Thank you & festive cheer
From all of us here at ARC360, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support throughout 2023. We’re really looking forward to working with you all in 2024 to support the sector ‘gaining ground together’. Our next ARC360 Newsletter is scheduled for Friday 5 January.
If you have anything you would like to see included in 2024, please email: alan.feldberg@iloveclaims.com
In the meantime, wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Market Intelligence Report – November/December
ARC360 has published its latest Market Intelligence report in partnership with Trend Tracker. Read more here.
Bodyshop briefs
- Peggs Accident Repair Centre has achieved BS 10125:2022 certification.
- Vertu Motors has named John Jones from its Teesside site as Accident Repair Centre Manager of the Year.
- ChipsAway Glasgow has installed Todd Engineering’s Zeus drive-through solution to enhance operational flow and improve service times.
- Doseley Motors has announced its Vehicle Manufacture CSAT and NPS 2023 results, scoring 100 NPS from all JLR and VWG respondents. It also achieved five stars from 96% of the respondents on NFU/Vizion Customer Experience feedback.
- Shoreade UK has won the Business of the Year award at the Paul Avins – Grown Up Business Awards.
- Halo ARC has passed the 5,000-review mark on Trust Pilot, while still maintaining its 4.9 rating.
- Wrights Accident Repair Centre has secured BS 10125:2022 certification.
Industry News
Range Rover unveils insurance move
Range Rover has introduced its own comprehensive motor insurance product for customers.
Land Rover Insurance, which ensures repairs are completed by a JLR authorised bodyshop, using only genuine parts, comes with no deposits or interest charges while clients are able to amend or cancel their cover with no fee.
Glasurit extends EcoBalance to commercial vehicles
Glasurit has introduced the EcoBalance portfolio for the commercial vehicle industry with nine products covering the full paint process.
EcoBalance products help save fossil raw materials and are certified to offer a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
Mirka invests in world-first innovation
Mirka is building an innovative circular grain manufacturing plant in Jeppo, Finland which will reduce its CO2 footprint by approximately 5,000 tons.
Funded by Business Finland, the site will begin producing circular abrasive products by 2026.
R-M unveils new training centre
R-M Global has opened a new state-of-the-art Refinish Competence Training Center in Vantaa, Finland. The new site features the latest training standards and processes.
UK avoids EV tariffs with new EU deal
The UK and EU have agreed to extend trade rules on electric vehicles.
New rules of origin regulations were due to be introduced on 1 January, but that has been put back until the end of 2026, saving manufacturers and customers up to £4.3bn in tariffs and charges.
Cotswold and RWC announce training partnership
Cotsworld Automotive Diagnostics and Training has announced a partnership with RWC Training that will see it support more than 1,000 technicians secure IMI-approved EV/Hybrid certification.
Fix Auto South open for business
The new Fix Auto Leeds South repair centre is now open for business.
The fourth site owned by father and son Stephen and Sam Smith, Fix Auto Leeds South includes two large commercial spraybooths and 10 work bays and will be able to repair 30 vehicles a week.
National ARC continues Progression
National Accident Repair Group has unveiled Progression 2.0, a complete end-to-end solution that tracks the entire repair journey and identifies issues early to minimise delays and reduce costs.
Touchpoints include bodyshop capacity and capabilities and parts availability.
Cary Group enhances sustainable strategy with acquisition
Cary Group will acquire 100% of J Huggins and Son Ltd, a family-owned glass repair and replace business with 17 workshops.
Both operations are part of the National Windscreens consortium.
PartsXchanges adds commercial parts category
Bodyshop marketplace PartsXchange has added truck and LCV parts to its platform.
Customers can now buy commercial parts alongside bodyshop remarketed parts, green parts, dealer parts, and non-genuine parts.
SYNETIQ CEO in line for top Green award
SYNETIQ CEO Tom Rumboll has been shortlisted for Green Leader of the Year in the Yorkshire Leadership Awards.
Winners will be announced on 21 March.
VM News
BMW i5 named Car of the Year
The BMW i5 has been named Carwow ‘Car of the year’ 2024. The i5 isthe eighth generation 5 Series and the first all-electric version of the model.
Mercedes-Benz receives automated light approval
Mercedes-Benz has received a permit to display turquoise-coloured marker lights for automated driving.
The permits were issued in California and Nevada and means Mercedes-Benz becomes the first manufacturer to display special exterior lights during automated driving.
People
- CEO of Copart Jane Pocock has renewed her membership of the Automotive 30% Club.
- Paul Reid has been appointed as Scotland Territory Manager at Kamoo.
- BASF has announced that Markus Kamieth will succeed Martin Brudermüller as Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors in 2024.
- Vizion Network has appointed Jordan Chinn as Network Manager for Nissan.
- Mick Walker has been appointed to CCO of Quantum Technical.
- Derrick Paton has announced that he is leaving Axalta after 27 years. He will step down from his role as EMEA Strategic Account Manager on 29 December.
