Morgan Horobin, Author at ARC360

ARC360 News – Friday 30 May 2025

30 May 2025

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

ARC360 Conference 2025 success as the industry moves into a new era

The ARC360 Conference 2025, held on 22 May at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, brought together the full force of the UK’s automotive incident repair and motor insurance claims sector for a day of discussion, insight, and collaboration. Read more

Motofix Group is now Tesla approved at both its Yeovil and Oxford centres.

We are pleased to announce that Peter Harris has been appointed in the role of Commercial Director forSolution Repair Group

A team of 13 Vizion Network colleagues will be taking the leap of faith this summer for charity with a sponsored skydive. To show support visit the Just Giving page.

Withybush Coachworks Ltd has successfully passed its initial BSI 10125 Certification audit

Chesterfield based Advanced Paint Repair Ltd has launched a new website.

Lookers Motor Group is developing a new 66,000sqft Lookers Paint & Body Centre building in North Tyneside, part of a £5m vehicle repair hub.

Jade Dalton has started a new role as Site Manager for Steer Automotive Group in Milton Keynes.

Twelve weeks since opening, SmartXpress Preston has passed its BSI 10125 audit.

Joel Cameron of Fix Auto Penzance has won the 2024 Stellantis Audatex UK Estimator of the Year – Southern Region competition. In second place was Scott Burns of Fairlight Coachworks and third was Simon Tilley of KJ Rule Ltd.

Rhys Walters has started a new position as Chief Strategy Officer at Accident Repair Hub.

Car Market Overview – June 2025

This monthly briefing highlights the latest activity across the UK’s new and used car sectors. It presents updated figures on new vehicle registrations through April 2025 and outlines current trends shaping the used car landscape. All statistics and insights are current as of May 23, 2025. Read more

UK car and commercial vehicle output falls in April

UK car and commercial vehicle production fell by -15.8% to 59,203 units in April, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Vehicle output fell to the lowest level for the month since 1952, excluding 2020 when the first Covid lockdown effectively saw manufacturing cease.  The result caps off the sector’s lowest start to the year since 2009. Read more

Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK to produce the Toyota GR Corolla from 2026

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) announced its plan to begin production of the Toyota GR Corolla at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) from 2026. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) was created in 2009, based on the vision and under the guidance of then Toyota Motor Corporation Executive Vice President Akio Toyoda. It has since become the fastest-growing brand in the Toyota Motor Corporation portfolio. Read more

How AI becomes one of your car’s smartest features

rom automated driving to next-generation in-car experiences, artificial intelligence is enabling new dimensions of user experiences and performance beyond the state-of-the-art. Read more

Car insurance hits two-year low

UK drivers are now paying the lowest car insurance premiums in two years, according to new data from Go.Compare. The comparison site’s latest pricing analysis reveals that the average fully comprehensive car insurance quote fell to £413 in April 2025 – a drop of £62 from the previous month and the lowest level since March 2023. Read more

ABI continues focus on road safety with updates to its Salvage Code of Practice

The ABI has updated its Salvage Code of Practice, to bring the guidance in line with new vehicle technology. Setting out detailed guidance for insurers and salvage firms regarding how written-off vehicles should be categorised, the voluntary code helps ensure that unsafe vehicles and parts are not put back onto our roads.  Read more

Higher-level apprenticeship funding to be scrapped as focus shifts to under-22s

The government is promising more training for people aged 21 and under in England, as it presses ahead with controversial plans to scrap funding for postgraduate apprenticeships. From January, only 16 to 21-year-olds will qualify for funding for level 7 apprenticeships – the highest level, considered equivalent to a master’s degree – under the plans confirmed on Tuesday. Read more

New tool by BASF Coatings helps body shops improve their ecological and economic performance

BASF Coatings introduces an innovative Eco Impact Assessment tool under its Refinity brand, a digital business management platform designed to empower automotive refinish partners and customers. The new tool enables body shops to measure performance across ecological, economic, and social aspects. Read more

DEROS RS 600 helps Mirka add to its Red Dot award collection

Mirka now has four Red Dot awards as the new rotary sander, the Mirka® DEROS RS has received the Red Dot Design Award: Product Design 2025 award. Read more

Major apprenticeship reforms from August 2025

From 1 August 2025, significant reforms to apprenticeship rules will be introduced across England, impacting how programmes are structured, funded and delivered. Announced by the Department for Education – and summarised by Apprenticeship Central – the changes aim to improve accessibility, streamline training, and ensure apprenticeships are better aligned with employer needs. Read more

BASF announces upcoming demonstrations

BASF has announced upcoming demonstration sessions for Glasurit100Line and AraClass primers and clearcoats in partnership with Morelli Group at the Eyebox Training & Conference Centre. Sessions take place on Wednesday 23 July, Wednesday 10 September and Wednesday, 12 November and will be held from 9am to midday, followed by lunch and an engaging Q&A session. For those interested in attending, reach out to the Glasurit or Morelli team. Read more

LKQ Publishes 2024 Global Sustainability Report

LKQ Corporation, a global leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles, today announced the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report. The report showcases LKQ’s role in driving success as a best-in-class operator for our investors and key stakeholders, while maintaining a critical role in facilitating the growth of the global circular economy. Read more

Mark Roxburgh has started a new position as Head of Preparation at V12 Sports & Classics Ltd

Kerry Livesey has started a new role as Head of Brand Communications & Experience at Vauxhall Motors Ltd

Imogen Comerford has been promoted to Senior Implementation Manager at Enterprise Mobility

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SERMI: What does it mean for the UK?

30 May 2025

Bodyshop, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

Article contributed by Repairify

In the automotive industry, there are numerous rules and regulations that need to be adhered to, whether you are a car manufacturer, a bodyshop or a technician. The latest regulation to be introduced to the industry is SERMI. Before we dive into what SERMI is, let’s remind ourselves of how it came into being.

SERMI was implemented after legislation was introduced by the EU parliament (European Directive (EU) No 2018/858) meaning that vehicle manufacturers are required to provide unrestricted and standardised access to repair and maintenance information (RMI) to independent operators (IOs) and remote service suppliers (RSS).

As a result, access to security-related RMI (Repair and Maintenance Information), which also includes diagnostic tools, may be subject to specific security standards and certificates.

The legislation specifically defines security-related RMI as information, software, functions and services necessary for repairing and maintaining vehicle features that prevent theft, enable vehicle tracking, and facilitate recovery. In layman’s terms this means to undertake certain actions or access certain manufacturer information (e.g. relating to keys, immobilers, programming of certain modules, repairers will need SERMI certification)

The UK and what it means

As the industry is aware, it was launched in October 2023, with Sweden being the first country to implement it. From there, we have seen Norway, Finland and Denmark introduce it alongside other European countries, and now it is the turn of the UK.

The UK version of the scheme will be going live shortly, probably in Q3 2025. However, as the UK is no longer part of the European Union, the scheme will be voluntary for OEs to register in the UK.

Some regulations that require manufacturers to opt in or out, often spark controversy among them. However, this is not the case with SERMI, and based on current indications, UK vehicle manufacturers largely support its introduction, which is always a good sign.

Repairer registration

On the repairer side of the industry, businesses must also register with SERMI, and the reason is straightforward. Repairers need the appropriate credentials from SERMI to access the RMI, particularly for security and theft-related information. If a repairer is using a Remote Service Solution (RSS) such as Repairify, both the business and its employees must also obtain SERMI credentials to operate the tool.

In addition, to be registered to SERMI, both the repairer and technician need to meet certain criteria (ie DBS check etc), which is the norm, and like any regulation and scheme, it is important that everyone, no matter how big or small the business is, to be compliant. To ensure compliance there will be a national body in each country that audits the repairer regularly to ensure all the necessary paperwork is in order.

Awareness to prepare

SERMI is now coming to the UK and we need to start raising awareness so that shops can start to be prepared. Whilst it is a new process and new technology, it is designed ot be a good thing, and to protect the industry and consumers alike. Ensuring security related repairs are performed by vetted professionals who meet strict standards ultimately designed to combat car theft – a costly issue that affects the UK and needs to be addressed.

Further details of the scheme can be found by visiting: https://independentgarageassociation.co.uk/trade-topics/sermi/

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Fix Auto expands in Northern Ireland

30 May 2025

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

Fix Auto UK has taken another major step in its expansion across Northern Ireland by welcoming Newcastle Accident Repair into its network. The business, founded by award-winning paint technician Danny Matheson, will now operate under the Fix Auto Newcastle NI banner.

This latest addition marks the sixth site Fix Auto UK has established in Northern Ireland in just four years. It significantly boosts the network’s capacity in the region, now collectively capable of repairing over 650 vehicles per month – a figure that’s expected to grow.

Fix Auto Newcastle NI is strategically located south of Belfast, complementing the services offered by Fix Auto Lagan Side and Fix Auto Saintfield. The site is housed in a modern 4,000sqft facility at the heart of a newly built industrial estate, which offers scope for future growth.

Danny said joining the Fix Auto network was a natural progression: “I’m extremely proud of where I have brought my business to, but I know I need that extra element of help, support and guidance that comes with being part of the network to help me fulfil my ambitions.”

Before joining Fix Auto UK, the business passed the BSI 10125 audit with a perfect score.

Fix Auto UK Operations Director Mark Hutchins praised the appointment: “We have witnessed remarkable growth in Northern Ireland, and our ability to repair vehicles en masse continues to grow. Northern Ireland is firmly established as a key proposition of ours, and Fix Auto Newcastle NI truly fits our criteria of ambition and quality.”

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Major apprenticeship reforms from August 2025

29 May 2025

Bodyshop, Insurance, Mobility, People, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

From 1 August 2025, significant reforms to apprenticeship rules will be introduced across England, impacting how programmes are structured, funded and delivered.

Announced by the Department for Education – and summarised by Apprenticeship Central – the changes aim to improve accessibility, streamline training, and ensure apprenticeships are better aligned with employer needs.

A key update is the launch of Accelerated Apprenticeships, which reduces the minimum programme length from 12 months to just eight months. This is expected to benefit candidates with prior knowledge or experience, removing unnecessary repetition and allowing faster qualification. According to Apprenticeship Central, “evidence shows good candidates are turned off from entering new apprentice programmes when duplicating areas previously covered.”

The long-standing “20% off-the-job” training requirement is being replaced with fixed minimum hours per standard. These will be adjusted based on learners’ prior experience. This brings consistency and greater clarity for providers and employers, while reducing time apprentices spend away from the workplace.

A new Foundation Apprenticeship route will launch for young people aged 16–21, and for 22–24-year-olds with additional needs. While maths and English will remain compulsory, final assessments will not be required. Employers offering these roles can receive up to £2,000 in incentives, with a further £666 bonus if the apprentice progresses to a higher-level programme.

“This is a practical, funded route to help more young people into our industry,” according to Apprenticeship Central, which is encouraging businesses to offer entry-level roles to support new talent.

Starting in April 2025, all apprenticeship standards will see their End-Point Assessments (EPA) plans rewritten. This opens the door for greater employer input in shaping how apprentices are evaluated, ensuring real-world relevance.

Additional technical changes include:

Clarified levy fund usage guidance

Level 7 funding for over-22s cut from 2026

Immigration Skills Charge increases to boost UK training investment

Apprenticeship Central, a specialist in apprentice recruitment and retention for the vehicle repair sector, is offering strategic support for employers ahead of the changes.

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Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

20 May 2025

Bodyshop, Mobility, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words

Stress is the leading health and wellbeing concern for automotive workers, according to the latest survey from industry charity Ben.

The report, which polled over 1,000 automotive workers, found that 57% cited stress as their top issue, followed by poor sleep (52%), anxiety (44%), low mood (41%), and a lack of relaxation time (43%).

Ben’s survey highlighted that almost all respondents experienced a health or wellbeing issue in the past year, with poor work-life balance increasing by six per cent to 38%. This problem is most prevalent among those working in showrooms, parts departments, and garages, where long hours, understaffing, and high workloads are common.

Mental health concerns have also worsened over the past 12 months, with one in nine workers reporting insufficient mental health support in the workplace. Ben revealed that automotive employees are more likely to suffer from poor work-life balance and mental health challenges compared to the broader UK workforce. Alarmingly, almost one in four respondents said they were considering leaving the industry, with half citing poor mental health as a primary reason.

Financial worries are also taking a toll, with one in six workers skipping meals and one in five struggling with debt. Among those considering leaving the sector, one in four reported financial problems as a key factor.

Rachel Clift, Chief Executive Officer at Ben, emphasised the significance of these findings: “This year’s survey results shed light on the biggest health and wellbeing challenges facing our automotive family. Stress remains the biggest issue, with many people citing they don’t feel they have enough time to switch off from work to rest and relax. Money worries are also clearly continuing to impact people’s lives, adding to these stresses.”

She added, “Following these results, we want to ensure that everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry knows we’re there for them. Please get in touch if you’re struggling by visiting www.ben.org.uk/gethelp.”

The full report is available at www.ben.org.uk/surveyreport2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

16 May 2025

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

ARC360 Conference 2025: industry giants to gather at the British Motor Museum

The ARC360 Conference 2025, set to take place on Thursday, 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, is poised to be one of the most influential gatherings in the motor claims and vehicle repair sector this year. Read more

Fix Auto UK has become the first organisation in the vehicle repair sector to simultaneously secure both ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certifications. Read more

Congratulations to the 2024 Stellantis Audatex Estimator of the Year – Central Region Winners: 1st Place: Paul Berry, Perfect Finish Ltd; 2nd Place: Phil Sedgwick, M&M Group/Fix Auto Stoke; 3rd Place: John Holmes, James Alpe Ltd

HB Accident Repair’s new site in Ellemere Port haspassed it’s stage 2 BSI Kitemark audit with a 100% score.

Nova Automotive Group has announced its third and newest site in Cambridge is officially open.

Northern Accident Repair has moved into its new, 19,000sqft Rochdale site.

Chris Roberts has been promoted to Bodyshop Site Manager at Komoo Thorne.

Fix Auto UK marked its 20th anniversary with a spectacular awards ceremony during the 2025 National Conference held at The Vox in Birmingham. Read more

Brits enjoy greenest ever car choice with record two in five models available as battery electric

UK motorists are able to enjoy the best-ever choice of zero emission models, with two in five now available as battery electric, according to new analysis by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Thanks to massive, sustained investment by manufacturers, car buyers can choose from more than 130 BEVs, up from 102 last year, while there are also over 100 plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and nearly 50 hybrids (HEV), meaning four out of five cars models are available with electrified powertrains. Read more

JLR delivers strong full year performance

Adrian Mardell, Chief Executive Officer, JLR: “JLR has ended the year with strong annual and quarterly earnings, including delivering our tenth consecutive profitable quarter and our net debt zero target. We have achieved record sales of Defender, revealed the stunning Jaguar Type 00 and we are preparing to launch the wonderful Range Rover Electric.” Read more

New Genesis Electrified GV70: a luxury SUV evolution

Genesis has underlined the technological innovations of the new Electrified GV70, marking a bold evolution of the popular all-electric luxury SUV. Advanced safety systems including Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Following Assist 2 and Forward Collision Assist offer an enhanced level of precision and safety for all occupants. This package of driver assistance technologies also now features Hand On Detection (HOD), which increases safety through accurate detection of the human touch on the steering wheel. Read more

XPENG partners with Plugsurfing to secure powerful charging network

XPENG, a globally-orientated high-tech automotive company, has partnered strategically with Plugsurfing, one of Europe’s largest EV charging service provider, to access over 940,000 charging points across 27 countries – creating a powerful, transcontinental charging network that links Europe and Asia. Read more

Standards for pedestrian protection could be at risk

Road safety should not be compromised as a result of automotive trade negotiations. Ahead of the International Transport Forum (ITF) Summit of transport minsters next week in Germany, the road safety community has written to Dr. Juan Carlos Muñoz, who holds the current presidency, with a call to action on levelling up vehicle safety standards. Global NCAP is proud to be a signatory. Read more

Motor claims hit record high in Q1

Motor insurers paid out a record £3.2bn in car insurance claims in the first quarter of 2025, the highest quarterly payout since records began in 2013, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). Read more

Aviva / Direct Line merger inquiry

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating the anticipated acquisition by Aviva plc of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. Read more

Don’t get it ghosted! New drivers warned of rise in fake car insurance deals on social media

Young drivers are encouraged to watch out for bogus car insurance deals being sold online by fraudsters known as ‘Ghost Brokers’, which are on-the-rise and can leave victims out of pocket and facing criminal consequences for driving uninsured. Read more

Allianz turns to Spotify for new campaign that encourages safer driving

Allianz has launched a new data-driven initiative on Spotify that encourages motorists to drive more safely – simply by changing the beat of their music. ‘Seat Belters’ is a free in-app experience for Spotify users that creates a personalised playlist featuring songs that have lower beats per minute (BPM). Read more

The upskilling imperative: Required at scale for the future of work

Amid overall uncertainty, including about the future that AI will bring, two things are clear. One, jobs and occupations will change as new technologies are used to handle and support more tasks. Read more

Security surprise: Thieves now targeting parking sensors and airbags

Car thieves are now targeting parts such as parking sensors and airbags as the black market for stolen car parts thrives. The theft of parking sensors quadrupled in 2024 as car criminals move to stealing car components rather than taking the vehicles themselves. Read more

ILC gearing up for Mobility in Insurance Conference 2025

ILC’s first-ever Mobility in Insurance Conference, set for Thursday, 16 October 2025, at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon will explore the key topics influencing the industry. Read more

Peter Gardner is starting a new role as Training Manager at Big Motoring World Group

Sarah Amos has started a new position as Non Executive Director at Thatcham Research

Wayne Lawlor has started a new role as Fleet Contracts Manager at Dawson Group

Sarah Drake is now Head of Programme Development and Management at NAVA

Steve Brett has joined Core Diagnostics, covering the South of England

Myles Homewood has started a new position as Head of Operations at ANSA Claims.

Zoe Davison has started a new role as Insurance Repair & Claims Product Manager at Motability Operations Ltd.

Ben Shearer has joined Admiral Pioneer as a Senior Motor Fleet Underwriter.

Steven Williams has started a new role as Interim Partnerships Director at Cavefish AI.

Michael Routley has started a new position as Motor Forensic Collison Investigator at GBB (UK) Ltd

Charles Pugh (Glass) Ltd has announced the opening of its state-of-the-art glass distribution centre at Trafford Park in Manchester.

Dr Werner Tietz will assume the additional role of Head of Group Research and Development at the Volkswagen Group as of 1 July 2025, alongside his responsibilities as Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development at SEAT S.A

Geely Auto Group has announced the appointment of Alex Nan as CEO of Geely Auto International Corporation

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Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

16 May 2025

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

Fix Auto UK has become the first organisation in the vehicle repair sector to simultaneously secure both ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certifications.

The dual recognition highlights the network’s ongoing commitment to data security and quality management, reinforcing its position as an industry leader.

Group Managing Director Ian Pugh emphasised the significance of the achievement, stating, “These certifications mark a pivotal moment for Fix Auto UK and our Franchise Partners. They underline our commitment to driving the industry forward with integrity, reliability, and innovation.”

ISO 27001 acknowledges Fix Auto UK’s robust information security management systems, designed to protect customer and business data to the highest standard. Meanwhile, ISO 9001 certification validates the effectiveness of the network’s quality management practices, ensuring consistently high-quality service delivery across all repair centres.

The process of gaining these certifications was spearheaded by Gary Churcher, Head of Systems and IT, who led rigorous assessments of systems, processes, and risk management strategies.

Gary said, “This is more than just compliance; it’s about future-proofing our business. Our investment in IT security systems has paid off, and we can now confidently state that Fix Auto UK offers the best data protection in the sector.”

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Fix Auto UK celebrates 20th anniversary with award ceremony

16 May 2025

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

Fix Auto UK marked its 20th anniversary with a spectacular awards ceremony during the 2025 National Conference held at The Vox in Birmingham. Themed ‘Evolve,’ the event celebrated achievements across the network, with Fix Auto Lichfield crowned Bodyshop of the Year. Owner Andy Johnson received the accolade from Operations Director Mark Hutchins, marking the second win of the night for the Staffordshire-based business, which also claimed the Region 3 Award.

The event, hosted by TV personality Mike Brewer, featured 27 awards in total, including several sponsored by leading insurers. Fix Auto Durham was named Allianz Insurance Bodyshop of the Year, while Fix Auto Deepcut secured the Admiral Insurance Bodyshop of the Year accolade. Fix Auto Mitcham was awarded the inaugural Admiral Customer Journey Award, and Fix Auto Stevenage clinched both the Covéa Customer Service Award and the Zenith Bodyshop of the Year title.

Northern Ireland saw its first winner in the network as Fix Auto Ballymoney took home the Region 1 award, having joined Fix Auto in November 2023. Other regional winners included Fix Auto Bradford South (Region 2), Fix Auto Lichfield (Region 3), Fix Auto West Kensington (Region 4), and Fix Auto Weston-Super-Mare (Region 5), with Region 2, led by Carl Norton, named Region of the Year.

Rickesh Chohan, Commercial Analyst, was named Employee of the Year, while the Nigel Luffman Award for Apprentice of the Year was shared by Teagan Whiteman (Fix Auto Newport), Jake Harris (Fix Auto Neath), and Justin Reid (Fix Auto Sandhurst).

Several network members were acknowledged for significant anniversaries, including Fix Auto Dagenham, Weston-Super-Mare, Loughborough, Bradford South, and Keighley, all celebrating 20 years. Sam Smith, Managing Director of Fix Auto Leeds North, Leeds South, Bradford South, and Keighley, retained his title as Multi Site Operator of the Year.

Managing Director Ian Pugh praised the winners, stating, “Our awards evening highlighted the breadth of talent throughout the organisation and the commitment to delivering an industry-leading service.”

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ARC360 Conference 2025: industry giants to gather at the British Motor Museum

14 May 2025

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

With a compelling theme, ‘A new era – the changing dynamics of a sector,’ the event will bring together over 30 insurance brands, more than 20 vehicle manufacturer (VM) marques, and 150+ of the UK’s leading repairers to explore the evolving landscape of motor claims and vehicle repair.

This year’s event features an exceptional array of industry leaders and experts, including:

Chris Downing, Head of Sales and Operations, Stellantis
Paul Llewellyn, Head of Claims (Motor), Ageas
Kate Nash, Head of Outsourcing & Supply Chain Management, Tesco Insurance
Peter Randhawa, Director of ESG & Special Projects, Steer Automotive Group
Vic Turner, CEO, NARG

Adding to the excitement, BTCC rising star Ronan Pearson, who recently signed with Toyota Gazoo Racing UK for its 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship campaign, will be present throughout the day and will participate in a special Q&A session, providing attendees with exclusive insights into his racing career and the season ahead.

A newly added breakout session will spotlight key developments and challenges in the commercial vehicle repair sector. The session will be hosted by Tom Hudd, National Technical Manager, NBRA/VBRA, and will feature contributions from:

Steve Oakley, National Technical Manager, Scania Trucks
Terry Warshow, Essex Site Manager, Spectrum VR
Paul Ryley, National Sales Manager CV UK, AkzoNobel
Jason Mole, Managing Director – Commercial Vehicle, Steer Automotive Group

ARC360 2025 will also feature a dedicated Showcase Stage, where key industry partners – Entegral, e2e, Repairify, Solera Audatex and Thatcham Research – will provide exclusive product insights and demonstrations.

ARC360 is supported by major industry partners including BASF, CAPS, Entegral, Enterprise, NWVA, Mirka, S&G Response, Sherwin Williams and Solera Audatex. Additional partners include e2e and Repairify, with Stellantis serving as the Vehicle Manufacturer Partner. Event sponsors include Onyx and Thatcham Research.

With a packed agenda, influential speakers, and an extensive line-up of insurers, vehicle manufacturers, and repairers, ARC360 2025 is set to be a must-attend event for those committed to driving the future of vehicle repair.

For more information or to book tickets, click here.

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

9 May 2025

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

ARC360 2025 agenda unveiled: shaping the future of vehicle repair

ILC and ARC360 are excited to announce the release of the full agenda for the ARC360 Conference 2025, taking place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Centred around the theme ‘A new era – the changing dynamics of a sector’, the event brings together industry leaders, decision-makers, and innovators from across the motor claims and vehicle repair ecosystem to explore the issues shaping the industry today and tomorrow. Read more

Steer Automotive Group has introduced the Steer Luxury Collection bringing together world-class expertise from Chartwell, M&A Coachworks, and Steer Luxury Centres in Farnham for the South of England and High Wycombe for Buckinghamshire. Chris Brightmore, previously CEO of Chartwell, becomes Managing Director of The Steer Luxury Collection.

Pendragon Vehicle Management has signed a contract extension with FMG for the provision of incident management services to its UK fleet.

Page Group Southampton has been awarded an Enterprise Customer Service Award.

GMC Autos has passed its latest VWG Paint & Body audit.

iPhone maker announces plan to build Mitsubishi EVs

Foxconn, the maker of Apple’s iPhones, has announced plans to produce electric vehicles (EV) for Japanese car giant Mitsubishi Motors. Under the agreement in principle, a Foxconn joint venture will design and build cars in Taiwan for Mitsubishi. Read more

A new fully charged EV battery in five minutes: Are China’s swap stations the future of electric cars?

At a battery swap station near the Beijing Olympics Sports Centre, the owner of a Nio car watches as a fully charged battery is placed into his vehicle. The station’s staff drive his car onto a platform with an integrated system which removes the depleted battery from beneath the car and loads it a fresh one. The whole process takes no more than five minutes. Read more

Deterring thieves: Drive Block launches for GM fleet customers

Fleet managers now have a powerful new tool at their fingertips to help prevent theft and costly disruptions. Introducing Drive Block, a remote security feature available through OnStar Protect and included in the OnStar One Fleet bundle for 2025 or later model year General Motors vehicles through the GM Envolve fleet business. Read more

Honda 0 Series Saloon wins ‘Best EV Design’ at 2025 TopGear.com EV Awards

Honda’s innovative 0 Series Saloon has been honoured with the “Best EV Design” award at the 2025 Top Gear Awards. Further recognising the models groundbreaking approach to electric vehicle aesthetics and functionality. This accolade highlights Honda’s commitment to redefining mobility through thoughtful design and advanced technology. Read more

Q1 used car sales surpass two million for first time since 2019

The UK’s used car market started the year on a high with 2,020,990 vehicles changing hands in Q1 – the first time sales have breached two million in the first quarter since before the pandemic – according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).¹ Sales grew by 2.7% on the same period last year, capping off nine consecutive quarters of growth as the market responded to greater supply from the new car sector. Read more

Investing in the future: a vision for claims transformation

At the heart of ILC’s MGA Claims Conference was a keynote address by Waseem Malik, Chief Claims Officer at Aviva, who provided valuable insight into the evolving claims landscape and the necessity for investment, innovation, and strategic partnerships. Read more

Confused.com car insurance price index – Q1 2025

The average cost of car insurance in the UK is now £777, according to the latest car insurance price index by Confused.com, powered by WTW. The latest figure of £777, is £164 (-17%) cheaper compared to the average cost of car insurance in March 2024. Read more

esure launches all-in-one insurance app to help the 70% of us who don’t know our MOT renewal dates

esure Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of Motor and Home insurance, announces the launch of a new all-in-one insurance app, powered by fintech platform Caura. The most comprehensive app of its kind on the market, it enables customers to manage their insurance policies while also offering enhanced functionality to serve drivers’ everyday needs, all from a single digital platform. Read more

Uxbridge drivers targeted by clip for cash scams

Drivers in Uxbridge and surrounding areas are being urged to watch out for Clip for Cash scams following a spike in activity – warns the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB). Read more

Copart’s Sandtoft Super Centre now fully operational

Copart UK has officially announced that their Sandtoft Super Centre in Doncaster, North England, is now fully operational after significant expansion works. This development makes Sandtoft Copart’s largest Super Centre in the UK, solidifying its presence in the region. Read more

Battery experts warn electric car fires will increase unless decades-old technology is improved

Battery experts have sounded the alarm on a rise in the number of electric car fires, predicting there could be 25,000 instances per year by 2030. While evidence shows they are currently far less frequent than infernos involving internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, they pose major safety concerns as EV fires are far more dangerous. Read more

IMI unveils its commitment to the UK automotive sector

Underlining its commitment to tackling the UK’s automotive skills crisis, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has launched its new manifesto, ‘Driving the Future of Automotive Professionals’. The manifesto sets out clear, actionable steps to attract new talent into the sector, create defined career pathways, support the upskilling of the existing workforce, and ensure the industry is equipped with the skills it needs for the future. Read more

Step up for Ben

This National Walking Month, Ben, the automotive industry charity, is calling on everyone in the automotive community to lace up their walking shoes and step up for two major walking events – the Thames Bridges Trek and the Kiltwalk. Read more

BASF Coatings expands business with biomass-balanced products

BASF Coatings is consistently pursuing its strategic roadmap for sustainable development and is further expanding its business with biomass-balanced products. Following successful launches in Europe and Asia, the first products for the automotive refinish coatings market will now also be introduced in North America this year. Read more

ADAS Checks in MOTs – An Essential Step for Safer Roads?

The European Commission has recently proposed an overhaul of the EU’s road safety rules, which could include mandatory checks on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as part of periodic technical inspections – similar to the UK’s MOT. Read more

Neil Orton has started a new position as Founder and Lead Consultant at Ortonomi Coaching and Consultancy Services.

Anna Jackson has joined training and compliance experts – TTC Group as its new Chief Operating Officer.