Industry leaders set for specialist EV event
Many of the UK’s leading insurers, vehicle manufacturers and vehicle repairers are set to discuss how electric vehicles (EVs) are set to change motor claims at ARC360s specialist EV event.
Amongst some of the leading names set to attend include insurers Aviva, esure and Zurich; vehicle manufacturers Stellantis, Tesla and Toyota; and repair groups Halo ARC, Fix Auto UK and Steer Automotive.
The event, sponsored by Control Expert and Thatcham Research, along with ARC360 Corporate Partners and Partners, takes place on Tuesday 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Coventry.
Gemini sets the standard
Gemini Accident Repair Centres has announced that 15 of its sites have now achieved the new BS10125:2022 repair standard.
Gemini Macclesfield and Chesterfield are the latest to be accredited, joining Redruth, Rotherham, Telford, Manchester, Cannock, Wakefield, Bodmin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Nuneaton, Nottingham, Spalding, and Peterborough.
Copart shows support for Pride Month
Copart has underlined its support for the LGBTQ+ community by marking Pride Month with two initiatives.
It has announced it will sponsor the Milton Keynes Pride Festival for the third year in a row, while at the same time it is rolling out diversity and inclusion training to its more than 1,300 teammates.
Apprenticeship demand on the rise
Apprenticeship Central has reported a large increase in businesses looking to take on apprentices this year.
It offers a comprehensive recruitment and retention outsource solution through three services – Recruit, Nurture, and Ensure – and says demand has increased in single- and multi-skilled programmes, as well as those for VDAs.
Six of the best for Gemini
Gemini Accident Repair Group has announced that six Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) apprentices have now become IMI-accredited.
They are Gemma Bright (Gemini Redditch), Daniel Ward (Gemini Nottingham), Jacob Ray (Gemini Pensnett), Luke Sargeant (Gemini Worcester), Lewis Walker (Gemini Telford), and Ashley Ablett (Gemini Leeds).
Movac Group under new ownership
Movac Group directors Robert Lang, Craig Matthews and Keith Parvin have acquired the company after a management buy-out.
The change of ownership is part of a strategic five-year growth plan intended to establish it as one of the strongest independently-owned distribution companies in the UK.
Badge of honour for Individual Solihull
Individual Solihull has announced it is now an official Ferrari bodyshop after undergoing specialist training to ensure that repairs, tooling and facilities meet the brand’s exacting standards.
Alton Cars promoting repair over replace programme
Alton Cars Group is working with Cornerstone Technologies to develop its repair over replace programme, improving both profitability and sustainability while at the same time reducing its reliability on parts supply.
Cornerstone Technologies is delivering a comprehensive training programme to VDA’s covering both advanced plastic and push to paint.
Peggs unveils new state-of-the-art site
Birmingham-based repairer Peggs Accident Repair Centre has cut the ribbon on a brand new, state-of-the-art repair facility.
EVs drive Volvo sales surge
Volvo Cars has reported a 31% increase in global sales in May, driven primarily by the sale of its electric models.
The manufacturer sold 60,398 units in the month to take its annual total to 275,312, a 14% increase on the same period during 2022, while sales of its fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars rose 55% to account for 40% of all sales.
Repairify to unveil new diagnostics solution
Repairify is set to release a new diagnostics, calibrations, and programming solution for local and remote diagnostics.
The asTech All-In-One tablet-based solution, due for release on 12 June, will enable bodyshops to identify repairs and carry out remote and local calibrations.
Postcode lottery when it comes to EV techs
New research by The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has revealed significant location gaps in qualified technicians to work on electric vehicles.
It found that only seven local authorities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have 10% or more EV-qualified technicians while more than 150 have less than two per cent.
ADAS safety ratings revealed
Euro NCAP and Thatcham Research have released the latest ADAS safety ratings, with the Alfa Romeo Tonale getting a ‘moderate’ score while the Nissan Ariya and Renault Astral were both rated ‘very good’.
Jaguar Land Rover unveils new unifying identity
Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled its new corporate identity as it brings Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar together under one roof.
What Car? tackles EV fire fears
What Car? has questioned fears that EVs are more likely than petrol or diesel vehicles to catch fire.
It has cited results of a Freedom of Information request submitted by Air Quality News that revealed the London Fire Brigade tackled 54 EV fires in 2019, compared with 1,898 fires involving petrol or diesel cars.
Stellantis to set up new recycling venture
Stellantis and leading metals recycler Galloo havesigned a Memorandum of Understanding to negotiate the formation of a joint venture focused on End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) recycling.
The service is expected to launch at the end of 2023 with an initial focus on France, Belgium and Luxembourg, before expanding across Europe.
New vehicle sale surging
Both the new car and new light commercial vehicle markets have enjoyed consecutive months of growth, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
It found that new car registrations grew 16.7% in May to 145,204 units, making it 10 months of continuous growth.
Meanwhile, LCV registrations grew by 15.3% in May compared to last year, reaching 25,359 units, making it the fifth consecutive month rising sales.
AkzoNobel announces China supply deal
AkzoNobel will supply its full water-based Sikkens range to Porsche China, enhancing sustainable operations in the region.
Gemini trio set for 3 Peaks charity challenge
Three colleagues from Gemini Accident Repair Centres will join LV to take on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, raising funds for Family Action. They are Dan Dillon, Account Manager, James Gough, Accounts, and Kristina Grove from Marketing.
People
Direct Line Group has named Mike Collyer as Area Network Controller.
Allianz Holdings has appointed Serge Raffard as the new Managing Director, replacing Steve Treloar.
