Vehicle technology conference piques interest
More than 40 of the UK’s most influential names from within insurance are already confirmed to attend ARC360’s specialist ‘future vehicle technology’ conference, taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.
From the frontline
ARC360 hosted its third Breakfast Think Tank this morning, when more than a dozen industry experts representing repairers, insurers, mobility and data providers discussed the recent decline in repair volumes. A full overview of the session will be published next week.
Bodyshop Briefs
- The Vella Group has acquired Axiom Accident Repair Centres, which comprises two repair sites in Peterborough and Daventry.
- Whaley Bridge ARC, which is part of the Stellantis approved network, has been recognised as the world’s first carbon negative bodyshop.
- Turners Accident Repair has signed a 10-year lease on a new 20,000 sqft site in Ripon, Yorkshire. The new facility will add to existing sites in Doncaster, Leeds, and Sheffield.
- Fix Auto Loughborough has announced that it has secured Stellantis vehicle manufacturer approval.
- Devonshire Motors ARC has achieved a 100% score in its BMW/MINI audit, retaining the approval it’s held since 2008.
- Steer Automotive supported Automotive Work Experience Week by inviting Luke Saunders to its site in Portsmouth. He will now begin a MET apprenticeship when he finishes college.
- Shorade Bristol is officially carbon neutral after achieving the PAS 2060 standard.
- Revive! is celebrating after four franchisees, East Anglia, Surrey, Northampton, and Trafford, all turned over more than £1m last year.
- Fix Auto Penzance was named Stellanis Audatex UK Estimator of the Year – Southern Region, ahead of Rackhams Auto Body Centre and Bodytek Taunton.
- M&L Coachbuilders has passed its initial BS 10125:2022 stage 2 audit.
- Komoo has opened its first site in the Midlands. Its new Rugby repair facility is its fourth new site of the year.
- MG Cannon has installed Glasurit’s all-new waterborne basecoat system, Glasurit 100 Line, in all six of its sites.
Industry News
An interview with…
With more than one million daily transactions from 300,000 global customers in over 100 countries it’s fair to say Solera is big business. Its solutions empower smarter decision-making for anyone involved in vehicle-lifecycle management via AI-enabled technologies which utilise its vast vehicle, repair, performance, and telematics data. Here, we catch up with Arnaud Agostini, Regional Managing Director at Solera and Tom Hart, Claims Sales Director, UK & Ireland at Solera to find out more.
Fall in premiums only short term
Comprehensive car insurance premiums fell by five per cent to an average of £941 in the last three months, according to the latest Confused.com Car Insurance Price Index produced in association with WTW.
However, this is still 43% (£284) higher than they were 12 months ago.
Copart steps up preparations for Gloucester launch
Copart is gearing up for the first auction at its new site in Gloucester, scheduled for next month. The Gloucester development will provide storage for an additional 30,000 vehicles per annum.
Ben launches personal MOTs
Automotive industry charity Ben has introduced free mental and physical health checks through one-on-one conversations with a qualified health professional.
The health checks will also suggest positive steps to support better living and working.
ABI unveils Premium Finance Principles
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has announced a range of new principles to manage consumer costs around premium finance.
The Premium Finance Principles underline what fair practice should look like and revolve around five elements: transparency, affordability, fair value, proportionality and accountability.
Emissions down despite growing car parc
The UK car parc hit a new high last year, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealing the number of cars on UK roads rose by 1.7% to 41,404,589.
However, with almost half a million EVs and plug-in hybrid registered, average CO2 emissions per car dropped by 2.1%.
Automotive production suffers March dip
UK car production fell by 27.1% to 59,467 units in March, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Meanwhile, commercial vehicle output was down by 19.2% in the same month.
Denso launches aftermarket brand
Mobility supplier Denso has unveiled a new standalone aftermarket brand, MobiQ, which will be dedicated to new digital smart mobility products that can be retrofitted to improve driver safety.
Government launches future skills inquiry
The Industry and Regulators Committee is seeking views from industry about what skills will be needed in the future and how policy can support apprenticeships and training.
Written submissions are invited by 30 May.
Repair complaints soaring
Service and repair complaints to the Motor Ombudsman have reached record highs in each of the last two quarters.
It received 1,604 new complaints between January and March, which is 35% higher than the same period last year and also up on the 1,372 complaints received in the final quarter of last year, which was the previous high total.
Motor trades tops vacancy charts
New figures from the Office of National Statistics have revealed that there are around 23,000 vacancies in the UK motor trades industry, which includes the automotive aftermarket.
Together with hospitality, it is the industry with most severe skills gap in the UK.
VM News
Mobility challenges revealed in global Forum
The second Freedom of Mobility Forum has highlighted key mobility priorities as the industry evolves to meet future challenges.
Initiated by Stellantis and entitled, “How will our planet accommodate the mobility needs of eight billion people?” the global digital debate urged the sector to prioritise innovations around sustainability, address challenges collaboratively, and focus on the needs of economically diverse populations.
Ford launches EV subscriptions
Ford has introduced a new Ford E-Transit subscription service for business owners.
Available on monthly contracts that can be extended indefinitely, Ford Drive enables businesses to increase their fleets flexibly while also trying electric models without commitment.
Innovation the trump card for ACEMAN
MINI has unveiled the MINI Aceman, a mid-size all-electric crossover with a raft of new innovations.
Four surround view cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors help the model identify and initiate parking manoeuvres into tight spaces, while the Parking Assistant Plus option enables parking via a smartphone.
Hyundai establishes Amazon space
Hyundai Motor Europe has launched its own Brand Space on Amazon where customers can view the range of models, link to local Hyundai dealerships, configure features and schedule test drives.
People
- Ben Townsend has been appointed as Head of Automotive at Thatcham Research.
- Charles Trent has promoted Harry Merton to the role of Senior Supervisor.
- Andy Morris has been appointed Proprietor at AKS Accident Repair Centre.
- BASF SE has appointed Dr. Markus Kamieth as its new Chairman. He succeeds Dr. Martin Brudermüller.
- Martin Gray has been named National Fleet Manager at CUPRA & SEAT UK, Volkswagen Group UK.
