Category: Environment

Momentum building for ARC360 future tech event 

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

Following up on last year’s highly acclaimed specialist electric vehicle (EV) event, ARC360 will further explore just how technology is shaping the future of the industry with key persons of influence already confirmed to attend.

• Gemini Accident Repair Centres has marked seven years since the launch of their apprenticeship programme by celebrating the progress of two of their first apprentices to progress to Multi-Skilled Technicians.

• Chartwell has again been awarded its Official McLaren Approved Bodyshop Certificate. 

• KC Autos has achieved the new BS10125:2022 vehicle repair standard across all its sites in the north west. 

• Express Bodyshops has opened its fourth site in Nuneaton. 

• Novo Automotive’s Witham site has chevied BSI Kitemark status within four weeks of opening. 

• Activate Accident Repair has announced its new 18,000sqft site in Hampton, Greater London will open for business this month, offering EV, hybrid and LCV repairs. 

• Fix Auto Oswestry has completed a new 62KW solar panel installation which will deliver up to £21,000 in annual savings while significantly reducing emissions. 

• Evolution Repair Group has acquired its third site, C&M Bodyshop in Coventry. 

• D and M Coachworks has continued to invest in training and development of colleagues by attending Cornerstone Technologies’ Push to Paint Training Programme. 

• Milton Keynes-based Vehicle Crash Repairs is expanding into a new 30,000sqft facility. The new site features state-of-the-art green technology and equipment to support sustainable operations. 

• Avant Recruit and Rowley Spray Booths have joined the NBRA as supply partners.  

Gemini unveils new Barnstaple site 

Gemini Accident Repair Centres has cut the ribbon on its 35^th site. 

Based in Barnstaple, the new 7,700sqft cutting-edge facility, which includes state-of-the-art electric spraybooths and EV charging facilities, will handle upwards of 1,000 repairs a year and significantly increase Gemini capacity in the region. 

Steer acquires six IRG sites 

Steer Automotive Group has expanded its operational footprint with the acquisition of six IRG sites. Established in 1999, IRG has built a reputation as a leading independent network of automotive repair centres.   

The acquired sites are located in Whitland, Swansea, Pontypridd, Bristol, Birmingham, and Wolverhampton. 

Thatcham Research announces LexisNexis partnership 

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

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

Vella Group partners AkzoNobel in sustainability drive 

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

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

Car and LCV sales soar in February 

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

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

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

Cazoo announces major business model shift 

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

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

Cool response to Spring Budget  

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

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

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Trader, the Institute of the Motor Industry, and the National Franchised Dealers Association have all said the Budget didn’t deliver what the automotive industry needs. 

Ageas celebrates sustainability success 

Ageas has collected the prestigious Circular Economy Innovation Award at the Edie Sustainability Awards. It won the award for its Green Parts Initiative working in partnership with The Green Parts Specialists. 

Allianz enhances breakdown support services 

Allianz Partners has expanded the roadside and breakdown products it offers to mobility providers, fleet owners, banks and insurers. 

Its new range is based on three levels of cover: breakdown; accident; and breakdown and accident.  

Bridge to develop new skills directory 

Bridge Automotive Academy is developing an online directory for bodyshops to show their investments in training and colleague qualifications. 

The directory will also enable insurers and work providers to identify those repairers with the skills to carry out repairs safely and correctly.  

BASF unveils women’s initiative 

BASF is marking International Women’s Day by bringing together 170 women from six leading companies to promote women in leadership roles. 

The Connect.Share.Inspire initiative also involves Schneider Electric, Bosch, Bilfinger, Henkel and Bouygues. 

Speed critical in salvage sector 

S&G Response has highlighted the need for speed when it comes to total loss and salvage. It says accurate decision-making based on good data is critical to a successful salvage strategy. 

£360 million to boost British manufacturing and R&D 

The UK government is investing a further £360m in UK manufacturing and R&D. Of that, £73m is dedicated to zero-carbon automotive technology.   

Aon adds ai capabilities 

Global professional services company Aon has acquired Humn.ai’s technology to enhance its commercial fleet services. The acquisition will deliver Aon’s customers with a real-time view into commercial fleet performance to support decision-making and risk reduction. 

Vizion named among European elite 

Vizion Network has been named as one of Europe’s fastest growing companies by the Financial Times. It was ranked 417 in the FT 1000 Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies list. 

ADAS Solutions expands in Gateshead 

ADAS Solutions has opened a new workshop in Gateshead. The new site includes cutting-edge technology and skilled technicians to handle all ADAS and EV jobs. 

The move is part of wider strategy of expansion. 

Chinese influence in evidence at Geneva Motor Show 

The 2024 Geneva Motor Show underlined the growing influence of Chinese vehicle manufacturers on the market. 

The last time the show was held, in 2019, 35 VMs unveiled over 130 production models. However, this year saw SAIC and BYD, along with Renault Group, the only manufacturers to reveal to car concepts.  

JLR announces new renewable energy drive 

JLR has announced a range of new off-grid renewable energy projects, including the installation of a variety of solar panels. 

The initiative is part of the company’s target to increase self-generated energy to 36.4% of its global consumption by 2030. 

Nissan GB makes gender pledge 

Nissan GB has joined the Automotive 30% Club, a network of automotive leaders dedicated to ensuring that at least 30% of key leadership positions are held by women by 2030. 

TMC Strengthens Battery Production Capabilities 

Toyota has announced it is making Primearth EV Energy a wholly owned subsidiary to enhance its EV battery production capabilities. 

Primearth manufacturers hybrid electric vehicle batteries and plans to also develop batteries for pure electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.  

Polestar and Tesla quit automotive body 

Polestar has followed Tesla in withdrawing its membership of Australia’s main automotive group, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. It is quitting the group in protest of an FCAI campaign which it believes could deter car buyers from switching to EVs.  

The FCAI is campaigning against a new vehicle emissions standard which it says will raise prices. 

• Harry Abraham is leaving Halo after 10 years to take up a new role as Group Operations Director at Steer Automotive Group. The Group has also appointed Rickelle Woodbridge as Site Operations Manager at Steer Pontypridd. 

• Richard Spencer has been named business Development Lead at Allianz Partners UK and Ireland. 

• Nick Spiers has been appointed Global Vice President Strategic Operations at Fix Network World. 

• Flyde Coast ARC has named Pete Sadler as new Business Development Manager.  

• Smart Bodyshop has appointed Mark White as Bodyshop Manager. 

• Dawn Swales has started a new position as Director of HR at Turners Accident Repairs. 

• Harvey Stead has been named Chief Operating Officer at Redde Northgate. Melanie Bebbington has been appointed Managing Director of Auxillis and Neil McCrossan as Managing Director of the Northgate businesses.  

• Matthew Shaw has been appointed National Sales Manager at Paintnuts Bodyshop Supplies.