Bodyshop Briefs
- The NBRA has announced the finalists for this year’s Greener Bodyshop Awards. The ceremony takes place on 10 September at The Coventry Building Society Arena. Read more
- Fix Auto Reading is the latest franchise partner from within the Fix Auto UK network to successfully gain its PAS 2060 accreditation. Meanwhile, Kent-based RS Dawe has joined the network. Read more
- Liam Kenny Motor Body Repairs in Eynsham has successfully transitioned to BS10125:2022 during a recent audit.
- The Steer Automotive VIP Awards is celebrating its second birthday this month. The ‘Value in Practice’ awards were introduced in August 2022 to recognise colleagues showing integrity, excellence or innovation, with winners announced every three months. Read more
Industry News
Getting in shape to win more business
In an era of consolidation within the automotive aftermarket repair sector, there are still opportunities for growth for businesses not interested in acquisition. That was the message of a panel debate, ‘Getting in shape to win more business’, which took place at ARC360’sFuture Vehicle Technology themed conference. Read more
Vacancy Rate Tracker: Automotive vacancies heading in the wrong direction
Despite some success at cutting vacancy numbers earlier in the year, July 2024 saw the automotive sector return to top spot in the ‘Vacancies by Sector’ chart, overtaking hospitality. Read more
IMI announces changes to executive board
The Institute of the Motor Industry has announced the strategic transition of its executive team. During this period of transition, the board has appointed Kevin Finn, who has been chair of the IMI since 2020, in the newly created role of Executive Chair. Azlina Bulmer has been appointed as Managing Director with responsibility for the overall management, organisation and staffing of the IMI. Read more
BASF Performance Materials co-creates the sustainable future with its customers
BASF’s Performance Materials division has revealed its strategic roadmap towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and highlighted key milestones on the way to a circular economy. Read more
Automotive charity Ben celebrates successes
Automotive charity Ben has highlighted its successes and current campaigns in its latest newsletter. It has revealed that since April 2023 it has supported 5,040 individuals, which is a two per cent increase on the previous year, with 2,829 interventions delivered, a 17% rise on the previous year. Read more
NWVA fundraiser for DEBRA
NWVA will be taking to the pitch against Morelli Group with industry leaders and customers and a few football legends from the past, for an 11-a-side football match on 15 October 2024 at London Stadium. Read more
Drivers told to prepare for rise in fuel duty
Drivers across the UK are being warned to expect a rise in fuel duty in the Government’s upcoming Autumn Budget. Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer has already stated that there is a £22 billion ‘black hole’ in public finances. It will be down to Chancellor Rachel Reeves to tell the country how this will be achieved, but there is guaranteed to be an announcement on the future of fuel duty. Read more
PartsXchange partners Vehicle Image Assessors
PartsXchange has announced a new partnership with Vehicle Image Assessors, which specialises in providing meticulous and accurate vehicle damage assessment services. Read more
Time to deliver for UK Automotive
In little more than a week the UK Parliament returns with a busy legislative agenda. High amongst its priorities will be measures to stimulate economic growth and the automotive sector can be the driver of that change. The SMMT has said it will work with the government to ensure delivery matches ambition. Read more
Nearly a third of young drivers admit to filming themselves behind the wheel for social media likes
Nearly a third of young drivers admit to taking pictures or video footage at the wheel to upload and show off on social media while driving. Research of 1,000 18 to 26-year-olds with a full driving licence revealed some of the riskiest things they’ve done behind the wheel, including texting and racing friends on public roads. Read more
VM News
Car production dips while CV output soars
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported that UK car production decreased by 14% in July, while commercial vehicle output soared 71.7%. Read more
SMMT figures revealed that 65,478 vehicles were produced in the month, with electric vehicle output down 18.6%. However, after four months of decline, production of commercial vehicles climbed to 15,252 units. Read more
Bentley first car manufacturer to join global body for responsibly-sourced leather
Bentley Motors has become the first automotive member of Leather Naturally, the global voice of the sustainable leather industry. The international, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is dedicated to promoting the use of certified, properly-sourced leather as a natural by-product of a responsible circular economy. Read more
Hyundai Motor Unveils New ‘Hyundai Way’ Strategy
Hyundai Motor Company hosted its 2024 CEO Investor Day, unveiling its new mid- to long-term strategy, the ‘Hyundai Way’.At the event, the company disclosed its commitment to enhancing its electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid competitiveness, advancing its battery and autonomous vehicle technologies, and expanding its vision as an energy mobilizer. Read more
smart #5 World Premiere: The First-Ever Premium Mid-Size SUV from smart
smart, the all-electric automotive brand, has unveiled the all-new smart #5 at the world premiere event in Byron Bay, Australia. With a super-charging function delivering 70% of battery capacity in 15 minutes, the model offers a range of around 500 miles and full ADAS technologies. Read more
Five wins for Volkswagen in What Car? Electric Car Awards
Volkswagen is celebrating after taking five What Car? Electric Car wins, including the Golf 1.5 TSI eHybrid winning Best Hybrid Family Car, the Passat 1.5 TSI eHybrid winning Best Hybrid Estate Car, the Golf GTE being named Best Used Hybrid Family Car, the Passat GTE named Best Used Hybrid Estate Car, and the ID.3 58 kWh winning Best Used Electric Family Car. Read more
People
- Chloe Porter is leaving Zurich UK after 14 years to join Hastings Direct as Head of Total Loss and Engineering.
- Ted Williams has started a new position as Global Director of Business Services at Sherwin-Williams.
- Michael Massey has announced he will be returning as a judge at the National Paint Championships during Automechanika UK 2025.
- Kevern Thompson is joining the senior leadership team of Thao Group to oversee its growing bodyshop portfolio.
