ARC360 2025 event to focus on ‘new era’ 

ILC’s highest rated event of 2024 is back on 22 May 2025, bringing you the most engaging and interactive automotive incident repair/motor insurance claims focused event of the year. 

Discussing the business-critical areas to impact the industry, ARC360 will bring together industry leaders to share experience, insight and knowledge to align with ARC360’s ethos of ‘gaining ground together’. 

Titled: A new era – the changing dynamics of a sector, the event is supported by ARC360 Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Entegral, Enterprise, NWVA, Mirka, S&G Response and Solera Audatex, along with Partners e2e, Gemini ARC, Prasco and Repairify, and Vehicle Manufacturer Partner Stellantis. Event sponsors include Activate Group and Thatcham Research.  

Some of the UK’s leading insurers already confirmed to attend include Ageas, Allianz, Arch, Aviva, Broker Direct, Direct Line Group, esure, First Central, Hastings Direct, LV=, and Sabre. 

Leading repairers such as: Brian Robson Coachworks, Castle Coachworks (Northampton), Drive Motor Retail, Fix Auto UK, Fylde Coast ARC, Halo ARC, Maldon ARC, Peggs ARC, Rapid Repair Network, Steer Automotive, The ARC Group, and The Vella Group are also already set to attend. 

The event will provide attendees with the chance to:  

  • Understand more of the current market dynamics, the impacts they are having and what it means for the future of your business 
  • Gain insight into what is top of insurer priorities and what solutions you can offer 
  • Contribute to how we all have a role to play in making the industry ‘future fit’ 
  • Interact with industry experts on how their specific sectors are evolving and the opportunities it creates 
  • Align with the opportunities the future industry has to offer 

To find out more about the event – including the sponsorship opportunities available and how to purchase tickets – visit: https://iloveclaims.com/product/arc360-conference-2025/ 

For a full insight into last year’s occasion, click here to read the Better Tomorrow post-event publication.  

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ARC360 News – Friday, 6 December 2024

Bodyshop News 

  • iRG has announced that Steve Peart has been appointed as Executive Chairman.
  • Chipsaway South Essex has unveiled its new bodyshop in Wickford, Essex.
  • Halo ARC has unveiled its 33rd location, situated in Aberdeen.
  • Nissan Approved Bodyshop Program Manager Jordan Chinn delivered a new Nissan sign to Autocraft Group’s Telford site.
  • The Vella Group has unveiled its new site in Manchester East.
  • Devonshire Motors Accident Repair Centre has successfully passed it VWG Paint & Body audit.
  • Vertu Accident Repair Centre has welcomed Mike Holland as Manager of its Exeter site.
  • The ARC Group’s Chippenham site is now an official Suzuki Approved Body and Paint Centre.
  • FMG Repair Services has cut the ribbon on its new 21,000 sqft Dundee site.
  • Fix Auto Sittingbourne has relocated to a new 21,000 sqft site that effectively doubles the size of the operation. The move enables the business to diversify into repairing LCVs, campervans, large motorhomes and even HGV cabs.
  • HB Accident Repair Network Ltd has opened a new site in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
  • Trenton Dambrowitz has announced he has stepped down at CTO at Halo ARC.

VM News

Euro NCAP and UK’s What Van? applaud Ford’s commitment to business safety

In collaboration with the UK’s What Van? Awards, Matthew Avery, Euro NCAP’s Director of Strategic Development, has presented Ford with the Safety Award for the Transit Courier. Ford also received a ‘commended’ for the Transit Custom. Full story

Fully electric Volvo EX30 SUV scores maximum five-star rating in latest Euro NCAP safety tests

The Volvo EX30 has scored a maximum five-star rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP safety testing. It delivers modern restraint technology, as well as a structural design that fulfils the brand’s pioneering in-house safety requirements. Full story

Stellantis and Zeta Energy announce agreement to develop Lithium-Sulfur EV batteries

Stellantis NV and Zeta Energy have announced a joint development agreement aimed at advancing battery cell technology for electric vehicle applications. The partnership aims to develop lithium-sulfur EV batteries with game-changing gravimetric energy density while achieving a volumetric energy density comparable to today’s lithium-ion technology. Full story

Euro NCAP closes 2024 with a raft of five-star ratings

Euro NCAP has announced the final set of safety results from the year, with 15 models assessed and 11 achieving a top five-star rating.

It tested the very first electric pick-up on the European market, with the eTERRON 9, produced by Chinese firm Maxus, achieving a highly commendable five stars. Full story

Innovative direct recycling at the BMW Group

The BMW Group is building a Cell Recycling Competence Centre for battery cells in Kirchroth, in the Straubing-Bogen district of Lower Bavaria, where it will implement a process referred to as “direct recycling”. Full story

Nissan AMIEO harnesses power of AI and machine learning to accelerate digitalisation in partnership with Anaplan

Nissan has entered a new strategic partnership with Anaplan, a scenario planning and analysis platform provider, to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies that will enhance business optimisation across the AMIEO region. Full story

Stellantis boss abruptly quits in boardroom clash

The boss of car making giant Stellantis, Carlos Tavares, has quit with immediate effect following a boardroom clash. His abrupt exit from the company – which owns brands including Vauxhall, Jeep, Fiat, Peugeot and Chrysler – comes two months after Stellantis issued a profit warning. Full story

Geely EX5 debuts at 41st Thailand International Motor Expo

Geely Auto has unveiled its all-electric SUV, the Geely EX5, at the 41st Thailand International Motor Expo. This strategic move positions Geely as a key player in Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle market, driving sustainable mobility forward. Full story

Industry News 

Direct Line accepts improved Aviva bid

Direct Line has accepted an improved £3.6bn offer from Aviva. The two insurers have reached a preliminary agreement which values Direct Line at 275p per share. This is the third offer made by Aviva, after initial offers of 250p and 261p per share were rejected in the last week. Full story

AkzoNobel embarks on £2.5m investment in global network of Automotive Training Centres 

AkzoNobel has embarked on a multi-million-euro global programme to expand and upgrade its network of Automotive Training Centres (ATCs) to further upskill painters, bodyshop managers and OEM engineers on a new generation of coatings and technologies to support the industry in delivering a more sustainable future. Full story

Work volumes and skilled labour are key repairer challenges

A survey of more than 100 vehicle repairers who attended this year’s Enterprise Rent-A-Car Repair Partner Event has revealed that almost half (47%) think work volumes are the biggest challenge for the repair industry. This was closely followed by skilled labour shortages, with a third (32%) of respondents saying this is their second biggest concern. Full story

New discount rate announced

The Lord Chancellor has announced that the new personal injury discount rate in England & Wales will increase from –0.25% to +0.5%. The change will be effective from 11 January 2025. Full story

PRASCO UK’s stock levels at an all-time high  

Prasco UK has added 2,600 new items to its product line over the last six months – and now further plans are in place to double that figure by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Full story

£1,000 apprentice cashback for employers

Apprenticeship Central has revealed that employers can claim up to £1,000 tax free when taking on an apprentice under the age of 19.

It has highlighted this after its own research revealed that few bodyshops are aware of this potential benefit. Full story

Skills for Future Automotive Professionals

The IMI has launched its brand-new member conference: Skills for Future Automotive Professionals. Taking place on 27 February, the event will address key challenges and opportunities in the sector in seminars and panel sessions involving industry leaders and respected strategic thinkers. Full story

Thatcham Research partners Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Thatcham Research has welcomed Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service for a hands-on exercise with the latest electric vehicles. Teams from across the county gained valuable insights and practical experience of post-impact vehicle safety procedures. Full story

Silverlake Automotive Recycling awarded Salvage Company of the Year 2024

Silverlake Automotive Recycling was awarded Salvage Company of the Year for the second year in a row at the prestigious ATF Professional Vehicle Recycling Awards.

The award recognised the innovation Silverlake applies to its UK-wide operations which sees the business process 33,000-plus salvage vehicles a year. Full story

How swarm data is paving the way for automated driving and road safety

Connected Friction, a project by CARIAD and its Swedish subsidiary NIRA, collects real-time data on road slipperiness, roughness, and weather conditions across Europe and North America. This project allows vehicles to share critical safety data with each other, benefiting not just individual drivers but entire road systems. Full story

NASVE goes live

The National Association of Stolen Vehicle Examiners has gone live on LinkedIn. NASVE is a dedicated association committed to showcasing and supporting the expertise of Qualified Stolen Vehicle Examiners (QSVEs). Full story

BASF Coatings and Koch International rely on electric trucks for long-distance transport

BASF Coatings, a leading partner for innovative surface solutions, and Koch International, an international logistics service provider based in Osnabrück, have successfully tested the use of electric trucks for long distances and have now implemented this sustainable transport solution for BASF Coatings in long-distance transport. Full story

GSF Car Parts celebrates year of progress

GSF Car Parts celebrated the past year with more than 400 branch managers recently, highlighting successes such as 403 new vans, 15 new branches and 525 new team members. Full story

Autoglass opens new site

Autoglass has cut the ribbon on a new branch, situated in Waltham Abbey. Full story

R-M Global celebrates ‘remarkable milestone’

R-M Global has celebrated what it calls a ‘remarkable milestone’ achieved through its eSense products. It has revealed that for each five-litre can of clear coat, two end-of-life tires are recycled into pyrolysis oil, substituting fossil feedstock via the mass balance approach. Full story

College unveils hydrogen vehicle training workshop

South & City College Birmingham (SCCB) has unveiled a new hydrogen vehicle training facility which has been developed following £1.5m of capital funding from The Office for Students. Intended to support the automotive industry as it upskills its existing workforce to address the growing demand for hydrogen fuelled vehicles, including light vehicles, PSVs and HGVs. Full story

Zapmap reveals findings of latest EV driver survey

Conducted during October 2024, the Zapmap annual survey offers unparalleled insights into the behaviours, attitudes and satisfaction of EV drivers, helping to shape the UK’s evolving charging landscape. Responses show that overall satisfaction continues to improve, while also highlighting  areas which require industry focus. Full story

Motorists urged to avoid falling foul of vehicle cloning scammers

Motorists must guard against unscrupulous car cloning criminals to avoid fines and penalties for offences they’ve not committed, warns leading vehicle data and valuation specialist HPI. Full story

Christmas at the pumps set to be cheapest since the pandemic

Despite a slight rise at the pumps in November, drivers are on track to enjoy the cheapest Christmas at the pumps since the pandemic, according to new data from RAC Fuel Watch. Full story

Insights from the FISITA World Mobility Summit

Speaking at the FISITA World Mobility Summit at the GM R&D centre in Warren Michigan, USA, Ben Townsend, Head of Automotive, Thatcham Research, highlighted the critical role that insurance plays in sustainability, pointing out that sustainability has always been at the very core of insurance. Full story

UK drivers face potential nationwide pavement parking ban within weeks

Sweeping reforms to UK driving regulations could soon come into effect, touching upon every corner of the nation. Motorists have been put on high alert with the potential for a nationwide ban on pavement parking. Full story

Supplies of used BEVs are exceeding demand in Europe reports INDICATA

Sales of used BEVs are slowly increasing across European according to the latest INDICATA Market Watch report accounting for a 5.8% market share in October. However, supply continues to exceed demand with BEVs accounting for a 7.6% share of overall stock with countries such as Spain reporting a Market Days’ Supply figure of well over 100. Full story

Red weather warning issued as Storm Darragh targets UK

A red weather warning has been issued by the Met Office as Storm Darragh is set to bring damaging winds to many parts of the UK.The Met Office issued the red warning, the most serious kind, for wind for the coasts of south and west Wales, valid from 3am to 11am on Saturday. Full story

People 

  • Nissan GB has announced the appointment of Matt Duncan as its new network development and customer quality director.
  • The Motor Insurance Bureau has appointed Harkamal Phagura as Chief Finance Officer on a permanent basis.
  • Gareth N. has been appointed National Sales Manager at Autocure Repairs and Diagnostics.
  • Ash Holmes has announced that he is now officially registered as a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

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PRASCO UK’s stock levels at an all-time high  

Prasco UK has added 2,600 new items to its product line over the last six months – and now further plans are in place to double that figure by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

In preparation for the seasonal increase in demand and fuelled by the needs of its customer base, the Doncaster supplier of replacement parts has brought in a record number of additional new products to add to its already existing catalogue.

Its procurement team has specifically boosted its line of items for EVs, particularly Tesla, MG and BYD models with replacement wings, bonnets and bumpers already in stock. However, that range will also be boosted by the imminent arrival of headlights.

But, in a new development with its parent company based in Turin, Italy, an additional 2,500 product items ranging from wiper motors, window regulators to headlight water-jet pumps, are heading to its main UK warehouse and distribution hub, a move that will take the company’s product offering to more than 160,000 different items.

Managing Director Kelvyn Waugh, said, “The shortage of replacement parts, specifically for popular EVs, is well documented.

“We have spent the last six months developing existing relationships and forging new ones with key suppliers producing parts especially for those popular EV models and I am delighted to say, our stock level and range of products is at an all-time high.”

Kelvyn added, “While we were confident in our range, our colleagues in Italy have been collating a huge additional range of items which are now heading our way and can’t arrive soon enough which will take our infantry to a whole new level.”

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AkzoNobel embarks on £2.5m investment in global network of Automotive Training Centres 

AkzoNobel has embarked on a multi-million-euro global programme to expand and upgrade its network of Automotive Training Centres (ATCs) to further upskill painters, bodyshop managers and OEM engineers on a new generation of coatings and technologies to support the industry in delivering a more sustainable future. 

For the initial phase, the business is investing £2.5m to create new or upgrade existing sites across Europe, and Asia, Australia and Thailand. The programme is underway and will continue to be rolled out throughout 2025.  

As well as supporting bodyshops and the wider automotive industry in rethinking their approach to sustainability, AkzoNobel is also addressing a worldwide shortage of future talent. As many as 300 or more trainees will be accommodated at each site in a typical year. 

Each of the sites will be equipped with the latest spraybooth technologies and AkzoNobel’s full suite of digital tools created for bodyshops to manage and monitor the high-tech process of vehicle repairs. These could include Carbeat, a production workflow tool, PaintPerformAir (PPA), which helps bring even greater consistency and efficiency in the painting process.  

The Automotive Training Centres are being created, upgraded and equipped to accommodate local business, environmental and regulatory needs.

AkzoNobel’s ATC in Belgium is the first to have undergone major upgrade by moving to a new state-of-the-art facility, while its existing training centre in France will be expanded and developed to include a fully electric-powered spraybooth and an upgrade to an existing site in Spain includes two spraybooths which consume significantly less energy in operation compared to current models.

It will also feature a dedicated preparation area as part of AkzoNobel’s new ‘Rapid Repair Station’ concept, accelerating the end-to-end production process. 

Further, virtual Reality (VR) technology is to be incorporated to support spray paint training with a simulator that mimics a fully customised paint application environment. Each of the centres will also provide environments for testing and developing new products including waterborne basecoats, topcoats and associated paint systems. 

Patrick Bourguignon, Managing Director of AkzoNobel’s Automotive and Specialty Coatings business, said, “The automotive industry of the future requires painters of the future who are fully conversant with the latest technologies and techniques. It also needs management and technicians who understand what’s possible, and how different paints, application processes and digital technologies are transforming the vehicle repair industry of the future. 

“We know how important collaboration is to success and by investing in our global Automotive Training Centre network, we are supporting bodyshops and the wider industry on their journey to become even more sustainable and ensuring we have the future talent to overcome a worldwide skills shortage.” 

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Work volumes and skilled labour are key repairer challenges

A survey of more than 100 vehicle repairers who attended this year’s Enterprise Rent-A-Car Repair Partner Event has revealed that almost half (47%) think work volumes are the biggest challenge for the repair industry.

This was closely followed by skilled labour shortages, with a third (32%) of respondents saying this is their second biggest concern. 

The rising cost of repairs coupled with policyholders choosing higher excesses to keep premium costs down, has led to reduced work volumes as people delay insurance claims and repairs, creating excess capacity in the industry. 

While being part of the Enterprise Repair Network helps in terms of guaranteed work volumes (76% of survey respondents said that guaranteed work volumes are the most important part of their partnership with Enterprise), finding and retaining skilled people is a more difficult problem to solve. 

Respondents said attracting candidates is by far the biggest employee challenge (58%), followed by training and developing appropriate skills (18%) and retention (13%). 

Making the industry more appealing to women could be one way to ease the recruitment crisis. Most respondents (93%) said less than 10% of their current productive workforce are female but 89% would like to employ more women. 

Other solutions to the recruitment challenge include looking at how apprenticeships can help fill some of the recruitment gaps and provide the future generation of trained technicians. Less than half of those surveyed (46%) had apprentices, and almost a fifth (19%) currently have no apprentices at all.

Making the industry more appealing to the younger generation (those aged 20-30) is also a priority as this age group currently only makes up 10% of the workforce from those surveyed, suggesting the pipeline of skilled labour is insufficient to sustain current staffing levels and replace those who are ageing out of the profession.

Nick Sweetman, AVP Vehicle Repair and Service Operations UK and Ireland for Enterprise Mobility, said, “We want to lead by listening and our Repair Partner event gave us a great opportunity to understand the challenges faced by our repairer network. It’s clear from our survey that labour continues to be a key challenge not just for day-to-day operations but also as a barrier to growth.”  

Repairers said that labour shortages are preventing some businesses from growing according to plan.  Nearly two thirds (60%) said they were planning to expand their business with additional locations, however 67% of those said labour shortages were the main barrier to their expansion plans. 

Nick added, “Our industry is exciting, technology-led and continuously innovating and evolving to keep pace with constant change.  It’s vital that we highlight the many opportunities available in this sector to show young recruits that they can enjoy a long and varied career that will grow with them. 

“We are already working in partnership with our repair network to improve access to training and, as an organisation, we’re looking at ways to encourage more people into a long-term career in this industry.”

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Silverlake Automotive Recycling awarded Salvage Company of the Year 2024

Silverlake Automotive Recycling was awarded Salvage Company of the Year for the second year in a row at the prestigious ATF Professional Vehicle Recycling Awards.

The award recognised the innovation Silverlake applies to its UK-wide operations which sees the business process 33,000-plus salvage vehicles a year.  

Salvage cars are sourced from business clients including insurers, garages and dealers, and consumers who can get a rapid quote by phone or the website. In-house data analytics and market research informs the vehicle buying team and, together with an engineering assessment, determines whether a salvage vehicle is remarketed on the company’s online auction or processed for ‘full-service’ or ‘self-service’ reclaimed parts.

Parts are delivered nationwide, with bulk deliveries to its Midlands-based hub reducing emissions.

Allen Prebble, Managing Director of Silverlake said, “I am over the moon for the business to have received this award for the second year running, and humbled again by the associated industry recognition. The Silverlake team is 100% dedicated to offering an exceptional customer experience and to leading the way in our industry.”

Meanwhile, the company has also announced it is looking to move to a new 30-acre site.

Allen said, “We need to future-proof the business as we move away from petrol and diesel vehicles to alternative fuels, to help us to continue to safely and effectively service the region.  Sustainability sits at the core of our automotive recycling business and our expansion goals represent great news for local jobs and the regional economy, and will help to continue to put Hampshire on the map as a centre for excellence in sustainability and innovation.” 

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£1,000 apprentice cashback for employers

Apprenticeship Central has revealed that employers can claim up to £1,000 tax free when taking on an apprentice under the age of 19.

It has highlighted this after its own research revealed that few bodyshops are aware of this potential benefit.

Director Eleanor Barker-Barnes said, “We are not hugely surprised at the lack of awareness. However, part of our role is to bring benefits like this to the top of the industry’s agenda. Our experienced team understands the landscape and is here to help customers to claim this free cash.”

Recent studies found that nearly half of school leavers now consider an apprenticeship as a viable alternative to university while the number of 16-19 year olds employed as apprentices for the academic year 2023/4 surged by almost a third.

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Euro NCAP closes 2024 with a raft of five-star ratings

Euro NCAP has announced the final set of safety results from the year, with 15 models assessed and 11 achieving a top five-star rating.

It tested the very first electric pick-up on the European market, with the eTERRON 9, produced by Chinese firm Maxus, achieving a highly commendable five stars.

Among the SUVs tested, the Lexus LBX, the Volvo EX30, and the MINI Countryman all achieved five stars, whilst the MG ZS Hybrid scored a lower four-star rating.

Euro NCAP also tested the prestigious new electric Porsche Macan and the Sabaru Forester, as well as two Chinese electric arrivals on the European market, the Deepal S07 and the Leapmotor C10, with all models achieving the top safety rating. 

Among larger SUVs, the Hyundai SANTA FE achieved four stars as a standard rating but that rose to five stars if a customer selected its optional safety technologies, while the Mazda CX-80 also got a top rating of five stars.

Meanwhile, the Audi A5 was also awarded a maximum five-star score and the new electric version of the Renault 5 and Alpine A290 got four-star ratings.

Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General Euro NCAP, said, “As we close 2024 with this final set of safety ratings, these results highlight considerable progress across all vehicle classes, even as industry faces significant challenges. 

“Despite these pressures, many manufacturers remain steadfast in their commitment to improving road safety, integrating advanced technologies, and prioritising the protection of all road users.”

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ARC360 News – Friday, 29 November 2024

Bodyshop News 

  • KC Autos has unveiled a new state-of-the-art facility in Bredbury, Stockport, featuring advanced equipment such as scissor lift ramps, the latest Hunter Wheel alignment system, and cutting-edge USI Italia Chronotech booths.
  • Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres has strengthened its middle management team with the appointment of Max Dickson as Operations Manager and Diana Sics as Accounts Manager.
  • Kris Hurd has been appointed as FMG Repair Services’ Operations Director (Bodyshops). He will oversee operations across the group’s 65 bodyshops, driving growth and customer-focused excellence.
  • Vehicle Bodycare Centre has unveiled its renovated front of house, featuring a first-floor setup with a manager’s office, accounts office, boardroom, open-plan desk pods, and a dedicated kitchen area, as well as upgraded workshop amenities.
  • Chesterfield Car Clinic has appointed Nicola Lodge as Bodyshop Administrator.
  • Page Automotive Group has appointed Declan McCluskey as Managing Director.

VM News

Nissan has ‘12 to 14 Months’ left

A new report suggests that the automaker’s days are numbered. In an interview with the Financial Times, two unnamed Nissan executives said the company has “12 to 14 months to survive.” Full story

Volkswagen Group and SAIC strengthen long-standing partnership

The Volkswagen Group is strengthening its successful 40-year partnership with SAIC Motor for the long term. In Shanghai, both companies signed an extension of their joint venture agreement until the year 2040. Full story

Vauxhall owner to close Luton factory

The owner of Vauxhall has announced plans to close its van-making factory in Luton, putting about 1,100 jobs at risk. Stellantis, which also owns brands including Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat, said it would combine its electric van production at its other UK plant in Ellesmere Port in Cheshire. Full story

Lotus dealers to get hybrids as carmaker drops EV exclusive strategy

Lotus dealerships will begin selling ‘hyper hybrid’ versions of its luxury cars as the carmaker shifts from its exclusively electric vehicle strategy due to consumer reticence. It is the latest in a number of brands which had set out to be at the forefront of the zero emissions vehicle market, in line with governmental policies, but which has now reacted to the slower than expected adoption of EVs globally. Full story

Ford calls for incentives to buy electric cars as backlash grows

Ford UK has called on the government to introduce incentives to encourage drivers to buy electric vehicles (EVs) as an industry backlash grows over sales targets. Lisa Brankin, Ford UK’s chair and managing director, told the BBC that without demand, a government mandate to produce and sell more EVs “just doesn’t work.” Full story

Improved automated parking

Mercedes-Benz has further improved the Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC. With 4kmph, the system now parks twice as fast as before. Full story

Industry News 

Alarm bells ringing as EV transition hits auto industry

The UK automotive industry has called for urgent government intervention to safeguard the sector and Britain’s zero emission vehicle transition. The call comes as new analysis by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that weak demand for EVs and the need to fulfil ever-rising sales quotas will cost the industry some £6bn in 2024, and even more next year. Full story

Confirmed: Government set to rework EV mandate

Changes are set to be made to the UK’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, the government has confirmed, following a backlash from car makers over the rules. The government will now consult with car makers to find “options for a better way forward”. Full story

Government consultation on ZEV mandate: IMI response

Azlina Bulmer, Managing Director, IMI, said, “Representing the interests of our 100,000+ members, we aim to make clear in our response to the consultation that businesses and individuals need the certainty and support to invest in the critical skills required to support an ever-growing electric vehicle parc and to give motorists the confidence to make the switch.” Full story

Car output slips in October as UK and EU markets stall

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Farvima deploys Solera’s RNA solution to reduce emissions and improve delivery

Solera has announced that Italian pharmaceutical Farvima has deployed its Roadnet Anywhere to drive the efficiency of its logistics operations.  

Farvima has opted for a full-suite solution that includes a strategic planner, routing, dispatch, mobile manager for the driver, and analytics. The company will roll out the platform for 700 delivery vehicles across 18 warehouses, covering all of Italy.

Using a smartphone app, users can optimise their last-mile routes based on more factors, from cost to customer service and seasonality, to ensure end customers receive goods on time and with complete traceability.  

Mirko De Falco, CEO at Farvima, said, “Solera’s new fleet logistics solution will give our fleet managers data insights to help enhance driver satisfaction, safety and risk reduction, and fleet performance. More efficient routing will also help significantly reduce our operations’ carbon footprint.”  

Jog Lall, Business Development Director of Fleet Solutions at Solera, added, “Pharmaceutical customers need timely delivery, the correct products, and robust traceability. We look forward to supporting Farvima as they roll it out across their distribution centres and benefit from lower carbon emissions, improved delivery efficiency, and increased customer satisfaction.”  

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