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ARC360 News – Friday, 19 July 2024

19 July 2024

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

Bodyshop Briefs

Miguel Harvey of Steer Automotive Group has won gold at The SATA Challenge in Toronto, Canada. Representing World Skills UK, Miguel showcased his incredible skills against competitors from Canada, USA, Germany, Barbados, and the UK during the final pressure test before World Skills Lyon this September.
Chartwell hosted Bentley Motors at its state-of-the art bodyshop after it was chosen to host the filming of its new paint and body campaign.
Walton Accident Repair Centre’s partnership with S&G Response has been featured in the Northwest Bodyshop Suppliers magazine, showcasing its teamwork and service.
Brandon Accident Repair Centre has now achieved full multi brand approval status for the Stellantis UK Accident Repair Programme.
Novo Automotive Group is following up the launch of its Witham site in February with a second site due to open in Colchester in September.
Trenhams has achieved carbon neutrality certification as part of PAS2060 for the second year running.
Fix Auto Manchester East has been named as a finalist at the Oldham Business Awards for the second year in a row.
Lancashire-based bodyshop ST Accident Repair Centre has been awarded the BSI Kitemark Accreditation for Vehicle Damage Repair.
Two leading UK repairers – Allied Automotive and Peggs Accident Repair Centre Ltd – have recently featured on popular YouTube channel videos from Matt Armstrong (2.3m views) and Mark McCann (760k views).

Industry News

Global outage causes massive disruption

A global IT outage has caused massive disruption to businesses and services in all sectors.

Cyber security company Crowdstrike is reportedly the source of the tech issue, although the cause of it is not yet known.

e2e partners with ARC360

e2e Total Loss Claims Management – the UK-wide network of progressive salvage and recycling agents – has joined ARC360 as a Partner.

Its network of independent salvage and automotive recyclers provides clients with a market leading, sustainable, nationwide solution for vehicle salvage, disposal and reclaimed parts.

Stellantis provides network with full access

Stellantis brought together it’s UK-wide repairer network for its first National Repairer Forum back in June.

The event, which took place at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry – to tie-in with the Stellantis-sponsored ARC360 Future Vehicle Technology themed event – provided around 100 of its approved accident repairers with the chance to hear the latest insights and initiatives; raise any queries; and enjoy networking. ARC360 was on hand to capture the key themes from the day.

Insurers suffer worst year in a decade

The UK motor insurance market experienced its worst performing year since 2011 last year, recording a loss-making Net Combined Ratio (NCR) of 112.8%, according to EY’s latest UK Motor Insurance Results.

Premiums fall for second successive quarter

Comprehensive car insurance premiums fell six per cent, or £59, between April and June this year.

Car insurance premiums have now fallen for two consecutive quarters after a dip of five per cent in the first three months of 2024, with average annual premiums now £882, according to the latest Confused.com Car Insurance Price Index in association with WTW.

S&G Response marks birthday milestone

S&G Response is celebrating its 15^th birthday this year. To mark the milestone, it hosted a Summer Party at Champneys Mottram Hall and a golf day to raise funds for The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust.

Repairify continues Australian development

Repairify has celebrated the progress it has made it Australia in just two years, with operations in Sydney and a partnership with Capricorn in Perth helping to deliver its repair solutions to repairers across the country and New Zealand.

Revive! unveils cosmetic car insurance

Revive! Auto Innovations has signed a new five-year deal to provide cosmetic insurance to more than 3,000 UK dealers who retail motor warranty products from Assurant.

The arrangement will see a range of products covering bodywork scratches and dents, and alloy wheel damage.

Autoglass re-opens sites after polish

Autoglass has re-opened two sites – Gloucester and Worsley – after carrying out refurbishment works.

ACIS system delivers cost-cutting AIMS

An ACIS study during the first half of 2024 has found that bodyshops using its Inventory Management System AIMS have reported a significant reduction in costs per sold hour.

ACIS launched the web-based system in 2022 as a successor to Ascribe.

cinch opens first store

Hot on the heels of selling its 200,000th car online, cinch has announced the launch of its first physical cinch Store.

The store will open in Bedford Road, Northampton next week – with other locations following soon after, including Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester.

Van drivers face £1.64bn theft bill

New research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has revealed that 19% of van drivers have been the victims of theft in the last year, with the average value of stolen items at £1,700.

Silverlake celebrates police services

Silverlake has secured two four-year police contracts from the Automobile Association Developments Contractor Management.

It has renewed its contract with Sussex & Surrey Police while also winning a new contract with Hampshire & IOW Constabulary.

3M wins prestigious design award

3M is celebrating after winning a 2024 Red Dot Product Design Award for its Perfect-It Random Orbital Polisher, a handheld power tool developed for automotive repair paint finishing.

Allianz tailors motor insurance to suit individual

Allianz is now offering two levels of motor insurance, a product tailored to provide basic cover and a more comprehensive product. Both offer cover for accidental damage, windscreen damage, European cover and car thefts.

AkzoNobel expands Sustainable Repair Network to Scandinavia

AkzoNobel has announced that Danish repairer Qars 4M Lakering has become the first Scandinavian site to join its Sustainable Repair Network.

The Sustainable Repair Network has been developed to support businesses move towards net zero operations.

Chinese tariffs will have little impact

International research and strategy organisation ICDP has said that tariffs imposed on Chinese EV imports will have little impact on European markets.

However, it warns that one unintended consequence could be retaliatory tariffs from China that weaken European brands in the country.

Kwik Fit enhances motor insurance offering

Kwik Fit is partnering with Aioi Nissay Dowa Europe, a subsidiary of MS&AD, to offer motor insurance through its website.

Policies, which were introduced to price comparison websites last year, include cover for misfuelling and lost, stolen or accidentally damaged keys.

EV charging infrastructure on target

A new white paper by ChargeUK, Powering Ahead to 2030, has predicted that there will be more than 300,000 public charging points in the UK by the end of the decade, with a new point installed every 25 minutes.

Repairify announces NAPA deal

Remote diagnostics, calibrations and programming expert Repairify has signed a preferred partnership deal with NAPA to release asTech Mechanical across America.

The solution is a single device capable of accessing the majority of original equipment (OE) tools for shop owners.

VM News

Lucid announces EV range breakthrough

Lucid has unveiled a range of updates to the Lucid Air Pure that will see range increase to 420 miles from a battery pack that is just 84 kilowatt-hours. This makes it the first vehicle in the world to achieve a ratio of five miles of range per kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy.

Kia tops Customer Satisfaction Index

Kia UK has topped the latest UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI), compiled by The Institute of Customer Service, with 81.4 points compared to the automotive sector average of 78 points.

Volkswagen wins EV innovation award

Volkswagen has been named the most innovative volume brand in electric vehicles by the Center of Automotive Management (CAM). It collected the AutomotiveINNOVATIONS Award 2024 for advancements in range and charging capacity.

Audi unveils A5 family

Audi has introduced the new A5 family to the mid-size segment, 30 years after unveiling the first Audi A4. Going forward, the brand has said that even numbers will represent electric models and odd numbers will be reserved for combustion engines.

MG rejuvenates SUV line-up

MG is rejuvenating its HS SUV line-up with petrol and plug-in hybrid models.

All models feature the MG Pilot package, with Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Door Open Warning as standard.

People

Motability Operations has announced Andy Broadfield will be joining the business from November as Managing Director of Electric & Insurance.
Vicki Starrs has been named Operational Excellence Consultant at Solus.
Simon Downing has joined Rapid Repair Network as Strategic Key Accounts Manager.
Michael Massey has been appointed as Head of Technical Capability & Innovation at FMG Repair Services
Tom Rumboll, UK Managing Director for IAA and CEO of SYNETIQ, has left the business to pursue other opportunities.
Autotech Group has appointed Nadege Gavarret-Clark as Group Project Manager and Jim Odams as Business Relationship Manager.
Ford has appointed Neal Sholto-Douglas as Aftermarket Fleet Support Manager.
Paul Grimbley has joined Direct Line Group as External Automotive Claims Engineer.
Jo Howcroft has been promoted to Senior Business Development Manager (Global) – Kitemark.
Craig Bridgman has been named New Senior Editor on cap hpi’s valuations team.
Marshall Motor Group has appointed Matt Southall as Strategy and Technology Director and David Johnson as Property Director.

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UK motor insurers report 2023 as worst performing year in over a decade, but expect profitability to return this year

19 July 2024

Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

The 2023 losses – which followed a weak performing 2022, when the sector recorded an NCR of 111.1% – were the result of increased claims costs driven by sustained high inflation, rising costs of materials and labour, and premiums that continued to track below claims inflation.

However, with inflation now falling and premium increases in the second half of 2023, EY expects a return to profitability for the motor insurance sector this year, forecasting an NCR of 96% in 2024.

Mat Wheatley, UK Insurance Partner at EY, commented: “High inflation and rising costs have resulted in an extremely difficult couple of years for the UK motor insurance sector. This was particularly the case in 2023, which also saw balance sheets impacted by the delayed reaction to required premium adjustments in 2022.

“It has been a hard time for the sector, but hasn’t just been challenging for firms; 2023 was also difficult for motor insurance consumers who have faced a sharp increase in premiums to bring them in line with claims inflation. However, with inflation now falling and claims costs easing, better news is on the horizon for both insurers and consumers, and we expect to see the motor insurance sector return to profitability this year.”

Premiums rose by a over a quarter in 2023 (£544 per policy) and will rise further in 2024, but should begin to fall in 2025

In 2023, premium rates rose by 25.2% year-on-year (£109 per policy on average) as firms adjusted premiums in line with inflationary pressures. This correction will continue to drive up premium rates into this year, with consumer premiums expected to rise by a further 15.9% year-on-year in 2024 (£87 per policy on average). However, as the market returns to profitability, consumer premiums are expected to fall by -3.7% year-on-year in 2025 (-£23 per policy on average).

Mat concluded: “While there are positive signs that profitability for the motor insurance sector is within sight, macroeconomic challenges remain, and there is a sense of uncertainty around the impact of the 2025 Odgen discount rate change. As ever, it will be vital that motor insurers continue to carefully monitor their costs, adjust to changing customer behaviours, and support vulnerable customers while also looking for opportunities to innovate and grow.”

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Stellantis provides network with full access

19 July 2024

Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words

Stellantis brought together it’s UK-wide repairer network for its first National Repairer Forum back in June. The event, which took place at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry – to tie-in with the Stellantis-sponsored ARC360 Future Vehicle Technology themed event – provided around 100 of its approved accident repairers with the chance to hear the latest insights and initiatives; raise any queries; and enjoy networking. ARC360 was on hand to capture the key themes from the day.

Hosted throughout by Robert Snook, CEO of Business Success Global and training partner to the Stellantis network, the event emphasised the importance of the body repair network and showcased Stellantis’ commitment to its partners.

Paul Glover, Network Manager – Accident Repair Programme, kicked-off proceedings by outlining how Stellantis has maintained a stable network of 168 repairers for some four years, freezing fees to support long-term partnerships.

“We trust you guys. You do a fabulous job for us,” Paul stated, emphasising the network’s value.

Three-time consecutive winner of Bodyshop Magazine’s Vehicle Manufacturer of the Year Award due to initiatives including regional repairer forums, Paul said, “I want it to be more than just a manufacturer-approved network. I want it to be a real club.”

As part of the ongoing progress of the network, Paul also declared that all Stellantis-approved accident repair centres will automatically become full RMI National Body Repair Association (NBRA) members from 1 July 2024. Membership, valued at circa £1,000 each, offers numerous benefits and reinforces Stellantis’ commitment to supporting its network.

ZEV mandate

Following on from Paul, Chris Downing, Head of Sales & Operations, addressed the implications of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate on the industry. Chris outlined how it requires a specific percentage of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) such as battery electric and hydrogen vehicles to be sold annually. In 2024, this figure is 22% of passenger cars and 10% of commercial vehicles. Each vehicle sold outside of this quota carries with it a potential £15,000 penalty.

To comply, manufacturers like Stellantis must adjust their sales strategies. Chris highlighted that Stellantis would not trade ZEV credits with other manufacturers but would balance these requirements internally. This decision is aimed at avoiding future fines and ensuring a sustainable approach.

However, there are significant pressures within the market which Chris warned: “At the current YTD sales mix, we now have to sell approximately one BEV car to sell three ICE cars. We are absolutely facing the prospect at the end of the year of telling customers they may have to wait until 2025 to take delivery unless it’s a BEV.”

Training

Robert Snook shared insights into the network’s training initiatives and the importance of collaboration among bodyshop partners. Emphasising continuous improvement and engagement, Robert encouraged repairers to “slow down to speed up,” advocating for a focus on quality and strategic thinking.

Highlighting success stories from around the network, Robert acknowledged the efforts of various bodyshops including M&M in Stoke-on-Trent; Peggs in Birmingham; and Devonshire Motors in Barnstaple.

“We’ve got best in class for all these different things. Somewhere in the group is the perfect bodyshop,” Robert noted. “The only difference between the high performers and the low performers is implementation.”

LCVs

Bradley Miller, Head of LCV Product at Stellantis, discussed the company’s strategies for achieving zero emissions in light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

Bradley highlighted that Stellantis holds a 30% marketshare in the LCV segment, excluding pick-up trucks, with Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat leading the way in ZEV sales. In 2022, these brands collectively held 47.9% of the marketshare for ZEV LCVs.

Stellantis is committed to meeting strict CO2 and zero-emission targets. The company plans to maintain its lead by continually exceeding the mandated ZEV targets. For example, while the organic rate for vans is six per cent, Stellantis is already at eight per cent and is confident in achieving the 10% target for 2024.

“Our plan is always to be ahead of the mandate when it comes to zero-emission vehicles,” stated Bradley.

Stellantis offers two primary solutions for zero-emission LCVs: battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Bradley explained that while BEVs are suitable for small to medium vans, larger vans will likely require a mix of BEV and hydrogen solutions to meet range and payload requirements.

Marketing

The Power of Marketing for Bodyshops was the theme of a Gary Chew, founder of Small Torque and Redline Creative, session during which he shared insights on the vital role of marketing in the bodyshop industry.

Gary highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive online presence. Customers today are savvy and have numerous choices, he said, making it crucial for bodyshops to present a professional and trustworthy image online. Effective online reputation management involves actively monitoring and responding to reviews, both positive and negative.

“You need to ensure you’ve got a positive and professional online footprint,” Gary stated.

With the current dip in work volumes, generating retail opportunities has become more critical. Gary shared success stories, such as R&R Autos in Basingstoke, which received over 650 retail estimates in 20 months through its website, with retail now accounting for around 30% of their overall revenue. Similarly, new websites for other clients have quickly generated new business.

Social media is a powerful tool for bodyshops to reach potential customers. Gary explained that bodyshops with around 1,000 followers can achieve substantial engagement, as seen with JS Bodyworx in High Wycombe, which received significant retail quotes through its social media efforts.

“Using your own real photos and videos tends to get around 10 times the engagement as using stock photography,” Chew advised.

Marketing also helps build industry relationships and attract talent. Platforms like LinkedIn are essential for connecting with insurers, fleets, manufacturers, and other bodyshops. Gary shared how Vehicle Body Care in Leeds leveraged LinkedIn to join the Tesla network, showcasing its capabilities in structural aluminium and EV repairs.

ADAS

Rounding out the day, Tim Scothern, a seasoned road policing expert and trainer at Stellantis Performance Academy, shared his insights on the transformative impact of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). With 30 years in road policing, Tim emphasised how ADAS technology is crucial for road safety and the automotive sector.

“We’re reducing serious collisions down to more minor collisions which potentially is going to bring more business in your direction,” Tim stated.

The progression of ADAS technology has been remarkable. From basic rear parking sensors to today’s advanced camera systems, ADAS technology now operates within milliseconds, significantly enhancing real-time vehicle responsiveness.

Tim detailed several core current ADAS technologies and also discussed the future of ADAS and the regulatory environment. While true level 5 autonomy is still constrained by legislation, upcoming General Safety Regulation (GSR) mandates will require several ADAS features on all new vehicles by 2026.

Recruitment

Prior to the final Q&A session, Robert returned to highlight the pressing need for innovation in recruitment within the bodyshop industry. He described how the industry is lagging behind in attracting and retaining talent, not due to a shortage of people but because of outdated recruitment practices.

Robert candidly addressed the industry’s recruitment struggles, stating, “We think we’re good against other people in our industry, but we’re all competing for the same people.” He pointed out that there is no shortage of potential recruits; instead, the industry is failing to appeal to them effectively.

Drawing comparisons to other industries, Robert highlighted how companies like McDonald’s and Estee Lauder attract talent by focusing on values, inclusion, and personalised benefits rather than just job titles and salaries.

Robert urged the industry to adopt modern recruitment practices, such as using engaging and attractive job titles and leveraging technology to streamline the application process. He shared an example of a bodyshop group that switched from email to WhatsApp for job applications, increasing responses from 23 to 247.

“Be actionable in the moment,” Robert advised, emphasising the need for immediate and efficient recruitment processes.

The day rounded out with a Q&A session providing network members to openly ask questions to the Stellantis team. Questions ranged from requests for more information on the RMI NBRA membership – fielded by Martyn Rowley, Executive Director of the NBRA who was on hand throughout, through marketing, vehicle safety, to the wants and needs of repairers.

The candid nature if the final session and the enthusiasm for sharing experiences and insights was clear evidence of the positive culture Stellantis and its repairers have created – an ideal partner for ARC360.

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Premiums fall for second successive quarter

19 July 2024

Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, vehicle sales and Words

Comprehensive car insurance premiums fell six per cent, or £59, between April and June this year.

Across the year though, average prices rose 14% (£106).

Tim Rourke, UK Head of P&C Pricing, Product, Claims and Underwriting at WTW, said, “After a sustained period of significant rate increases to counter the high levels of claims inflation, it is interesting to see from this data a change in insurers’ behaviour indicating that premium adequacy may now be sufficient to allow insurers to drop rates.

“However, insurers still face a number of ongoing challenges, including the rising cost of materials and labour, second hand cars and advanced vehicle technology, as well as operating in a changing political landscape.”

Steve Dukes, CEO at Confused.com, added, “It seems after a long period of such steep increases in car insurance prices, the industry is starting to stabilise, adjust to increased claims costs and bring prices down.

“However, prices are still up year on year, creating opportunities for insurers to grow their customer base and for consumers to save by switching. We’re finding insurers using industry insights and data are able to compete more effectively by increasing the speed at which they reflect changes in the market within their pricing.”

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ARC360 News – Friday, 12 July 2024

12 July 2024

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words

Bodyshop Briefs

Steer Automotive Group has secured carbon neutrality in accordance with PAS 2060 for the second year in a row, after reducing its CO2 emissions by 5.3% last year. Meanwhile, the group has also expanded its PAS 2060 portfolio to include 24 more main sites.
Crash Assessor UK has achieved carbon neutrality in accordance with PAS 2060.
Komoo Inverness has secured BS10125:2022 certification after achieving 100% compliance in its latest audit.
L&I Eaton Liverpool emphasised its commitment to company culture by organising a day of team-building with colleagues taking part in cross-country riding.

Industry News

IIHS-HLDI research finds little evidence that partial automation prevents crashes

Crash records and insurance data offer little evidence that partial automation systems are preventing collisions, research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute shows.

“Everything we’re seeing tells us that partial automation is a convenience feature like power windows or heated seats rather than a safety technology,” IIHS President David Harkey said.

Prasco trebles cooling system parts

Prasco UK has more than trebled the number of individual part numbers it holds for cooling systems over the last 12 months.

It now includes more than 4,000 individual part numbers at its distribution hub in Doncaster, making it the widest range in the UK.

MIB tackles uninsured drivers with joint initiative

Five police forces across the M62 worked in collaboration with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to tackle uninsured driving. Officers from Greater Manchester, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, Cheshire, and Humberside Police used a number of methods to identify and seize vehicles driven by uninsured drivers.

BASF joins NBRA

ARC360 Corporate Partner BASF has joined the National Body Repair Association and Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association as a Gold Supplier member.

Meanwhile, BASF brand Glusurit has been selected as a preferred supplier by Avant Repair Networks.

SMMT urges government to support industry drive net zero targets

The Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders is urging the new Labour government to use the industry’s decarbonisation success to the UK’s economic advantage, as a new report shows direct carbon emissions from vehicle factories halved over the past 25 years – helping position the country as the ideal place to produce the next generation of zero emission vehicles.

National finalists 2024 announced

Over 400 apprentices and students have advanced to the WorldSkills National Finals.

Competitors have participated in regional competitions at their local colleges, training provider centres, workplaces, or online to secure their place in the WorldSkills UK National Finals, which will take place in Greater Manchester from 19-22 November.

21,000 vacancies offer enormous career opportunities in automotive

As the sector continues to battle its biggest skills gap in history, the IMI and Toyota GB have joined forces to share the real voices of employees to inspire young adults at a career crossroads, and adults looking for a career change into the industry. The stories are being shared on the ‘There’s More to Motor’ YouTube channel.

IMI finalists announced

The IMI has announced the finalists for its Skills Competition, which will see 24 technicians compete in four categories, Body Repair, Refinishing, Light Vehicle Technology, and Heavy Vehicle Technology, from 18-22 November.

Winners can then go on to represent Squad UK in EuroSkills 2025 in Denmark and WorldSkills International 2026 in China.

New AI safety cameras trial expand across Britain

A trial of new artificial intelligence technology that can identify drivers not wearing their seatbelts will be extended until March.

National Highways is working with 10 police forces to test the technology, which captures images of drivers and then uses AI to identify those without seatbelts or using their phones behind the wheel.

Copart expansion to continue in St Helens

Copart has announced that it will open a new Operation Centre in St Helens. As part of its Land and Expand strategy, the new 19-acre site will provide further storage capacity for up to 24,000 vehicles in the region.

Ben raises awareness around financial support

Automotive industry charity Ben is raising awareness around the support it offers to those facing money worries after receiving nearly 16,000 enquiries and offering more than 600 grants in the last year.

Fix Auto Penzance upgrades wheel refurbishment capabilities

Fix Auto Penzance has invested in a state-of-the-art laser-guided diamond-tipped cutting machine to enhance its alloy wheel refurbishment capabilities.

Owner Stuart Cameron bought the DCR Pro machine from Portsmouth-based DCR Systems after seeing the technology in action at the network’s National Conference sponsors’ exhibition in May.

VM News

Dacia and Swift suffer in new Euro NCAP ratings

Euro NCAP has released new safety ratings for a range of models. The Dacia Duster and Suzuki Swift both achieved just three stars, while the Mercedes-Benz E class, the VW Passat, Skoda Superb and Skoda Kodiaq all achieved five stars

Meanwhile, the BMW x2 and Renault’s Espace and Rafale were rated as five-star twins to 2022-tested cars.

Stellantis extends hybrid range to meet demand

Stellantis has responded to growing customer demand by increasing its range of hybrid models. Thirty models be available across Europe by the end of the year, with six more launched through 2026.

Ford unveils re-imagined Capri

Ford has re-released its iconic Capri, with two powertrain options offering ranges of 390 miles or 370 miles.

It also includes full ADAS features including Blind Spot Information System, Clear Exit Warning, Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking Driver Alert, Evasive Steering Assist, Front and rear parking sensors, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, 12 Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keeping Aid, Pre-Collision Assist, Rear-View Camera, Reverse Brake Assist, Selectable Drive Modes, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Wrong Way Assist.

VWG and Rivian form joint venture to develop EVs

Rivian Automotive and Volkswagen Group have formed an equally controlled and owned joint venture to create next-generation electrical architecture and best-in-class software technology.

Chery Achieves Over One Million Vehicle Sales

Chery Group has reported vehicle sales of 1,100,621 in the first half of the year, up 48% on the same period last year.

People

Stephan Surmont has been appointed Group Managing Director of Nationwide Assistance Group.
FMG Repair Services has named Kris Hurd as Head of Operations South.
Paul Titchmarsh has been appointed as UK forecast manager for cap hpi.

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ARC360 News – Friday, 5 July 2024

5 July 2024

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words

EV exposure increasing according to ARC360 poll

Nearly seven in 10 respondents to a live poll conducted during ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology event cited their exposure to EV claims was now moderate or high.

Bodyshop Briefs

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.
Fix Auto Coalville has celebrated its 50^th anniversary after being founded by Roger Billett in 1974.
Scottish vehicle repair centre Anderson Clark Motor Repairs will now be run by its employees after being sold to a newly-formed trust.
Fylde Coast ARC has passed its unannounced BSI Kitemark audit with flying colours.

Industry News

Stellantis repair network joins NBRA

Stellantis has announced that its entire accident repair network has joined the NBRA.

This significant development brings Stellantis and its accident repair programme, representing nine of the 14 global brands in the UK, into a formal association with the NBRA.

Motor premiums up 34% in a year

New data has revealed that the average quoted price of car insurance rose by 34% in the year to May. This is according to the latest Consumer Intelligence Car Insurance Price Index.

GSR2 makes ADAS mandatory from 7 July

The European Union’s New Vehicle General Safety Regulation (GSR2) comes into effect on 7 July, making a number of ADAS features mandatory in vehicles.

These include Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW), and Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS).

Copart unveils Chelmsford Operation Centre

Copart UK has opened a new Operation Centre in Chelmsford, Essex. The new 30-acre site is part of an ongoing expansion strategy with further announcements to come.

Falling capacity creating bottlenecks

Falling capacity in the refurbishment sector is hitting remarketing, creating substantial bottlenecks in preparing cars and vans for sale, according to the Vehicle Remarketing Association.

Irish motor insurance damage costs soar 126%

The cost of Irish motor insurance claims rose 126% to £160m in the first half of 2023.

Drivers reminded to check insurance

Motor Insurers’ Bureau is reminding drivers to check their vehicle is properly insured, after a YouGov study showed 10% of the British public are not aware that it is compulsory for any vehicle used on a public road.

Silverlake hosts Brazilian recycling delegation

Silverlake hosted nine members of the Brazilian Automotive Recycling Association recently to showcase UK best practice around vehicle recycling.

The tour covered all aspects of automotive recycling including processing vehicles for auction or dismantling for reclaimed parts.

Stella partners with global leader in automotive solutions Assurant

Stella has announced a strategic partnership with Assurant, a global leader in insurance solutions. This collaboration aims to redefine automotive cover with a focus on delivering tailored insurance solutions specifically for women.

SYNETIQ colleagues scale Three Peaks for charity

Colleagues at SYNETIQ, an IAA company and one of the UK’s leading integrated vehicle salvage, dismantling, and recycling companies, have completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, raising over £4,000 for suicide prevention charity ANDYSMANCLUB.

Why skills are critical to the future mobility debate

IMI CEO Steve Nash was part of one of a high-profile panel discussion on skills. He formed part of the Auto manufacturing and skills: reshaping the industry in the electric image session at Move.

Tradex joins the IFB’s fraud-fighting membership

Tradex Insurance Company has joined the Insurance Fraud Bureau membership to play a key role in the industry’s collective fight against fraud.

Car sales pass million mark for 2024

New car sales topped a million units in the first half of the year for the first time since 2019, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Sales in June rose by 1.1% to take total sales so far in 2024 to 1,006,763 units. Meanwhile, the UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market fell for the first time in June after 17 successive months of growth.

Onyx unveils new BMS

Onyx has launched a new bodyshop management system that streamlines workflows and automates core processes like estimating, job scheduling, and parts ordering. It has been developed specifically to address the challenges of legacy systems.

Ben adds details to flagship fundraising events

Automotive charity Ben has announced more details surrounding its two flagship fundraising events, Ben’s Big Breakfast and Ben Ball.

Motor Ombudsman’s Knowledge Base viewed over 170,000 times

The Motor Ombudsman’s online Knowledge Base, the reference tool designed to provide consumers with responses to queries on car ownership, vehicle maintenance and dispute resolution, has seen a rise in usage during the second quarter of 2024.

Final whistle blows on Plunkys All Stars

The final Plunkys All Stars charity match raised more than £26,000 for its three charities Norkfolk and Waveney Mind, East Anglian Air Ambulance, and the Fire Fighters Charity.

The annual matches, the brainchild of industry stalwart Steve Plunkett, have been played for more than a decade now, raising over £119,000 collectively for valuable causes.

MAHLE Powertrain expands dedicated hydrogen powertrain testing capabilities

MAHLE Powertrain is expanding its Northampton facility to include a dedicated hydrogen powertrain testing capability. The capacity to hold two tube-trailers on-site with rapid switch-over functionality between them will ensure a near-continuous supply of hydrogen.

VM News

Stellantis joins with CEA to pursue next-generation battery cell technology

Stellantis and CEA, one of the world’s most innovative research institutions, have announced a new, five-year collaboration that targets in-house design of next-generation battery cells for electric vehicles.

Geotab and BYD Trucks Europe announce integration

Geotab has announced an integration of its European-based fleet management solutions with BYD Trucks Europe. This collaboration provides BYD Trucks Europe with a robust fleet management solution across Europe.

Commercial Van safety performance improving significantly

The latest Euro NCAP Commercial Van ratings show a significant improvement in the performance of ADAS available on commercial vans. Seven of the tested vehicles (40%) received Euro NCAP’s Commercial Van Platinum rating and performed substantially better than the EU General Safety Regulation.

Toyota to host IAATI conference

Toyota will host the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators UK Branch national vehicle crime conference on 9-10 July at its manufacturing plant in Derbyshire, underscoring it’s commitment to combating vehicle crime.

Rimac unveils Verne EV

Rimac has shifted from hypercars to autonomous transportation with the unveiling of Verne, a new electric, autonomous fleet of taxis to be launched in Zagreb in 2026.

People

LKQ Corporation has appointed Justin Jude as its new President and CEO.
Motor Insurers Bureau has named Angus Easton as CEO.
Mark Whiting has been appointed Bodyshop Assistant Manager at Dick Lovett Group.
Michael Massey has been named Head of Technical Capability & Innovation at FMG Repair Services.
The IMI has announced a strategic transition of its executive team, with Kevin Finn stepping in as Executive Chair during the transition, Azlina Bulmer as Managing Director and Simon Barrell as Chief Financial Officer.
Aston Barclay Vehicle Remarketing has appointed Eddie Thomson as Chief Operating Officer.
Adam Wood is appointed Managing Director Renault brand UK and Country Head Renault Group UK, replacing Guillaume Sicard.

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GSR2 makes ADAS mandatory from 7 July

5 July 2024

Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

The European Union’s New Vehicle General Safety Regulation (GSR2) comes into effect on 7 July, making a number of ADAS features mandatory in vehicles.

These include Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW), and Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS).

The UK has not yet signed up to GSR2, although Northern Ireland will adopts its protocols, with some fearing this could see the UK falling behind Europe when it comes to vehicle safety standards.

Yousif Al Ani, Principal Engineer – ADAS, at Thatcham Research, said: “Crash avoidance is the future of automotive safety. KSI (killed or seriously injured) statistics amongst vulnerable road users remain stubbornly high at more than 11,000 each year. The key to reducing these numbers is through the wider introduction of active crash avoidance systems.

“The UK is yet to sign up to GSR2. The technology mandated by this directive is already found in most new cars and the UK could be at risk of falling behind in automotive safety by not adopting it.

GSR2 was first applied in July 2022, with Phase One mandating additional technical requirements on new vehicle models.

Phase Two stipulated ADAS features in new vehicles from July 2022 and existing vehicles from July 2024, with Phase Three mandating an increase in scope to include Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) and additional pedestrian and cyclist AEB.

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Motor premiums up 34% in a year

5 July 2024

Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, vehicle sales and Words

New data has revealed that the average quoted price of car insurance rose by 34% in the year to May.

This is according to the latest Consumer Intelligence Car Insurance Price Index.

However, the trend could be working the other way. The three months to May saw average quoted premiums fall by 1.3%. This was the first quarterly drop since the last three months of 2021 and follows a 0.5% increase in the previous quarter, which was the lowest rise since November 2021.

That data showed that in May drivers most commonly received a quote between £500 and £749, with 21% of quotes falling in this price range. Around 58% of quotes were below £1,000.

Max Thompson, Insurance Insight Manager at Consumer Intelligence, said, “The escalation of car insurance premiums may finally be at an end, with insurers now reducing premiums and jostling to get to the top of screen on the price comparison website results pages.

“Insurers are making their pricing efforts more visible to consumers. There are now more price cut offers visible on quotes than messages relating to cover benefits, which is the first time this has been the case since July 2022.”

Average overall quoted premiums have risen 122.7% since October 2013 when Consumer Intelligence first started collecting data.

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ARC360 News – Friday, 28 June 2024

28 June 2024

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 Group has 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.

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Charge Up: EV Quartly Insights

28 June 2024

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.

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 104,781 registered 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.