Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Sherwoods Accident Repair Centre in the North East has joined the Fix Auto UK network.
The latest addition, which is part of the Sherwoods Motor Group, will now operate as Fix Auto Washington and joins following an aggressive programme of investment.
Currently, the operation repairs up to 30 vehicles a week but the senior management held no reservations by admitting their key rationale behind joining Fix Auto UK was to improve on work efficiencies in order to truly maximise the 30,000sqft repair centre and double its capacity.
Managing Director Simon MacConachie, said: “We have a truly magnificent bodyshop that has, in our opinion, never quite fulfilled its true potential. The team we have in place are highly skilled and excellent at what they do but we recognised that if the centre is to reach its true potential, we needed to significantly invest in the facilities and equipment which is exactly what we have done.
“Car sales is our core specialism and while we’ve managed to run the repair operation well, we also realise we need support and guidance from industry experts if we are to meet our own ambitions which us why we have joined Fix Auto UK to help elevate that area of our business.”
Chris Elvidge, Sherwoods Motor Group Chairman, added: “Having previously worked very successfully with Fix Auto UK and known Ian Pugh for many years, it is great to have them as a partner to help us take our repair operation to greater successes”
The repair centre already holds official vehicle manufacturer approvals for the Stallantis Group along with Suzuki and Isuzu.
As an organisation, Sherwoods Motor Group employs 160 people across its car sales centres in Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland and Washington and has a turnover in excess of £75 million.
Ian Pugh, Managing Director of Fix Auto UK, said: “What a way to start 2022! Here we have a 30,000 sq ft repair centre that has been significantly invested in over recent times and owners who are extremely ambitious. Operationally, I am confident that by working together we can help to fulfil those ambitions.”
Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Motofix Group has upskilled its workforce with a range of ADAS courses delivered by RWC Training.
The courses were delivered at Motofix sites in Yeovil and Northampton, with colleagues from a number of other sites taking part remotely. The training included an ADAS Awareness course for managers and VDAs while MET technicians completed an ADAS course to secure IMI accreditation.
Richard Tutt, CEO of Motofix said, “We believe in continually developing our team and ensuring we have the latest technology available to them. Our investment in state-of-the-art ADAS equipment at all sites, coupled with a training partnership from RWC is testament to that commitment.”
RWC Director Rob Ward said, “We were delighted to work with Motofix Group to help them prepare for ADAS technology, and our partnership with the group allows Motofix staff to undertake ongoing training and development in their specific job roles.”
In this webinARC we explore the key themes of sustainability across the industry to discover just what it means to different operations – from large corporates through to independent businesses –at this current time.
Featuring:
Charlotte Burnige, company secretary, Coachwork Renovations Ltd
Joe March, head of commercial & network management, The Green Parts Specialists
Chris Payne, head of networks & engineering – home & motor, LV=
Stuart Sandell, assistant vice president – sales, UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings
Qashqai secures safety top spot
Nissan’s Qashqai is pound-for-pound the UK’s safest car in 2022. That’s the expert conclusion that independent testing organisation Thatcham Research has drawn after completing its judging for the coveted What Car? Safety Award.
Choosing a winner of the UK’s leading car safety award is a responsibility shared between Thatcham Research, Euro NCAP and What Car? journalists.
NEARC goes carbon neutral
North East Accident Repair Centres (NEARC) has achieved Carbon Neutrality in accordance with PAS 2060 across all three sites.
Roger Collings, director at NEARC said, “The business has always been conscious of our impact on the environment and we continue to invest in technology to reduce our carbon footprint.”
NEARC worked with Purchase Direct to achieve the PAS 2060 status.
Copart is a global leader in vehicle remarketing and recycling, handling more than 500,000 used and salvage vehicles every year in the UK alone. Here, we speak to UK & Ireland managing director Jane Pocock about Copart’s focus on and commitment to sustainability, and ask what that means for the business on a day-to-day basis.
Thatcham Research reveals UK’s safest new cars of 2021
Thatcham Research has revealed the UK’s safest new cars of 2021, with EV and Hybrid models demonstrating impressive safety advancements ahead of the 2030 ban on new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) sales.
Making a positive impact this year are the safety-conscious EQS from Mercedes-EQ, Nissan’s popular Qashqai, and the all-electric Enyaq by Škoda. Also featured are the Volvo-derived Polestar 2 and the hybrid-electric Toyota Yaris Cross.
Mitchell and asTech deliver integrated solution
Technology and information provider for the claims and collision repair industries Mitchell has partnered with asTech to introduce a new diagnostics solution that is intended to simplify and speed up customer service.
The MD-OE22 combines asTech’s OEM scanning device and remote services with Mitchell’s cloud-based ecosystem and collision repair software. This improves efficiency by centralising document management and distribution on a single platform. Further, the solution standardises scan reporting, making them easy to understand for insurers and customers alike.
Four-week free trial
BMS Eclipse is offering all customers a four-week free trial of its ‘Service Certainty – Image Capture’ application.
The solution speeds up key-to-key times by enabling customers to upload images of their damaged vehicle by a unique link. Repairers can then create an estimate and order parts before the vehicle arrives on site.
The Grove Group delivers EV training and bespoke bodyshop improvement programmes, while also providing refinishing supplies, digital solutions and stock management tools.
UK AFCAR, the lobbying group comprising automotive trade associations and commercial organisations, is now calling for the UK government to follow suit. It wants the MVBER to be revised to suit today’s vehicles, and says it is gathering increasing evidence that vehicle manufacturers are misinterpreting the existing MVBER and denying independent garages access to technical information.
‘Good’ systems will need to ensure the driver is focused on the road and holding or the steering wheel, while escalating alerts and emergency procedures will also be required.
The ratings are being set by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and are expected by be released later this year.
Wayve of support for AI solution
London-based start-up Wayve has secured $200m Series B backing, taking total equity raised to more than $258m. Support came from long-time backer Eclipse Ventures as well as new global financial investors.
Wayve is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in the global autonomous driving market.
Ben launches self-referral to free Life Coaching service
Ben, the automotive industry charity, has launched a new self-referral route to access its free Life Coaching service.
Anyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry, can now register for free Life Coaching sessions by completing a short self-referral form online.
The personalised Life Coaching service gives automotive people the opportunity to work with a qualified professional to identify the change they’d like to see in their lives, set goals and maximise their potential to become the best version of themselves.
In this episode, we catch up with Lee Johnson, managing director at independent repair outfit LD Autovogue based in Norwich.
A thriving business, everything changed in the middle of last year when the business experienced a fire. Thankfully, no one was injured but the whole episode has not only proved a real challenge – physically and psychologically – for all involved – but so too has it been an ‘eye opener’ in many respects.
Insurance, Mobility, Supplier, Technology and Words
Nissan’s Qashqai is pound-for-pound the UK’s safest car in 2022. That’s the expert conclusion that independent testing organisation Thatcham Research has drawn after completing its judging for the coveted What Car? Safety Award.
Choosing a winner of the UK’s leading car safety award is a responsibility shared between Thatcham Research, Euro NCAP and What Car? journalists.
As a family SUV, the Qashqai was an outstanding performer during Euro NCAP’s most exacting safety assessments in 2021, a year in which 20 cars achieved the coveted five-star rating.
Built in the UK, the Qashqai scored more than 90% in three out of four safety categories and its Safety Assist score is one of the highest ever recorded at 95%.
Experts were impressed by the Qashqai’s range of passive and active safety features, and the fitment of reverse AEB and centre side airbags – two newer innovations that are beginning to make a real difference to passenger and pedestrian safety.
Yet according to Matthew Avery, Thatcham Research’s Chief Research Strategy Officer, the most encouraging aspect is the popular Qashqai’s potential to bring high-end safety features to the mass-market without breaking the bank.
“The Qashqai is an affordable, family-focused SUV that is already popular with motoring consumers,” he said. “There were more than 29,000 new registrations in the UK last year alone, so it’s very encouraging to see this year’s safest car is also one many people already have on their driveways.”
Runner-up in the Safety category for the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2022 is the all-electric Polestar 2, closely followed by the Skoda Enyaq in third place.
Meanwhile, Gridserve’s pioneering motorway service station concept won the What Car? Innovation Award, in association with Thatcham Research.
Gridserve’s Electric Forecourts will offer up to 36 dedicated EV chargers, including some 350kW fast chargers capable of charging vehicles in around 20 minutes.
BMW’s new virtual navigation system and a smart innovation by Hyundai that could revolutionise the way we overcome blind spots when behind the wheel took second and third place respectively.
Environment, Insurance, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training and Words
Copart is a global leader in vehicle remarketing and recycling, handling more than 500,000 used and salvage vehicles every year in the UK alone. Here, we speak to UK & Ireland managing director Jane Pocock about Copart’s focus on and commitment to sustainability, and ask what that means for the business on a day-to-day basis.
Can you give us an overview of how sustainability has risen up the list of priorities at Copart in the last few years?
As a global leader in vehicle remarketing and recycling, Copart has always been committed to environmental sustainability.
From our inception in 1982, we have played a critical role in the automotive circular economy as the key intermediary enabling the recycling and reuse of automobiles and automotive parts, while facilitating access to transportation around the world.
With sustainability now a strong focus around the globe, our customers, partners, and stakeholders expect Copart to continue leading by example. As the owner of the UK’s largest salvage transport fleet, we’ve made sustainability the focal point of our future strategy.
Our Plan-Net-Zero programme (our formal commitment to both global sustainability and becoming a more sustainable business by achieving net-zero emissions) is well underway, with a renewed focus on vehicle recycling, green parts, and EVs.
With a decade of experience and expertise in the handling of EVs, our operational network is fully equipped and ready for the electric revolution ahead. We have steadily been building specialist facilities, skills, and processes around handling and remarketing EV’s, and now have UK-wide capabilities.
In addition to significant investment into specialist training for our people, our Operation Centres have been constantly evolving to support electric and hybrid requirements, with hundreds of changes made to our operational processes.
What does sustainability success look like for Copart?
Copart’s ‘sustainability quadrants’
As a global leader in online vehicle remarketing and recycling, our vision is to achieve a carbon-neutral future while consistently delivering a world-class level of customer service.
Our ‘sustainability quadrants’ (see image) ensure we focus on the right things to achieve our sustainability goals.
We’ll continue to expand our UK recycling and green parts capabilities.
75% of our annual vehicles sold for re-use or re-build; 25% sent to scrap recyclers.
Over 5,808 tonnes of vehicle components recycled and over 5,000 vehicles crushed for recycling in the last year.
We’re increasing energy efficiency through smart technologies and innovative green solutions.
Our ongoing sustainability refurbishment programme means the design of our future offices will be energy-efficient and constructed responsibly.
We are introducing more outside green spaces to our locations to improve air quality, encourage nature, and reduce our carbon footprint.
Nothing is off the agenda, from light bulbs to waste management.
Our ‘Greenest Fleet on the Street’ initiative has seen Copart invest in upgrading our fleet, to deliver lower mileage, lower fuel consumption, and lower emissions.
We’ve committed to providing Euro VI compliancy across our full 250-strong transporter fleet through an ongoing fleet replacement and expansion programme.
How is Copart working with partners to initiate change in this area?
As a global market leader, our insurance customers expect us to be a sustainable partner/green supplier and lead by example, so we must continue to rise to this challenge.
We are working with our partnership network across fleet, transport, infrastructure, and education, reviewing everything from Carbon Literacy training for our teammates, to the most sustainable fuel options to ensure we operate the ‘Greenest Fleet on the Street’.
To keep us on track and on target, external auditors will review our annual Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) and Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) reports, as well as Copart’s EMS objectives and on-site processes, to ensure we achieve our sustainability commitments.
Our Plan-Net-Zero programme also involves supply chain analysis. We comprehensively review and quantify each of our supplier’s emissions using the Economic Input-Output Life-Cycle Assessment (EIO-LCA) method.
Can you give us an insight into the role partnerships are playing in achieving your sustainability targets?
Our Copart teams are working closely with a consultancy firm to develop a comprehensive Project Charter, which will agree critical success factors, timeframes, targets, and roles and responsibilities of key personnel.
A Net Zero Gap Analysis will then be completed to identify key improvements and opportunities and establish emissions boundaries and data inventory, which will lead on to the development of our Net Zero Roadmap.
We’re excited about making meaningful and measurable changes as we look forward to the development of more sustainable business practices and a greener future.
What do you see as the greatest challenge in terms of sustainability?
The greatest challenge will be reacting quickly and ensuring that we continue to stick to the timescales ahead.
There is also work ahead of us to do all we can to educate and encourage all our teammates to live and breathe sustainability in everything they do, both inside and outside of work.
We want to make this part of our everyday culture and communications going forward and we are continuously introducing various green initiatives across the business, including our Choose to Reuse campaign, where we hope to encourage the mindset of recycling and the avoidance of single-use products.
There is more work is still to be done, but Copart is passionately committed to the challenges ahead. By making a transformative change today, we believe we can create a sustainable tomorrow.
How is sustainability influencing process and operations within Copart?
As part of our Plan-Net-Zero sustainability strategy to achieve the ‘Greenest Fleet on the Street’, we have committed to providing Euro VI compliancy across our full 250-strong transporter fleet through an ongoing fleet replacement and expansion programme.
Investment into the deployment of the latest connected telematics and cameras across our fleet will enhance efficiency and significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Our comprehensive driver behaviour telematics data not only improves driver productivity and long-term fleet sustainability, but also helps to lower emissions and maintenance costs by planning the most intelligent and effective routes.
Because of the strategic and unrivalled positioning of our sites across the country, we are proud to say that we are never far from urban communities, and therefore our customers. This means that we can collect and handle vehicles quickly, efficiently, and with minimal environmental impact.
We’ve also made significant investment in laptops and software for our teammates, supporting hybrid working practices and reducing unnecessary mileage and fuel consumption.
How are you engaging with your workforce to ensure everyone is working towards the same end?
We send out regular internal communications to keep teammates updated on the progress of our green initiatives and how they can contribute to their success.
Much of this is led by Copart’s Green Team, our dedicated environmental team which includes teammates from each Copart location.
The Green Team helps to ensure that all Copart’s processes are carried out safely and that the environment is considered at every stage. Weekly and monthly checks are completed by the team at all Copart locations including waste disposal, noise pollution, land and water contamination, evidence of pests/vermin and air emissions.
The work of the Green Team helps us to conduct our business in a way that is ethical and mindful of environmental impact and helps us to maintain a positive business reputation.
We’ve also made a significant investment into training with initiatives like the Carbon Literacy Project, to provide formal training and environmental awareness for teammates both inside and outside of work.
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Ben, the automotive industry charity, has launched a new self-referral route to access its free Life Coaching service.
Anyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry, can now register for free Life Coaching sessions by completing a short self-referral form online.
The personalised Life Coaching service gives automotive people the opportunity to work with a qualified professional to identify the change they’d like to see in their lives, set goals and maximise their potential to become the best version of themselves.
Specially-trained Life Coaches will work closely with individuals to identify the areas in their lives that they would like to change or improve, gaining an understanding of where they are now and finding out where they would like to be in the future.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We know that there are many people out there who feel stuck and feel that they are not making the most out of their life. Our personal Life Coaches can help you figure out exactly what you want in life and how to achieve it – they’ll be your cheerleader, your mentor – and will also give you the encouragement you need to keep on track.”
She continued, “We’re on a mission to help those who work in or have worked in the automotive industry to live their best life, to become more self-aware and realise their potential. We want more people to know about Ben and the support we offer including our exceptional Life Coaching service”
Thatcham Research has revealed the UK’s safest new cars of 2021, with EV and Hybrid models demonstrating impressive safety advancements ahead of the 2030 ban on new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) sales.
Making a positive impact this year are the safety-conscious EQS from Mercedes-EQ, Nissan’s popular Qashqai, and the all-electric Enyaq by Škoda. Also featured are the Volvo-derived Polestar 2 and the hybrid-electric Toyota Yaris Cross.
Expert judges favoured affordable vehicles that will bring the biggest safety benefits to the greatest number of drivers. Of particular importance were robust ‘active’ crash-avoidance systems, effective ‘passive’ occupant protection features, well-delivered driver interface technology, and a commitment to standard fitment across the range.
Matthew Avery, Chief Research Strategy Officer, Thatcham Research comments: “It’s fantastic to see carmakers continuing to prioritise safety, with all but four vehicles tested by Euro NCAP in 2021 achieving a four or five-star rating. Most are rising to the safety challenge and it’s encouraging to note EVs are performing very well as a group too.
“As well as the development of active safety technology to help avoid crashes and protect vulnerable road users, we also welcome the continued introduction of passive safety innovations such as centre-airbags, which prevent occupants from colliding into one another during side impacts.”
Selections will now form the shortlist for the 2022 What Car? Safety Award, sponsored by Thatcham Research. The overall winner and two runners up will be revealed on 20 January.
The expert panel of judges who selected 2021’s safest cars includes: Thatcham Research’s Matthew Avery; Claire Evans, What Car? Consumer Editor; Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General; and Loughborough University’s Pete Thomas, Emeritus Professor in Road and Vehicle Safety.
To find out more about each vehicle and how they rated click here.
In this webinARC we explore the key themes of sustainability across the industry to discover just what it means to different operations – from large corporates through to independent businesses –at this current time.
Featuring:
Charlotte Burnige, company secretary, Coachwork Renovations Ltd
Joe March, head of commercial & network management, The Green Parts Specialists
Chris Payne, head of networks & engineering – home & motor, LV=
Stuart Sandell, assistant vice president – sales, UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings
Deadline day for revised BS 10125 comments
Today (Friday, 14 January) is the final day for industry stakeholders to comment on the proposed revisions of BS 10125, the specification for the vehicle damage repair process.
Updates to the specification, which include updated technical clarifications around ADAS and electric vehicles, revised proof of competence pathways and standardised repair methods, were put out for public consultation in early November.
AW was the first to sign up for Thatcham Research’s EV Ready training programme in August 2021, and now more than 200 technical and administration staff have completed tailored e-learning modules to become EV Aware. Technical teams have also completed a Level 3 qualification.
Meanwhile, AW has released the fourth episode in its Career For Life docuseries which takes a look at the group’s most highly accredited technician, Simon Bailey.
Sue Cripps, General Manager for Standards and Compliance and a member of the Motofix Group Central Services team, said, “Our sites have performed brilliantly last year. We had eight clear audits with no nonconformances which is an incredible achievement given all the challenges and business upheaval throughout the pandemic.”
It hopes that by adopting Tractable’s AI solutions it will be able to reduce the time from first notification of loss to return of vehicle by as much as two weeks.
Mapfre will first integrate the technology to its operations in Brazil.
Market Intelligence: Wednesday 12 January 2022
ARC360 has published its Market Intelligence Insight for January – in partnership with Trend Tracker – including data from Apple, Google, TomTom, and Department for Transport.
AutoRaise was established in 2012 to address the skills shortage by promoting the industry to young people and then working with employers to find placements for new talent. Its ambition is to help secure up to 2,000 new apprentice positions per year by 2025, with a retention rate exceeding 80% by 2027.
CVS makes flying start
Castle Coachworks has introduced a sister company, Castle Vehicle Servicing, to add first-class mechanical repair and vehicle servicing to its existing bodyshop and accident repair business.
Located on the same Northampton site but operating independently, CVS has serviced more than 40 in the two months since launch.
The task force was broken down into three main working groups: Race and Ethnicity; Physical and Non-Visible Disabilities; and Gender Identity. Each has now presented interim results, with the final recommendations due before the IMI Dinner on 17 March.
Step forward in spot repair
ARC360 partner Mirka has introduced its Iridium SR abrasive for spot repair. Iridium SR features new three-dimensional technology with triangular silicon carbide grains which form new edges whenever they break down during the sanding process, making the product a long-life solution.
Iridium SR is best paired with Mirka’s ergonomic cordless tools.
Repairify adds diagnostics to product portfolio
Repairify has signed a global supplier contract with LAUNCH, meaning it will now be able to offer automotive diagnostic tools and solutions to its customers. Furthermore, the partnership means Repairify can provide remote OEM and OEM-compatible diagnostic and parts programming across a wider geographical footprint.
As a result it expects to see a significant restructure and downsizing of dealer networks, with many sites entering the independent market and smaller independents seeking the security and virtual scale provided by franchise networks.
ARC360 sets out webinARC schedule for 2022
ARC360 has set out its webinARC schedule for 2022 with key industry themes forming the basis of the monthly discussions.
Each 45-60-minute session aims to tackle a core thread common throughout the industry and glean input from a variety of stakeholders in order to continue to promote ARC360’s core ethos of ‘gaining ground together’.
Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
AW Group has released the fourth episode in its Career For Life docuseries which takes a look at the group’s most highly accredited technician, Simon Bailey.
Eager to work with vehicles from a young age, Simon spent the summer of 1999 showing his dedication and was offered an apprenticeship that same September.
Now a Tesla, JLR and VW Audi trained Senior Panel Technician Simon commented, “The industry is constantly evolving. We have to stay ahead of the game and be prepared for that.”
Simon has spent time training at Tesla’s training facility in Tilburg, Netherlands, home of the company’s Final Assembly Plant.
“I love my job,” he said. “Every repair is different. I get to work on some amazing vehicles and never dreamed my career would progress and change so much as it has.”
Simon received his 20 year service award during the lockdown of 2020 along with some of his colleagues during a virtual cheese and wine evening.
