Bodyshop, Finance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words
Steer Automotive Group has announced the acquisition of Gemini Accident Repair Centres, furthering its mission to provide unparalleled automotive repair services across the UK.
This acquisition includes all 38 sites of Gemini, expanding Steer’s footprint from Edinburgh to Cornwall.
Founded in 2008 by Tim Hopkins, Gemini has grown from a single-site operation to a semi-national network, renowned for its dedicated customer relationships and innovative training and apprentice programmes.
Its repair process will further enhance Steer’s mutual client relationships and performance, developing and improving client experience delivery across the UK.
Tim Hopkins, CEO, said, “I would like to pass on my deepest gratitude to my incredible Gemini team for their unwavering hard work and loyalty. To our valued customers and insurers, thank you for your continuous support and trust. I am confident that Steer Group is the ideal successor for our business. Their commitment to investment and future-oriented plans ensures that you will all have long-term job security and exciting opportunities ahead.”
Dave Sargeant, Managing Director, and Phil Coleman, Finance Director, will remain with the business and join the Steer Leadership Team which will help to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of service.
Richard Steer, Chief Executive, added, “We are proud to welcome Gemini’s exceptional team into the Steer family. Gemini’s innovative repair proposition and steadfast dedication to outstanding service have set an industry benchmark. Their business model, which consistently delivers top-tier service to their valued clients, will greatly enhance our operational capabilities. This acquisition strengthens our commitment to service excellence across the UK, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the automotive repair sector and continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
ARC360 conference proves major success
ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference has been declared a major success. Bringing together over 250 of the motor claims sector’s leading professionals, the event provided an open forum for discussions around the evolution of the vehicle parc; technology advances and implications; business acquisition and growth; and ideas around future business models. Summaries of the discussions will be made available in the coming weeks.
Bodyshop Briefs
The Vella Grouphas taken its number of sites to 15 with more than 400 colleagues after announcing the acquisition of Stoke-based Brocksford Motors. Meanwhile, eight more of its sites have joined the AkzoNobel Sustainable Repair Network.
4 Elms Group has announced that it has achieved PAS 2060 certification for carbon neutrality for the fourth year in a row.
Two Coachwork Renovations apprentices have completed their Plastic Repair Training with Cornerstone Technologies.
Steer Automotive Group apprentices recently attended 3M as part of its Advanced Apprenticeship Programme, with the training course focusing on spot repair, plastic repair, colour contrast and advanced masking techniques.
Industry News
Charge Up: EV Quartly Insights
To provide valuable insights into this evolving market, Activate Group, the accident management specialist, is launching a quarterly EV report, utilising data from Gecko Risk. This report aims to offer comprehensive and up-to-date information on the latest trends and developments in EV repair, from average repair costs to cycle times.
Driven miles up in 2023
Trend Tracker has revealed that 330.8 billion miles were driven in the UK last year. Data from the Department of Transport has revealed that this is a rise of 2.2% on 2022 but remains 2.3% below the pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019.
New and used car markets hold steady
The latest Car Market Overview from cap hpi has revealed that both the new and used car segments are performing strongly.
Solera and Simplicity Car Care host Sustainability Summit
Simplicity Car Care and Solera Audatex joined forces on Tuesday in Toronto to host an inaugural Automotive Industry Sustainability Summit dedicated to paving a road to net-zero in the collision repair and auto claims economies.
BASF colour wins prestigious award
BASF Coating Division’s colour ZENOMENON was the only automotive paint to be honoured at the Red Dot Award: Product Design, one of the most prestigious design competitions in the world.
VRA membership growing
Nine new members, Altelium, Autograb, Aviloo, Equiniti, Golden Motor Group, National Vehicle Distribution, Rennicks, Wilsons Auctions and Zenith, have joined the Vehicle Remarketing Association so far this year.
London roads busiest in the world
London’s roads have been ranked the most congested in Europe for the third year in a row, with drivers in the capital spending an average of 99 hours sitting in traffic in 2023.
Hydrogen on the horizon
Venson Automotive Solutions has published a new report, The Big Hydrogen Question, exploring the role hydrogen can play in cleaner road transport.
Charles Trent celebrates gold
Charles Trent has won Gold in the Family Business category at the Poole Business Awards 2024.
Distrigo expands distribution network
The Distrigo Parts Distribution UK network has expanded with two new branches, Distrigo HTC Guildford and HTC Shoreham.
AX boosts EV transition with EValuate
AX has launched EValuate,a replacement vehicle service that offers ICE vehicle drivers the opportunity to try an EV for an extended period while their car is being repaired following an accident.
Motors completes Cazoo acquisition
Used car search platform Motors, which is backed by private equity, has acquired online car retailer Cazoo after it fell into administration.
Tchek.ai partners with Instavalo
Tchek.ai has enhanced its focus on AI with a new licensing agreement with German-based vehicle appraisal company Instavalo, which will manage its existing vehicle scanner customers.
Strategy and implementation equally critical
A new report by outsorc has examined the value of business strategy and implementation, concluding that one is not more important than the other and ‘a successful business requires a well-developed strategy and the capability to implement it effectively.’
UK motorists unsure about rules of driving abroad
New figures show that 46% of UK drivers have or would drive abroad yet 71% don’t know how the essential Green Card system works, according to a new YouGov survey by MIB.
VM News
JLR hires more than 1,500 veterans
JLR has hired more than 1,500 former armed forces personnel globally over the last decade, as the nation honours Armed Forces Week in the UK.
Rivian and VWG announce EV joint venture
Rivian Automotive has announced that Volkswagen Group will invest nearly £4bn to form an equally controlled and owned joint venture to create next-generation electrical architecture and best-in-class software technology.
Hyundai launches high-tech EV model
Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its all-electric INSTER, with a top range of 220 miles and charging times to 80% of 30 minutes. The model also includes a range of ADAS features, such as Surround View Monitor, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear, Blind-spot View Monitor and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
Polestar accelerates EV understanding
Polestar has considered the difference of accelerating in an EV compared to an ICE model in the latest in its series of technical features, ‘Explain it like I’m 5.’
People
Darren Keylock has been named Regional Support Manager at Motofix Accident Repair Centres.
Mick Callaghan has joined HB Accident Repair Network as new Production Manager.
Jim Odams has joined Autotech Group as Business Relationships Manager.
Auxillis has appointed Kelly Graham as Operations Director.
Direct Line Group has named Maz Brown as Group Chief Risk Officer.
Nissan President and CEO Makoto Uchida has received a CBE for services to UK/Japan business relations.
A1 ADAS Solutions has appointed Kieran Eastwood as Operations Manager.
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
EV pulse headlines
2024 new vehicle registrations – BMW challenges Tesla for EV market dominance
Average EV repair costs down 1.6% year on year
EV repair cycle times continue to fall from 2022 peak
Introduction
In the early days of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, the lack of comprehensive data posed significant challenges for fleets and insurers, making risk assessment and informed decision-making difficult. As the EV market has grown, we now have a richer level of data on EVs, and the costs associated with maintaining and repairing them.
To provide valuable insights into this evolving market, Activate Group, the accident management specialist, is launching a quarterly EV report, utilising data from Gecko Risk. This report aims to offer comprehensive and up-to-date information on the latest trends and developments in EV repair, from average repair costs to cycle times.
Electric Vehicle Market
There are more than 1.1 million EVs on UK roads, and 55% of these have been registered in the last two years.
This is a sector of the UK car parc that’s growing fast. Initially, this growth was driven by specialist manufacturers and early adopters like Tesla and Nissan. The Tesla model 3 is the UK’s most popular EV of all time, with 104,781registered on UK roads.
Top 5 EV manufacturers overall
More recently, high-end marques like BMW, Mercedes and Audi have been building market share, challenging Tesla’s dominance in the EV market.
Top 5 EV manufacturers 2024
James Fisher, CEO of Gecko Risk commented: “To date we have seen battery electric vehicle adoption being predominantly driven by fleets and those who can afford the luxury of owning high value vehicles. At Gecko we are interested to see how the demographic of EV drivers changes over the next few years with less expensive models due to hit the road from Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Great Wall Motors. With younger drivers behind the wheel of BEVs the risk in this subsector will continue to evolve and will require up to date analysis.”
EV Repair Cost Trends
Figures for the first five months of 2024 reveal that average EV repair costs have come down from their 2023 peak.
This data bucks a five-year trend that has seen the average EV repair cost rise steadily from £3,499 in 2019 to £4,149 in 2023.
To date, the average EV repair cost for 2024 is £4,084, down 1.6% when compared to 2023.
The reduction in EV repair costs is somewhat at odds with the market overall, as average repair costs for ICE vehicles continued to rise slightly in the first months of the year.
Adrian Furness, Managing Director of Motor Repair Network, Activate Group’s insurance division, said: “There has been a high level of investment in EV capability across the industry, creating repair availability. With increased capacity and a reduction in repair volume across all vehicle types, we may see more evidence of average repair costs leveling out or reducing over the coming months.”
Average EV repair cost breakdown
When we break down the cost of repairs, it’s clear that parts costs consistently represent the highest outlay.
Data from the last five years reveals that parts costs account for 44% of overall EV repair costs on average.
Interestingly, Tesla repair data does not follow this trend. Here, labour costs are consistently higher, accounting for 42% of the repair cost in comparison to 34% for parts.
Mark Hobson, Operations Manager for Activate Parts, Activate Group’s wholesale parts division, commented: “In general, EVs are packed with technology and made of lightweight materials that are more challenging to repair than traditional ICE vehicles. This, coupled with low availability of green and aftermarket EV parts, explains why parts account for a high proportion of the average EV repair cost.
“Tesla stands out because repairs are usually completed by main dealers and manufacturer approved repairers, where labour costs are significantly higher. In addition, Tesla does not readily offer parts discounts which makes it more economical for bodyshops to repair rather than replace a part if it’s safe to do so.”
EV Repair Times
Looking at the full cycle time from accident date to repair completion, we see that EV repair cycle times have fallen significantly over the last two years.
Gecko data reveals that the cycle time peaked in 2022 at 29 days and is tracking at an average of 23 days so far in 2024.
Adrian said: “This change is in line with the wider market, where there has been significant improvement in repair times across all vehicle types.
“This has been driven by investment in new, state-of-the-art repair capacity as found in our own Activate Repair sites. In addition, we are seeing higher excesses and an increased rate of write-offs, which have a knock-on effect on repair availability.”
Conclusion
The electric vehicle market in the UK is undergoing rapid growth, supported by investment in training and equipment across the vehicle repair industry.
Increased repair capacity and EV capability, coupled with a reduction in repair volume across all vehicle types is helping to stabilise repair costs and bring down cycle times.
With the increasing availability of comprehensive data, fleets and insurers can now make more informed decisions, enhancing their ability to manage risks and costs effectively.
Activate Group’s new quarterly EV report, powered by Gecko Risk data, aims to provide crucial insights and trends, supporting stakeholders in navigating this evolving landscape. As the EV sector continues to expand, staying informed will be key to leveraging the opportunities it presents.
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words
The Vella Group has taken its number of sites to 15 with more than 400 colleagues after announcing the acquisition of Stoke-based Brocksford Motors.
Brocksford Motors is a family-run independent repairer that was established in 1960 and now managed by Mark Beech.
The news follows the Vella Group’s acquisition of Axiom’s two sites in April with the Group saying there will be further expansion this year.
Marc Holding, Managing Director of The Vella Group said: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Brocksford Motors, further expanding our footprint into the Staffordshire area and strategically connecting our North West sites to those in the Midlands.
“The business has been trading for over 65 years and has built a great reputation in the Stoke-on-Trent area thanks to its team and culture. We are confident that it will be an excellent addition to our group, and we look forward to working with Mark and the team going forward. This is an exciting addition to the Vella Group as we look to continue our recent growth via both targeted new builds and the right acquisition opportunities.”
Sue Hughes, previous owner of Brocksford Motors said: “We are pleased to have sold the business to The Vella Group. It was important to us to choose a new owner who would look after the people who have worked hard for us over many years, and The Vella Group has a great reputation in the industry for supporting its team members. We are sure that the business will go from strength to strength under this new ownership and wish them all the best for the future.”
Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, vehicle sales and Words
The latest Car Market Overview from caps hpi has revealed that both the new and used car segments are performing strongly.
New car registrations rose to 147,678 in May, an increase of 1.7% on the same month the previous year and continuing a 22-month streak of continued growth.
Fleet sales drove the growth, with private registrations falling by 12.9% in the month and down 11.3% in the year-to-date.
In terms of fuel types, the drive to meet the ZEV Mandate through discounts is accelerating demand, with plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) increasing by 31.5% in both the month and the year so far, pure hybrid electric vehicles up 9.6% in the month and 12.6% for the year, and battery electric vehicle sales increasing 6.2% and 12.6% respectively.
However, petrol models continue to dominate sales with a 55.9% market share, although this is down 2.1% on May 2023.
In the used car sector, the optimism that has been evident through the year so far continued into June with average prices down just 0.1% in the three-year, 60,000-mile category. Across the year though, values have increased by 0.2% at the three-year benchmark point.
Demand remains healthy, with diesels selling on average in 42 days, electric vehicles in 41 days, plug-in hybrids in 40 days and pure hybrids in 39 days. Meanwhile, petrol cars are sold on average within 37 days of being advertised.
However, behind the headline figures cap hpi notes that there are retail ‘sweet spots’ for electric vehicles priced below £18,000, with those in the three to five-year category selling in just 33 days. The key take away is that ‘if the price is palatable, BEVs will sell.’
The report said, “There is no reason to predict an end to the strong months experienced so far in 2024. July can often be similar to June, and this year we are not expecting downward moves anywhere near the averages. There is the possibility that there could be a slight average increase in values, but if not, a small movement down should occur, reflecting a positive market.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words
ARC360 conference set for next week
ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference, set to deliver the highest calibre of attendees, contributors and debate in the UK body repair industry event calendar, is all set for next week.
Taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, the sell-out event will provide shared insights, interactive exhibits and networking opportunity for the UK’s key persons of influence from across the UK vehicle incident repair and insurance claims sector.
Bodyshop Briefs
Gemini Accident Repairshas expanded its presence in the North East by opening a new-build site in Darlington.
Fix Auto Swansea West has expanded operations with the acquisition of Pontypridd-based bodyshop S&F Motors.
Motofix is partnering with RWC Training to deliver technical ADAS and bespoke Quality Control training.
Steer Automotive is partnering with Ashley Wiltshire to deliver management training to its leaders, with 17 colleagues so far going through the first instalment of the Steer Management Development Programme (MDP).
PJB Accident Repairs has announced it has become an approved Nissan repairer.
Industry News
Uninsured driver numbers on the increase
Data released by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau has revealed that there is an average of 300,000 uninsured vehicles driving on UK roads every day.
BASF and WHW Recycling make battery cell production more sustainable
BASF has entered an agreement on the processing of cathode and anode waste to make battery cell production in Europe more sustainable.
Thatcham Research unveils new ADAS course
Thatcham Research has launched a new ADAS Aware e-learning course to address the existing skills gap around the technology.
SYNETIQ launches carbon calculation project
IAA company SYNETIQ is developing its sustainability strategy by calculating the carbon footprint of its auction vehicles.
Eyebox open day and networking lunch
Eyebox has welcomed suppliers, staff, customers, and guests to the official open day of its Training and Conference Centre.
Avant announces FSQS certification
Avant has successfully renewed our FSQS (Financial Services Qualification System) certification!
Silverlake celebrates sustainability double
Silverlake Automotive Recycling [Silverlake] has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability and the environment with two awards in a week.
Tesla Model Y named Car of the Year
AutoTrader has announced that the Tesla Model Y has been voted overall New Car of the Year by owners.
Meanwhile, auction prizes on the day include a Manchester United v Benfica, 1968 European Cup Final match programme, two corporate hospitality tickets for a Liverpool home champions league game next season, and an England cricket hat signed by six former captains.
VM News
European Commission to impose EV tariffs on China
An investigation by the European Commission has concluded that electric vehicle manufacturers in China are benefitting unfairly from subsidisation.
JLR and Chery announce EV collaboration
Building on their 12-year relationship and well-established joint venture, JLR and Chery have signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen CJLR’s product offer for the next era of electrification in China.
Mercedes-Benz introduces ACL to 15 European models
Mercedes-Benz is now introducing the intelligent further development for partially automated driving in Europe: The Automatic Lane Change function is now available in the Driving Assistance Plus Package for 33 European countries.
People
Polestar UK and Ireland has appointed Matt Gavlin as Managing Director.
Darren Keylock has been named Regional Branch Support Manager at Motofix ARC.
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words
An investigation by the European Commission has concluded that electric vehicle manufacturers in China are benefitting unfairly from subsidisation.
It believes European manufacturers are being put at a disadvantage as a result of this and now hopes to resolve the issue with Chinese authorities.
However, it says that if discussions are not successful it will impose new tariffs on EVs imported from China from 4 July, including 17.4% on BYD models, 20% on cars produced by Geely, and 38.1% on SAIC-manufactured vehicles.
Average tariffs of 21% will be imposed on other Chinese manufacturers who have co-operated with the investigation and 38.1% on those who have not.
ACEA Director General, Sigrid de Vries said, “What the European automotive sector needs above all else to be globally competitive is a robust industrial strategy for electromobility,” stated. This means ensuring access to critical materials and affordable energy, a coherent regulatory framework, sufficient charging and hydrogen refilling infrastructure, market incentives, and so much more.”
The investigation, which began late last year, will continue over the summer before the Commission decides whether to propose permanent anti-subsidy measures.
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words
ARC360 conference set to sell out
ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference, set to deliver the highest calibre of attendees, contributors and debate in the UK body repair industry event calendar, is set to sell out.
Taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, the event will provide shared insights, interactive exhibits and networking opportunity for the UK’s key persons of influence from across the UK vehicle incident repair and insurance claims sector.
Bodyshop Briefs
ARC Group’s Bath site has become an approved MG repairer.
KC Autos has announced that it has reduced carbon emissions by 28% since achieving PAS2060 certification.
Axiom Repair Centres in Yaxley has transitioned to the BS10125:2022 standard.
Devonshire Motors ARC is celebrating topping the BMW/MINI approved network league of 118 repairers, after recently winning the Customer Service Award and securing a 100% audit pass.
FMG Repair Services has opened a new state-of-the-art site in Chadderton, Greater Manchester.
Industry News
BASF at the Battery Show Europe
BASF will be showcasing its innovative power solutions at The Battery Show Europe 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany, taking place between June 18-20.
Gemini names Mac Tools as training partner
Gemini Accident Repair Centres has announced that Mac Tools is a new official tooling partner for its award-winning apprenticeship programme.
Toyota GB ‘real voices’ underpin IMI campaign
Toyota GB colleagues are sharing their career stories in the second phase of the IMI digital campaign, ‘There’s More to Motor,’ which aims to attract new people to the industry by promoting the opportunities within automotive.
Thatcham Research welcomes Labour’s ‘Plan for Drivers’
Jonathan Hewett, Chief Executive of Thatcham Research, said: “Labour’s ‘Plan for Drivers’ aims to address issues faced by UK motorists such as rising insurance costs, potholes, and Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Thatcham Research supports these goals, including Labour’s focus on reducing the cost of car insurance.”
Moped garages visited in drive to tackle ‘crash for cash’ fraud
Five moped garages have been visited by the City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) and the City of London Corporation’s Trading Standards officers as part of the unit’s ongoing work to tackle moped-enabled ‘crash for cash’ fraud.
RWC Training opens doors to students
North Hertfordshire College students from the motor vehicle department benefitted from a tour and practical experience day at the RWC Training facility in Milton Keynes.
Inter-Est announces ERIC partnership
ERIC or Enhanced Remote Image Capture is Inter-Est UK’s new partner product for Inter-cept and Insight.
The AA joins Red Bull Soapbox Race
The AA is supporting the Red Bull Soapbox Race to promote its accident assist products.
NBRA/VBRA completes DEBRA UK charity challenge
Members from the NBRA/VBRA have completed a 53-mile walk and one-mile swim to raise nearly £10,000 for the DEBRA UK charity, which supports those living with epidermolysis bullosa.
Stellantis is enhancing the mobility experience of consumer and commercial owners of vehicles from its 14 brands with a steady stream of new connected features.
JLR invests £1m to support police tackling vehicle thefts
JLR is investing more than £1m in support of proactive policing to tackle the organised crime groups targeting vehicles in the UK. It will support several police forces with additional, dedicated resources to respond to vehicle thefts in hotspots across the country, as well as a new national policing unit to gather intelligence.
Polestar enhances side-on collision safety features
Polestar 5 has tested a new far-side airbag to prevent injuries caused by head impacts between drivers and passengers following a side-on collision.
XPENG G6 tops range and charging tests
XPENG Motor’s G6 model topped EV range and charging charts at the recent EI Prix NAF Summer Test when it travelled 330 miles on a single charge, while its battery went from 10% to 80% power in just 20 minutes.
BMW unveils in-vehicle 5G solution
BMW has integrated Transatel’s Ubigi personal eSIM solution across its model portfolio, delivering additional infotainment features and unlimited WiFi connectivity using Ubigi’s 5G UK data plan.
Rivian releases new Autonomy Platform
Rivian has unveiled the second generation of its flagship vehicles, the R1S SUV and R1T pickup, both of which include the new Rivian Autonomy Platform. Powered by 11 cameras, five radars, and AI prediction technology, the system is 10 times more powerful than its predecessor.
People
Shaun Hopkins has been appointed Supply Chain Manager at AXA.
Repairify Europe has appointed Jon Davies as Technical Sales.
Paul Wilkinson has been named Head of Sales, S&G Response.
Partly has appointed Chris Setz as Sales Director, EU.
Richard Barber has been named Bodyshop Manager at Halo ARC.
Bodyshop, Finance, Insurance, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference, set to deliver the highest calibre of attendees, contributors and debate in the UK body repair industry event calendar, is set to sell out.
Taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, the event will provide shared insights, interactive exhibits and networking opportunity for the UK’s key persons of influence from across the UK vehicle incident repair and insurance claims sector.
Supported by Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Copart, Entegral, Enterprise, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Assistance, S&G Response, Solera Audatex; along with Partners: e2e, Gemini ARC, Repairify and Prasco, the event is sponsored by Activate Group and Thatcham Research along with vehicle manufacturer – Stellantis which will host the ‘Stellantis Zone’ on the day featuring a number of its latest models including the Peugeot Expert (BEV), Jeep Avenger (BEV), and the Vauxhall Astra SW (BEV).
Around 50 key motor insurance claims influencers are confirmed to attend, along with a host of vehicle manufacturer representatives; over 100 of the UK’s leading accident repair operators; as well as the sector’s leading suppliers.
Delegates will hear thoughts from insurers, vehicle manufacturers, repairers and other key persons of influence from across the sector on how, when and why the sector is preparing for the future including special sessions focused on ‘getting in shape to win more business’ and ‘acquisition, growth and integration’.
The conference agenda includes contributions from:
Chris Ashworth, Founder, ILC
Chris Downing, Head of Sales & Operations, Stellantis
Matthew Freeman, Managing Consultant at Solera cap hpi
Marc Holding, Managing Director, The Vella Group
Andrew Jobling, Supply Chain Lead, UKGI Supply Chain, Aviva
Tom Leggett, Vehicle Technology Manager, Thatcham Research
Ulrike Lucas, Head of Procurement & Supply – Allianz Claims, Allianz Insurance plc
Dawn Marsden, Head of Claims Supplier Management and Engineering Services, esure
Robert Snook, CEO, Business Success Global
Pete Thompson, Director of Product, Activate Group
Victoria Turner, Executive Director, Ryemarc Group
A limited number of tickets remain for the event – click here now to book
To find out more about the opportunities available to get involved in the event – exhibition or sponsorship, or how to become an ARC360 Partner contact mark@iloveclaims.com or liane@iloveclaims.com.
For a full overview of last year’s event, click here.
Stellantis will be hosting its national repair network forum on the 26 June at the same venue.
Bodyshop, Covid 19, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words
ARC360 full agenda revealed
The full agenda for ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference has been revealed with shared insights, interactive exhibits and networking opportunity making up the key ingredients.
Taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, the ARC360 conference is set to deliver the highest calibre of attendees, contributors and debate in the UK body repair industry event calendar.
ARC360 turns focus on new players
ARC360 hosted its fourth Breakfast Think Tank recently, when attention was turned to the growing impact of new international players entering the UK sector.
After considering skills, electric vehicles and volumes in previous Think Tank sessions, this week the focus was turned on new brands within the domestic market and how they are impacting claims and repairs in terms of parts availability, methods, and insurance.
Bodyshop Briefs
Gemini Accident Repair Centres has expanded its footprint in the South West with the acquisition of Swindon-based NCR Bodyshops.
John Grose has announced that Chinese brand OMODA has been added to its supply portfolio, with models available in both petrol and electric.
Komoo Glasgow has responded to growing customer demand by moving to a new 10,000 sqft site.
Fix Auto UK has increased its presence in the south of Wales with the appointment of Fix Auto Caldicot to the network.
Solus is opening three new repair centres in the UK. They will be based in Sheffield, Sunderland and Exeter.
Steer Automotive Group has announced the strategic acquisitions of Chartwell and M&A Coachworks, adding to its capacity to repair prestige and luxury models.
Fix Auto UK has reached a new wellbeing milestone with 150 colleagues now qualified Mental Health First Aiders. A further 14 candidates completed the two-day Mental Health First Aid England tutorial as the network aims to have at least two people per centre qualified.
Industry News
Repairify ready for Best of Belron
The Best of Belron competition will take place in Portugal from 12-13 June, when the top technicians from around the organisation will compete for the title.
Meanwhile, Repairify will underscore its status as a key partner with a scaled-up stand where colleagues will demonstrate the company’s portfolio of remote services.
Markerstudy meets sustainability challenge
Markerstudy Group has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, which highlights the organisation’s continued shift to electric mobility and its focus on developing a sustainable supply chain through the launch of its Supply Chain Charter.
Repairers gather for LV= insights
LV= network repairers met at LKQ Bodyshop Division in Tamworth recently to share industry insights and gain a deeper understanding of the Allianz Insurance multi-brand strategy.
ARC360 attended the day and will publish a full report shortly.
Meanwhile, sales of new light commercial vehicles rose by 19.9% in the month, with 25,853 units sold.
IMI unveils new automotive ‘wish-list’
The Institute of the Motor Industry has published an industry ‘wish-list’ for the next government which calls on urgent action around four key areas: vacancy rates, skills, education, and new technologies.
Spotlight shines on EDI
The IMI will deliver free Equity, Diversity and Inclusion webinars to members. Delivered by independent experts, the sessions include Active Bystander (19 June), Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion (9 July), and Tackling Ableism (13 August).
Charity match nears £20k
The Plunkys Allstars charity match has now raised more than £17,000 on its way to a target total of £25,000.
WorldSkills UK has announced that this year’s national finals will take place from 20-21 November across a range of venues in Greater Manchester.
Venues include Bolton College, Manchester College – City Campus, Manchester University, Oldham College, Rochdale Training, Tameside College, Trafford College, and Wigan and Leigh – Pagefield Campus.
Five stars
Automotive expert James Scoltock has identified the five key technologies he expects to revolutionise automotive.
These include sustainable plastics replacing petroleum-derived plastics, AI, lidar-integrated headlights, connectivity, and Nvidia-developed in-vehicle solutions.
Key components absent from ‘Covid cars’
The Vehicle Remarketing Association has revealed that cars made during the pandemic, when there were substantial supply issues, are now entering the used car market with irregular specifications.
It says items such as heated seats, head-up displays, electric door mirrors, and electric seats are missing, causing issues around valuations.
VM News
JLR launches new Sustainability Challenge
JLR has unveiled its first Sustainability Innovation Challenge, which will see the brand collaborate with start-ups and innovators on new technologies for the luxury mobility sector.
Fourth generation BMW 1 Series unveiled
The fourth generation BMW 1 Series is now available. Standard features include front collision warning, lane departure warning, exit warning, traffic sign recognition, and parking assistant with reversing assistant.
Optional features include steering and lane control assist, automatic speed limit assist and route guidance.
Hyundai unveils new Bayon specs
Hyundai Motor UK has announced pricing and specification for the new Bayon, which comes with a range of safety features such as driver, front passenger, side and curtain airbags, lane follow assist, lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance assist, intelligent speed limit assist and rear-view camera and parking sensors.
SEAT sets new sustainability standard
SEAT has reported the best sustainability results in its history in 2023, with improved production processes helping to cut its environmental impact by 53% since 2010.
ADAS cuts collisions by half
New research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has found that 45% of UK van drivers said ADAS technology had prevented at least one accident in the last year.
Van repairs have risen to an average of £534, with parking (27%) and reversing (18%) the most common causes of incidents.
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Sarah Eaton has been appointed Head of Automotive Retail Sales at AX.
National Windscreens has promoted Mark MacKenzie to UK Regional Sales Manager.
Indasa Abrasives has appointed Faye Tindall as Brand & Communications Executive.
Christine Grosse Lembeck has been appointed to lead BASF’s global Battery Recycling business.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars has named Martin Sander as new board member for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.
Hyundai Motor Company has announced the appointment of Eduardo Ramírez as the new Chief Designer of Hyundai Design Europe.
Lesley Woolley is retiring as Chief Operating Officer of the IMI. She has been a key figure in the industry for more than 30 years.
