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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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

UK car manufacturing output fell 15.3% in October, the eighth consecutive month of decline, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 77,484 units left factory gates, 14,037 fewer than in the same month last year, with plants continuing their retooling to enable production of the next generation of zero emission vehicles. Full story

New and used car market to grow, but acquiring new-to-brand customers critical for 2025 new car success

According to Auto Trader analysis, the new car market is predicted to remain just under the two million car level next year, rising two per cent in 2025 from an estimated 1.94 million registrations to circa 1.98 million. Full story

For advanced metal replacement: bridging the gap between PA66 and PPA with Ultramid T7000

For advanced metal replacement in structural parts, BASF is now offering a portfolio of polyamide (PA) and polyphthalamide (PPA) blends with better, more constant mechanical properties than PA66. Ultramid T7000 outperforms PA66 regarding stiffness and strength in dry state and especially in presence of humidity. Full story

2024 IMI Skills Competitions winners announced

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced the winners of its 2024 IMI Skills Competitions. Following a year-long application and assessment process, winners were announced across four categories: Light Vehicle Technology, Body Repair, Refinishing and Heavy Vehicle. Full story

Apprenticeship Central highlights positive trends

Apprenticeship Central has highlighted three positive trends of apprenticeships in the past 12 months. It found that almost a half of school leavers are now considering the apprenticeship route, with 46% of regarding it as a viable option for further education. Full story

AkzoNobel installs hydrogen-powered spraybooth at new automotive training centre

One of the automotive industry’s first hydrogen-powered spraybooths has been installed by AkzoNobel at a new training centre in Belgium. Designed to go beyond local and legislative requirements, the new spray booth highlights how embracing the latest technologies can contribute to more sustainable operations. Full story

TTC launches new EV eLearning courses

TTC Group has designed and launched two new eLearning modules to bring easily accessible and cost-effective help to businesses making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs). The trusted training and compliance expert has designed a module for drivers new to electric driving, and a second, shorter module, to support existing EV drivers. Full story

Ben launches new Health and Wellbeing survey

Automotive charity Ben has launched its annual Health & Wellbeing survey. The charity wants to hear what health and wellbeing issues have affected automotive people and their families over the past year and what they think their challenges might be in the future. The survey is confidential, takes under 10 minutes. Full story

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. Full story

All Clear Diagnostics and Calibration joins SMMT

All Clear Diagnostics and Calibration has been approved as a member of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Full story

Manufacturers Cause Vehicle Thefts…

The press explains the ease with which vehicles can be taken, vehicle manufacturers are being ´named & shamed´, keyless tech is to blame, and car-makers are urged to ‘sort out their failures’. Think again. Full story

People 

  • Tonny van de Wiel and Henk Berkhof have launched Body Repair Solutions Europe to support businesses future-proof and manage repair programmes.
  • Kylie Wilson has joined TTC as Public Sector Director In 2024.
  • ACG has expanded its Corporate Account Management team with the appointment of Dee Padfield.

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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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Selsia has announced two key appointments

Due to business expansion, 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.

Max is an Associate Member of the IRTE and Society of Operational Engineers, as well as being an Affiliate member of the IMI.

He has been leading and coaching the operations team for nearly eight years and has been involved in all the company’s new business account management functions.

Meanwhile, Diana is an AAT qualified Finance Manager with a financial background in 24-hour recovery, breakdown, truck engineering and repair, as well as domestic building construction.

Marketing Director Neil Marcus said, “Selsia has been established for over 15 years and we have built an enviable reputation as a professional and competent accident repair management organisation. Our next level management team headed up by Max and Diana are poised to take us into the future, and will no doubt put their own personal touches on the business.”

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ARC360 News – Friday, 22 November 2024

Bodyshop News 

  • Gemini Accident Repair Centres has earned Platinum accredited membership in The 5% Club’s 2024-25 Employer Audit Scheme for the second consecutive year, building on three successful years at Gold status.
  • Irv’s Auto Body Repairs & VW Restorations in Barrow In Furness has successfully completed its stage two BS10125:2022 assessment, supported by ECS.
  • Smart Automotive Bodyshop has passed its BS10125 audit with zero non-conformities for the first time.
  • Thatcham Research has welcomed its second group of apprentices, with 34 new starters joining from Solus and ABL 1 Touch Group. It has now welcomed around 130 apprentices this year.
  • Stellantis has concluded the final session of its 2024 training series at the Eyebox Training & Conference Centre in Coventry. The programme was delivered by Business Success Global.
  • Adam Murray will start a new position as Head of Policy, Standards & Accreditation at Solus – an Aviva company.
  • Page Automotive Group has announced that Declan McCluskey has joined as Managing Director.
  • GMC Autos is now part of the Volkswagen Paint & Body Network, accredited for Audi, Cupra, SEAT, ŠKODA, Volkswagen, and VW Commercial vehicles.
  • Autocraft is mourning the loss of Colin Fielding, one of the founders of Autocraft Telford, who sadly passed away last week.

VM News

Stellantis launches third all-new, multi-energy platform

Stellantis has unveiled the STLA Frame platform, a BEV-native, multi-energy platform engineered for full-size body-on-frame pickup trucks and SUVs. Full story

XPENG announces strategic UK distributor partnership with International Motors

XPENG has announced a strategic partnership with International Motors as its official distributor in the UK. This partnership marks a significant step in XPENG’s global expansion and underscores its commitment to delivering AI-driven, sustainable mobility solutions worldwide. Full story

BMW Group Plant Debrecen picks up the pace

BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary is shifting into first gear with the first near-series fully-electric X models for the Neue Klasse now leaving the production line. Full story

How GM uses AI to improve vehicle software – and safety

Modern cars and trucks are powered by software. That’s true for gas-powered vehicles, EVs, and hybrids. In any current model, software will play an important role in driver safety, navigation, entertainment and operations. Full story

Ford announces measures to achieve long-term competitiveness in Europe

Ford Motor Company today announced restructuring plans to create a more cost-competitive structure and ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of its business in Europe. The company is planning to further reduce its European workforce by 4,000 positions by the end of 2027. Full story

Nissan calls for urgent action on UK Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate

Nissan has called for urgent action to avoid carmakers being penalised for the slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) sales in the UK resulting from outdated targets in the UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicles Mandate. Full story

Hyundai redefines EV mobility with IONIQ 9 Electric SUV

Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled IONIQ 9, a three-row, all-electric SUV with expansive interior space that fuses cutting-edge design and innovative electric vehicle (EV) technology. Full story

NIO announces its third brand: firefly

NIO has officially unveiled its third brand, firefly, along with its first product sharing the same name. Positioned in the boutique compact car market, firefly aims to further expand NIO’s product portfolio and leverage existing sales channels to drive growth efficiently. Full story

Michael Lohscheller: Keep the faith

It’s 2024 and greenhouse gas emissions are still increasing. Despite all the discussions. Despite all the ambitions and, sadly, despite all the investments that are being made by private sector companies and public bodies. What’s missing? Full story

Copy nothing: A new era for Jaguar

A new era for Jaguar has begun with the reveal of a completely reimagined brand. Full story

Industry News 

Trend Tracker values repair market at more than £9bn

Trend Tracker’s ‘UK Motor Claims and Body Repair Report 2024-2025’ has valued the vehicle repair market at more than £9bn this year despite volumes falling in the insurance repair sector. Full story

Euro NCAP releases latest safety ratings

The Cupra Tavascan and MH HS have both achieved top safety ratings in the latest Euro NCAP tests. However, the Ford Tourneo Courier only received three stars. Full story

IMI reveals stagnating skills gap

The latest IMI Automotive Vacancies Report has revealed that the automotive sector continues to struggle to tackle the skills gap. Its analysis of the September 2024 data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows motor trades vacancies at 20,000 with 3.5 vacancies for every 100 employees. Full story

Industry bodies collaborate to tackle EV confusion

Auto Trader, ChargeUK and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have joined forces to combat misinformation surrounding electric cars. Full story

WorldSkills UK competition-based learning playbook launches

WorldSkills UK is proud to launch its brand-new competition-based learning playbook, which for the first time brings together the full range of its training and development resources, to support educators in embedding world-class training programmes into the curriculum. Full story

EV breakdowns ‘out of charge’ lowest ever this year

The proportion of electric vehicles running out of charge this year in the UK has dropped to the lowest ever, according to new AA statistical analysis. The figures show ‘out of charge’ EV breakdowns, which are calculated as a percentage of all EV breakdowns, are at a record low in 2024 of less than 2% (1.85%). The rolling 12-month figure for 2023 was 2.26%. Full story

Automotive charity Ben brings back Christmas families project

Automotive industry charity Ben is launching its ‘Christmas families project’ for another year, supporting families who might otherwise have to make impossible choices about heating or eating and whether they can afford Christmas gifts. Full story

People 

  • Steve Plunkett has joined Volkswagen Group UK as Body Repair Channel Manager.
  • Andy Caine has been appointed Business Development Manager at Autoglass.
  • Gallagher Bassett Chief Operating Officer John Fearn has presented the 20 Years of Service Award to our Motor and Property Fulfilment Director, Mark Garnham.  
  • GYS has appointed Grace Hodges as North West Area Sales Manager.
  • Sara Smith has been named Head of Vehicle Supply and Funding at Fleet Assist.
  • Anthony McAteer has been appointed Senior European Sales Director at LKQ Europe.
  • Matthew Simpkins has been appointed Global Head – Industry Strategist – Automotive at Salesforce.

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Automotive charity Ben brings back Christmas families project

Automotive industry charity Ben is launching its ‘Christmas families project’ for another year, supporting families who might otherwise have to make impossible choices about heating or eating and whether they can afford Christmas gifts.

Now in its fifth year, Ben’s Christmas families project keeps roofs over heads, lights on, food on tables, as well as putting gifts under trees for those feeling cost-of-living pressures. 

Last year, it supported 265 automotive families through the project, including 120 children. It’s expected that the charity will help even more people this year.

Rachel Clift, Chief Executive Officer at Ben, said, “We recognise that times are still really tough for many. No one in our automotive family should face homelessness or have to make impossible decisions about whether they can afford to put food on the table or heat their homes. We’re here for those struggling or in crisis. We provide life-changing and, often life-saving, support to many families and individuals who can’t afford the basics and we urge people to contact our helpline. We want everyone in the automotive industry to know that Ben is here for them.”

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