More key names join ARC360 line-up
Chris Ashworth, Founder, ILC; Robert Snook, CEO, BSG; and Pete Thompson, Director of Product, Activate Group are the three latest key names revealed for ARC360’s ‘future vehicle technology’ themed conference.
Taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, the ARC360 conference provides the highest calibre of speakers and attendees in the UK body repair industry event calendar.
Bodyshop Briefs
- Fix Auto UK has acquired the former Fix Auto Blackpool business two years after it moved away from the network, making it the 10th site the network owns outright.
- UK Assistance ARC t/a DLG Auto Services has successfully transitioned all of its 23 sites to the new BS 10125:2022 standard.
- AD Williams High Wycombe site has received a positive recommendation for transitioning to the new BSI10125:2022 standard.
- Komoo Newcastle has successfully passed its BS10125:2022 audit.
- Walton Accident Repair has passed its latest Nissan Approved Bodyshop audit.
- M&M Group (Fix Auto) has passed its latest BMW standards audit.
- Caha! FixBox, trading from 11 sites, has officially launched providing non-structural and cosmetic repairs; pre/post diagnostic checks; and ADAS recalibration.
Industry News
Trend Tracker explores changing repair volumes
Trend Tracker data suggests ‘a similar amount of work is being completed by more sites’ following reports from some bodyshops of a significant drop in the number of notifications.
Automated Vehicles Act becomes law
Self-driving vehicles could be on British roads by 2026, after the government’s world-leading Automated Vehicles (AV) Act became law on 20 May 2024.
Announced in the King’s Speech, the AV Act enables advanced technology to safely drive vehicles on British roads.
Thatcham Research offers cautious welcome to AV Act
Thatcham Research has called for further legislation to ensure the safe introduction of autonomous vehicles to UK roads after the Automated Vehicles Act received Royal Assent.
Solera and Axalta agree sustainability partnership
Solera has announced a new strategic partnership to better support the repair industry measure and reduce CO2 emissions.
AGE partners with Repairify
Automotive Glass Experts (AGE) has announced a new partnership with Repairify, for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) remote calibration.
PACTS unveils new road safety manifesto
A new road safety manifesto has been launched by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) to tackle the number of deaths and serious injuries sustained on UK roads.
Edam explores impact of AI on motor insurance
Edam Group has explored the impact of AI on motor insurance in its latest online post highlighting the opportunities and challenges the technology poses.
Motorbike ‘crash for cash’ claims up 60-fold
Allianz‘s personal lines business has reported a sharp increase in insurance fraud, particularly in ‘crash for cash’ fraud involving motorbikes and scooters. The insurer’s data indicates that crash for cash has increased 60 times between January – December 2023.
Marshmallow joins IFB
Marshmallow is the latest insurer to join the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) membership and be at the heart of the industry’s collective fight against fraud.
GSF announces new national distribution centre
GSF Car Parts has announced the opening of its new National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Wolverhampton. The facility is a milestone for GSF as part of its commitment ‘to rapidly awaken the sleeping giant of the UK aftermarket’.
ASM secures bulk JLR parts basket
ASM Auto Recycling Ltd, members of the e2e network, have secured over 350 flood-damaged JLR cars, with a market value exceeding £10m. The extensive range of predominantly new vehicles are being fully inventoried to be made available for green parts supply.
New website for Car-O-Liner
Car-O-Liner – a leader in the provision of collision repair equipment – has introduced a new website providing information on its most up-to-date services and distribution network.
Winn integrates with JDK Technology
Imaging technology specialists, JDK Technology, has integrated its platform with Winn Solicitors to help streamline the customer journey and correctly triage work into Winns’ repairer network.
Ben launches Big Walk charity drive
Automotive industry charity Ben is calling on the sector to step forward for its new ‘Big Walk’ fundraising challenge on 8 September.
VM News
More than 100 EV models now available
Some 102 battery electric models are now available to British motorists, making almost a third (29.3%) of models on the new car market available as zero emission, according to new analysis by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
JLR signs with Fortescue
JLR has signed a multi-year deal to use Fortescue’s advanced battery intelligence software, Elysia, in its next-generation electric vehicles. The software will help enhance JLR’s luxury vehicles with improved battery longevity, safety, and performance.
XPENG launches AI powered in-car OS
XPENG Motors has announced the full rollout of the XOS 5.1.0, Tianji, in-car OS to all eligible XPENG models. Fully integrated with AI large models, the AI Tianji System provides more intelligent and personalized in-car AI assistant services ensuring safer and more comfortable driving experiences, whether in smart driving or human driving modes.
People
- Robert McMunnigal has been appointed as Regional Bodyshop Manager at Halo Accident Repair Centers part of IRS Group Europe.
- Adam Fletcher has taken the role of Senior Business Development Manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at GEOTAB.
- Chris Davis has started a new role with Hastings Direct as Motor Claims Technical Operations Manager (Customer).
