Known-unknowns of EVs set to test sector
ARC360’s specialist electric vehicle (EV) event is set to discuss the known-unknowns for the vehicle incident repair sector as the vehicle parc transitions to an electric future.
FNOL, repair capabilities, cost inflation, skillset requirements, health & safety, repairability and end-of-life vehicle management will be just some of the key topics to come under the spotlight on Tuesday 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.
ILC joins Vella celebrations
ILC’s John Hutchinson recently joined other industry luminaries including AkzoNobel to help The Vella Group Repair Centres celebrate becoming an LV= General Insurance Sole Site and the first ElectriX approved bodyshop in the network.
Gemini claims coveted award
Gemini Accident Repair Centres has been named Auto Repair Company of the Year in the Central England Prestige Awards.
Solera enhances analytics solutions
Solera has unveiled a new feature to help companies control their data and pick out the insights relevant to them. As part of the Solera Analytics platform, the solution will enable managers to create custom reports and delivery schedules.
Copart Cares with continued commitment
Copart is marking Learning at Work Week by highlighting its training and development initiatives.
This includes company-wide Carbon Literacy Training, a Leadership Programme that has now been rolled out to 170 managers, a Driver Academy and the nearly £500,000 invested into apprenticeship schemes.
Shine! Sparkles with audit success
Shine! UK has successfully passed a BS10125 audit. Shine! is a national network of mobile cosmetic vehicle repair technicians.
Shoreham Vehicle Auctions celebrates EVA status
Shoreham Vehicle Auctions has become the first company in the sector to secure Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) status.
Developed by the National Franchised Dealers Association and the Energy Saving Trust and endorsed by the Office for Zero Emissions, the initiative recognises a commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly operations.
Thatcham Research showcases safety
Thatcham Research hosted senior leaders from Allianz and LV= recently to showcase the value of its research into safe, secure and sustainable mobility.
All the fours
Four colleagues from S&G Response are embarking on a four-day bike ride across four counties in an effort to raise upwards of £10,000 for the East Cheshire Hospice.
Jonathon, Sean, Tom, and Nick will take on the 444km challenge from Calais in France to Cologne in Germany from 1-4 July.
Synetiq service tackles slow repair times
Vehicle recycling company Synetiq has unveiled a new supply and fit service to support insurance customers facing a sharp rise in catalytic convertor theft claims.
The service aims to overcome the supply chain delays that have increased repair and claim times.
Harvey earns UK call-up
Steer Automotive Group’s Miguel Harvey will represent Team UK at EuroSkills, which takes place in Gdansk, Poland from 5-9 September.
He is part of a 20-strong team taking part in the prestigious skills event and will compete in the car painting category.
HGVs deliver the goods
UK registrations of HGV vehicles are just 2.9% below pre-pandemic levels after sales grew 17.1% in the first quarter of 2023. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this is the fourth consecutive quarter of growth.
Meanwhile, the UK’s new bus and coach market fell by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2023.
Right-hand drivers left out
Tesla has announced it will suspend the production of right-hand drive Model S and Model X vehicles for the foreseeable future.
Used EV values plummet
The average price of a used electric vehicle has fallen £4,000 since January and £9,000 since last July, according to new figures from Auto Trader. However, the overall used car market reported a 3.6% year-on-year increase in May, with average prices now £17,946.
Rare Rover to be auctioned by Ben
Automotive charity Ben will auction a unique 1993 Rover 216 Honda cabriolet at Automechanika Birmingham on 7 June.
Just one of 207 in existence, the car was restored by Louise Baker, Company Director of Womanic, and Rachel Murray and travelled over 1,500 miles as part of renowned car rally challenge, Bangers4Ben.
Meanwhile, Ben has responded to the rise in mental health issues by compiling a check-list of warning signs that employers can look out for.
People
Mark Pearce has been named MET Team Leader at Thatcham Research.
Thatcham Research has announced that Matthew Avery will leave Thatcham Research after 35 years. He is joining Euro NCAP, For Safer Cars.
BASF will launch new Automotive OEM Coatings Solutions and Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions businesses in August, led by Patrick Zheng Yu Zhao and Chris Titmarsh respectively.
