Category: Finance

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 

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

BMW: joy of driving will survive autonomous car era 

BMW has promised the “joy of driving” will never go away and it will continue to invest in dynamic “fun and capability” in future models, in parallel to the development of advanced self-driving technologies. Read more

Toyota Finds Intersection-ADAS Outperforms Human Drivers in Crash Avoidance 

In a study conducted with Virginia Tech, Toyota found ADAS developed to address intersection crashes activated in 93% of crashes, compared to human drivers, who only avoided 82%. Read more

JLR drives over £100m of value from reuse initiatives to cut waste as it transforms its industrial operations for electrification

JLR is reducing waste across its industrial operations in the UK and Europe through a £100m reuse, refurbishment, repurposing and recycling drive. Read more

Kia launches UK PBV commercial vehicle strategy 

Kia UK has revealed its PBV commercial vehicle plans for the nation at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle (CV) Show, including a dedicated brand-new dealer network to supply sales, after sales and servicing for Kia’s PBV products. Read more

Volvo Cars reports Q1 2025 results, launches SEK 18 billion cost and cash action plan

Volvo Cars today reports a group operating income (EBIT) of SEK 1.9 billion for the first quarter of 2025, following a drop in wholesales as part of a planned inventory reduction during Q4 last year, as well as adverse currency effects. The result also reflects the current turbulence in the world and a challenging external environment for the automotive industry. Read more

Geely Auto Releases 2024 ESG Report, Demonstrating Commitment to Sustainability and Global Leadership

Geely Automobile Holdings Limited published its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report. This outlines the company’s progress and achievements in implementing its ESG strategy across six key pillars: climate neutrality, nature positive, all-around safety, digitalization & innovation, co-prosperity, and governance & ethics. The report highlights Geely’s strong commitment to sustainability, cutting-edge innovation, and establishing itself as a global leader in the automotive sector. Read more

BTCC Donington Park season opener round-up

A message from BTCC rising star Ronan Pearson, now signed to Toyota Gazoo Racing UK for the 2025 season.

“Wow. We are back! 2025 is well and truly go after a long pre-season full of preparation and anticipation.” Read more

Solera integrates Stellantis-owned Eurorepar parts data to improve efficiency in the European automotive industry

Solera, the global leader in vehicle lifecycle management, today announces Eurorepar car parts are now available across its network following a new strategic agreement with the Stellantis owned group. Read more

Davies and E2E partner to drive change in motor claims through Generative AI

The motor claims industry in the UK is on the brink of a major transformation. As a business that champions innovation, we are proud to announce a strategic collaboration with E2E, using the latest generative AI technology to reshape the claims process. Read more

GT Motive Enhances Commitment to Accuracy, Accessibility and Transparent Pricing

GT Motive is on a mission to transform the industry – making the most accurate estimation technology accessible to every stakeholder, no matter the economic landscape.

Accuracy and reliability are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why, effective Monday 21st April, we’ve implemented a 5.1% update to paint material pricing across our platform, ensuring that our users produce the most precise and current estimates. Read more

Apprenticeship Central and Solution Repair Group join forces to support independent repairers 

Apprenticeship Central and Solution Repair Group have announced a new partnership, reinforcing both organisations’ commitment to helping independent repairers build strong, sustainable futures. Read more

How a fresh approach to gauging risk will make modern cars insurable

Join us for a thought-provoking webinar featuring industry experts as they explore the evolving landscape of vehicle technology and its impact on car insurance. Ben Townsend, Head of Automotive at Thatcham Research, Victor Zhang, UK Country Director at Omoda and Jaecoo, Scott McCammon, Head of Motor Repair at Admiral, and Felix Page, Deputy Editor at Autocar, will discuss the implications of a new approach to risk assessment in the automotive sector. Read more

Common myths about ADAS calibration Do you know the differences on vehicles?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become a key feature in modern vehicles, enhancing road safety with technologies like lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. However, misconceptions about ADAS calibration persist, leading to improper maintenance and potential safety risks. Read more

Silverlake powers up with Team BRIT to drive accessibility and sustainability in motorsport 

Hampshire based Silverlake Automotive Recycling, a leader in end-of-life vehicle parts reclamation and sustainable automotive solutions, has joined forces with Team BRIT, the world’s only competitive team of all-disabled racing drivers, in a powerful partnership that champions accessibility, community, and sustainability. Read more

Easing the charging gridlock for trucks and vans

UK households lead increasingly busy lives, ever more dependent on services being provided direct to homes and goods being available when and where they are needed. Read more

East Midlands is top spot for UK tradespeople, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ index

At a time when the majority of the UK’s van drivers (61%) have seen an increase in working hours, almost half (49%) of those based in the East Midlands saw no change in the hours they work.

Those in the region also reported working fewer hours each day (9.03 hours) than the average UK tradesperson (9.25 hours).¹ Conversely, those in the North West (9.49 hours), London (9.54 hours) and West Midlands (9.81 hours), came in above the UK average. Read more

Gallagher Bassett (GB) has appointed Mark Garnham as director of first response and managed repair. Read more

Luke Stafford has started a new role as Regional Business Manager – EMEA North at BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings. 

Steve Nash has started a new role as Non-Executive Director of Evolved Automotive Learning.

David Mills is set to retire Head of Motor Fulfilment at Direct Line Group after 28 years’ service.

Komoo has acquired Melksham Bodyshop Accident Repair Centre. The site will be relocated and rebranded as Komoo Swindon.

Motofix Prestige Paint & Body has achieved its BSI Kitemark accreditation taking Motofix’s Group to 100% BSI compliance across all sites.

Chris Roberts has started a new position at Bodyshop Manager at Komoo.

Rick Kerry of Ipswich Accident Repair Centre has celebrated 34 years in business.

PK Motors Accident Repair Centre has excelled in its latest BSI Kitemark audit which follows on from recent approval into the Ford Collision Network.

Peter Harris has started a new role as Commercial Director at Solution Repair Group.

Fix Auto UK has recruited its 130^th Franchise Partner – Smart Car UK Car Body Repairs in Swindon which will now operate as Fix Auto Swindon.

Steer Automotive Group has been awarded an Industry Leading ESG rating – a progression from its ‘Excellent’ rating in 2023.

Behind Geely’s Safety Legacy: International Media Gets First Look Inside Geely Automobile Safety Technology Laboratory

On April 24, during the Shanghai Auto Show, international media participated in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at Geely Automobile Safety Technology Laboratory in Qiantang, Hangzhou. For the first time, overseas journalists were granted access to Geely’s Safety Lab, getting an unprecedented look at this advanced research and development center. Read more

Exclusive: Omoda and Jaecoo maker signing up dealers for third brand in UK – Lepas

Chery – the Chinese manufacturer behind Omoda and Jaecoo – will bring a third car brand to the UK: Lepas. Read more

Volvo Cars starts production of best-selling EX30 electric SUV in Europe

Volvo Cars and its Ghent manufacturing plant reached a crucial milestone today as the company’s factory in Belgium started production of the fully electric EX30 small SUV. Read more

Hyundai Motor Wins Six Awards at 2025 Red Dot Awards

Hyundai Motor Company has secured six honors at the 2025 Red Dot Award: Product Design competition. The honorees included the IONIQ 9, the all-new Palisade, Smart Taxi Indicator, Global EV Home Charger, E-pit Ultra-Fast Charger, and Pixel Safety Hammer & Cutter. Read more

Stellantis and Factorial Energy Reach Key Milestone in Solid-State Battery Development

Stellantis N.V. and Factorial Energy (Factorial) today announced the successful validation of Factorial’s automotive-sized FEST® (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) solid-state battery cells. This achievement marks a significant step forward on the path to bringing next-generation electric vehicle (EV) batteries to market. Read more

Polestar introduces battery health certificates on pre-owned cars during its UK sales event

Polestar introduces battery state of health certificates for its pre-owned Polestar 2 models certifying the useable battery as a percentage. The certificate gives customers peace of mind that their battery is in peak health and reassurance that many more miles of hassle-free motoring is ahead of them. Read more

The Road Ahead: Future-Proofing Repair Strategies for a Hi-Tech Vehicle Parc 

As the UK’s vehicle parc evolves, insurers and their repair networks are navigating a critical turning point. With rapid advances in electric vehicles, intelligent safety systems, and connected vehicle technologies, the complexity of managing motor claims is increasing in both scope and scale. Read more

Exclusive: GTA continues to make progress 

For the past 18 months or more, the CHO and insurers have been working collaboratively to achieve significant revisions and improvements to the GTA, hoping to remove friction from credit hire claims and put consumers at the heart of the accident management process. Read more

Brokers Identify Major Growth Opportunities in Non-Standard Market

Prestige Underwriting’s latest broker survey reveals a strong surge in demand across key non-standard home and motor segments, demonstrating brokers’ robust appetite for tailored, specialist solutions as they respond to the growing complexities of client needs. Read more

10,000 extra driving tests a month to clear backlog

The transport secretary has pledged to reduce the number of learner drivers in England waiting more than five months to sit practical tests.

Heidi Alexander said the government would aim to clear the backlog by next summer, providing at least 10,000 extra driving tests a month to help tackle the issue. Read more

Speed Matters – How Faster Parts Sourcing Speeds Up Claims and Boosts Policyholder Satisfaction 

Speed is a game-changer for claims handlers and policyholders alike. Delays in sourcing vehicle parts have traditionally extended claim cycles, frustrated policyholders, and increased costs for all concerned.  Read more

Progress, Partnerships & Possibilities: What’s Ahead for Solera Audatex in FY26

As the new financial year begins, it’s the ideal moment to reflect on our recent achievements and share where we’re heading next. At Solera Audatex, we’re committed to delivering the tools, data, and insight that help our customers stay ahead in an ever-evolving automotive and claims landscape. Read more

BASF Coatings sets new standard in end-to-end digital color solutions for body shops with Refinity

In its cloud-based platform Refinity, BASF Coatings consolidates a comprehensive suite of digital business solutions for the automotive refinish industry, ensuring body shops worldwide can embrace sustainable digitalization with confidence. Read more

Scott Smith has joined Autoflow.

Andrew Marsh has become Technical Director at Auto Body Bible

Volvo Cars has announced that Fredrik Hansson has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

ARC360 Conference 2025 set to unite industry leaders

More than 25 leading insurer brands, over 100 key repairers, 10 vehicle manufacturers and an extensive cross-section of the automotive claims supply chain will converge on the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, on Thursday 22 May for the ARC360 Conference 2025 — widely anticipated as one of the sector’s most influential events of the year. Read more

Steer Automotive Group has officially opened its new flagship site in Farnham, expanding its luxury repair capabilities across Surrey and the south of England.  Read more

Pennings Group, Leighton Buzzard has been awarded an Enterprise Customer Service Award.

Komoo has officially opened the doors to Komoo Aberdeen – its 19th branch, third site opening of 2025, and fourth location in Scotland.

Gemini Accident Repair Centres Ltd has welcomed the 11^th cohort to its Multiskilled Apprenticeship Prorgramme. 

Halo ARC has opened its 35^th accident repair centre in Newport, Wales. 

Accident Express Group, Rugby has celebrated the 10-year anniversary of continuous BS10125 Kitemark certification.

KC Autos Winsford recently achieved 100% pass rate on its BS10125 audit.

Robinson’s Bodyshop, Aberdeen has recently achieved its BS10125 Kitemark audit.

PJB Accident Repair Ltd has passed its BS10125 Kitemark audit.

XL Motors has launched a new company video, giving an exclusive look behind the scenes.

Autoglass has become the official vehicle glass partner for VMS Automotive Group.

ITAS has extended its partnerships with Mercedes and Volkswagen Group until 2030.

Phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 and supporting the ZEV transition: summary of responses and joint government response 

Last year, over 381,000 electric cars were sold in the UK – more than any country in Europe, and the third highest number of any country in the world. The British public is embracing the move to electric vehicles, benefitting from the cheaper running costs, cleaner air and quieter neighbourhoods that these vehicles bring. Read more

BYD UK Sells More Cars In Q1 2025 Than Whole Of 2024

YD has set a new sales record in the UK, selling 9,271 cars in Q1 alone. This achievement is not only BYD UK’s most successful quarter since the company introduced passenger cars in March 2023, but also means the company sold more cars in the most recent quarter than the whole of 2024 combined. Read more

BYD targets end users for UK fleet sales

BYD UK sales and marketing director Steve Beattie spoke at the launch of the Sealion 7 about the changes he’s made since joining last November, and the fleet opportunity moving forward. Read more

Stellantis Reports Q1 2025 Consolidated Shipment Estimates of 1.2 Million Units Globally, -9% Y-o-Y

Stellantis N.V. today published global quarterly consolidated shipment estimates and provided commentary on related business trends. The term “shipments” describes the volume of vehicles delivered to dealers, distributors, or directly from the Company to retail and fleet customers, which drive revenue recognition. Read more

Polestar 3 SUV sets the standard for child safety 

As Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) continue to grow in popularity, accounting for 54 per cent of new cars sold around the world last year, with families in particular attracted to their perceived practicality and safety, the Polestar 3 has set a new standard for child safety. Read more

XPENG rolls out major global software update with XOS 5.6 

XPENG has launched a major over-the-air software update, XOS 5.6, as part of its continued commitment to enhancing the intelligent driving experience for global users. 

The latest version of XPENG’s in-car operating system introduces improvements to its core driver assistance and charging technologies, reinforcing the brand’s position as a leader in connected mobility. Read more

Uncertain future for motor claims market as key trends collide

The UK motor claims market is navigating an increasingly complex and unpredictable landscape, with a host of interdependent trends making future forecasting more difficult than ever, according to Paul Sell, Director at Trend Tracker. Read more

Repair sector urged to act now to secure apprenticeship talents 

As exam season nears, vehicle repair employers are being urged to act fast to secure the best young talent through apprenticeships before the summer rush. According to Apprenticeship Central, a surge in student interest means businesses that recruit early will be best placed to attract high-quality candidates. Read more

Aviva detected 14% more claims fraud in 2024 

Aviva reported a 14% increase in the number of claims it declined due to fraud in 2024, uncovering more than 12,700 suspect claims worth £127m – equivalent to 35 bogus claims a day totalling around £349,000. Read more

Fleets face dramatically higher crash repair costs, especially for EVs 

France: An independent new study exposes the dramatic increase in crash repair costs and the higher cost of repairing electric vehicles. Both of these inflationary pressures will drive up fleet insurance premiums. Read more

UK’s best auto apprentices selected for Squad UK for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 

The very best auto apprentices are setting out on ‘the road to Shanghai’, in an intrepid bid to do the UK proud on the international stage at the next WorldSkills Competition.  Known as the ‘skills olympics’, it will be held in Shanghai from 22-27 September 2026. Read more

The Green Parts Specialists open delivery hub in South of England 

The UK’s leading green parts supplier, The Green Parts Specialists (GPS) have opened a new delivery hub in Newbury, further expanding their distribution network and delivering significant environmental benefits. Read more 

IMI urges Government support for automotive sector workforce and skills requirements 

“The government’s announcement on 6th April 2025, outlining adjustments to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate and the delay to the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales, offers welcome clarity for UK automotive manufacturers and the wider supply chain,” said Sarah Sillars, Interim CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). Read more

Police seize 173 uninsured vehicles in crackdown 

Police have made 69 arrests and seized vehicles in a six month operation in the Thames Valley. Operation Scalis involved local neighbourhood and roads policing teams using ANPR technology. Read more

Auto Shanghai 2025: trinamiX showcases premium health and safety features for drivers and passengers

trinamiX will present the Invisible Biometric Sensing Display at Auto Shanghai 2025. It detects occupants and tracks their vital signs using a camera and a laser dot projector installed behind the dashboard display. Read more

Mirka introduces a new era of sanding

Mirka UK is launching Iridium Soft, heralding a new era of sanding.  The flexible film on a soft foam backing is designed for dry use, optimised for high-performance fine sanding by machine or hand in industrial manufacturing (AOEM) where quality and consistency are critical, with a construction that balances flexibility, precision and efficiency. Read more

Comment: Thatcham Research advocates for battery standards and skills development in UK’s ZEV transition

The UK’s only not-for-profit automotive risk intelligence centre, Thatcham Research, recently engaged with the Government’s consultation on phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel cars. Read more

Calling automotive employers: Get involved in Automotive Work Experience Week

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), School of Thought Automotive and Autotech Academy launch first Automotive Work Experience Week (AWE24) – 15th – 19th April 2024. Read more

Jamie Gibbs has been promoted to Head of Strategic Relationships at Solera Holdings.  

National Windscreens has appointed Andy Hodge and Phil Homer. They join following the acquisition of Autoglazing, the windscreen repair and replacement specialists in Cambridge. Read more

Team members at Indasa UK are taking part in a 100k challenge to raise money for Cancer Research UK.