Leading influencers assemble for future sector insights
Vehicle technology specialist, Tom Leggett is the latest leading influencer to join ARC360’s specialist ‘future vehicle technology’ themed event agenda.
No single factor behind falling volumes
More than a dozen industry experts took part in the third ARC360 Breakfast Think Tank last week, when attention turned to the sudden and dramatic fall in repair volumes in the last few months.
Voices from repairers, insurers, suppliers and data experts were heard, when it was agreed that there has been a ‘sharp and noticeable fall’ in volumes since mid-February, with no obvious single factor responsible for the drop off.
Bodyshop Briefs
- MG Cannon has installed Glasurit’s all-new waterborne basecoat system, Glasurit 100 Line, in all six sites.
- M&A Coachworks has been named Bentley Bodyshop of the Year 2023.
- Steer Automotive Group’s Miguel Harvey came second at the Emirate Skills National Final Competition for Car Painting, seeing off competition from France, Germany, the UAE, and the UK.
- Devonshire Motors Accident Repair Centres has undergone five audits in five days, securing vehicle repair approvals from Jaguar and Telsa.
- Gemini ARC has launched its 35th site. Gemini Barnstaple is a 7,700 sqft site based in Ilfracombe with capacity to repair 1,000 vehicles a year.
Industry News
Conference highlights opportunities for positive change
ILC’s New Generation in Claims Conference helped highlight the opportunities available to positively influence how the industry can best attract and retain future talent.
Host for the day James Lambert, ILC’s New Generation in Claims Sector Lead and Founder of Engage to Succeed, opened the day’s proceedings by referencing Henry Ford’s quote: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”
James added, “Let’s keep that in mind and think about what is possible, how we can change, what’s the cost of not changing, and what could work in your business.”
Claims cost increases surge ahead of premiums
New figures released by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) have revealed that the cost of claims rose eight per cent in the first three months of 2024 compared to a one per cent rise in premiums.
Average cost of a motor claim rose to £4,800 in the first quarter, while average comprehensive car insurance policies are now £635.
Plunkys All Stars raise over £100k
The final Plunkys All Stars football match will take place on 28 June at the Football Development Centre in Norwich, raising funds for Norfolk and Waveney MIND, East Anglian Air Ambulance, and the Fire Fighters Charity.
To date the football matches have raised over £100k for worthy charities.
Ben turns up the heat for next challenge
Ten teams of two will trek across the Sahara Desert in November as part of automotive charity Ben’s Industry Leader Challenge.
Participating teams will navigate about 17 miles a day in temperatures reaching 35 Deg C to raise a minimum of £20,000 each.
Introducing SERMI
A new association has been established to control access to security-related repair and maintenance information (SERMI).
Managed by vehicle manufacturers and repairers, the SERMI Association has been created primarily to combat vehicle theft by approving and monitoring who has access to what information.
Phil Peace, Managing Director, Repairify, explains more.
NWVA ‘Alert’ to quicker processes
NWVA has launched Insure Alert, a new add-on product that allows recovery operators and vehicle storage compounds to communicate faster with insurers, fleets, hire companies, and leasing companies.
Avant celebrates landmark birthday
Huddersfield-based Avant has celebrated its 20th birthday. The market-leading independent organisation specialises in the provision of solutions across all aspects of the automotive aftermarket.
OEC and Toyota announce parts partnership
OEC has announced a new Trade Parts Programme partnership with Toyota GB for both the Toyota and Lexus brands.
As part of the collaboration, it will provide a dedicated team of business development managers, sales reps, call centre agents, and marketing solutions to support growth.
Copart celebrated at Great Women Top 100 awards
CEO of Copart UK & Ireland Jane Pocock has been recognised in the 2024 Autocar Great Women Top 100 awards, which celebrates influential women in the industry.
She was a finalist in the Executive Category.
BASF 100 Line delivers stellar results
BASF has announced stellar results of its eco-friendly waterborne basecoat, 100 Line, based on data from 1,000 bodyshops in 20 countries that have adopted it.
It reported an average of 40% less process time, 30% less material usage with every application, 20% less consumption, and 50% faster process times.
EV charging prices frozen
The AA EV Recharge Report for March has revealed that electric vehicle charging prices across the public network were frozen across all speeds during the month, compared to a 0.63 pence per litre rise in petrol prices.
VM News
BYD profits plummet by nearly 50%
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has reported a £502m (47%) fall in profits in the first quarter of the year.
It sold just over 300,000 units in the first three months of the year compared to 526,000 sales in the same period last year.
Prancing horse unveils V12 models
Ferrari has unveiled the new two-seater Berlinetta and Spider, both of which are powered by a V12 engine that that boasts 830 cv power output, with maximum revs of 9500 rpm.
Aston Martin in the slow lane
Aston Martin has reported that pre-tax losses nearly doubled to £138.8m in the first quarter of the year, with 945 wholesale car sales compared to 1,269 during the same period last year.
People
- Page Automotive Group has appointed Paul Colebrook as Group Operations Manager.
- Direct Line Group has appointed Craig Thornton as Managing Director Home and Growth, Martin Milliner as Managing Director of Claims and Hugh Hessing as Chief Operating Officer. In addition, Roger Lowry has been named Director of Corporate Affairs and Alexandra Hayes as Chief of Staff.
- Allianz has promoted Caroline Johnson to the role of Claims Director in the company’s personal lines business, while Nicola George has taken over from Mike Crane as Managing Director at the company’s personal lines broker business.
- IMI Policy and Public Affairs Lead Hayley Pells has been celebrated in the Government Affairs category of the Autocar Great Women 2024 Top 100.
