Register NOW!
webinARC: technology in motor claims 2022
Wednesday 21 September @ 1.30pm
In this webinARC we look at the latest ways in which technology is being used to seamlessly connect the motor claims cycle.
ARC360 Market Intelligence: September 2022
Take a look at this months ARC360 Market Intelligence report, powered by Trend Tracker.
NBRA: six-month cap not enough
The National Body Repair Association has welcomed the government’s announcement this week that it will impose a cap on energy prices for businesses, but warned that the six-month time-period may not be long enough.
Executive Director Chris Weeks said, “We are pleased to see the government taking action to support business with the increasing energy costs prices. However, we are still extremely worried for our members, who will still need support after the six-month timeframe.”
Mirka introduces PPE range
Mirka UK has introduced personal protective equipment (PPE) to its Mirka Essentials range.
The collection includes masks, glasses and overalls and has been launched to offer repairers a complete choice of high volume, good quality consumables at a competitive price.
Fix cements partnership with Morelli
Fix Auto UK has officially elevated Morelli to one of ‘preferred supplier’ status as the network continually strives to provide its Franchise Partners with unrivalled industry services and support.
Steer extends maternity leave
Steer Automotive Group has announced a change to its Family Leave policy.
It will now offer colleagues full pay for 18 weeks maternity leave followed by half pay for a further 18 weeks, with remaining leave paid at statutory rates. The company has also introduced two weeks full paternity leave.
Murray secures Solus role
Solus Accident Repair Centres has appointed Adam Murray as Head of Technical for Engineers.
Apollo Lords it with apprenticeship winners
Apollo Motor Group attended the House of Lords this week to collect its Top 100 Apprentice Employer award.
The event was sponsored by the University of Nottingham, Manchester Metropolitan, UCAS, Investors in People and Department of Education.
RWC adds auto-glazing to course portfolio
RWC Training will add the IMI Auto-Glazing Bodyshop Technician Accreditation to its portfolio of nationally recognised courses from next month.
The course will allow bodyshops to bring glass removal and refitting skills in-house and retain full control of their repair cycle times.
East Bilney celebrates audit success
East Bilney Coachworks has announced that its Great Yarmouth Site has passed an unannounced BSI Audit.
OEMs moving towards network ownership
Automotive Business Consulting at Grant Thornton UK Owen Edwards has said that automotive retail in Europe is increasingly adopting an agency model, and suggested the next step could see manufacturers owing their own dealer network.
He said, “In Europe many OEMs are rolling out the agency model for their dealers. The agency model is not allowed in the US, however, some of the OEMs are going down the vertically integrated retail route and buying out their dealers. Is this the opportunity for the OEMs to go one step further and own their own dealer network?”
Frosts achieves Volvo approval
Milton Keynes-based Frosts Accident Repairs has become a certified repairer for Volvo.
As a Volvo-approved bodyshop, Frosts guarantees customers that its technicians are fully trained and that equipment, facilities and repair methods comply with Volvo’s own competence standards.
NBRA welcomes Synetiq as part of green parts push
UK salvage, dismantling and vehicle recycling company Synetiq has joined the NBRA in a bid to raise awareness and uptake of green parts.
Research has found that nearly 30% of bodyshops do not use green parts in repairs, although most say this is down to resistance among customers and work providers.
EDAM promotes Entwistle
Darren Entwistle has been promoted to Head of Commercial Supply at EDAM Group.
Tesla sets new safety benchmark
The Tesla Model Y scored the highest ever rating (98%) in the Safety Assist category in the latest round of Euro NCAP assessments.
It also scored 97% in Adult Occupant Protection, while Chinese models the ORA Funky Cat and WEY Coffee 01 scored 93% and 94% in Safety Assist respectively.
Trent commits to recycling standard
Warwickshire-based recyclers Charles Trent has joined forces with Bournemouth and Poole College to create the UK’s first classroom standard for automotive recycling.
The collaboration will offer students the opportunity to learn new skills and experience cutting-edge technology now being used in recycling end-of-life vehicles.
Thatcham Research makes Automotive 30% commitment
Thatcham Research Chief Executive Jonathan Hewett has joined the Automotive 30% Club.
Club members pledge to ensure that 30% of senior positions within their organisation are held by women by 2030.
Jonathan said, “Through Thatcham Research’s membership of the Automotive 30% Club, we are demonstrating our support for change across the industry. I am excited to see where this new chapter takes us on our journey to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation.”
EV training failing to match demand
Record levels of training in the first half of 2022 has not been enough to keep pace with rapid uptake of EVs, with the Institute of Motor Industry now suggesting the skills gap will hit crisis point a year earlier than expected.
It says 15% of UK technicians (32,900) are now EV qualified, but with up to nine million EVs on the road by 2030 it believes the gap between qualified technicians and customer demand will hit in 2027.
Major independent falls into admin
East Yorkshire-based Broach Hill Garage has fallen into administration, citing the pandemic, supply disruption caused by the microchip shortage, and falling sales of used vehicles as the primary factors.
Administrators from Leonard Curtis are handling the sale of all assets of the business, which has been trading for nearly 50 years.
Group 1 acquires BMW/MINI dealership
Group 1 Automotive has acquired a BMW/MINI dealership and an accident repair centre in Southend. The move brings the company’s UK operations to 56 dealerships (79 franchises) including five ‘Collison Centers’.
Cazoo to exit European markets
Cazoo has announced it will shut down all European operations by the end of 2023 and focus exclusively on its UK business.
It says operating on the continent would require too much additional investment and will save up to £100m net by exiting markets in Germany, Spain, France and Italy.
