Category: Finance

Managing EVs in the real world

Information sharing and better communication between manufacturer, insurer, repairer and customer is critical to managing EV claims – but so too is a mindset that accepts the evolution is ongoing.

That was the overarching message of a session entitled, Managing EVs in the Real World, which was held during ARC360’s specialist EV event, EV-olution, at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry.

Key names support EMCC agenda

ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference (EMCC) 2023 has received the support of some of the leading brands and key influencers within insurance claims as it continues to promote its ‘better tomorrow’ vision.

Copart announces significant expansions

Copart UK will expand vehicle storage capacity at its Wisbech Operation Centre site by 50% after securing planning permission.

It is also acquiring over nine acres of land beside its Westbury site to increase storage capacity for customers by 60% and has doubled its vehicle storage capacity near central London after completing a two-phase expansion of its Rochford Operation Centre in Essex.

Ben Ball tickets selling fast

Automotive charity Ben has reported unprecedented ticket sales for the Ben Ball, which is taking place at Old Billingsgate Market on 6 December, supported by Auto Trader.

Cap hpi data makes promising reading

The latest UK car market overview from cap hpi has revealed strong demand in the new vehicle sector although the used car sector continues to struggle.

Year-to-date, 949,720 cars were registered in the first six months of the year, which is an 18.4% increase on the 802,079 in the same period last year, but still a 25.2% reduction on the same period in 2019.

Car production on upwards trajectory

UK car production rose 11.7% in the first half of the year to 450,168 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Meanwhile, production of hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is up 71.6% from January to June to a record total of 170,231 units.

However, overall, year-to-date output remains 32.5% below 2019 levels.

EV MOT failure rate a cause for concern

A new report by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has revealed that EVs are 40% more likely to fail an MOT because of poor tyre condition than petrol cars.

Meanwhile, the IMI is predicting a 31% drop in EV qualifications for the second quarter of 2023. Its EV Technician Forecast Report found that the total number of technicians trained to work safely on EVs by the end of the first quarter was 42,400.

SYNETIQ supports low-carbon projects

SYNETIQ is working with international carbon reduction specialists Highland Carbon to finance projects around the world to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Among the projects it is supporting is the establishment of diverse, native forest in Scotland, a new wind power project in Turkey and solar power project in India.

IMI warns against putting EV training on ice

The IMI has warned against any delays to EV training after some people interpreted comments from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to mean that the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles could be put back.

The PM said he would tackle the climate crisis in a ‘proportionate and pragmatic’ way, but the IMI insists training must not be put on ice, warning of a shortfall of 25,000 technicians by 2030 even at the current rate of training.

CMA casts doubt on LKQ/Uni-Select deal

The Competitions and Markets Authority as concluded that LKQ’s proposed purchase of North America-based Uni-Select could reduce competition in the supply of car parts to independent garages and workshops across the UK.

Sorcha O’Carroll, CMA Senior Director of Mergers, said, “We identified that this deal could lead to higher prices and worse choice for customers across the UK. We will now carefully consider the proposal put forward by LKQ and Uni-Select which they believe could address our concerns, before deciding on the next step.”

Public charge points increasing steadily

The Office of National Statistics has reported that there were 44,020 public charging points in the UK as of 1 July. Of these, 19% (8,461) are rapid chargers and 57% (24,918) are fast chargers.

That is only 3,870 more than on 1 April.

Castle Coachworks gets JLR approval

Castle Coachworks (Northampton) has successfully passed its Jaguar Land Rover audit, ensuring its repair methods, training and facilities meet the vehicle manufacturer’s approval.

iRG casts talent net far and wide

iRG has taken its innovative approach to business to its recruitment strategy by seeking to attract the top talent from around the world.

Through collaboration with international talent companies, it has identified, recruited and relocated 10 skilled professionals from as far afield as Botswana, Albania and India.

UK Carbody Bristol celebrates outstanding customer service

LV= has recognised repair partner UK Carbody Bristol for delivering outstanding customer service.

ITAS launches new all-in-one platform

ITAS has unveiled a new platform to support business integration and job management.

ITAS Capture enables businesses to manage repairs and communicate with suppliers and customers on a single platform.

Fix Auto Edinburgh West celebrates PAS 2060

Fix Auto Edinburgh West has secured carbon neutral status in line with PAS 2060.

ECA calculated its carbon footprint and created and implemented a comprehensive carbon management plan which will see the site reduce emissions year-on-year to agreed targets.

People

Jaguar Land Rover has appointed Adrian Mardell as CEO.

Mercedes-Benz UK has appointed Calum James as Head of Fleet for its van division.

Autotech Group has named Mark Armitage as new Commercial Director.

Tom Arnold has been appointed Bodyshop Manager at ABL 1 Touch Group.

Steer Automotive Group has appointed Donna Chinery as Executive Assistant.

EV market realigning after price collapse

The crash in value of electric vehicles has been startling but it will not continue as the perfect storm that saw prices plummet by as much as 40% begins to pass.

This is according to Derren Martin, Director of Valuations at cap hpi, who said the rare circumstances that converged to disrupt the EV market are now easing.

He was speaking during ARC360’s specialist EV event, EV-olution; Gaining Ground Together, which was held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry this week.

Steer Group acquires Apollo and Balgores

Steer Automotive Group has accelerated its growth plans by acquiring the combined businesses of Apollo Motor Group and Balgores Motors.

The two businesses total 32 repair locations, £90m turnover and 700 staff.

Apprenticeship Central launches new engagement service

Apprenticeship Central, the apprentice recruitment and retention specialist serving the automotive aftermarket, has launched ENSURE, a unique safeguarding service for businesses who employ apprentices.

A Wiser approach to training

In the latest ILC podcast, Crescens George, CEO of Wiser Academy, shares his passion for training and development and discusses how best to recognise and nurture talent.

Steering the future with more jobs

Steer Automotive Group has been recognised for creating jobs in the automotive sector by being included in the 2023 E2E Job Creation 100 Track.

New car market up by a quarter

The new car market surged by more than a quarter in June, making it the 11^th straight month of growth.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 177,266 vehicles were registered in the month, meaning almost a million (949,720) new cars joined UK roads in the first six months of 2023, with total registrations up 18.4%

Thatcham Research calls for EV collaboration

Repairs of electric vehicles are about 25% more expensive than ICE equivalents and take 14% longer.

This is according to a report, The Impact of BEV Adoption on the Repair and Insurance Sectors, produced by Thatcham Research and funded by Innovate UK.

Gemini ARC celebrates apprentice success

Gemini ARC has recognised the successes of its rising stars at the company’s third annual apprenticeship awards held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre near Coventry.

The repair group has a proud history of supporting apprentices and has recently celebrated becoming an IMI Approved Centre.

Top award for Kinnell

Michael Kinnell, Manager at Stewart Roden Motors Bodyshop, has been named Stellantis Audatex Estimator of the Year, Northern Region.

Brand approval for Fix Auto Leicester

Fix Auto Leicester has announced it has become an approved Toyota and Lexus repairer.

Winn winning with exceptional growth

North East-based Winn Group is planning to grow its workforce from 500 to 700 in the next 12-18 months.

The company offers integrated accident management services and has seen turnover increase by 139% in a year.

Gemini achieves IMI Approved Centre Status

Gemini has secured ‘Approved Centre’ status from the IMI, paving the way for the repair group to create its own training development, qualifications and CPD programmes.

This follows several months of collaboration to ensure Gemini’s training standards meet IMI-approved levels.

The IMI renews British Motor Show partnership

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has renewed its partnership with the British Motor Show.

It will sponsor an all-new Tech Hub at the 2023 show, which will feature replica service bays to showcase new repair technologies and promote careers within the industry.

Ford ends production of top-selling model

Ford is ending production of its top-selling Fiesta model, with its place on the factory line taken by the new electric Explorer SUV. This is part of Ford’s $2bn transition to an all-electric future.

CMA says competition failing among fuel providers

The Competition and Markets Authority has said ‘something needs to change swiftly’ to restore fuel price competition in the market.

In a new report, it says the industry needs ‘to be held to account’ after retailers rose prices sharply but were slow to reduce them again.

People

Executive director of the National Body Repair Association (NBRA) Chris Weeks will replace Anthony Heard as managing director of Braintree Motor Group (BMG).

Nikki Nagra has joined the claims and cash collection operations team at Edam Group

Andy Gratton has been promoted to Managing Director at Ring Automotive,

Allianz UK has appointed Benjamin Turner as Chief Information Officer.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has appointed Tom Macintyre as Head of Direct Sales in the UK.

Scene set for specialist EV event

Some of the leading names from across the motor claims sector are set to share their insights at ARC360’s forthcoming specialist EV event – The EV-olution.

Sponsored by Control Expert and Thatcham Research, along with ARC360 Corporate Partners and Partners, the event takes place on Tuesday 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Coventry.

Fix Auto introduces new ADAS capability

Fix Auto UK has announced a new partnership with US-based AirPro Diagnostics to enhance ADAS calibrations within its network.

AirPro Diagnostics is a pioneer in remote vehicle diagnostics and calibration products, and will initially bring into the UK its unique ‘AUGGIE’ mobile system that enables ADAS calibrations to be easily and swiftly completed outside of the workshop by any productive.

The shape of claims to come

Claims and motor repairs are evolving rapidly as new technologies and new ways of working disrupt the landscape. These changes are putting pressure on bodyshops and insurers and to move with the times to ensure they continue to offer a safe and streamlined service to drivers.

Here, Solera Audatex considers the implications of the fast-changing landscape.

Benathlon and Big Breakfast on charity menu

Automotive charity Ben is inviting the automotive community to take part in two charity initiatives this autumn, the Benathlon in September and its Ben’s Big Breakfast in October.

CMA publishes provisional findings to Copart/Hills merger

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published responses to its provisional findings in the proposed acquisition of Hills Salvage and Recycling by Copart UK.

The CMA launched an investigation into the proposed deal after fearing it could result in a reduction in competition in the vehicle salvage and spare parts sectors.

Enterprise reveals repair winners

Enterprise hosted its 2023 Repair Partner Event on 15 June when insurers, repairers and suppliers from across the network converged to hear business updates, topical industry discussions and celebrate outstanding service in the last year.

The full list of winners is available here.

Mirka unveils one-step polishing solution

Mirka has introduced a new system to help customers achieve a glossy surface finish in just one step.

The Mirka PRO Finishing solution, aimed at manufacturers, combines Mirka’s know-how in power tools, abrasives and polishing compounds to deliver a consistent and reliable result.

Fix Auto Swansea to join the network

Fix Auto UK is enhancing its footprint in Wales with the news that Fix Auto Swansea West will join the network.

The site is managed by Matthew Davies and Paul Gravell, whose team of 12 now repairs up to 80 vehicles a month.

Chaplane achieves VM approval

Colchester-based Chaplane Accident Repair Centre has become an approved repairer for Toyota and Lexus.

Payne eases into skills shortage debate

Chris Payne, Head of Networks and Engineering, Home and Motor, at LV=, attended The Future of Automotive Skills, hosted by the Industry and Parliament Trust, to promote the industry and discuss the skills shortage currently impacting the sector.

RAC delivers repairs to customer’s door

The RAC is now offering mobile servicing and repairs to enable people to get their cars serviced on their driveways or at work.

RAC Mobile Mechanics now covers the 20 biggest towns and cities, with plans for even wider coverage before the end of the year.

EV sales surge 14% globally

New data has revealed that global plug-in vehicle registrations rose 70% year-on-year to 928,000 in April, making up 14% of the overall market.

Pure EVs accounted for 10% of sales.

EVs prominent in Auto Trader awards

Nine out of the 23 winners in the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2023 were EVs. The awards were voted for by more than 220,000 car buyers.

The Kia EV6 was named New Car of the Year, the Tesla Model Y won the Best Car for Families, while the Tesla Model 3 was named Best Car for Long Distances.

EV installations made easy

Breakdown services provider Green Flag has announced a new partnership with charge point installation platform Rightcharge to make it easier for customers to install EV charge points.

Drivers are able to choose the charge point most suited to their needs, and pay for their installation via Rightcharge.

Sleeping Battery to combat keyless thefts

Car Lock Systems has released a new solution to help fight keyless car thefts. Sleeping Battery works by putting the car key to sleep after three minutes of inactivity

Synetiq announces site updates to boost capacity

Synetiq has announced several site upgrades to help streamline operations for the combined IAA and Synetiq business and create cost savings for customers.

LKQ colleagues coast to charity target

Jodie Mullard and Lisa Goodley of LKQ Bodyshop Division are joining colleagues and senior leaders from across the business to raise funds for automotive charity Ben by walking 13 miles along the Jurassic coast on 5 January.

Senior Vice President Digitalisation, Automation and Innovation Management at BASF Dr Helmut Winterling will take over responsibility for the DivisionGroup Research from Dr Detlef Kratz.

Sophie Ward has been named Technical Claims Manager at Pen Underwriting UK.