ARC360 Market Intelligence: April 2023
ARC360 have released their analytics report, studying the trends of economics and vehicle repairs and sales. A must-read.
Key names revealed for ARC360 EV event
ARC360 has revealed more key industry experts set to join discussions at its forthcoming EV specialist event.
The latest names revealed include:
- Victoria Turner, CEO, Activate Accident Repair & CCO, Activate Group
- Erika Woolacott, Managing Director, Fix Auto Mid Devon & Newton Abbot
- Giovanni Adamo, Senior Engineer, Zego Insurance
Champion award for Gemini MD
Gemini Accident Repair Centre’s Managing Director David Sargeant was named Apprentice Champion on the Year at the Nottingham College Apprentice Awards.
Auto Windscreens unveils ESG logo
Auto Windscreens has emphasised its commitment to sustainability by unveiling a new Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) logo that will be used for all related communications.
Roads gone to pot
The AA has reported that it attended 52,000 pothole-related breakdowns in April. That represents a 29% increase on the same month last year.
Meanwhile, pothole-related breakdowns have increased by 23% in the first four months of the year.
Safety to the FORS for Synetiq
UK salvage and dismantling experts Synetiq has achieved bronze accreditation from the industry-wide recognised Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) for its Winsford site.
FORS accreditation recognises a commitment to safety.
Top marks
Martin Brown received the GT Motive UK award for achieving the highest marks in practical exams in 2021. He collected the gong at The Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors 90th Anniversary event.
Double joy for Steer Automotive
Steer Automotive Group Tamworth has achieved BS 10125 compliance.
Meanwhile, the Group is also celebrating after apprentice Dominic Everington was named Apprentice of the Year at the Nottingham College Apprenticeship Awards.
MG Accident Repair celebrates certification
MG Accident Repair Centre has announced that it has become an approved repair for Nissan, meaning its training, tools, facilities and repair methods all meet the vehicle manufacturer’s approval.
Fix Auto Sutton adds badges
Ashfield-based Fix Auto Sutton has announced a double celebration after securing approval from both Toyota and Lexus.
Indasa secures Caramulo contract
Indasa has announced it has become a founding partner of the Caramulo Experience Center, a bodyshop facility specialising in the repair, maintenance and restoration of classic cars and motorcycles.
The multi-year agreement means Indasa products will be used in all their repair and restoration workshops.
UK manufacturing reaching crisis point
UK manufacturing is facing a skills crisis with too many people leaving the industry and training and recruitment falling behind.
This is according to the Manufacturing Excellence report commissioned by WorldSkills UK in partnership with BAE Systems and undertaken by the Learning & Work Institute, which urged manufacturers to ‘change the narrative’ to appeal to younger people.
IMI issues HGV safety warning
The IMI has warned that the repair and maintenance of heavy goods vehicles in the UK faces safety-critical challenges due to a lack of skills.
It has written to the Education Secretary calling for a review of funding for HGV apprenticeships.
Automotive output springs forward
Car manufacturing increased for the third month in a row in April with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Trader reporting a 9.9% increase to 66,527 units.
Meanwhile, commercial vehicle output is nine per cent up year-to-date after a 33% surge in April to 10,504.
Cap report makes promising reading
The latest car market overview produced by cap HPI has revealed an automotive industry in recovery mode.
The report said, “Demand remains steady. The uncertainty of the May Bank Holidays will not be repeated, which could lead to an uptick in activity.”
Date set for Fix Auto Conference 2024
Fix Auto UK has announced that next year’s National Conference will take place on 8-9 May at The Vox, within The Resorts World near Birmingham.
EV sales enjoy double-digit growth
Data released by PwC has revealed that EV sales in the UK grew by over a fifth in the first quarter of 2023 to make up 53% of the sales market.
Double-digit year-on-year growth was recorded in January (18%), February (25%) and March (24%), with hybrids accounting for 32% of all EVs sold, followed by battery (15%) and plug-in (six per cent).
Traffic volumes exceed pre-Covid levels
The Department of Transport has reported that traffic levels in early May were higher than they were pre-pandemic.
Its figures revealed that traffic volumes on Friday 5 May were three per cent up on those recorded in the first week of February 2020.
People
Graham McDermid has been named Regional Network Manager at LV=.
Collision Repair Group has appointed Nick M as Head of UK Operations.
Allianz has announced that Personal Lines CEO Steve Treloar and Chief Financial Officer Fernley Dyson are both stepping down.
