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Join us on Wednesday 15 December at 1.30pm as we round-out 2021’s webinARC programme with a look across the market today exploring what the data tells us, and how that is translating to the real world of vehicle incident repair.
Featuring:
- Jordan Chinn, network manager, Innovation Group
- Andrew Eade, head of AD strategy & fullfilment, First Central
- Paul Sell, associate director, Trend Tracker
Gemini ARC partners ILC and ARC360
Gemini Accident Repair has been named as ILC’s first repairer Corporate Partner and an ARC360 Repairer Associate.
Gemini is the UK’s largest automotive repair business with more than 30 sites and has developed a burgeoning reputation for exemplary service to partners and customers alike, while its commitment to upholding and developing skills and standards is just one reason it is trusted by most major vehicle manufacturers and insurers.
Steer expansion continues
Steer Automotive Group’s accelerated expansion strategy has continued with the acquisitions of Lookers Maidstone Mercedes-Benz and VAG approved Accident Repair Centre.
In addition, the group has also opened Steer Chatham after months of development.
Sophie stars in AW docuseries
The second episode of AW Repair Group’s Career for Life Series shone a spotlight on women in the sector by highlighting the career development of Sophie, who is employed at the group’s Nottingham site.
She joined the company as Customer Liaison Advisor and has since risen to Workshop Controller ensuring the productivity and quality of 10 technicians.
Enterprise delivers Christmas cracker to pupils
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has joined up with the National Literacy Trust to deliver 23,000 copies of Serena Patel’s award-winning book, Anisha, Accidental Detective, to primary school pupils during a six-day nationwide tour.
They will visit schools in Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bradford, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol and London, while Enterprise employees have also recorded a read-along version of the book which children can access via an online link or QR code as an added aid to help them read.
Jon Parker joins Halo Accident Repair Centres
Jon Parker has been named as Business Intelligence Director for Halo Accident Repair. His appointment will support the rapid growth of the group while also helping to shape organisational processes and develop innovative solutions for Halo’s insurer partners and their customers.
Copart backs Ben’s festive plea
Copart is backing the Ben Automotive Charity’s Christmas Appeal, which hopes to raise upwards of £500,000 to support the health and wellbeing of industry colleagues and their families.
Demand for Ben’s services has risen during the pandemic, but its fundraising opportunities have been severely curtailed by restrictions imposed because of Covid-19.
Fix Auto moves into Lake District
The Fix Auto UK network has followed expansion into Northern Ireland with a new site in the Lake District. Irvings Bodyworks, based in Workington, has been appointed to the network and will now operate as Fix Auto Workington.
Strategically, the appointment is crucial to the network and its insurer clients as it bridges an area between established Fix Auto UK repair centres in Lancaster, Carlisle and Scotland. The business has also been known to repair vehicles from the Isle of Man.
Renault and Dacia fail safety tests
The Renault Zoe achieved a zero-star safety rating in the final round of Euro NCAP’s 2021 testing, while the Dacia Spring only managed one star.
The Zoe was rated poor in a frontal offset collision and returned an even worse verdict after side pole testing, which found the driver’s head could be directly impacted by the protruding pole.
Matthew Avery, Thatcham Research’s Chief Research Strategy Officer and Euro NCAP board member said, “It is a serious concern to see results like this in 2021.”
Artis announces new Borehamwood site
Artis Accident Care has launched a new 9,300sqft purpose-built bodyshop in Borehamwood. The site also includes 2,500sqft of modern office space.
The workshop features two purpose-built spraybooths with energy saving features as well as a dedicated EV and hybrid repair bay and rapid EV charging points for workshop, staff and customers.
Customer focus turning to carbon footprint
Trend Tracker’s latest report, ‘Sustainability in the Supply Chain‘, has highlighted growing customer expectations around a businesses’ carbon footprint. Sponsored by ECA Business Energy, the report warned that all businesses in the supply chain need to begin their journey to net zero or risk a backlash from consumer groups.
Further details of the third such report will be released in the coming weeks, while Trend Tracker subscribers can access the report now.
Stellantis targets €20bn tech bonus
Stellantis is targeting €20bn in incremental annual revenues by 2030 by deploying next-generation tech platforms and building on existing connected vehicle capabilities.
With the three all-new AI-powered technology platforms to arrive in 2024, it says the transformation will move its’ vehicles from electronic architectures to an open software-defined platform that integrates with customers’ digital lives while also enabling regular over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Sabre cuts through ADAS confusion
LexisNexis Risk Solutions has secured a new contract with UK car insurer Sabre Insurance to deliver ADAS data at the point of quote.
The information, made available through LexisNexis Vehicle Build, will allow Sabre to consider the types and benefits of any fitted ADAS when quoting personal and commercial motor customers.
Morelli secures distribution deal
Morelli Group has been appointed distribution partner for the UK of Ngenco Paint Protection Spray (PPS) and colour change removable coatings. Ngenco’s sprayable coating provides over 200 microns of coating and is safe for use with ADAS technology.
Graham Parker, Managing Director of Morelli Group, said, “We are certain that with our industry expertise and reach, we will be able to open new windows of opportunity for this product and additional revenue for our clients.”
Christmas bonus for ILC’s chosen charity
ILC’s chosen charity Rainbow Trust has been selected by UK newspaper The i as its sole Christmas Charity partner this month. As such, it will publish a feature or article on the charity every day throughout December.
The campaign was launched on Monday, 6 December, with The i setting an initial fundraising target of £75,000.
