Verisk adds Thatcham Research’s Variant Code
Verisk is enhancing its motor insurance solutions with Thatcham Research’s Variant Code, a unique and extensive dataset that provides updated information on the growing variety of standard and optional features in UK vehicles.
Dan Payne, Chief Digital Officer at Thatcham Research said: “This is about accurate risk assessment at a uniquely granular level.”
Sherwin Williams acquires Sika industrial coatings
Sherwin-Williams has signed an agreement to acquire the European industrial coatings business of Sika AG. The transaction is expected to close in the beginning of 2022.
Based in Germany with additional sales and technical support in Poland, Austria and Switzerland, Sika’s European industrial coating business engineers, manufactures and sells corrosion protection coating systems.
“This transaction fits our strategy of acquiring complementary, high-quality, differentiated businesses that add to our profitable growth momentum,” said Sherwin-Williams Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, John G Morikis.
Copart launches CashForCars in UK & Ireland
Copart UK has launched CashForCars.co.uk and Cash-For-Cars.ie, two new consumer-facing websites designed to enable customers to sell their car instantly, straight from their driveway.
Both CashForCars.co.uk and Cash-For-Cars.ie provide a free, online quote within sixty seconds, a free nationwide collection service, and fast payment upon receipt of the vehicle. Customers also have the option to drop off their vehicles to dedicated areas based at Copart UK’s 15 nationwide Operation Centres, and in Ireland at Copart’s Head Office or one of its sub-lot.
Any vehicle, in any condition, will be accepted via this platform, including non-runners, accident-damaged and MOT/NCT failures.
Motofix Group appoints Executive Director
Motofix Group has appointed Darren Wills to the newly created role of Executive Director to further the group’s ambitious development plans.
A Chartered Manager for over 10 years, Darren brings a wealth of experience with him having worked for 23 years in claims functions for some of the markets largest insurer brands including Eagle Star (Zurich), Direct Line, Allianz and Groupama Insurances.
He later joined Nationwide at the start of its growth period in a role that evolved to include leadership of mobile repairs, motor glass, contact centres, group data, IT, procurement and was one of three Executive Directors responsible for day-to-day operations.
Morning commutes down by 20%
The Floow suggests that the UK’s morning commute volumes remain 20% down on pre-Covid levels.
In a website blog, Andy Goldby, Chief Actuary for the telematics provider said ‘…the patterns of driving have changed significantly and are nowhere near returning to pre-Covid levels.’
However, he highlights that overall ‘…since May both the average distance of each trip and the number of trips per driver per month were back pretty much inline with the 2019 values and well above 2020.’
IMI calls for £15m skills funding boost
The IMI is calling for government funding to support EV skills training, suggesting a £15m boost would play a critical role, contributing towards training for up to 75,000 technicians.
Data from the IMI shows that the automotive retail sector does not currently have the skills and the pipeline of talent needed to service and repair electrified vehicles (EV) to keep the nation moving safely.
Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI said, “The government has committed £1.9bn to tackling consumer uptake and charging issues. We are asking that £15m is set aside for employers to access to support their own investment in skills training to get their workforce EV-ready. This will be particularly important for the independent sector.”
Fix makes it seven in Birmingham
Fix Auto UK has added Fix Auto Moseley to its network bringing its number of repair centres in Birmingham to seven.
Established by second generation repairer Jay Sehra five years ago as NJP Motors, the latest addition to the network spans 15,000sqft with 13 operatives currently processing up to 35 vehicles a week.
Carzam appoints chief vehicle preparation officer
Carzam has appointed Dave Palmer as its new Chief Vehicle Preparation Officer.
Under his new role Dave, who was previously Vehicle Preparation Director for Sytner’s CarShop, will be heading up Carzam’s vehicle preparation operations, offering the best to both wholesalers and retail customers by ensuring Carzam’s vehicle prep levels are the best in the business.
Ben challenge on hold but fundraising continues
Automotive industry charity, Ben, has postponed its Industry Leader Challenge fundraiser, The Climb, as Tanzania remains on the travel red list.
Meanwhile, participants will tackle the National 3 Peaks Challenge from 31 October to 3 November, to maintain momentum in training and fundraising.
The Industry Leader Challenge accounts for 10% of Ben’s total annual fundraising income, so the challengers are determined to reach the much-needed £300,000 target by the end of March 2022. A total of £50,000 has been raised so far through various fundraising initiatives.
To show your support and donate, click here.
US: Toyota and Lexus introduce Collision Assistance
Collision Assistance, a just-in-time support service, is now available to drivers within the Toyota and Lexus mobile app. The feature within the Toyota and Lexus Owners Apps offers guided instructions to help drivers navigate a post-collision repair process.
Toyota worked with CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc (CCC), a leading SaaS platform, to develop Collison Assistance. The CCC mobile technology combines guided accident documentation with access to claims and management services to assist drivers following a collision. Toyota transmits accident and vehicle telematics data to CCC to initiate the programme.
