Bodyshop briefs
- Rybrook Lotus Bristol has announced that bodyshop partner S J Curtis has achieved Lotus approval.
- Activate Group has opened a new bodyshop in Hampton, London, taking its number of owned UK repair centres to 10.
- Fix Auto UK has revealed that TV star Fred Sirieix, former Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King and corporate finance expert Rex Green will be the keynote speakers for this year’s National Conference, taking place on 8-9 May at The Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham.
- D Walton has set its sights on being carbon neutral by the end of 2024.
- R H Bodyworks has passed its BSI audit and has now transitioned to the new BS10125:2022 standard.
- FMG Repair Services Bristol has secured BS10125 certification at its new site.
- Komoo Sheffield has passed a stage 2 audit and received a positive recommendation for the new BS10125:2022 standard.
- Steer Automotive Hexham has transitioned to BS10125:2022.
Industry News
The Dawning of a New Era
Lotus is a name synonymous with performance sports cars. From a rich heritage in Formula 1 to appearances on the ‘big screen’, Lotus has been at the cutting edge of vehicle innovation for 75 years.
The business is now transforming itself as part of its Vision80 plan, which will not only see it become one of the first all-electric vehicle (EV) performance car manufacturers, but also offering luxury tech-focused lifestyle vehicles and increasing its global presence.
Here, we catch up with Steve Plunkett, Lotus Cars’ Global Bodyshop Programme Manager, to find out how the business is getting set to satisfy insurer and customer requirements across the world.
Adapting to the ADAS age
ARC360 partnered with Repairify recently to host a roundtable event, focused on the growing influence and subsequent challenges and opportunities around advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
The roundtable saw experts from all corners of the sector meet at The Midland Grand Dining Room, London to consider the impact ADAS is having on the industry, both from a repairer and insurance perspective.
Copart announces Peterlee expansion
Online vehicle remarketing and recycling specialist Copart is expanding its Operation Centre in Peterlee, County Durham.
The expansion will increase the site to 30 acres with a capacity for handling upwards of 38,000 vehicles a year.
Thatcham Research unveils AiQ data platform
Thatcham Research has unveiled its new automotive intelligence platform, AiQ, which will deliver relevant, timely and data rich insurability content to members.
Content includes research on new vehicles, car parc composition and aggregated repair costs.
Government calls for urgent EV roadmap
A new government report on electric vehicles has called for ‘urgent changes’ if the UK is to meet its net zero emissions targets.
Published by the House of Lords Committee, the Environment and Climate Change Committee’s EV strategy: rapid recharge needed report highlighted that barriers still exist around cost and public charging.
NWVA scores with West Ham United
Nationwide Vehicle Assistance has recorded a promotional video with stars of the West Ham United FC first team.
The video is hosted by The Apprentice star Tom Skinner, who asks the three players a series of questions while they safely strap a vehicle to one of NWVA’s recovery trucks.
SYNETIQ underlines sustainability credentials
SYNETIQ has been awarded Gold Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) status from the Carbon Literacy Project.
Gold status recognises that more than 50% of colleagues have completed industry-specific Carbon Literacy training and are certified as Carbon Literate.
It has also announced a new partnership with clean technology group Altilium to recycle EV batteries from cars that have been written off.
Consolidation continues within National Windscreens
National Windscreens’ largest member Cary Group has completed the acquisition of the second largest member, J Huggins and Son. This consolidates 95% of National Windscreens’ fitting and calibration centres.
IMI campaign breaks five-million barrier
An IMI campaign to promote the industry has achieved more than five million impressions and 35,000 conversions in just three months.
The More to Motor digital campaign was launched across multiple platforms in September last year.
Cogent Hire joins NBRA supplier list
The NBRA has announced that Chorley-based credit hire company Cogent Hire has joined its supplier list as a non-fault partner and EV mobility specialist.
Silverlake opens the door for Steer apprentices
Silverlake Automotive Recycling is supporting Steer Automotive apprentices by supplying reclaimed door panels to help their continued training and development.
Carwow announces Autovia acquisition
Online car marketplace Carwow has acquired automotive media company Autovia, which reaches over 15 million car owners, buyers and enthusiasts every month through its print and digital titles.
HGVs gather momentum
Demand for new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) grew for the second year running with UK registrations up 13.5% to 46,227 in 2023, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Meanwhile, the new bus, coach and minibus market grew by 44.6% to 4,932.
Farécla updated website now live
Farécla has unveiled its newly redesigned website, which features an advanced and intuitive Solution Finder and eShop to help bodyshops find and secure relevant products.
VM news
EVs drive Stellantis growth
Stellanis has reported that across the group battery electric vehicle sales grew 21% last year, while light electric vehicle sales increased by 27%. To drive further growth, it plans to launch 18 new BEVs in North America this year.
Meanwhile, CEO Carlos Tavares has warned that cutting EV prices regardless of the reality of costs could lead to a race to the bottom and result in an industry ‘bloodbath’.
Addison Lee accelerates EV switch with VWG
London private hire and taxi firm Addison Lee has added 600 new Volkswagen Multivan hybrid vehicles to its fleet, which already includes more than 1,000 all-electric Volkswagen ID.4’s, and 400 Audi A6 low-emission vehicles.
The Multivans will replace diesel people carriers.
GM expands Super Cruise network
GM has added thousands of LiDAR-mapped highways to its Super Cruise road network in North America.
GM Super Cruise is ‘the first true hands-free driver assistance technology for compatible roads’. Drivers can now benefit from the ADAS technology on more than 750,000 miles across America and Canada.
JLR invites new apprentices
JLR has increased its 2024 apprenticeship intake by 50, meaning there are 350 places available this year.
Candidates with A-level maths, BTEC and T-Level qualifications are now being invited to apply.
Bright future for Porsche Panamera
Porsche has unveiled a new colour programme for its Panamera saloon, including blue metallic, ice grey metallic, Lugano blue and Madeira gold metallic.
People
- Finance Director at Fix Auto Mid Devon and Newton Abbott Alena Woolacott will join Automotive 30% Club’s next Inspiring Conversation, themed Invest in Women to Include the Female Customer,’ which will take place on 6 March.
- Pro-Align has appointed Kasia Rzepka as new Head of Operations.
- Kumho Tyre UK has appointed Tim Dougherty as TBR National Sales Manager.
