristol.
The addition of a further 21 acres adds 30% more vehicle capacity, providing secure storage and enlarged areas for vehicles that require specialist handling like EVs, HEVs, and flood and fire damaged vehicles.
EV supply could outstrip demand
Sales of EVs could slow following the government’s decision to delay the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, according to David Borland, EY UK & Ireland Automotive Lead.
He said, “There is a risk that with OEMs, retailers and charge point operators all having invested significant capital in anticipation of a 2030 ICE sales ban, the policy shift could see supply outstripping demand.”
Fix Auto UK expands network
Fix Auto UK has announced that Ultimate Accident Repair has joined the network and will now operate at Fix Auto Gloucester.
Owned by Aron Matthews, the 8,000sqft bodyshop includes 12 work bays, two external spraybooths and an oversized commercial booth inside the unit.
Yeovil ARC achieves repair accreditation
Yeovil Accident Repair has secured BS 10125 certification after a successful stage 2 audit.
DF Crash Repairs meets the standard
Despite undergoing a full refurbishment, DF Crash Repairs was still able to pass its BS 10125 audit, achieving the industry standard vehicle repair accreditation.
IMI welcomes Labour Party skills plan
The Institute of the Motor Industry has praised plans by the Labour Party to restore the 2030 deadline on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles and introduce 80,000 more skills workers to the sector, announced at the Labour Party Conference by Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
Government to relax rules for EV vans
The government has said it will remove the mandatory five-hour training requirement for van drivers switching to EVs, while towing rules will be applied consistently across EVs, petrol and diesel vans.
The announcement was made in its response to its consultation on driving licence flexibility for alternative fuelled vehicles.
Rising premiums dampen EV demand
Surging insurance premiums for electric vehicles coupled with an end to subsidies could halt EV sales across Europe, according to a report by Forbes.
It revealed that EV repairs cost about 25% more than petrol or diesel equivalents, and can take 14% longer.
ABI advice for Luton fire drivers
The ABI has offered advice to drivers affected by the Luton Airport fire.
It said, “Comprehensive and third-party fire and theft motor insurance policies will cover fire damage. Drivers affected should notify any claim to their motor insurer. We will continue to work with our members and Luton Airport to understand the situation, as and when more information becomes available.”
Green light for red light recovery agents
The government has announced that breakdown recovery vehicles will now be allowed to use red flashing lights when helping the public.
This measure will apply to England, Scotland, and Wales.
Jason Connon concludes John Clark Motor Group deal
Jason Connon ACII has announced a new partnership with John Clark Motor Group to deliver its insurance services to customers.
The move is part of wider strategy to become a top-tier Private Client insurance broker.
Fix Network announces F1 collaboration
The Fix Network has announced a new partnership with the Alfa Romeo F1 Team which will offer it access to industry-leading expertise, research and development opportunities.
Ezi victory
The winners of the inaugural Ezi Methods Industry Golf Challenge have been revealed.
A team of Martyn Rowley, GT Motive; Chris Dore of Apollo/Steer Group; I Love Claims’ Chris Ashworth; and Fix Auto UK’s Earle Avann won the event at the Old Thorns Resort, Hampshire.
GT Motive adds Tesla to platform
GT Motive has announced that it has now added the new Tesla Model 3 to its estimating platform.
Meanwhile, the Tesla Model S and the Tesla Model Y will be available in the November and January releases.
Gold star for Silverlake
Silverlake Automotive Recycling’s Operations Manager Steve Diaper was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Hampshire and IOW Fire & Rescue Services, recognising his continued support for the organisation.
The presentation took place after the second HIOWFRS training exercise this year at the Southampton site of e2e member Silverlake.
People
Maria Charlton has been named Managing Director at AirPro Diagnostics.
Stephen Murray has been appointed Director of Operations at ECF – Accident Repair, MOT & Service Centre.
Castle Coachworks in Northampton is promoting former Volvo apprentice Nathan to Vehicle Damage Assessor.
Komoo has appointed Steve Hill to the newly-created role of Finance Director.
Nav Singh has been appointed Managing Director at CLiiKk Accident Repair Centre, Kidderminster.
