Bodyshop briefs
- Fix Auto UK has announced that K&R Coachworks has joined its network and will now operate as Fix Auto St Albans.
- Croydon-based Kudos Bodyworks has become an NBRA member.
- Coachworks Renovations has taken another step towards sustainability by buying zero carbon electricity.
- Custom Coachworks has cut the ribbon on a third bodyshop, situated in Burgess Hill.
- Evolution Repair Group has signed an agreement with Accident Credit Group to support further growth.
- Summers Accident Repair Centre in Ashford has been appointed as a Lotus approved bodyshop.
- Walton Accident Repair has secured manufacturer approval from Toyota and Lexus.
- Ipswich Accident Repair Centre has been awarded an Enterprise Customer Service Award, achieving a World Class Quarterly Net Promoter score for Customer Repair.
Industry News
Red Sea instability causing knock-on effects
The NBRA has warned of increased parts supply disruption and rising costs within the UK repair sector as a result of instability in the Red Sea.
ARC360 Partner, Prasco UK has said its customers are unlikely to be affected by the situation even though the Doncaster-based parts supplier is experiencing rising shipping costs and up to a two-week delay in receiving goods because of the escalating problems.
Repair costs creep up in December
Average repair costs rose to over £2,900 in December, a six per cent increase on the same month in 2022, according to data released by Trend Tracker.
It found that with the Christmas break, the number of repairs in the month fell from November tracking at 97% of the total number of repairs in December 2022.
Tech challenge
New technology presents the greatest opportunity to the industry, according to an ARC360 exclusive interview with Ben Routh, Apprentice Repair Technician, Activate Accident Repair, Leeds.
Entegral unveils Bodyshop 360
Entegral has released Bodyshop 360, a mobile app that enables bodyshops to leverage their own data to make quicker and better decisions.
Copart continues expansion
Vehicle remarketing and recycling specialist Copart has announced two significant developments with expansion of its Sandtoft ‘Super Centre’ and its new Operation Centre in St Helens.
Sandtoft sees the acquisition of an ex-IAA/Synetiq site of 20 acres which adjoins the 65 acres of land added recently, creating the largest Copart ‘Super Centre’ in the UK.
Meanwhile, capacity in the North West has increased by 50% with a new 16-acre Operation Centre in St Helens.
Warning signs despite strong sales
EY UK & Ireland Automotive Leader David Borland has warned of difficult times ahead for EV sales. The new car market increased by 9.8% in December while LCVs sales surged by 36% in the month, but BEV sales slowed in both November and December.
Meanwhile, rental firm Hertz is selling about 20,000 EVs from its US fleet due to falling demand.
BASF signs EV battery deal with Stena
BASF has signed a black mass purchase agreement with Stena Recycling as part of a broader collaboration to develop electric vehicle battery recycling solutions.
Mirka delivers top tier sanding solutions
Mirka has underscored its status as quality supplier of sanding solutions to Tier 1 suppliers of automotive industry. Tier 1 suppliers deliver body parts which match the quality and surface perfection of the complete vehicle.
SYNETIQ announces new EV battery partnership
SYNETIQ is collaborating with clean-tech innovator Allye Energy to focus on the sustainable transformation of end-of-life EV batteries.
The partnership will focus on repurposing battery packs for MAX Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which SYNETIQ will provide through its many industry agreements.
FCA takes immediate motor finance measures
The Financial Conduct Authority is conducting a review of historical motor finance commission arrangements and sales as a result of rising customer complaints.
It has paused the eight-week deadline for motor finance firms to provide a final response to relevant customer complaints for 37 weeks, while customers will also have 15 months to refer complaints to the Financial Ombudsman rather than six months.
Indasa unveils new mixing system
Indasa Abrasives has launched a new two-part Mixing System which helps technicians maximise productivity by mixing and applying paint more easily.
Positive outlook for sales
Cox Automotive Europe is predicting that new vehicle registrations this year will grow 6.1% to 2.02 million units, while used car sales will surge to nearly 7,4 million.
Innovations in the pipeline
Business Development Manager at GT Motive Steven Hames is predicting a wave of new cloud-based innovations this year, based on customer feedback and requests.
Autoglass joins YPO framework
Autoglass has enhanced its sustainability credentials by joining the YPO Vehicle Glass Repair and Replacement Framework.
This comes after several green initiatives, such as opening three solar-panelled modulars that operate entirely off-grid, operating a repair-first strategy where possible, and recycling 100% of the glass waste it generates.
Storm celebrates ISO 9001 certification
Storm Auto Services has announced it has secured the management standard ISO 9001, which is required by many insurers.
IMI identifies key skills drivers
The IMI had identified the key issues that will drive a fresh focus on skills in the sector.
Its report, Driving Auto Forwards, believes increased manufacturing, a growing focus on diversity and sustainability, and new technology in vehicles will demand new skills.
ACG expands NBRA partnership
Accident Credit Group has announced it will be a Gold Supplier Partner to the NBRA in 2024.
As part of the agreement, ACG will work closely with the NBRA to deliver support and funding solutions to its members.
Ben highlights coaching support
Automotive charity Ben is highlighting how it can support colleagues in the industry make positive changes to their lives this year.
Its Coaching Service is available to anyone who is working or has worked in the automotive industry, and can support individuals in their careers, boost their confidence and even improve their lifestyle with better eating habits, self-care and work-life balance.
Bumper growth
Car servicing platform Bumper has secured £37m Series B funding to drive further growth. Supported by investors such as Autotech Ventures, Shell Ventures, JLR’s InMotion Ventures, Porsche Ventures and Revo Capital, Bumper has doubled in size every year since 2020 and now services more than 5,000 dealers.
VM news
Stellantis updates carbon footprint plan
The Stellantis Multi Brand Accident Repair Programme has worked with ECA Business Energy to update its PAS 2060 carbon footprint and management plan. It will now purchase carbon credits through the Net Zero Group this year.
Volvo unveils new sustainability targets
As part of its new sustainability ambitions, Volvo Cars has announced that by 2030 it plans to reduce its CO2 emissions per car by 75%, achieve 30% average recycled content across its fleet, and reduce water use in its operations by 50%.
People
- Andy Hamilton has started his new position as President and Executive Managing Director of LKQ Europe.
- Gary Smith has returned to Europcar Mobility Group UK & Ireland as Managing Director, a position he held from 2016 to 2020.
