Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words
The Vella Group will open its 17th accident repair centre in Penrith, Cumbria.
This new 8,000 sqft facility is undergoing significant investment to meet The Vella Group’s high standards for quality and efficiency and is scheduled to open in early 2025.
The Penrith location is a key strategic addition, expanding The Vella Group’s reach across Northern England and enhancing its service offering to insurance clients in Cumbria and surrounding regions. The facility will connect the Group’s existing bodyshops in Workington and Preston.
Marc Holding, Managing Director of The Vella Group, said, “The development of our Penrith site marks an exciting milestone as we continue to strengthen our footprint. We’re investing significantly to ensure it upholds our high standards, and we look forward to serving more customers and clients throughout the region.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words
Bodyshop Briefs
The Vella Group is delighted to announce plans to open its 17th accident repair centre in Penrith, Cumbria. This new 8,000-square-foot facility is undergoing significant investment to meet The Vella Group’s high standards for quality and efficiency and is scheduled to open in early 2025. Full story
Rapid Repair Network has reported that it has reduced its carbon footprint to just 40% of that of a traditional bodyshop. The business, which delivers same-day mobile repair services, has worked with ECA Business Energy to enhance its sustainability credentials. Full story
Doseley Motors has again passed its annual VWG (Volkswagen Group) Audit, with another perfect score of 100%. The business has been a VWG approved repairer for 17 years.
Cougar Accident Repair Centre hasjoined the Volkswagen Paint & Body network, offering manufacturer-approved vehicle repairs for the Luton area. These include Audi, Cupra, SEAT, ŠKODA, Volkswagen, and VW Commercial.
Matthew Penning, Group Managing Director at Pennings Group, will raise funds and awareness for homelessness in the UK by spending a night outside withCEO Sleepout MK. Full story
Chesterfield Car Clinic has completed a revamp of its customer collection area. It has unveiled a dedicated reception area and a separate area specifically designed for customers to collect their repaired vehicle.
Steer Automotive Group has introduced Oxo-Biodegradable Seat Covers across all it workshops as part of our journey to Net Zero, supported by distribution partner LKQ UK & Ireland. Designed for multiple uses, these seat covers start to degrade when exposed to oxygen, breaking down into water and biomass.
iRG has welcomed James Austin Conner to its Cardiff team as Vehicle Damage Assessor. James joins the business from Florida and has shared his journey from the US in an exclusive interview.
Castle Coachworks (Northampton) is proud to share that it has successfully passed its Tesla audit.
Kerr & Smith Cumnock Ltd has installed a new light commercial spraybooth/oven and mixing room. The two-day installation was completed by LCI Spraybooths.
Stephen Murray has started a new role as Managing Director at ECF Accident Repair Group.
VM News
Exploring Innovation: Thatcham Research Product Showcase featuring Chery’s OMODA and JAECOO
This week, industry professionals gathered at the Thatcham Research Repair Technology Centre to witness the partnership of Thatcham Research and Chinese vehicle manufacturer, Chery. The spotlight was on Chery brands: the OMODA and JAECOO. Full story
JLR’s hybrid vehicle retail sales up 29% in H1
JLR reports growing demand for plug‑in hybrid models, with global retail sales for the first half of the financial year up 29% compared to the prior year, as more customers use the technology as a stepping stone towards battery electric vehicles (BEV). Full story
Infineon and Stellantis team up to advance innovation
Stellantis and Infineon Technologies have announced they will work jointly on the power architecture for Stellantis’ electric vehicles to support Stellantis’ ambition of offering clean, safe and affordable mobility to all. To support this, the companies have signed major supply and capacity agreements. Full story
Standardising Automotive Connectivity
Today a single vehicle typically requires over 200 connections—and the number of electrical connectors and types across new vehicles is only increasing. To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy, Tesla is simplifying the manufacturing process and electrical connectivity requirements for all its vehicles. Full story
NIO delivers 20,976 vehicles in October, surpassing 20,000 for six consecutive months
NIO delivered 20,976 vehicles in October, marking the company’s sixth consecutive month of over 20,000 deliveries. In the first 10 months of 2024, NIO delivered a total of 170,257 vehicles, up 35.05% from the same period last year. Full story
XPENG unveils Kunpeng super electric system and AI-defined mobility innovations
XPENG has unveiled a range of innovations across AI vehicles, robotics, and flying cars, including the much-anticipated XPENG Kunpeng Super Electric System and the Turing AI Intelligent Driving System. It has also launched what it calls the world’s first AI-defined vehicle, the P7+. Full story
Industry News
Market Intelligence Repair: Martin Rowley, Executive Director, NBRA
Executive Director of the NBRA, Martyn Rowley underlined the challenges facing the repair sector posed by electric vehicles, a widening skills gap exacerbated by new technologies, and rising costs.
Speaking to delegates at ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference, which took place at Landing Forty-Two in London recently, he reiterated the need for greater collaboration within the industry to tackle these growing concerns and ensure the safe repair of vehicles. Full story
Pre-loved EVs soar to record levels as used car market goes green
The used car market grew by 4.3% between July and September, marking the seventh successive quarter of year-on-year growth, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A record 53,423 used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) found new owners, a jump of 57%. Full story
Confused.com Car Insurance Price Index Q3 2024
Confused.com have published the third quarter 2024 edition of the Confused.com Car Insurance Price Index in association with WTW. Comprehensive car insurance premiums have fallen by 2.3% (£21) between July and September 2024, with UK motorists now paying £861 on average for their car insurance. Full story
Charge UP: EV quarter update
Activate Group’s quarterly electric vehicle (EV) report has revealed that EV repair costs have fallen six per cent across the board in the last quarter, with parts costs down eight per cent. The report draws on Gecko Risk data to provide updates on EV adoption and repair cost trends, exclusively focussing on battery EVs. Full story
Following recent audits of its Luton and Peterlee businesses, Repairify has successfully retained the ISO 14001 accreditation. ISO 14001 sets out the standard for an environmental management system. Repairify met the required certification by ensuring its UK sites are compliant with specific environmental criteria and demonstrated strict monitoring processes and awareness of environmental policies. Full story
Audatex UK data update
Audatex has announced the release of its latest data update, D4.79, which will be available from 14 November 2024. This update includes enhancements to 55 model sheets and the addition of 13 new models to its vehicle database. Full story
Green technology and dozens of new jobs – Mirka invests in Jakobstad
Mirka is investing £21m in a new production line in Jakobstad, Finland. The manufacturing line supports the green transition and is based on technology that could transform the entire abrasives industry in the coming years. Full story
People
Victoria Turner has been appointed as Managing Director of National Accident Repair Group (NARG). She remains as Executive Director of holding company Ryemarc Group which includes MotoFix ARC.
Alistair Carlton has started a new position as Division Manager – Tools, Consumables & E-Commerce at Master Auto Glass.
Hyundai Motor Europe (HME) has announced that Xavier Martinet will succeed Michael Cole as President and CEO at the end of the year.
Jesper Lyndberg, previously CEO at BMW Financial Services Denmark, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Alphabet International.
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
Following recent audits of its Luton and Peterlee businesses, Repairify has successfully retained the ISO 14001 accreditation.
ISO 14001 sets out the standard for an environmental management system. Repairify met the required certification by ensuring its UK sites are compliant with specific environmental criteria and demonstrated strict monitoring processes and awareness of environmental policies. These include effective Carbon emission management, waste management, environmental compliance and energy usage, and fire regulations.
The auditors recognised that Repairify’s environmental management systems and implementation provided confidence that the organisation conforms to the applicable requirements of the specific ISO standard.
Phil Peace, managing director, Repairify, says, “The business’ objective is to be consistent in our environmental practices to reduce our Carbon footprint. By continuing to monitor our waste carefully, handle it correctly and reduce it significantly, we have been able to regain the ISO 14001 accreditation, which we were awarded last year at our first attempt.”
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Here we catch up with Allan Biggs, Director of Grove Autos following the business recently being awarded the Enterprise Repair Partner Award 2024 for Best Fleet Repair Partner – South East.
How would you ‘sell’ your business to prospective capacity acquirers?
We are sustainable and meet PAS2060 requirements. We are a small family-run business that meets and exceeds BS10125. We never over promise and are realistic with SLAs.
What makes your business ‘award winning’?
Maybe this is more a question for the work provider but it’s important to understand the provider’s needs and expectations, and always be communicative; if there are issues we try to deal with them ‘head on’ and be open and honest.
Enterprise needs to keep its vehicles on the road and we fully understand the need for prompt throughput. We have a small team with a lot of experience and we have to be efficient and adaptable to maintain the key-to-key times we currently achieve. It’s not unusual for our VDA to drop a car back to branch or our panel beater to lend a hand cleaning a car. Personally, I enjoy being at work and facing the challenges it brings and it’s a pleasure working with the team we have.
How would you describe the industry at present?
I’ve seen many changes over my career of 37 years in the industry. Compliance has changed it for the better. Work provision is more than adequate and I feel that the industry is becoming more valued by insurers and work providers. I would never class myself as a businessman – I came from being a mechanic – however, I feel that bodyshops have some of the most talented people out there running them, because it takes resourcefulness, patience, efficiency and extremely hard work with long hours. But if you get the mix right the profits will come.
What do you see as your greatest opportunity?
I work with my eldest son, who is a partner in the company. On a personal level my aim is to eventually leave the business in a solid situation to provide an ongoing incoming for him, the staff and my grandchildren.
What one issue do you feel will impact the sector most in the coming years?
Green issues and the move to EVs are already having a big influence, as is the huge push on sustainability. This will see recycling, energy saving and environmental considerations being major considerations for work providers.
I also feel we will see a move in the future to even less direct ownership of private vehicles, especially in ‘chimney pot’ areas such as ours. Leasing and rental is becoming more prevalent.
What steps are you taking to future-proof the business?
We purchased and moved to our current location during the first lockdown of 2020. The site was in a dilapidated condition. We refurbished it completely by August of 2020, using the opportunity to install LED lighting, solar panels, in-floor scissor lifts, and the latest tech spray oven.
We are always looking at equipment and methods that boost sustainability and help streamline repairs. The fact that the property is owned by the company means that investment in the maintenance and improvement of the site is always worthwhile.
Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
CLEPA has called for greater regulation protecting access to repair data and parts for independent repairers.
It believes that as authorised dealerships gain greater dominance, independents are facing growing restrictions around access to vital information and spare parts.
It says this trend could reduce competition by limiting consumer choice and inflating repair bills for independent bodyshops.
This comes after a joint study with Berylls and FIGIEFA analysed the competitiveness of the European automotive aftermarket up to 2035, considered the impact of new vehicle technologies, cybersecurity requirements, and the shift towards software-defined vehicles.
It identified five key factors that will shape the future of the aftermarket: limited availability of certain car parts; the need for specific coding for replacement parts; challenges in accessing technical information for repairs; outdated interfaces for software updates in independent repair shops; and limited access to in-vehicle data.
It warns that without regulation, by 2035 these issues could be adding £35bn each year to repair bills across seven key EU markets.
CLEPA’s Senior Consultant for Market Affairs, Frank Schlehuber, said, “To ensure that consumers retain the freedom to choose their vehicle service providers, robust legislation that addresses cybersecurity, information access, and parts availability is essential. This will help ensure affordable mobility for EU citizens.”
Bodyshop, Finance, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words
Steer Automotive Group Chief Executive Officer Richard Steer has been named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 UK for London & South East.
He won the award in the Sustained Excellence category.
The EY Entrepreneur of the Year award is a prestigious global programme that celebrates the ‘vision, leadership, and success of exceptional entrepreneurs, who make a positive impact on their communities and the world.’
Richard has led the Steer Group through a period of continued expansion through a number of strategic acquisitions, the most recent being The Rye Street Group earlier in the month. He is also guiding the company towards sustainable operations through PAS 2060 certification.
The company said, “Richard’s achievement is a testament to his commitment to excellence and the remarkable journey of Steer Automotive Group.”
Bodyshop, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
Automotive engineering consultancy HORIBA MIRA has opened the UK’s first vehicle crash testing facility capable of testing frontal car-to-car impacts.
These collisions are responsible for more deaths than any other accident type, according to Euro NCAP.
HORIBA MIRA’s new Passive Safety Centre Crash Facility doubles the length of the previous Crash Facility runway from 85m to 170m, enabling ‘car-to-car Mobile Progressive Deformable Barrier’ (MPDB) crash tests to be carried out in the UK for the first time.
State-of-the-art high-speed cameras have also been installed to support post-crash data analysis.
Graeme Stewart, HORIBA MIRA’s Chief Technical Officer, said, “The MPDB test is integral to the vehicle development work that’s needed to help vehicle makers fully understand frontal, car-to-car impacts and to develop – with support and guidance from our engineers – the vehicle safety improvements that will reduce casualties for that type of accident scenario.
“We already have world-class active safety testing capability and facilities at HORIBA MIRA, but the UK has never had this level of passive testing capability before. We’re delighted we could secure the necessary support to bring that to fruition.
“Opening our new Crash Facility is a landmark moment, allowing us to support all legislative and consumer standards, as well as to conduct the important vehicle development work that will support the global automotive industry’s bid to design safer vehicles.”
Roisin Hopkins, Chief Commercial Officer, added, “Opening our Passive Safety Centre Crash Facility not only allows the UK to make an even bigger contribution to the push to reduce serious and fatal injuries on the roads, but it also means we can provide a one-stop automotive safety test engineering solution to customers from across the world.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, wellbeing and Words
The winners of the NBRA Greener Bodyshop Awards have been revealed.
Nominees met at The Coventry Building Society Arena for the seventh annual awards, which were introduced to celebrate those businesses and individuals who have set outstanding standards in sustainability.
The winners this year were:
Greener Bodyshop Award, Gold: Motofix ARC, The Vella Group, Jenkins & Pain, Autocraft Telford, Coachworks Renovations, D.Gawthorpe ARC, ABL1Touch, Crash Care Centre Hitchin, Fix Auto Penzance, and Fleetline & Crash Repairs Croydon
Greener Bodyshop Award, Silver: CRG Bicester, Fix Auto Redhill, Fix Auto Rochester, James Alpe, Devonshire Motors, C&P Panelcraft, Fix Auto Mid Devon, Summer Motors, SW Vehicle Body Repair, Zeus Accident Repair
Greener Bodyshop Award, Bronze: Saga Truck and Van, Vehicle Crash Repairs, Custom Coachworks, David Payne & Son Coachbuilder, A1 Motorist Centre, UK Select ARC, Phoenix Enhancement Services
Picture: Five repairers from the Fix Auto network were recognised for their continued environmental efforts. Fix Auto Penzance and Fix Auto Manchester East recipients of the Gold Award, while Fix Auto Redhill, Fix Auto Mid Devon and Fix Auto Rochester were awarded Silver.
Bodyshop, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
The Vella Group is expanding with a brand-new accident repair centre in Denton, Greater Manchester.
The premises is currently undergoing significant investment and development and is set to open towards the end of 2024. This new site will be a modern, state-of-the-art repair centre designed to provide an exceptional experience for our customers, clients, and employees.
The Manchester East site in Denton will be The Vella Group’s 16th accident repair centre, and the fourth site added to the group in 2024. Manchester East is the sixth new site built by the Group within the last five years, following Bradford, Coventry, Deeside, Liverpool and Manchester Trafford Park.
Marc Holding, Managing Director, said, “We are pleased to be strengthening our footprint across Greater Manchester with our new site in Denton. The site will be equipped with the latest repair technology and has been designed to provide high-quality repairs in a fantastic environment for our customers and team. We are looking forward to the site opening and building a strong team in Manchester East.”
Bodyshop, Mobility, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words
UK automotive supplier Prasco UK has announced it will be attending the 2024 Automechanika Show in Germany this week.
Managing Director Kelvyn Waugh and his UK sales and information team will take a pivotal role on the pan-European Group Prasco stand in hall five of the four-day event billed as the ultimate trade fair for the automotive aftermarket sector.
He said, “Automechanika Frankfurt is a vitally important event for us to connect with our customers and forge new relationships in the industry. Myself and the team will always make time for our customers, new and old. We will be on hand throughout the event to answer any questions, discuss our vast range of parts and go through our services we believe further support repairers.
“As ever, our European-based partners have taken the Prasco attendance to another level with a magnificent stand which will provide us with the space and facilities to talk comfortably.”
