Bodyshop briefs
- Cannock-based Premier ARC has secured PAS 2060 certification.
- Hilton Coachworks has becomean approved BMW repairer.
- GRM Bodycraft has opened its fourth site in Scotland. The new express repair centre is based in Dundee.
- Nova Automotive Group has announced its new Witham site will launch next week.
- KC Autos has secured Toyota- Lexus approval.
Industry News
Thatcham Research hosts BYD Product Showcase
For two days in January (Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 January 2024) Thatcham Research played host to a number of invited guests for Chinese vehicle manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) Product Showcase. ARC360 was on hand to explore the products, learn more of the Thatcham Research – BYD relationship, and glean insights in the vehicle manufacturers plans for 2024.
Steer announces Lovells and Pronto acquisition
Steer Automotive Group has acquired all 11 Lovells Auto Body Centres and Pronto Accident Repair Centres.
The integration of Lovells and Pronto, which boasts approvals from the likes of BMW, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz Van, Audi, VW Skoda Seat, Kia and Hyundai, consolidates Steer Group’s current East Midlands’ footprint.
Premiums up another 12% in Q4
New figures from the Association of British Insurers have found that motor insurance premiums rose 12% in the fourth quarter of 2023. Average policies increased from £526 in the third quarter to £627 in the last three months of the year.
Taking the year as whole, prices rose by more than 25% from 2022.
Network benefits
S&G Response has highlighted the benefits of being part of its repair network, including pricing transparency, accurate triage, and ongoing support.
Its network now includes 225 repairers nationwide and 58 specialist HGV repairers.
BASF working towards sustainability standard
BASF’s Coatings division is discussing the introduction of an independent global certification standard to manage demand for sustainable accident repairs and the creation of a uniform standard based on tested criteria.
The criteria will provide a guideline to bodyshops on how to become more sustainable and help them to prepare for the increasing legal requirements such as CO2 emission reports.
GT Motive announces first price increase
GT Motive has announced it first ever price adjustment.
An eight per cent increase will be introduced form 1 March, affecting estimate creation (VQ included, VRN-VIN included), manual estimate creation, system access charges, and VIN query.
London traffic the slowest in the world
London traffic is the slowest in the world, according to a new report published by Tom Tom. It found that a typical 10k drive in London now takes 37 minutes and 20 seconds.
Globally, the report revealed that average speeds decreased in 228 of the 387 cities it analysed.
Automotive apprentices spike by 9%
Automotive apprenticeships rose by nine per cent in the first quarter of the new academic year, according to data from the Institute of the Motor Industry.
It found that the ‘Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle)’ pathway was the most popular choice with 1,500 starts, while the ‘Autocare Technician’ pathway also experienced a significant 38% increase, representing 28% of all automotive apprenticeship starts.
2023 safety scores revealed
Euro NCAP has announced that of the 17 safety ratings issued for new cars last year, 14 received five stars and three received four stars.
Ben publishes new employer newsletter
Automotive charity Ben has unveiled its first newsletter dedicated to automotive employers.
The publication will highlight the services Ben offers to anyone who has worked or is working in the industry, while also sharing upcoming health and wellness awareness campaigns and other industry events.
NBRA signs digital deal with Fixico
The National Body Repair Association (NBRA) has secured a digital partnership that will provide its members with comprehensive data-driven insights, enabling them to make better operational decisions and deliver improved customer service.
It is partnering with Fixico, a leading digital car repair management platform, and by integrating its technology it will deliver in-depth data insights to its 720 members to support repair optimisation and monitoring.
WorldSkills UK confirms Pearson partnership
WorldSkills UK has announced a new partnership with leading learning company Pearson.
Pearson will be the official partner of Team UK for the 47th WorldSkills Competition, which takes place in Lyon from 10–15 September.
MOT tests to remain unchanged
The UK government has confirmed that first MOTs will remain at three years after registration and annually thereafter, scrapping plans to extend MOT periods after consulting with the industry.
Meanwhile, the Institute of the Motor Industry has warned that an estimated 73% of MOT testers have still to take their Annual Assessment before the 31 March deadline.
Monolith and About:Energy announce AI partnership
A new partnership between AI software provider Monolith and battery technology innovator About:Energy could accelerate the R&D process around EV batteries for vehicle manufacturers by 12-18 months.
As part of the collaboration, the companies will deliver AI-powered battery modelling, testing and validation to provide manufacturers with deeper insights.
IGA calls for further apprenticeship funding
The Independent Garage Association has called for urgent government support for apprentices.
It has said apprenticeship numbers have fallen 37% since the Apprenticeship Levy was introduced in 2017 and is now calling on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to introduce additional funding in his Spring Budget.
asTech secures ADAS partnership with Ford
asTech – driven by Repairify has announced it is now a Ford Authorised Service Provider for ADAS.
Shops in the brand’s certified collision network will now be able to use asTech technology and remote services to perform ADAS calibrations for Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
Trend Tracker report on the way
The latest 250-page Trend Tracker Report will be published shortly, including industry data, trends and expert analysis, as well as thought leadership pieces from industry experts.
On your bike
GSF Car Parts is tackling both the London traffic and carbon emissions by piloting deliveries between its 14 London branches via e-cargo Vok Bikes.
VM news
Volkswagen ID.7 win What Car? Safety Award
Volkswagen’s ID.7 has topped a five-car shortlist to win the 2024 What Car? Safety Award.
It won the award based on Euro NCAP test scores as well safety systems such as active and passive safety technology.
Suzuki tops UKCSI charts
Suzuki GB has been named as the top automotive brand in the latest bi-annual Institute of Customer Service’s UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI).
It finished 15th overall in a list of 270 organisations from across all industries.
VWG unveils specialist AI lab
Volkswagen Group has launched a new AI Lab to support product development.
It will now collaborate with the tech companies in Europe, China and North America to rapidly develop and implement new AI-driven in-car innovations.
Hyundai sales top four million
Hyundai sales in 2023 reached 4,216,898 units worldwide, representing a seven per cent increase on 2022. Meanwhile, revenues were up 14%.
In the fourth quarter alone, sales topped one million, driven by a 5.3% increase in markets outside of Korea.
Volvo sets new sales high
Volvo has reported a 21% increase in revenues in 2023 with the brand setting a new sales record of 708,716 cars.
Meanwhile, EV sales rose 70% to 113,419 units.
Polestar 4 hits UK shores
The Polestar 4 is now officially available in the UK. The model is the brand’s first SUV coupe to launch without a rear window.
People
- Furrows Group has appointed Olly Edwards as new Telford ARC Manager.
- Smart UK has announced the appointment of Jason Allbutt as its new CEO
- Chris Hanks and Richard Giaramita have been appointed Account Directors at Copart UK, while Mark Szefer has been promoted to the same role.
- sopp+sopp has appointed Chris Beeby as Director of Business Development.
- The Grove Group has appointed Dan Sutac as Regional Development Manager for the Northern Territory.
- Michael Massey has been appointed Senior Application Engineer UK&I at 3M.
- Kelly Clarke has been named Project Manager at Absolute Bodyshop Solutions.
- Solus has been shortlisted for the IMI Championing Diversity Award.
