Mark Hadaway, Author at ARC360

ACIS names new CEO

2 April 2024

Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words

ACIS has appointed John Matthews as its new CEO.

He brings more than 30 years’ experience to the role having most recently been the UK Business Development Director at the Retail Automotive Alliance.

He was also Business Development Director at AutoRestore, Head of the UK business at Fix Auto, and Sales and Marketing Director at Audatex

John said, “Having known and worked with ACIS for many years, I’m relishing the opportunity to develop the strategic direction and bring an energetic and entrepreneurial approach to deliver strong outcomes for our customers and our members.”

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Momentum building for ARC360 future tech event

8 March 2024

Bodyshop, Car Rental, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

ARC360’s ‘future tech’ themed conference taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 has already gained the interest of a number of key motor insurers.

Following up on last year’s highly acclaimed specialist electric vehicle (EV) event, ARC360 will further explore just how technology is shaping the future of the industry with key persons of influence from: Allianz, Aviva Insurance, Direct Line Group, esure, First Central Services UK Ltd, Hastings Direct, Haven Claims, LV= General Insurance, Markerstudy Insurance Services Ltd, and NOVO Incident Management already confirmed to attend.

The event, which takes place at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, will canvass insights from across the sector and beyond in a bid to explore how the motor claims incident repair sector is transitioning towards a high-tech future.

Underpinning the entire occasion will be a keen focus on what is arguably the most critical factor across the entire industry right now – people and skillsets. Throughout the day, discussions will link back to how the industry – as a combined entity – can help make the automotive incident repair sector a career destination of choice.

Mark Hadaway, Co-Founder of ARC360 and Content Director of ILC, said, “Technology is changing the world around us and the vehicle parc is a primary example of this global transition. The entire automotive supply chain is implicated in this evolution and the insurance claims sector, associated supply chains and, specifically for ARC360, the incident repair community play a vital role in determining a bright future.”

Some key event announcements are pending in the coming weeks, set to provide even more insight and truly bring the event and advancing vehicle technologies to life.

Tickets for the event are on sale now – click here to book

A limited number of special repairer guest passes are available, to join the waiting list please email: mark@iloveclaims.com.

To find out more about the opportunities available to get involved in the event – exhibition or sponsorship – or how to become an ARC360 Partner contact mark@iloveclaims.com or liane@iloveclaims.com.

ARC360 is supported by Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Copart, Entegral, Enterprise, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Assistance, S&G Response, Solera Audatex; along with Partners: Gemini ARC, Repairify, Prasco; and Associate Partners: Thatcham Research and Trend Tracker.

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Cool response to Spring Budget

7 March 2024

Environment, Finance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget has left the automotive sector underwhelmed with industry bodies labelling it a ‘missed opportunity’.

Despite falling sales in electric vehicles the government has not introduced any incentives to encourage car buyers to go green, while the yawning skills gap has not been addressed either with no changes made to what many consider a failing Apprenticeship Levy.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said, “Government has been keen to assure the UK automotive industry’s competitiveness, with support for EV development and manufacturing – including £2.1bn in autumn’s Advanced Manufacturing Plan – but there is little to help consumer demand.

“The Spring Budget is, therefore, a missed opportunity to deliver fairer tax for a fair transition. Reducing VAT on new EVs, revising vehicle taxation to promote rather than punish going electric, and an end to the VAT ‘pavement penalty’ on public charging would have energised the market. With both government and industry having statutory requirements to deliver net zero, more still needs to be done to help consumers make the switch.”

Meanwhile, Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry, suggested it was a political Budget rather than a practical one that could help the sector move towards net zero.

He said, “Despite talking about encouraging investment in future technologies, today’s Spring Budget seemed to miss the opportunity to make some small changes that would support the widest automotive sector as it faces a continuing skills gap while trying to future-proof itself. There was also nothing done to encourage more people to move to lower and zero emissions vehicles.

“For the UK to achieve its green ambitions every part of the automotive sector must be supported and that includes the aftermarket. Whilst the addition of leased assets in the Full Expensing 100% first year capital allowance may provide some businesses with help, it’s disappointing that the Super Deduction was not reintroduced. This would have provided the wider aftermarket with essential help to ensure it is adequately equipped and trained to support EV drivers.”

Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, highlighted similar omissions.

She said, “The NFDA had urged the government to introduce incentives to prevent EV sales from flatlining. Noticeably, fleet has been driving sales of new cars rather than private buyers. The government must do more to help maintain momentum in the private BEV market and increase adoption of these cleaner vehicles across the UK.”

Robinson also expressed disappointment at an unreformed Apprenticeship Levy, and concluded, “There certainly were a few missed opportunities in this Spring Budget.”

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Cazoo announces major business model shift

7 March 2024

Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, vehicle sales and Words

Online car buying and selling platform Cazoo has announced it is transitioning to a marketplace business model.

The news comes after a capital and board restructure at the end of 2023.

It believes the shift will enable it to deliver new opportunities for dealers and consumers, supporting full online transactions. Cazoo will also offer dealers both customer and market insights to support their sales and marketing activities.

To achieve this transition, Cazoo is now unwinding its inventory through retail and wholesale channels, and will also make operational chances that will include reducing headcount and developing its ecommerce platform, proprietary data, and digital functions.

Paul Whitehead, Chief Executive Officer of Cazoo, said, “Transitioning Cazoo to a pure-play automotive marketplace business model leverages our key advantages: the nationally recognised and trusted Cazoo brand and the Cazoo ecommerce technology platform.

“Our transition means we can now offer the UK’s 13,000 car dealers the chance to put their forecourt stock in front of the one million potential customers on average who visit the Cazoo website every month.”

Meanwhile, Whitehead has also announced he will step down as CEO.

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Car and LCV sales soar in February

7 March 2024

Bodyshop, Mobility, Supplier, vehicle sales and Words

Both the new car and new LCV markets enjoyed record months in February, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

It reported that new car registrations rose 14% to 84,886 units, completing 19 months of growth and making it the best February performance for 20 years.

Growth was driven by sales to fleets and businesses, which were up 25.2% and 15.5%, although private uptake fell by 2.6%

In terms of fuel types, hybrid electric vehicles rose 12.1%, plug-in hybrids were up 29.1%, and battery electric vehicle increased by 21.8%.

Meanwhile, LCV sales increased 2.2% last month to 17,934 units, the highest number recorded since February 1998.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The new car market’s ability to deliver growth continues with its best February for 20 years and this week’s Budget is an opportunity to ensure that growth is greener. Tackling the triple tax barrier as the market embarks on its busiest month of the year would boost EV demand, cutting carbon emissions and energising the economy. It will deliver a faster and fairer zero emission transition, putting Britain’s EV ambition back in the fast lane.”

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Vella Group partners AkzoNobel in sustainability drive

7 March 2024

Bodyshop, Environment, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

The Vella Group has become the first UK business to be named an official partner of AkzoNobel’s Sustainable Repair Network.

It has achieved level 1 of the three-level certification process, which demonstrates its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

As part of this commitment, the Vella Group is dedicated to measuring and reducing energy consumption and emissions though a series of improvements, including changing equipment, processes and products.

It has already carried out a full Bodyshop Energy Scan, mapping all energy consumption to identify where improvements can be made, and completed a Sustainable Repair Audit which focused on the four key areas of repair, recycle, re-use, and reduce.

Marc Holding, Managing Director of The Vella Group, said, “As a business we are forward thinking when it comes to sustainability and go beyond the standard or legal requirements placed upon us. We are looking forward to working closely with AkzoNobel in continuing to develop our sustainability targets which will include identifying additional opportunities to further enhance our operational processes and procedures. This will lead to significant improvements in managing our carbon emissions and enhancing efficiency.”

Paul James, Strategic Accounts Manager Vehicle Refinishes UK & Ireland, AkzoNobel, added, “Together we will collectively look at all the steps of their repair process and their entire bodyshop operation to see where emissions are being created and how we can help to reduce them. We will give them the tools, knowledge, support, and experience to make a tangible long-term difference to their business.”

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Thatcham Research announces ground-breaking LexisNexis partnership

7 March 2024

Bodyshop, Mobility, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words

Thatcham Research has announced a strategic relationship with LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

The new partnership will transform the accessibility, consistency and analytical power of Thatcham Vehicle Risk Data (VRD), which assigns ABI Codes and Group Ratings to vehicles to help insurers assess and rate risk.

The news comes after the Association of British Insurers called for increased visibility of the Group Rating system to help consumers make more informed choices.

The first element of the agreement will see LexisNexis Risk Solutions become the sole distributor of Thatcham VRD, providing insurers, brokers and MGAs with real-time access.

LexisNexis Risk Solutions will also match vehicles to Thatcham VRD, delivering more granular data to help insurers identify risk-affecting vehicle features in the quoting process.

Meanwhile, the partners will also collaborate to unlock new vehicle data that does not exist today.

James Burton, Managing Director, UK and Ireland insurance, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, said, “We pride ourselves on being experts in insurance, and our vehicle strategy is both consistent with and complementary to the Thatcham Research vision. This strategy makes LexisNexis Risk Solutions well-placed to unlock the potential in the Thatcham VRD product, creating transformational insights for motor insurance providers.”

Jonathan Hewett, Chief Executive of Thatcham Research, said, “This exclusive relationship with LexisNexis Risk Solutions will allow Thatcham Research to focus efforts on research, testing and training, knowing that the insights we offer that are essential to how insurance providers derive premiums and assess risk will be managed by a trusted partner to the industry. The combination of Thatcham Research and LexisNexis Risk Solutions assets and intelligence is compelling, providing an exciting roadmap for new services and insights that will improve the overall motor insurance customer experience.”

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HORIBA MIRA joins Euro NCAP network

7 March 2024

Environment, Insurance, Mobility, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

Euro NCAP has welcomed HORIBA MIRA to its network of safety and assessment centres.

Expanded accreditation means the HORIBA MIRA laboratory is now recognised as an official site for active safety system testing on passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

Dr Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General Euro NCAP, said, “I am delighted to welcome HORIBA MIRA to Euro NCAP’s trusted network of safety assessment laboratories across Europe. We are impressed by HORIBA MIRA’s commitment to support Euro NCAP’s safety programme, but also by its wish to join us in our quest to meet Vision Zero targets. This is great news for us, for consumers, and the automotive industry in the UK.”

Graeme Stewart, Chief Technical Officer HORIBA MIRA, added, “We have been conducting active safety pre-tests for many years and our team is hugely motivated and passionate about helping to shape the future of safety on European roads and beyond, and being part of the collective effort that is driving towards achieving Vision Zero. Euro NCAP exists to create safer roads for everyone. We believe that to achieve this objective and deliver the best results, you must have a people-centric approach.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 15 December 2023

15 December 2023

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words

ILC releases 2024 events schedule

ILC has released its 2024 event schedule highlighting the dates of its annual key events set for the coming 12 months which includes 27 June as the date for 2024’s ARC360 technology focussed conference with other activity dates to follow. Further details to follow early in 2024.

LV= Sole Site Repairer forum sets the pace

LV= General Insurance hosted the latest annual edition of its Sole Site Repairer forum in late November with the key message to attendees: ‘keep doing what you are doing’.

Tesla tops list of most expensive EV repairs

New figures have revealed that Teslas are the most expensive EVs to repair. According to data released by Activate Group and Gecko Risk, who have formed a new partnership to deliver deeper insights into EVs, the average repair cost for an EV over the last four years is just under £2,600.

Eco Balance delivered to commercial vehicles

Glasurit has released its Eco Balance product range for commercial vehicles. Eco Balance enables faster processes and less material consumption, cutting CO2 emissions without compromising on quality.

Storms cause £53m of vehicle damage

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) predicts that insurers will pay out about £53m for vehicles damaged by Storms Babet, Ciaran and Debi.

Its data found that 7,210 vehicle damage claims were made following the bad weather in the UK during October and November.

Lexus tops charts of rising vehicle thefts

LV= has revealed that car thefts increased by 59% from 2021 to 2022 and predicts further rises this year.

Its data identified that Lexus thefts rose 513% from 2021-2023, Toyota thefts were up 103% and Hyundai thefts were up 81%, while theft hotspots included Birmingham, London, Sheffield, Manchester, and Liverpool.

Strategy summary

Wayne Mason-Drust, Managing Director at Accident Express Group, has presented his views on the five unique business models for bodyshops at the latest Trend Track meeting.

They included the Network Dominator, which operates a vast network; the Flex Master, which is more adaptable; the Efficiency Expert, which focuses on streamlined operations; the Independent Maverick; and the Mobile Maestro.

Ofgem launches consultation around services and costs

Energy regulator Ofgem has launched a statutory consultation on proposals to ensure businesses get reliable service. It is also seeking more clarity on the costs being paid to third party energy brokers.

Bodyshop Briefs

Gemini Accident Repair Centres has been named ‘Winner’ for the Best Nationwide Vehicle Repairs Group 2023 in the Midlands Enterprise Awards 2023.

Chaplane Accident Repair Centre has achieved BS10125:2022 accreditation.

All nine of Fix Auto UK’s wholly owned repair centres have successfully gained their PAS2060 accreditations. They are Fix Auto Barnsley, Fix Auto Colwyn Bay, Fix Auto Crawley, Fix Auto Castleford, Fix Auto Daventry, Fix Auto Henley-on-Thames, Fix Auto Liverpool South, Fix Auto Newport and Fix Auto Paignton.

Activate Accident Repair Sunderland and Newcastle has secured BS10125:2022 certification.

Citroën and BASF unveil new sustainable concept car

Citroën has worked with BASF to create a concept car that pushes back the boundaries for sustainable production.

JLR announces digital deal with Tata

JLR has announced a new partnership with Tata Communications to support the efficient development of its next-generation vehicles.

It will deploy Tata’s cloud-based technology to connect all its 128 global sites, providing AI-powered and real-time data capturing, monitoring and analysis to improve production line performance.

Stellantis supports start-ups

Stellantis has recognised 11 new technology start-ups as part of its second annual Stellantis Venture Awards. The awards identify and then support the continued development of innovations in customer-focused technology.

Fisker opens Milton Keynes site

American EV company Fisker has opened a new site in Milton Keynes and is now inviting customers to book a test drive.

ARC360 Podcast 32: Mental Health Matters

In this episode we speak with Carl Norton, Regional Business Manager at Fix Auto UK and, perhaps more relevant to this conversation, the man behind the network’s Mental Health First Aid programme.

Catch up on podcasts

For the full back catalogue of ARC360 podcasts including conversations with Thatcham Research’s Dean Lander, Chartwell’s Chris Brightmore, and Martin Brown of Repairify click here.

People

Tom Hart has been appointed Claims Sales Director UK and Ireland at Solera Audatex.
Direct Line Group has named Jamie Brown as Senior External Automotive Engineer.
Komoo has appointed James Duffin as Northern Territory Manager.

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Ofgem launches consultation around services and costs

15 December 2023

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Supplier and Words

Energy regulator Ofgem has launched a statutory consultation on proposals to ensure businesses get reliable service.

It is also seeking more clarity on the costs being paid to third party energy brokers.

The consultation will lead to a new set of rules for suppliers to ensure they deliver good customer service and greater clarity around costs. It includes proposals to expand existing rules on Standards of Conduct to all businesses, and expand rules around transparency on what consumers are paying for Third Party services to all business consumers.

Tim Jarvis, Director of Markets for Ofgem, said, “Businesses are no different from any energy customer and should be able to expect excellent service and fair prices. However, we have heard from too many businesses, particularly small and medium sized ones, that this isn’t always the case.

“These proposals will ensure better deals, better protection and more clarity for businesses – so they have the best chance of thriving at this difficult time.”