Environment, Insurance, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Copart UK has announced the acquisition of Hills Salvage and Recycling – The Green Parts Specialist.
The full acquisition includes the Hills UK’s Skelsmerdale headquarters, a new site in Scotland and a Gloucestershire parts hub, as well as the transporter fleet and specialist technology systems.
Ian and Lucy Hill and the rest of the Hills team will remain in place and Copart has said that all existing customer relationships will continue without interruption.
Copart’s UK CEO Jane Pocock said, “I am excited to welcome the Hills team to the Copart family and looking forward to extending our range of services that give our sellers the very best choice around their Cat S and Cat B damaged vehicles and engaging with the bodyshop networks to provide parts with provenance.
“When you combine the strength of our salvage solutions, both in the volume and capability sense, with Hills’ world class green parts service and progressive inventory platform, we really can offer an unrivalled nationwide service.”
Ian Hills said, “Hills Salvage & Recycling and The Green Parts Specialist are recognised leaders in the UK recycling industry. Combining our parts solution with the infrastructure and vehicle inventory of Copart opens up a tremendous opportunity to offer an unparalleled service to the UK insurance and repair industry through our circular recycling process.”
He added, “Save for rebranding to The Green Parts Specialist, I don’t expect any changes about how we do things at Hills. Our strategic goal has always been to offer the UK’s largest inventory of quality assured Green Parts on the shelf, available for next day delivery. Combining our infrastructure with Copart has simply accelerated that process for which our customers will benefit hugely.”
Car Rental, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Presenting to delegates on the showcase stage at the inaugural ARC360/ILC Motor Claims Showcase event, Commercial Manager Kevern Thompson explained the integral role CAPS plays in the motor claims journey, and offered a glimpse into what further developments it is working on.
Headline sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, along with fellow sponsors EDAM Group, Control Expert and Procurato, the Motor Claims Showcase featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, partner showcases and interactive displays from 30-plus exhibitors.
CAPS (Common Automotive Platform Standard) has established itself at the heart of motor claims. Using the latest security standards to exchange data without storing it, it is the only industry agnostic platform that connects bodyshops, work providers and insurers.
Easily adopted, it requires no license fee, no training and no software installations, and the numbers back up its value to the industry:
Meanwhile, to ensure CAPS remains at the cutting edge of innovation and continues to deliver for a fast-evolving industry it has trusted future developments to its National Advisory Council, which comprises industry leaders from insurance companies, bodyshops, vehicle manufacturers, supply chain companies, claims management companies and independent organisations like Thatcham Research and NBRA. They meet quarterly to ensure CAPS meets the needs of the industry going forward.
On that front, Kevern revealed that the next generation platform (V3) will provide even more transparency and efficiency.
He said, “The CAPS platform provides seamless communication between insurers, work providers and bodyshops, ensuring data is fast, accessible and accurate, removing friction and increasing efficiency. But V3 will go even further, providing enhanced data facilitation among disparate supply chain workflows.”
The benefits of this horizontal development are myriad: improved workflow; a seamless and transparent process that eliminates double-keying; a fully connected supply chain; and automatic translation of status codes and definitions to provide clarity.
Kevern said, “It offers unparalleled innovation and future system configuration flexibility.”
He concluded by suggesting that the value of CAPS will only increase as the industry and consumer demand even more digitalisation, while increased regulation the proliferation of data sources makes transparency, efficiency and accuracy even more critical.
He said, “CAPS provides complete control over who sees your information and uses the latest security encryption to exchange data. It keeps everyone up to date in real time, delivering a single version of the truth.”
ILC would like to thank its motor Corporate Partners: AkzoNobel; Audatex; Autoglass; CAPS; Carpenters Group; Copart; Davies Group; e2e; Entegral; Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Gemini ARC; GT Motive; The Green Parts Specialists; IAA; Innovation Group; S&G Response; Sherwin Williams; and thingco.
ARC360 would like to thank its Corporate Partners: Audatex; BASF; BMS; CAPS; Copart; EMACS; Entegral; Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Innovation Group; Mirka; NWVA; S&G Response; and Sherwin Williams, as well as Partners asTech; The Green Parts Specialists; Indasa; and Prasco UK.
Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Technology and Words
Insurance, liability and legislation are all being left behind by the rising usage of e-scooters.
That was the message during a showcase presentation delivered by Davies Group at the inaugural ARC360/ILC Motor Claims Showcase event, which took place on Wednesday 29 June at the CBS Arena, Coventry.
The event, headline sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, along with fellow sponsors EDAM Group, Control Expert and Procurato, sought to elevate standards within the accident damage sector by sharing best practice across the supply chain through a full agenda of keynote addresses, presentations and panel discussions.
Some 400 delegates attended the event, which also featured over 30 exhibitors and networking opportunities.
Speaking on the showcase stage, Dr Richard Ellwood, GBB (UK) began by explaining the current legislation around e-scooters. He said that trials of 23,000 e-scooters are currently being held in 31 regions in the UK. These trials are due to end in November, after which the government will hold a public consultation addressing safety issues, benefits and public perception, with a view to legalising their wider usage.
However, he revealed that the illegal use of e-scooters is rising dramatically with estimates suggesting there are now as many as 750,000 on UK roads, most of which do not meet legislative requirements while many others have been modified to exceed the typical 15-20mph limit. Some, he said, can now reach speeds of 50mph.
The consequences can and have been severe. Although accurate statistics are difficult to obtain, provisional data suggests that there were 1,280 collisions in 2021 – up from 460 in 2020 – with 1,359 casualties. Of these, 390 were serious, with nine fatalities.
He revealed that nearly 20% of injuries were head injuries due to the low rates of helmet use.
But as e-scooter drivers are uninsured and untraceable, unaccountability is a genuine concern.
To better understand the causes and consequences of these collisions, and to raise safety standards around e-scooters, Davies Group has called for fuller investigations post-incident.
Firstly, Ellwood said that the vehicle itself needs to be examined more forensically. That includes assessing the mechanical condition of the vehicle, such as brakes, tyres and tyre pressure. Investigators must also establish if modifications have been made to speed settings and bodywork, as well as checking for marks and paint transfer.
He also urged investigators to carry out an incident reconstruction, using evidence from the scene, from video footage and witnesses, to gain a deeper insight into the behaviours of e-scooter drivers.
ILC would like to thank its motor Corporate Partners: AkzoNobel; Audatex; Autoglass; CAPS; Carpenters Group; Copart; Davies Group; e2e; Entegral; Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Gemini ARC; GT Motive; The Green Parts Specialists; IAA; Innovation Group; S&G Response; Sherwin Williams; and thingco.
ARC360 would like to thank its Corporate Partners: Audatex; BASF; BMS; CAPS; Copart; EMACS; Entegral; Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Innovation Group; Mirka; NWVA; S&G Response; and Sherwin Williams, as well as Partners asTech; The Green Parts Specialists; Indasa; and Prasco UK.
Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Fix Auto UK will hold its 2023 National Conference at The Vox Conference Centre within the National Exhibition Centre complex, Birmingham, from 10-11 May next year.
It has further confirmed that The Midlands venue will be the new home for the conference for the next two years.
The network’s event team is already lining up guest speakers from the industry and beyond, while the event will again be followed by Fix Auto UK’s annual awards evening.
Ian Pugh, Managing Director of Fix Auto UK, said, “We celebrated arguably our best-ever National Conference in March, success that was partly down to the superb venue and I am delighted to say we have secured The Vox for the next two years.
“While the finer details and schedule of guest speakers will be revealed over the forthcoming months, it’s safe to say we are working tirelessly to ensure our 2023 National Conference will once again be one mot to be missed so at this stage, it’s a case of saving the dates.”
Environment, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair, wellbeing and Words
The NBRA has announced that the Greener Bodyshop Awards will take place at West Midlands Safari Park on Thursday, 20 October.
The awards were launched in 2019 to recognise efforts within the industry to introduce and operate more sustainable practices.
In association with headline partners BASF UK & Ireland Automotive Refinish, eBay for Business, ECA Business Energy, LV= General Insurance and SYNETIQ, as well as additional award sponsors Junair /AGM Services, and Upol, the 2022 awards will reward those bodyshops that have implemented creative and innovative ways of reducing their environmental impact.
The NBRA said, “We feel it is imperative to raise awareness and reward those who are going beyond the norm to act responsibly, to protect the environment and to give back to their communities. We are delighted to announce the return of the Greener Bodyshop Awards on 20 October, 2022.”
Environment, Insurance, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
The VBRA has created a new standard for accident repair in the commercial vehicle industry.
Appropriate for trucks, buses, coaches, trailers and large vans, the Elite Truck & Van Body Repair Standard will utilise the certifications from the IMI and other bodies to identify competency of technicians in this complex repair sector.
The standard consists of several grades of membership:
Elite Truck & Van Body Repair (structural with Cab and chassis repair)
Elite Truck Repair (structural with cab and chassis repair)
Elite Van Repair (structural with chassis repair)
Elite Truck & Van (non-structural no cab or chassis repairs)
Repairers must undergo a full audit and inspection before being granted membership. Their details will then be held on the ITA platform, enabling work providers to assess their qualifications, equipment and capabilities.
Meanwhile, as part of the standard, the Elite member will also be expected to ensure an independent inspection of completed work over a cost threshold to provide ongoing quality control.
In this webinARC we look at the evolution of the vehicle incident repair supply chain as it faces some major challenges in light of global market forces. Specifically, we focus our attentions on parts supply and explore the options available.
Solera Audatex and Ireland’s leading car history check and automotive data solutions company Cartell have launched a new solution to help insurers in the country comply with imminent amendments to the Road Traffic Act.
Construction underway at new Thatcham Research site
Construction has begun on Thatcham Research’s new UK centre of excellence at Retford (Gamston) Airport.
Gemini celebrates apprenticeship successes
Gemini Accident Repair Group celebrated the success of its first group of apprentices completing their end-point assessments at a special awards ceremony held directly after the inaugural ARC360/ILC Motor Claims Showcase event.
To date, 22 apprentices have completed their apprenticeships, with 60 more still on the journey.
Following sustainable processes, apprentices will be trained to operate in an emerging market, with on-the-job training and industry accreditation in ADAS, manufacturer diagnostics and safety systems, and EV level 3-4 accreditation.
Flavio Marchi, Executive Vice President & General Manager General Industrial Coatings Division, EMEAI, said, “The combination of Sherwin-Williams and Gross & Perthun will strengthen our already solid presence in the European market, adding a high-quality complementary business to our waterborne and solvent liquid coatings portfolio.”
Claims Director Dave Thompson said, “It’s particularly pleasing to receive this recognition because the solution was designed in collaboration with our customers, who now have the flexibility to pursue a claim through their channel of choice at a time convenient to them.”
Apollo builds school ties
Apollo Motor Group is developing ties with local schools. It has engaged with Woolmer High School in Surrey to offer pupils extra-curricular activities at its Horsham site.
As part of this collaboration, year 10 student Austin Johnson took part in an extensive work experience programme which included repairing, priming and refinished a wing.
Operating out of the Hammersmith site in West London, the vehicle, which has a range of 200 miles and can pump water continuously for four hours, will be powered exclusively by battery although it also features a small petrol engine to extend battery life.
Gemini Accident Repair Group celebrated the success of its first group of apprentices completing their end-point assessments at a special awards ceremony held directly after the inaugural ARC360/ILC Motor Claims Showcase event.
The repair group announced that 22 apprentices have now completed their multi-skilled technician apprenticeships, a Covid-interrupted journey that took five years.
Meanwhile, a further 60 apprentices are in the process completing their apprenticeships, ensuring the group has a continuous supply of new talent entering the business.
Dave Sargeant, Managing Director of Gemini and AutoRaise Chairman, said, “Gemini recognises the importance of developing the next generation of talent and has built an unrivalled apprentice programme. With 22 apprentices passing this very tough exam and 60 more all preparing for the same outcome, it was time to celebrate this success.
“Congratulations to all of the apprentices involved, and well done to the Gemini team, especially John Henderson, Dan Dillon and Adam Jones for making this programme the success that it is today.”
Gemini has achieved this success with the support of both Emtec College and AutoRaise.
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, Supplier and Words
CEO of the EDAM Group Simon Gallimore told delegates at the inaugural Motor Claims Showcase event that the industry has reached a crossroads and the time for change is now.
Headline sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, along with fellow sponsors EDAM Group, Control Expert and Procurato, the Motor Claims Showcase event took place on Wednesday 29 June at the CBS Arena, Coventry.
Some 400 delegates attended the event which, through a series of panel discussions, partner showcases and interactive displays from 30-plus exhibitors, examined best practices across the accident damage supply chain.
Speaking on the showcase stage, Simon focused his attentions on the credit hire sector and explained that not only is fundamental change necessary to put the consumer back at the heart of the process, but also that the social and economic environment is being influenced by a range of factors that mean change is critical for businesses in the industry to optimise profitability.
He pointed to issues such as the semi-conductor shortage, the lingering impact of Covid-19, the conflict in Ukraine, rising energy prices, continued disruption to the supply chain, inflation and the challenges businesses across all industries are facing around staff shortages – all of which are putting strain on operations.
However, with greater collaboration between insurers and credit hire companies, he said the industry could work together to:
put the consumer back at the heart of the process
remove unnecessary friction
reduce unnecessary costs.
Simon also called for a wider reform to the General Terms of Agreement (GTA). With the focus still on keeping the consumer front and centre of the process, he urged key industry stakeholders to support the tightening of GTA governance through the delivery of independent oversight and regular reviews, while also ensuring there are genuine consequences for non-compliance from either side.
“If ever there was a time for change, it’s now,” he said.
Edam Group is the largest privately owned credit hire and post-accident services provider, operating its own fleet.
ILC would like to thank its motor Corporate Partners: AkzoNobel; Audatex; Autoglass; CAPS; Carpenters Group; Copart; Davies Group; e2e; Entegral; Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Gemini ARC; GT Motive; The Green Parts Specialists; IAA; Innovation Group; S&G Response; Sherwin Williams; and thingco.
ARC360 would like to thank its Corporate Partners: Audatex; BASF; BMS; CAPS; Copart; EMACS; Entegral; Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Innovation Group; Mirka; NWVA; S&G Response; and Sherwin Williams, as well as Partners asTech; The Green Parts Specialists; Indasa; and Prasco UK.
