Motofix Group has announced that all eight of its accident repair locations covering the south and south west have been appointed by AA Insurance, covering both the AA Underwriting and AA Accident Assist.
Tim Rankin, Managing Director of AA Accident Management, said: “With the emergence of rapidly changing vehicle technologies, Motofix’s 27 vehicle manufacturer approvals, combined with an ability to centrally manage and build strategic partnership played a key role in the group’s appointment. We are making significant investments in the future of the AA and believe this relationship will prove an invaluable partner to the AA team.”
Mark Stuart, Motofix Commercial Director, said “We are thrilled to be partnering with the AA which is one of the UK’s strongest and most trusted brands.”
The IMI is predicting up to 160,000 vacancies in the automotive industry by 2031.
It believes that despite a two per cent decrease in the total number of jobs in the sector, an aging population, decreased immigration and the green agenda will exacerbate the skills crisis over the coming years.This is according to its Automotive Sector Employment report, which predicts that vehicle technician will be the most in-demand role, accounting for up to 16% of total vacancies.
Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI said, “The industry faces its biggest skills challenge of the last two decades. We have been lobbying government, the automotive industry and the education sector for a long time to invest in addressing the shortage in qualified EV technicians, and the majority have stepped up to the challenge. But our latest report worryingly reveals that the UK’s lack of EV skills are just the tip of the iceberg.
“An aging population is a significant contributor to the dilemma. Many of our older workers are set to retire over the coming years and fewer younger workers are joining the labour force. Without doubt, more needs to be done to attract young blood into the UK’s automotive sector.”However, a Perception of the Automotive Sector Survey carried out by the IMI’s Diversity Task Force found that just 16% of the 1,600 school-aged and young children questioned considered the automotive sector a viable career, with poor salaries and a misunderstanding of job roles the main dissuading factors.
Environment, Finance, People, Supplier, vehicle sales and Words
Supply disruption continues to impact vehicle sales with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reporting an 18.8% decrease in the used car market in the second quarter of 2022.
It found that just 1,759,684 transactions took place, representing a 407,820 shortfall compared to the same period last year.
Declines of 16.8%, 20.9% and 18.6% were recorded in April, May and June respectively.
However, electric vehicle sales rose 57.1% to reach 16,782 units, doubling marketshare to one per cent, while plug-in hybrids reported a one per cent increase.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “It was inevitable that the squeeze on new car supply would filter through to the used market. Despite this, Britain’s used car buyers clearly have a growing appetite for the latest low and zero emission cars, and we need a thriving new car market to feed it. The next Prime Minister must create the conditions to drive consumer confidence, especially in EVs, to drive the fleet renewal necessary to meet our decarbonisation goals.”
Bodyshop, Environment, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Premier Group has announced it will open its doors to the next generation of talent with an open day at is Cannock site on Saturday, 15 October 2022.
Held in association with School of Thought, the event is aimed at anyone aged 14 to 20 and is intended to showcase the technology, innovation and career opportunities within the sector, banishing any misconceptions that may exist around what working in the automotive aftermarket is like.
Phil Ashley, Director, said, “The traditional views and perceptions of a person working in automotive are outdated and holding back potential new trainees. When people think about a car repair technician many picture mechanics covered in oil, working in dark, cold and dirty environments. This is far from the case today, with so many varied roles in the industry.
“The technicians of today are highly skilled, utilising hi-tech equipment working with cars featuring automated safety systems and complex electronics. Unfortunately, the misconceptions of the automotive industry are limiting the number of people investigating career opportunities.”
According to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), automotive vacancies are at their highest level for 20 years. With 23,000 jobs unfilled, or four per cent of the entire workforce, automotive has the sixth highest vacancy rate across all industry sectors.
During this ARC360 On Demand webinARC we look at how the industry is working in attracting new demographics, generations and skillsets by catching up with those at the very forefront of the change – the next generation. Featuring Carpenters, Entegral and Gemini ARC.
ARC360 backs Trend Tracker survey
ARC360 is lending its support to Trend Tracker to help research its latest Repair Market Survey.
To better reflect and understand the challenges and trends affecting the sector during these unprecedented times, the survey will be more in depth than ever.
Alongside the forensic market report, Trend Tracker is also carrying out comprehensive surveys of both customers and businesses within the industry.
Its latest Motor Insurance Premium Tracker saw premiums increase to an average of £419, however, this is still £11 lower than the same quarter in 2021.
Used car market on downward trend
The UK used car market slumped 18.8% in the second quarter of 2022, as supply disruption continues to impact vehicle sales. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that just 1,759,684 transactions took place, representing a 407,820 shortfall compared to the same period last year.
However, electric vehicle sales rose 57.1% to reach 16,782 units.
It has been confirmed that Synetiq, Egertons Recovery Group and Service Certainty are backing the event for the first time, while S&G Response, NWVA, Prasco, 4Elms Group, Motofix, Sherwin Williams, ABP and Thatcham Research have all renewed their sponsorship.
More than 150 women from around the world took part in the historic build, which included a week-long takeover by seven BASF women.
Mirka makes Irish move
Mirka UK will continue its focus on growth within the Irish market when it showcases a range of its tools at the Auto Trade Expo, taking place in Dublin from 15-16 October.
Alongside a range of innovative electric tools, it will debut its new Galaxy and Iridium SR abrasive ranges.
Held in association with School of Thought, the event is aimed at anyone aged 14 to 20 and is intended to showcase the technology, innovation and career opportunities within the sector.
While remote technology will continue to support group-wide communications, Gemini also appreciates the value of getting colleagues together in the same room for the first time following Covid-19.
It has highlighted the benefits around cost, availability and sustainability as compelling arguments around their use in repairs, and revealed that if the UK increased the number of recycled parts by just 10% it would avoid 390,000 vehicle parts going to landfill each year, saving nearly 190,000 tonnes in carbon emissions.
Providing round-the-clock repair services to vehicle rental and fleet businesses, its sustainable Repair Qubes are fitted with the tools, equipment and skilled expertise to carry out rapid repairs on both cars and light commercial vehicles to BS10125 Kitemark accredited standards.
ARC360 podcast library
Check out ARC360’s back catalogue of podcasts featuring some of the key personalities from across the sector sharing insights into their journey within the claims sector, their perspectives on the industry and how they see the future shaping up.
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
ARC360 is lending its support to Trend Tracker to help research its latest Repair Market Survey.
To better reflect and understand the challenges and trends affecting the sector during these unprecedented times, the survey will be more in depth than ever.
Alongside the forensic market report, Trend Tracker is also carrying out comprehensive surveys of both customers and businesses within the industry.
Backed by both ARC360 and the NBRA, Trend Tracker is now inviting stakeholders to complete a 15-20-minute questionnaire. Completely confidential, the survey offers companies the opportunity to share their views on the state of the market, how they are impacted by current challenges and what they are doing to adapt to ensure their operations remain viable in the future.
Only the data that emerges and relevant, anonymous soundbites will be shared with the wider industry, providing a real insight into health of the market as it is now.
Meanwhile, all respondents will be entered into a draw for a 50% reduction on a Trend Tracker annual subscription.
Mark Hadaway, ILC Managing Director and co-founder of ARC360, said, “Trend Tracker provides an invaluable service to the industry by delivering clear, easy-to-digest data that helps businesses understand both the current challenges in the wider marketplace and those that may be coming.
“We’re delighted to support one of our key partners to continue to serve the industry in this way.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
The 2022 AutoRaise Rally of West Midlands and Mid Wales has new sponsorship.
It has been confirmed that Synetiq, Egertons Recovery Group and Service Certainty are backing the event for the first time, while S&G Response, NWVA, Prasco, 4Elms Group, Motofix, Sherwin Williams, ABP and Thatcham Research have all renewed their sponsorship.
The Rally will be held for the first time since Covid-19, taking place from 21-23 September over 370 miles and comprising 13 stages. More than 70 cars will take part in the event, which also includes a gala dinner, grid breakfast and entertainment centre.
Jennifer Evans, from AutoRaise said, “I cannot wait for this year’s Rally and with it being my first one, I have definitely felt the pressure, but hopefully my hard work will pay off and this will not only be a record year in terms of the challenging route, but also with regards to the fundraising that our fantastic teams are doing. All the money raised will ensure the hard work we do for the industry will continue at the same pace. In the last 12 months we have helped to place nearly 500 apprentices into our industry which I am extremely proud of.”
Steve Thompson, AutoRaise Vice-Chair, added, “This year’s Rally will be one of the most challenging to date, however I know that it is going to be amazing. There will be some great adventures along the way, and we are taking in some of the UK’s finest scenery. The Festival theme is something that I am really looking forward to and I just want to raise as much money as possible to give back to the industry to ensure we secure young talent for the future of our incredible industry.”
Environment, Insurance, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, wellbeing and Words
eBay Green Parts for business has sought to bust a few myths around green parts to encourage their wider uptake throughout the industry.
It has highlighted the benefits around cost, availability and sustainability as compelling arguments around their use in repairs, and revealed that if the UK increased the number of recycled parts by just 10% it would avoid 390,000 vehicle parts going to landfill each year, saving nearly 190,000 tonnes in carbon emissions.
It has also cited a 2019 study carried out by Allianz, that found that 69% of motorists would be happy for green parts to be used in the repair of their vehicles, with 77% doing so for environmental reasons.
However, there remains a hardcore segment of the market that remains reluctant, believing that recycled parts aren’t as good as new ones in terms of appearance, reliability and safety. They also believe green parts cost more than new parts and that using them in the repair can affect a vehicle’s warranty.
eBay Green Parts for business points out that none of this is true, with green parts up to 70% cheaper than new parts and rigorous checks in place to ensure their quality.
It is now urging repairers to champion their benefits to their customers to drive their wider usage.
It said, “Vehicle repairers can, and must, play a positive role in helping to implement the use of green parts. Over half of drivers admit they look to the repairer to give the best advice, and they trust their judgement. The benefits of using green parts are clear for both repairers and end customers, so now it all comes down to having the confidence to tell the green parts story.”
On Demand webinARC – Next Generation: 1.30pm Wednesday 24 August
During this ARC360 On Demand webinARC we look at how the industry is working in attracting new demographics, generations and skillsets by catching up with those at the very forefront of the change – the next generation.
BRIT is the group formed by AutoRaise and Collision Repair Sector Group to manage the continued development of the five new apprentice standards they created – paint, panel, MET, accident repair and VDA.
Speaking to delegates during a ‘Future of Motor Claims’ panel debate at the inaugural Motor Claims Showcase event, delivered by ARC360 and ILC at the CBS Arena, Coventry in June, Craig Plant, Business Operations Manager, EMEA Body Repair, Tesla said the end-goal is to reach a point where there are no more accidents on the road, no injuries and no deaths.
Dealers facing growing competition
The latest blog from automotive research and strategy organisation ICDP has warned dealerships that they could find themselves competing with independent bodyshops for work in the future.
Written after a conversation with Fix Auto UK Managing Director Ian Pugh, ICDP said that insurers are increasingly competing for customers in areas other than price, and in many cases that means allowing drivers to choose where they get their car repaired.
Luke Geach from its Bristol Operation Centre has become the first colleague to complete the course, which was introduced in January in partnership with carbon neutral training provider HGVC with the goal of delivering 100 fully-trained drivers in its first year.
New registrations totalled 112,162 units, making it the fifth month of consecutive decline, while the LCV market fell for the seventh month in a row to 12,243 units.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has signed a new partnership deal with New Zealand-based GO Rentals. As part of the deal GO rentals is now able to operate the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rentals and Alamo Rent-A-Car brands in the country.
Listen up…
ARC360 Podcast with Matthew Stansfield, Davies Group
In this episode, we speak with Matthew Stansfield, operations director – claims solutions, Davies Group who provides a fascinating insight into how the world of engineering is evolving – from day-to-day value add processes and procedures, to more involved investigative work and specialist requirements.
