Bodyshop, Insurance, Mobility, People, Technology and Words
Research from eBay has revealed a significant number of drivers are neglecting basic car maintenance tasks.
The data found that one in four (25%) drivers only checked their tyre pressure on a quarterly basis, while 11% admitted to only checking their tyre tread on a yearly basis. At the same time almost two fifths (19%) of motorists only check their brakes when their car is due its annual service or MOT.
Meanwhile, only around a quarter of people regularly monitor their washer fluid (28%) or oil levels (23%) each month, with five per cent saying that they never check their vehicle’s oil and 16% stating they only fill up their car’s washer fluid specifically with antifreeze washer fluid once every year.
Abir Tewari, UK Director Commercial Operations Parts & Accessories at eBay, said, “With the British winter firmly here to stay for at least the next two months, it’s vital that motorists carry out some of the key basic maintenance checks. From tyre tread and pressure to brake disc wear and oil levels, these are the kind of easy bits of maintenance that prevent motorists finding themselves stranded on the side of a motorway, or worse.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
Merry Christmas and thank you
As 2025 fast approaches and this is the last ARC360 Weekly News of 2024 we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support throughout the year.
The ILC community has continued to grow in number, extend its reach, and develop throughout 2024.
We now have in excess of 10,500 engaged ‘followers’, whilst across all sectors we have 40 Corporate Partners, as well as 29 Insurer Partners.
Our events continue to be market-leading – with another year-on-year increase in attendees and App users in 2024.
We have also been delighted to significantly increase our digital content efforts – generating more insight for the market, driving website traffic and, ultimately, culminating in the introduction of ILC Daily Motor News in September – a product the market requested, and we delivered.
And, of course, the ongoing support for our charity partner Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity goes from strength-to-strength with 2024 seeing us surpass our best-ever annual fundraising figure to date.
All of this is only possible with the support of the ILC community – and we’re excited to continue our ‘better tomorrow’ drive for 2025 and beyond.
We will be back with our regular news feeds week beginning Monday 6 January.
In the meantime, wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Repairer News
Drive Motor Retail has unveiled its Direct Bodyshop which will provide enhanced support for both customers and business partners,
Nova Automotive Group has named Rob Dixon, Witham MET, as Employee of the Year, and Lucia Fowles, a Prep/Paint Apprentice Colchester, as Apprentice of the Year.
Total Motor Care has passed its latest British Standards Institution audit.
Vehicle Bodycare Centre has invested in significant upgrades to its Leeds-based office and service areas.
KC Autos Stockport has successfully completed its first BS10125:2022 audit.
JDK Technology welcomed Samsons of Bolton to its site recently, ahead of their closer working partnership next year.
VM News
European manufacturers call for decisive action on end-of-life vehicle regulation
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has called for decisive action on End-Of-Life Vehicles Regulation from EU Environment Council. It wants a stepwise approach to plastic recycled content targets, to consider the challenges of limited closed-loop secondary raw material availability, the need for mandatory dismantling measures, and to consider the particularities of heavy-duty vehicles. Full story
Honda and Nissan hold merger talks
Honda and Nissan are understood to have held exploratory talks about a potential merger to help them compete against electric vehicle (EV) makers, particularly in China. The discussions are in the early stages and there is no guarantee that a deal will be agreed, BBC News understands. Full story
Suzuki Ignis crowned most reliable 4×4, Land Rover Discovery remains moneypit
The Suzuki Ignis has been crowned the most reliable 4×4 in the UK, according to new findings from warranty specialist Warranty Solutions Group (WSG). Based on over 1,500 vehicle repair claims from the last 12 months, the data highlights the top-performing models in terms of reliability, with the compact Ignis boasting an impressive claim rate of just 3.57%, with an average warranty claim cost of £595. Full story
GWM to launch Haval SUV in UK, priced from £23,995
The Chinese company behind the Ora Funky Cat will expand its portfolio by bringing SUV brand Haval to the UK next year – and it will undercut many of its well-established competitors on price. Full story
Dawn of a new era at Mercedes Benz Vans
Starting 2026, Mercedes‑Benz Vans will introduce its newly developed, modular and scalable Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA). VAN.EA allows for a clear differentiation between privately positioned vans in the luxury segment and commercial vans in the premium segment. Full story
Industry News
ARC360 2025 event to focus on ‘new era’
ILC’s highest rated event of 2024 is back on 22 May 2025, bringing you the most engaging and interactive automotive incident repair/motor insurance claims focused event of the year. Discussing the business-critical areas to impact the industry, ARC360 will bring together industry leaders to share experience, insight and knowledge to align with ARC360’s ethos of ‘gaining ground together’. Full story
Solera announces Farvima partnership
Solera has announced that Farvima, one of Italy’s largest pharmaceutical companies, will deploy Roadnet Anywhere, its AI-powered fleet logistics solution. Roadnet Anywhere will reduce its fleet’s carbon footprint and provide fleet managers with data-driven insights. Full story
Thatcham Research welcomes latest intake
Thatcham Research has welcomed its latest intake of apprentices to its Academy. Eight new learners from Activate Group, Solus and The Vella Group joined its Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) programme, Meanwhile, Thatcham Research has also welcomed Japanese company Sompo Group for discussions on the challenges around ADAS. Full story
Trend Tracker Market Report now available
Trend Tracker’s UK Motor Claims and Body Repair Report 2024-2025 has revealed a new increase in the number of bodyshop in the UK to 2,743. However, with just 6,450 jobs per working day in October this works out to little more than two jobs per site per day. Full story
Seven million more potholes to be filled next year as public urged to report roads in need of repair
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced nearly £1.6bn to fix potholes across England for next year. The funding goes well beyond manifesto pledge, helping councils fix the equivalent of seven million extra potholes next year and saving drivers hundreds of pounds in repairs. Across England, local highways authorities will receive a £500 million uplift in funding. Full story
Car manufacturing down in November as sector seeks an easing of cost pressures
UK car production fell -30.1% in November, the ninth consecutive month of decline, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 64,216 cars rolled off factory lines, 27,711 fewer than in November last year. Full story
Enterprise research reveals Christmas drivers going the extra mile
New research from Enterprise Rent-A-Car has revealed that festive travellers are driving further this year, but may be worried their cars won’t go the distance. It found that almost half of all trips during the festive season will be by car (47%), while around one in six trips (17%) will include a rental vehicle this season. Full story
Ageas reaches agreement with UK over 50s specialist Saga
Ageas has successfully concluded the exclusive negotiations with Saga plc, the UK specialist provider of products and services for individuals aged over 50. The agreement includes the establishment of a 20-year partnership between Ageas UK and Saga Services Limited (SSL) for distributing personal lines motor and home insurance products to Saga’s customers in the UK. The partnership is targeted to ‘go live’ in the fourth quarter of 2025. Full story
AXA UK partners with Lloyds Banking Group to offer motor insurance products
AXA UK has announced a partnership with Lloyds Banking Group. The agreement, which secures AXA’s solus capacity over a five-year term for the Lloyds Banking Group motor portfolio under its well-recognised brands Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, will commence from May 2025. Full story
AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes extends partnership with LV= General Insurance to help drive a more sustainable future
AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes has extended its partnership with LV= General Insurance (LV=), which is part of Allianz, for five years. The partnership underscored the value of AkzoNobel’s sustainable products within the Sikkens portfolio and the benefits they bring to the LV= and Allianz repair networks, comprising over 400 repair bodyshops across the UK. Full story
Jakes and Rowley take on Sahara for charity
Karen Jakes from Thatcham Research and NBRA/VBRA Director Martyn Rowley are walking the Sahara Desert to raise £20,000 for BEN, the Automotive industry’s mental health and well-being charity. Full story
TIDAL UK announces BESA distribution agreement
TIDAL UK has announced a new exclusive distribution partnership with BESA, a global leader in automotive refinish products, for the UK and Ireland markets. This partnership encompasses the full range of BESA’s advanced automotive refinish solutions, including the SINNEK range. Full story
Getaway gridlock: RAC predicts record 29 million festive trips before the 25th
An estimated 29.3m Christmas getaway journeys will be made by drivers to see friends and family in the run-up to the 25th – the highest number since 2013 – with nearly half of these (14.3 million) crammed into this coming weekend, according to new data from the RAC and INRIX. Full story
Drivers want tougher sentences for drink-drivers
Tougher sentences have been found to be the most popular solution among motorists for tackling the scourge of drink-driving, new research from the RAC has revealed. Four-in-10 motorists (38%) believe harsher sentences are the answer to curbing instances of drink-driving which were responsible for the deaths of some 300 people in 2022. Full story
Celebrating excellence in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
UVAC is delighted, once again, to be a headline partner of WorldSkillsUK’s EDI Heroes Awards 2025, associated with the Institution of the Year award. Especially as this is the fifth year of championing how providers and practitioners from across the world of work, higher and further education pick up the baton and continue the progress towards increased and meaningful levels of social impact. Full story
MoJ responds to the Revisions to the Medical Reporting Process for RTA claims consultation
DAC Beachcroft has welcomed the government’s response to the consultation on revisions to the medical reporting process for road traffic accident claims. It says, “There will be benefit in this change. It is disappointing that the processes are not to be fully aligned, but we welcome the MoJ’s commitment to working with stakeholders to explore the development of an aligned process.” Full story
2024 Year in rear-view: SUVs now the most popular car body style
Auto Trader attracted on average over 82 million site visits and nearly 203 million advert views each month in 2024. The SUV became the most viewed body type in 2024 on the platform with 708 million views, dethroning the hatchback which was the most popular body style last year. Full story
New ‘B’ plates launched for drivers in UK but meaning isn’t a good thing
Drivers, motorists and road users have been urged to use new ‘B’ plates for parking on roads in the UK. The plates would allow new drivers to request patience from other road users while trying to park, and stand for ‘bad parking’, according to campaigners. Full story
People
Barry Williams has announced he is starting a new position as Head of Brand and Partnerships at S&B Academy.
Dave Parry has announced he is leaving his role as Commercial Director at FMG.
The IMI will appoint a permanent executive team to lead the organisation, and is nowrecruiting for a new CEO to take over from Azlina Bulmer.
Bodyshop, Environment, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has called for decisive action on End-Of-Life Vehicles Regulation from EU Environment Council.
It wants a stepwise approach to plastic recycled content targets, to consider the challenges of limited closed-loop secondary raw material availability, the need for mandatory dismantling measures, and to consider the particularities of heavy-duty vehicles.
Ahead of the EU Environment Council discussions, ACEA Director General Sigrid de Vries said that the new Regulation must set clear, achievable targets that promote innovation and competitiveness, avoiding rigid frameworks that cause inefficiency or high compliance costs.
It is calling for a stepwise approach for implementing achievable and ambitious plastic recycled content targets, with an initial target of 15% recycled content within 72 months and a second target of 20% five years later.
Furthermore, ACEA calls for the urgent publication of a clear calculation methodology and for all sustainable materials to be considered to achieve the targets, including pre-consumer recyclates, chemically recycled materials, and bio-based options.
The availability of safe, high-quality, closed-loop secondary raw materials for vehicles is limited due to current recycling technologies, long vehicle lifespans, and legacy substances no longer allowed in newer models. Thus, separate closed-loop targets are unnecessary.
It says it is also critical to recognise the distinct nature of heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), such as trucks and buses, compared to cars, arguing that policymakers must carefully assess these differences and develop tailored requirements that account for the specificities of each vehicle category.
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
Repairer News
Activate Group has announced its acquisition of two well-established Motorcare bodyshops in Tunbridge Wells (Kent) and Bristol, supported by further investment from Elysian Capital.
Fix Auto Hereford has celebrated a successful Stage Two BSI audit just 10 weeks after opening. The achievement completes the programme of investment that commenced in March earlier this year. Full story
Solus Washington has been officially opened by Aviva Claims Director for Commercial Lines, Ryan Birbeck, along with local councillor, Kevin Johnston.
Family-run Bedfordshire repairer Dynamic-R Limited has joined the NBRA.
Fix Auto Slough & Uxbridge has underlined it focus on future-proofing the business by committing to Apprenticeship Central’s Recruit & Retain programme. Full story
Revive! has announced it has now received more than 40,000 Trustpilot reviews.
Rotherham-based Treeton Auto Services has doubled the size of its workshop and introduced EV repair capabilities by moving to a new site.
Artura has become one the first outsourced estimating firms in the UK to achieve BSi Kitemark certification.
VM News
BMW diesels – tanked with HVO
The BMW Group is now sending out a clear environmental message by switching to HVO 100 for the initial filling of all diesels made in Germany. ‘HVO’ stands for hydrotreated vegetable oil, and ‘100’ indicates its 100% purity. HVO 100 has the potential to reduce CO2e emissions by around 90% compared with fossil-based diesel. Full story
Green NCAP announces latest releases
Green NCAP has announced the results of its last release of the year, covering the Mazda MX-30,the Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, the Tesla Model 3, the Hyundai KONA, the Dacia Duster, the BYD ATTO 2, and the Chery OMODA 5. Full story
Stellantis and CATL to invest up to £3.4bn in joint venture
Stellantis and CATL today announced they have reached an agreement to invest up to €4.1 billion to form a joint venture that will build a large-scale European lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Designed to be completely carbon neutral, the battery plant will be implemented in several phases and investment plans. Full story
GM to refocus autonomous driving development on personal vehicles
General Motors (NYSE: GM) plans to realign its autonomous driving strategy and prioritize development of advanced driver assistance systems on a path to fully autonomous personal vehicles. GM will build on the progress of Super Cruise, the company’s hands-off, eyes-on driving feature, now offered on more than 20 GM vehicle models and currently logging over 10 million miles per month. Full story
China’s Tesla Model Y rival set to arrive in the UK
Chinese car maker Xpeng has confirmed its entry into the UK market. Xpeng’s first cars will go on sale in time for the new 25 registration plate in March next year. Full story
ACEA president unveils input for EU automotive industrial plan; including a simplified regulatory framework
An efficient EU policy framework is key to enabling a dynamic and competitive transition to zero-emission mobility, creating the right conditions to allow the European automotive industry to thrive and compete globally. Full story
Trend Tracker’s UK Motor Claims and Body Repair Report 2024/25 has revealed that the average age of the UK car parc has moved out to nine years old. It found that car ownership still averages 3.7 years, meaning that 16% of car owners are considering buying a new car in the next 12 months. Full story
Bristol sees surge in ‘crash for cash’ scams involving mopeds
Ageas, one of the UK’s largest motor insurers, has identified a worrying increase in so-called ‘Crash for Cash’ scams involving cars and mopeds, with a significant rise in suspected incidents in the Bristol area, specifically Bishopston. This type of fraud sees moped riders deliberately manoeuvring their vehicles into the path of reversing vehicles, often vans, to induce an impact and then claim for damage and injuries. Full story
NEXUS to offer Solera’s dynamic routing solution to all members
Solera, the global leader in vehicle lifecycle management, has announced a new strategic partnership with NEXUS Automotive International. The new global partnership will give NEXUS members access to Solera’s cutting-edge Roadnet Anywhere dynamic routing solution, designed to optimise operations, reduce costs, and lower carbon emissions. Full story
BASF and RBTS sign automotive refinish Memorandum of Understanding
BASF (China) and Bosch Automotive Technology Service (RBTS) have jointly signed a memorandum of understanding at Automechanika Shanghai to collaborate on the automotive aftermarket business.
This partnership aims to create an innovative platform that enhances the automotive refinish sector, delivering higher quality and more sustainable solutions. Full story
UK’s Close Bros granted permission to appeal motor finance ruling
British lender Close Brothers was granted permission to appeal a ruling that motor finance brokers must fully inform customers about commissions on car loans, amid a looming multi-billion-pound consumer redress scheme. The Supreme Court said it had granted Close Bros and South African lender FirstRand permission to appeal against October’s landmark ruling by the Court of Appeal. Full story
Motor trade vacancy rate at lowest point since October 2021
Motor trade vacancies are at their lowest level since October 2021, according to the latest IMI Automotive Vacancies Report. The vacancy rate has fallen month on month for the past four months. The data shows there are 19,000 vacancies, with 3.3 vacancies for ever 100 employees, down from 3.5 in September. Full story
Home premiums rise while motor policies continue downward trajectory
The latest General Insurance Pricing Index from Pearson Ham Group has revealed that home insurance premiums rose by 0.4% in November while motor premiums dropped by 2.2%. November’s dip in motor premiums meant policy prices have now decreased eight months in a row with year-on-year decreases recorded at 15%. Full story
Used electric cars are selling faster than petrol and diesel models
Motorists are snapping up used electric vehicles faster than any other type of car as rock-bottom second-hand prices make them more appealing than petrol and diesel alternatives. In the month of November, dealers were, on average, selling an EV in just 33 days, says cap hpi. Full story
2.6 million people don’t drive as they can’t afford car insurance cost
New research by Citizens Advice has revealed that 2.6 million people don’t drive because they’re unable to afford the accelerating cost of car insurance. This includes almost 900,000 people who have had to cancel their cover in the last 12 months, in addition to 1.7m people who have already been priced out of the market for longer than a year. Full story
Van theft hotspots revealed by new police data
London is the UK’s van theft capital, with October being a peak month for van-related theft, new research suggests. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request sent to police forces across the country revealed 14,529 incidents were recorded in London last year alone, equating to 40 vans a day being targeted in the capital. Full story
eSure celebrates tech partnership
eSure Group has highlighted the benefits to policyholders of its partnership with HERE Technologies. It harnesses HERE’s telematics data to inform motor insurance pricing models, while its dynamic map content and high-quality traffic data enables it to react at pace to emerging trends and build richer, data-driven insights. Full story
It is becoming more important that repair shops get paid for total loss process as claims rise, RDE panelists say
Proper contracts and documentation are needed to ensure collision repair shops get paid for total loss claims, Tony Adams, AkzoNobel services consultant, and Tim Ronak, AkzoNobel senior services consultant, said during a 2024 Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Repairer Driven Education session at the SEMA Show. Full story
People
Fix Auto UK has appointed Cheryl Chung to spearhead the development and implementation of its ESG framework.
Catrin Morgan has been promoted to Sales and Marketing Director for the UK & Ireland at Kamoo.
Sarah Hirst has been appointed Commercial Director at SYNETIQ.
Fiona Morrison, Operations Director at AGM Services, has celebrated 10 years with the company.
Matthew Wright has been re-elected to the Board of Directors for Automotive Data Publishers Association, as Vice President.
Turkish dealer group Çetaş Otomotiv has appointed Steve Young, Managing Director of ICDP, to manage its entry into the UK market with an Omoda and Jaecoo dealership in West London.
Marshall Motor Group has appointed David Tyler as Estates and Facilities Management Director.
Bodyshop, People, Vehicle Repair, wellbeing and Words
Fix Auto Slough & Uxbridge has underlined it focus on future-proofing the business by committing to Apprenticeship Central’s Recruit & Retain programme.
Owner Ranjit Gill was one of the early adopters to what is now the most successful franchise bodyshop group in the UK. The business has seen significant growth built on a young, dynamic, agile workforce. A perfect illustration of his vision is one of his current body shop managers, who started as a young VDA in the industry.
He said, “Apprentices are a very good, cost-effective way of future-proofing and growing my business. Apprenticeship Central’s team came and understood my business needs. They will help me grow in a sector where skilled labour is in short supply and expensive. Their experienced team will deliver exactly what I need; cost-effective, value-driven solutions. No one else is offering this suite of services.”
Director of Apprenticeship Central, Eleanor Baker Barnes, added, “We are delighted to be Fix Auto Slough and Uxbridge’s outsourced apprentice solution. Our Recruit and Retain solutions mean we can deliver the right talent for their business and our experienced team will ensure their apprentices are looked after, trained and ready to deliver on their ambitions.”
Bodyshop, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Fix Auto Hereford has celebrated a successful Stage Two BSI audit just 10 weeks after opening.
The achievement completes the programme of investment that commenced in March earlier this year, exactly one year after owner Kevin Dunlop joined Fix Auto UK by bringing Fix Auto Tewkesbury into the group.
Since then, he has transformed what was a dilapidated former warehouse into the 5,500 sqft state-of-the-art repair facility brimming with the latest technology.
He said, “I am so delighted with the news, while we have been repairing vehicles for our retail customers for the last 10 weeks, success with our BS 10125 inspection completes the journey and effectively truly kick starts our position to repair all vehicles.”
Mark Hutchins, Operations Director for Fix Auto UK, added, “We have yet another highly motivated Franchise Partner who has worked tirelessly to fulfil an ambition to become a multi-site operator. Gaining his BSI certification is an integral piece of the puzzle we require of all our franchisees. It really is yet another good day for the network as we continue to grow from strength to strength.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words
Bodyshop News
The Vella Group has announced that it has set emissions reduction targets that have been approved against the Science Based Targets initiative net zero criteria.Full story
SMART Bodyshop Solutions has announced the addition of former JC Accident Repairs to its group. The Scunthorpe-based site is the ninth repair site to join the network.
The NBRA/VBRA has announced that Fix Auto Sittingbourne has become its latest member.
Managers at Drive Motor Retail met to recap the successes of the year, including a Stellantis award for its Darlington site and Bury St Edmunds winning an Enterprise Customer award.
Prestige and supercar repairer Chartwell Derby (powered by Steer) has celebrated its 20th anniversary at its Pride Park location.
H&L Motors has achieved a100% pass rate in this year’s rigorous Volkswagen Group Audit, reflecting the company’s dedication to high repair and customer services standards and the use of genuine VWG parts.
Carlac hosted a Spies Hecker training day, showcasing new products, methods and systems. The day was attended by Exclusive Repair Network.
Silverster Crash Repair is now hiring for a new site due to open in February. It is seeking drivers, technicians, and front of house colleagues.
Autocraft Group has achieved a positive recommendation for BS 10125:2022 certification at its Shrewsbury site while Irvs Auto Body Restorations has completeda successful stage 2 BS10125:2022 assessment.
Avant Group has launched a new website promoting its repair network and innovative solutions for all vehicle types.
Revive! East Anglia has won the Trailblazer category in the 2024 BFA/HSBC Franchisee of the Year awards. Last year the business saw turnover rise from £1.2m to £1.7m and is on target to break the £2m barrier later this year.
Chesterfield Car Clinic has announced its sponsorship of Chesterfield Junior Blues U10s, which plays in the NDYFL.
Drive Group Australia has unveiled Drive Group Dandenong, which is its 20th site across Australia and New Zealand.
VM News
Euro NCAP’s results highlight safety as a priority in new car design
This month, three new cars went through Euro NCAP’s rigorous testing: the sporty electric SUV Cupra Tavascan, the SUV MG HS and the MPV Ford Tourneo Courier. The two SUVs achieve Euro NCAP’s top rating of five stars. Ford’s new MPV achieves a disappointing three stars but also comes with a commitment from the company to improve. Full story
Rivian and VWG announce joint venture
Rivian Automotive and Volkswagen Group will create a new joint venture, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, to develop next-generation electrical architecture. The deal is worth £4.6bn. Full story
UK Uber Drivers Race to Toyota’s All-Electric bZ4X
More than 1,000 of Britain’s Uber drivers have ordered Toyota’s all-electric bZ4X SUV following the launch of a new partnership between the manufacturer and the leading transportation and ride-hailing business. Full story
Volvo Cars sells 30% stake in Lynk & Co to Zeekr
Volvo Cars has announced the divestment of its 30% stake in Lynk & Co to Zeekr in a transaction representing a consideration of about £576m. Full story
NIO delivers at COP29
As a member of Green Car Park of COP29, NIO provided premium mobility services for heads of state and government at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Full story
XPENG achieves MSCI’s ESG highest AAA rating for second year
XPENG Motors has announced it has again secured MSCI’s highest ESG rating of ‘AAA’ for 2024. This prestigious rating highlights XPENG’s leadership in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. Full story
Industry News
Automotive Vacancy Rate Tracker: Sector stuck in neutral as vacancies remain at 20,000 while job postings decrease year on year
The latest IMI Automotive Vacancies Report reveals the sector continues to struggle to tackle the skills gap. The IMI’s analysis of the September 2024 data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows motor trades vacancies at 20,000 with 3.5 vacancies for every 100 employees. Full story
Updated uninsured driving hotspots revealed, as police launch week of action to keep roads safe
New hotspots data has uncovered the worst offending areas for uninsured driving across the UK, with Birmingham leading the pack. The data has been released by Motor Insurers’ Bureau to coincide with their annual ‘Operation Drive Insured’ campaign. Full story
One in five cars damaged by potholes has to be written off
Data from leading insurer Allianz reveals that one in five (21%) insurance claims where a vehicle hit a pothole leads to the vehicle being declared an insurance write-off. Since the start of 2023, Allianz has paid out more than £4.6m for 1,266 pothole claims. Full story
New evidence of worsening outlook for electric vehicle market reinforces need for urgent action
S&P Global data reveals a substantial downward revision in BEV market share forecasts for 2025, from 27% in the first half of the year to 21% today. This recalibration signals a major compliance setback for the EU’s 2025 CO2 emission targets, linked directly to the reduced BEV market penetration, stoking concern across EU capitals. Full story
Average motor premiums fall again
Average motor premiums fell two per cent between July and September, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). It found premiums fell to £612 after a similar two per cent fall in the second quarter of the year. Full story
Solera and CARSTAR have highlighted the benefits of Qaptar Mobile Inspection, an innovative AI-powered solution which can reduce non-drive estimates from over 90 minutes to 20 minutes or less. Full story
Glasurit solution lowers emissions
Glasurit is promoting the A-C-24 solution which can help bodyshops reduce environmental impact when handling electric vehicles. A-C-24 offers rapid drying in just 20 minutes at 40oC or 10 minutes at 60oC. This can lower CO2 emissions by up to 40%. Full story
Charity challenge
Thatcham Research Group Product Manager Karen Jakes is joining NBRA Director Martyn Rowley to raise money for Ben Automotive Chairity by running 60 miles across the Sahara in four days. They hope to raise upwards of £2,000 for the charity. Full story
People
Damien O’Sullivan has been appointed Managing Director of Volkswagen Group UK, succeeding Alex Smith.
Activate Accident Repair has appointed Lee Johnson as Regional Operations Manager.
Accident Credit Group has appointed Steve Daley as its third Business Development Manager.
Lee Berridge has celebrated 10 years at LKQ Coatings and announced the company is looking to expand its technical team.
Stellantis has announced the appointment of Davide Grasso as Chief Heritage Officer reporting to Carlos Tavares, Chief Executive Officer.
Bodyshop, Environment, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
The Vella Group has announced that it has set emissions reduction targets that have been approved against the Science Based Targets initiative net zero criteria.
The targets, covering greenhouse gas emissions from business operations, are consistent with the latest climate science advice to prevent the most damaging effects of climate change.
Joining the SBTi net zero criteria reflects The Vella Group’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility.
Marc Holding, Managing Director, said, “We are proud to commit to science-based targets as part of our journey towards a more sustainable future. By aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative, we are reinforcing our dedication to responsible business practices that benefit our communities, customers, and employees.
“The commitment marks an important step in our efforts to drive positive change across the repair industry. We understand that setting these targets is the beginning of this journey, and over coming months we will be rolling out changes to our repair process to ensure that we hit our emissions reduction targets for 2024 and 2025.”
The Science Based Targets initiative is a global organisation that helps companies set specific, measurable, and time-bound targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Training, Vehicle Repair, wellbeing and Words
Apprenticeship Central is relaunching to deliver tailormade recruitment and retention solutions for UK bodyshops.
Following the passing of Apprenticeship Central Founder, Bob Linwood in early 2024 and a pause in activity, the business now makes a return led by Director Eleanor Baker-Barnes. She will be supported by existing team members Mandy Gibson and Jake Watson in operational roles, and Morag Linwood in HR.
Also returning to support the business is industry apprentice pioneer, Chris Oliver.
Eleanor said, “I am delighted to be heading-up the new look Apprenticeship Central. Bob and Morag [Linwood] set the benchmark for recruitment and retention of apprentices. I have spoken to bodyshops across the UK and seen the value their work added to bodyshop businesses. I am extremely excited about building on that legacy.”
Chris added, “Having begun this journey over a decade ago I am over the moon to be invited back by Eleanor and her team. Not to say a little surprised too. Thankfully, we all now know the value of apprentices. Many of us are aware that the work Bob did was immeasurable. It is privilege to continue that work. The responsibility for continuing that legacy does not escape me either.”
Bodyshop, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, wellbeing and Words
Steer Automotive Group shone a light on its apprentice talents during the Steer Academy Apprentice Awards 2024 celebration held at 3M’s Innovation Centre.
Hosted by Steer’s Head of Academy & Organisation Development, Steve Hoe the event recognised the depth, diversity and strength of talent now across the business.
Steve said, “Since this time last year, I’m delighted to say our apprentice programme has more than doubled in number. This very special occasion recognises all the hard work of the apprentices, the team and our supporters in making the Academy what it is today. We really are delighted with the progress.”
CEO of Steer, Richard Steer provided an overview of developments across the business emphasising how investment in the future was core to the overarching strategy. He revealed how the business now boasts 340 apprentices (Vs 148 in 2023) which now make up 15% of the overall business workforce. Another key metric highlighted was the uplift in the number of female apprentices, now at 41 compared to 11 in 2023.
“Apprentices are our future,” said Richard, “people repair things – collectively. Knowing we have the technical capability and the people to provide solutions for customers of any type makes me immensely proud.”
The awards went to:
Regional Apprentice of the Year – North East & Scotland Emmi Docherty, Panel/MET Apprentice, Newcastle Central
Regional Apprentice of the Year – East of England Nathan Hoe, Panel Apprentice, Sleaford
Regional Apprentice of the Year – Central, London & Essex Madison Godfrey, Paint Apprentice, Moorside
Regional Apprentice of the Year – South & Wales Liam Fowler, Paint Apprentice, Horsham
Business Support Apprentice of the Year Winner: Dom Motani, VDA, Polegate Highly Commended: Billy Boswell, HR Advisor, Steer People team
Mentor of the Year Chris Flindall, Paint Lead Technician, Brentwood
Paint Apprentice of the Year Rosie Smith, Basingstoke, South & Wales
Panel Apprentice of the Year Harley Chambers, Basingstoke, South & Wales
MET Apprentice of the Year Winner: Sam Keil, Chichester, South & Wales Highly Commended: Finn Flint, Worthing, South & Wales
Trainer of the Year Satpal Thamu, Learning & Skills Trainer, Emtec
Rising Star of the Year Oliver Robinson, Multiskilled Apprentice, Lincoln
Outstanding Achievement Award (new) Miguel Harvey, Paint Technician
Alongside guest speaker British Racing Driver, Max Coates, World Skills Finalist, Lyon Miguel Harvey (Paint Technician at Steer Automotive) provided an insight into his meteoric journey from entering the programme in 2022 to winning a Medal of Excellence of 2024. He highlighted the hard work and dedication involved but endorsed it to his peers as an incredible and rewarding journey to undertake.
The event was sponsored by Axalta, Upol, Toyota Trade Parts, LKQ, Solera Audatex, Storm Auto Services, Enterprise, Stanners Equipment, ASM Auto Recycling, 3M and Synetiq.
The awards were judged by an independent panel of industry experts.
