ARC360 News – Friday 1 September 2023

Copart expands Disability Adaption training

Copart has underlined its Copart Cares commitment by announcing plans to extend Disability Adaptations and Awareness Training to all colleagues.

AFV training date announced

Park Lodge International and Jeff Mack Consultancy will be hosting its unique Alternative-Fuelled Vehicles Post-Accident & Investigation Training course at Morelli Eyebox, Coventry, on 21 September.

The IMI-approved seven-hour course has been developed to help everyone from first responders to insurance investigators and recovery agents identify and manage the post-accident risks associated with alternative-fuelled vehicles.

Car production enjoys July spike

Car production in the UK soared by 31.6% in July to 76,451 units. However, this remains 29% below pre-pandemic levels of July 2019.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed that production of battery-powered vehicles increased by 74% to 30,180 units while commercial vehicle output was up 9.3% in July to 8,853 units.

Cougar leads LV= CSI scores

Luton-based Cougar Accident Repair Centre topped the LV= network CSI feedback charts in July.

Finesse expansion continues with third site

Bracknell-based Finesse Accident Repair Centres is opening its third site next month.

The17,500 sqft workshop will be the largest in the group and is currently recruiting for a number of positions.

RWC unveils new training site

Milton Keynes-based RWC Training has opened a new 10,000 sqf training centre.  

The site includes dedicated AFV and ADAS zones as well as eight welding bays to offer customers bespoke training and assessments across all bodyshop needs.

Auto Windscreens trials HVO-powered vans

Auto Windscreens has launched a new trial to power its fleet vehicles with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

The vans can operate on both diesel and HVO without requiring any modification.

Warning signs on the path to mass EV adoption

A new blog by S&P Global Mobility has warned of a raft of potential problems that could come with mass EV adoption.

It says the supply chain could face significant disruption as a result on an over-reliance on Chinese production, while cost and a shortage of charging infrastructure could also result in poor driver experience.

JLR to cut freight emissions by 84%

JLR will cut CO2e emissions of its UK road freight fleet by 84%, or 8,433 tonnes, by transitioning to a combination of battery, Bio-CNG and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil powered HGVs.

The new fleet will be operational by next April.

Mitchell data reveals rising EV repairs in North America

Electric vehicle repairable claims frequency rose to 1.49% in the US and 2.64% in Canada in the second quarter, up 0.36% and 0.23% respectively on the first quarter.

This is according to data released by Mitchell, which also revealed that EV repair costs continue to exceed those of ICE automobiles, £765 higher on average in the US and £1,056 in Canada.

New car sales still upwards mobile

The latest monthly Car Market Overview from cap hpi has revealed a strong uptick in new car sales in July, while the used car market continues to struggle as prices remain high.

It reported that 143,921 new cars were registered in the month, an increase of 28.3% over last year. This makes a full 12 months of growth for the market.

People

Direct Line Group is appointing Aviva UK and Ireland CEO Adam Winslow as new CEO.

Aviva UK and Ireland has named Aviva Canada CEO Jason Storah as new CEO. He will take up his role in quarter one 2024.

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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02-05-2025

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AFV training date announced

Park Lodge International and Jeff Mack Consultancy, will be hosting its unique Alternative-Fuelled Vehicles Post-Accident & Investigation Training course at Morelli Eyebox, Coventry, on 21 September.

The IMI-approved seven-hour course has been developed to help everyone from first responders to insurance investigators and recovery agents identify and manage the post-accident risks associated with alternative-fuelled vehicles.

The course addresses legislation around health and safety, fire safety and waste, effective risk management and appropriate control measures, as well as identifying the tooling and PPE required.

Jeff Mack, who spoke at ARC360’s specialist EV event, EV-olution, at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry, said, “We’re learning new things every day. The biggest issue is people saying it’s too costly to do the training, but the risks of a lack of knowledge are too severe. The first step is knowing what you’re dealing with, or you may end up sending the wrong person with the wrong recovery vehicle to the scene.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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02-05-2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 25 August 2023

What an EV future might look like

While there remains some negativity towards electric vehicles and some doubt that they will own the future exclusively, EV Bodyshops and The Novo Group have proven that whatever challenges the technology presents can be overcome.

Adam Thurman, Managing Director, EV Bodyshops, and James Allenby, Managing Director, The Novo Group, took part in a session, What an EV future looks like, at ARC360’s specialist EV event, The EV-olution, at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry.

Copart Ecologi milestone

Copart has underscored its Plan-Net-Zero commitment by planting more than 1,000 trees as part of the Ecologi platform.

The trees have been planted in the UK, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Senegal, and Ethiopia.

AEG update

Audatex has announced its latest AudaEnterprise Gold data release, which adds 99 new and updated model sheets to its vehicle database.

Alongside cars and motorbikes, these also include a large number of HGV commercial vehicles, with labour times, part numbers and paint and material costs now available.

Finalists revealed for Greener Bodyshop Awards

The NBRA and VBRA have announced the finalists for the fourth Greener Bodyshop Awards, which take place on 14 September.

The award categories are Greener Bodyshop Award, Bodyshop Staff Wellbeing Award, Environmental Innovation Award, Diversity and Inclusion Award, Outstanding Support for Bodyshop Award, Carbon Footprint Award, Carbon Footprint Year-on-Year Improver Award, Charity Award, Pride of Bodyshop Award and NBRA Special Award.

Colleagues take on Tour de Mind charity ride

A group of seven automotive and insurance professionals will ride 1,185 miles from Oxford to Spain to raise money for mental health charities Mind and Young Mind.

Taking part in Tour de Mind are Victoria Turner, Pablo Linares Lopez, Martyn Rowley, Mark Stuart, Lee Wallbank, Chace Gittings, Kelly Clarke, Martin Anderton and Tim Pepper.

Engines rev up for AutoRaise Rally

Contestants are revving up for the start of the AutoRaise Rally, which will follow a route through East Anglia and the Lincolnshire Wolds from 7-9 September.

Among those taking part are Ian Brown and Steve Warwick from Solera Audatex, who will drive a Mini Cooper being reconditioned by apprentices as James Alpe repair centre.

Yoga and Ageas extend partnership

Online broker Yoga Insurance is now offering Ageas van insurance to its customers. Yoga and Ageas already have a partnership in place to provide private car insurance to customers.

LTN’s impacting recruitment and retention

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods are having a negative impact on recruitment, staff retention and vehicle logistics.

That is according to Matt Boscott, Manager of Motofix Oxford, who was speaking at the group’s half-year review.

Repairers setting the standard

Underlining the industry’s commitment to safe repairs and outstanding service, four more bodyshops are celebrating passing the BS 10125 vehicle repair standard.

They are Sunderland-based C & C Vehicle Services, Fix Auto UK Litchfield, Motofix Accident Repair Centres in Cirencester, and Wolverhampton-based Hodson and Son.

UK-first for D Gawthrope ACR

Yorkshire repairer D Gawthrope ACR has become the first Mercedes-Benz MirrorCam calibration centre in the UK after installing the Haweka AXIS4000 wheel alignment system and CMC4000 Chassis measuring system.

‘There’s More to Motor’

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is launching a social media campaign to attract new talent to the industry by highlighting the career opportunities available to school leavers, graduates and those changing careers.

‘There’s More to Motor’ will see those already working in the sector sharing their career experiences.

Car Care Plan acquires Verex

Verex Insurance Services and Verex Assistance have been acquired by Car Care Plan after entering into administration on 18 August.

Car Care Plan will take over all services previously provided by Verex.

Polestar registrations soar by 174%

Polestar is the fastest growing car brand in the UK in the first seven months of the year.

Registrations have soared by 174% compared to 2022, with more than 20,000 Polestar 2 models now on UK roads.

GM to introduce V2H charging tech to EVs

General Motors has announced it will introduce vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging technology to electric vehicles by 2026.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST will be the first model to receive the technology, followed by the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali, 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ and the Cadillac ESCALADE IQ.

Entries open for Self-driving Industry Awards

Entries for the inaugural Self-driving Industry Awards are now open.

Presented by Cars of the Future, the awards recognise excellence in the following categories: Hardware, Software, V2X, Design, Aftermarket, Insurance, Legal, Research, Testing, and Trust.

FMG to cut ribbon on new site

FMG Repair Services has announced it will open a new 24,000 sqft flagship repair centre in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.

The company’s 65th UK site will open next month and take the group’s annual repair capacity to beyond 100,000 vehicles.

Father and son announce fourth Fix Auto UK site

Fix Auto UK franchisees Stephen and Sam Smith will expand operations with their fourth site.

Fix Auto South Leeds, a new 10,000 sqft repair centre, is expected to be operational by the middle of next month, joining the father and son’s existing sites Fix Auto Leeds North, Fix Auto Keighley and Fix Auto Bradford South.

People

Lee Berrell has been named Head of Product, Performance and Motrio at Renault Group.

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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Car Care Plan acquires Verex

Verex Insurance Services and Verex Assistance have been acquired by Car Care Plan after entering into administration on 18 August.

Car Care Plan, which has been providing motor insurance for more than 40 years and guarantees repairs with approved parts and qualified technicians, will take over all services previously provided by Verex.

The company said, “We are delighted with the acquisition of the capabilities of Verex and we welcome Verex’s many talented employees to the Car Care Plan team. Any policies purchased via Verex is still valid and will continue to be covered as normal.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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02-05-2025

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EVs and the insurer perspective

More than nine out of 10 attendees at ARC360’s specialist EV event, EV-olution, predicted a ‘noticeable’ or ‘significant’ increase in electric vehicle claims in the next two years.

Only eight per cent expected the rise to be minimal.

However, most do not foresee EVs becoming the majority of their claims/work mix for some time yet, with 32% saying it would take another six to nine years and 28% saying nine to 12 years. A further eight per cent did not think it would happen for another 12-15 years with just one per cent expecting EVs to overtake ICE vehicles in under three years.

It is exactly this variable volume and unknowable timeline that has left many businesses in a state of uncertainty – committing to EVs is costly and for many there is no guarantee of a swift return on an investment.

Challenge

For insurers, this poses a significant challenge in terms of both underwriting and repair capacity.

LV= and Direct Line Group have taken slightly different approaches to these challenges, but in each case the focus is on close collaboration with repairers.

Speaking during a session entitled, EVs and the insurer perspective, Chris Payne, Head of Networks & Engineering, LV= Insurance, said, “We’ve been quite aggressive in the electric vehicle market over recent years and have quite a chunk of the marketshare. We have our own EV policy proposition which is going well.

“EV claims volumes are quite low for us, but we need to make sure we’ve got the capability ready for the future. We have about 100 approved repairers nationally and we also have 37 sole sites across our partners. They are not owned by LV=, but they are 100% dedicated to LV=.

“We have minimum standards across all our sites because regardless of volumes, all repairers need to be EV ready. We understand that is a challenge, but we need repairers, they’re fundamental to our business, so we give us much investment support to our repairers as possible to make sure they have the right skills and training and tooling and equipment.

“It is a collaborative approach. We talk to them to understand their challenges and help them overcome them as quickly as we can, and for us it’s a great way to test and learn new and better ways of working.”

Own network

DLG’s model is slightly different. It operates its own bodyshop network and although volumes are still small invests heavily in its repairers to ensure they are EV-ready.  This means continuous investment in tooling and training.

Maria Loukadaki, Motor Repair Specialist, Future Technology Specialist, Direct Line Group explained, “We think it is easier to keep EV repairs in our network. We can control the costs and it gives our underwriting team valuable data. We can also control the quality of the job by making sure our people are trained and they are following the methods. It is a big investment to remain fit for the future, but even if you just have one EV on site the process needs to be there.”

However, both Chris and Maria agreed that EVs do present challenges. New models from China are entering the market and not all come with established repair methods – Chris called for greater regulation around this – while their sustainability credentials will remain in question until batteries are more easily repaired or recycled.

Maria said, “Manufacturers want us to replace rather than repair, but how long can we keep throwing good parts away and remain sustainable? They need to consider repairability in design and talk to the industry more. We are not their competitors. We want to insure and repair their vehicles so they need to talk to us more.”

Chris agreed, “The biggest step-change will come when we start repairing batteries instead of writing them off. In 10 years’ time we need to be repairing batteries and battery cells. But we need manufacturer support to get there. The common denominator to all of us is customer retention – manufacturers and insurers both want to retain customers but if cars are not easy to repair we’re going to price that vehicle out of the market. Customers won’t buy them and manufacturers won’t sell them.”

Future

Going forward, more change is coming. It is unlikely that EVs will be the majority powertrain in the UK car parc by 2030 despite government intentions, but they are not the only change impacting the sector.

“The challenge doesn’t stop with EVs, it starts with EVs,” warned Maria. “At DLG, our vision is to make sure the customers remain our focus. We need to make sure we can repair their vehicles no matter what technologies they have in them, and that our products are relevant to them.”

EV-olution was held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry with the support of sponsors Thatcham Research and Control€xpert, as well as Corporate Partners and Partners.

ARC360’s specialist EV-olution event was sponsored by Thatcham Research and ControlExpert, along with ARC360 Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Copart, Entegral, Enterprise, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance, S&G Response, and Solera Audatex, and Partners: Gemini Accident Repair Centres, Repairify, and Prasco UK.

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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EVs drive used car market revival

Surging sales of electric vehicles powered a 4.1% rise in the UK’s used car market in the second quarter of the year.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 1,832,267 units changed hands between April and June, which is 72,583 more than the same period last year.

Used electric vehicle sales soared by 81.8% to 30,645 units, with double-digit growth also recorded for both plug-in hybrids (11.4%) and hybrids (29.5%).

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “It’s great to see a recharged new car sector supporting demand for used cars and, in particular, helping more people to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle. Meeting the undoubted appetite for pre-owned EVs will depend on sustaining a buoyant new car market and on the provision of accessible, reliable charging infrastructure powered by affordable, green energy. This, in turn, will allow more people to drive zero at a price point suited to them, helping accelerate delivery of our environmental goals.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 11 August 2023

SYNETIQ and LV= provide key to sustainability

SYNETIQ has launched a client initiative with LV= Insurance which sees unused keys sold to raise money for charity. The two businesses have come together to sell unused keys for reuse to support the insurer’s chosen charity, FamilyAction.

Copart to open new Corby Operation Centre

Copart UK is opening a new Operation Centre in Corby, Northamptonshire.

The site, expected to be operational by the autumn, will enable Copart to increase vehicle storage capacity in this region by 32%.

Repair volumes dip in July

Trend Tracker’s latest Market Intelligence Report has revealed that repair volume demand is still tracking at 95% of pre-pandemic levels, although it has identified significant monthly fluctuations with June at 107% and July dipping to 87%.It also found that repair inflation is slowing down with a drop in year-on-year increases, although it remains at record levels.

Battery recycling a significant sustainability challenge

SYNETIQ has examined the challenges posed to the industry by battery recycling, and revealed how it is working with the sector to find best outcomes.

LKQ Corporation completes Uni-Select acquisition

LKQ Corporation has completed the acquisition of Uni-Select, which distributes automotive refinish and industrial coatings and related products in North America and the UK.

Europcar expands EV fleet

Europcar is upgrading its fleet of electric vehicles. It has made new premium Mercedes-Benz models available to customers as well as the ORA Funky Cat.

IMI report reveals gender divide

The Institute of the Motor Industry’s Baseline Report has identified stark challenges around gender equality, with just 19% of those working in automotive female.

The report also revealed that vacancies have risen to a 21-year high, with 758,000 jobs unfilled.

Axalta publishes strong profits

Axalta has reported that net sales increased 4.8% year-on-year in the second quarter, while income from operations totalled £108m compared to £81m in the same quarter of 2022.

PartsXchange announces AutoParts partnership

Online marketplace for recycled parts PartsXchange has announced a new partnership with Charlton Recycled AutoParts.

As part of the deal it will now list AutoParts’ range of green parts on its website.

EV sales soar in second quarter

Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has revealed that the UK’s used car market rose by 4.1% in the second quarter of the year.

It found that 1,832,267 units changed hands, with used battery electric vehicle sales growing by 81.8% to 30,645 units.

New scrappage scheme launched in London

A new £110m scrappage scheme has been introduced in London to help drivers prepare for the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on 29 August 2023.

The scheme will offer grants to motorists looking to scrap or retrofit vehicles that do not meet new emissions standards.

Drivers urged to display emissions stickers

UK motorists heading to Europe this year risk a £154 fine if their vehicles do not meet air quality regulations.

Drivers have been warned to apply for and display the correct windscreen stickers before travelling, adding that different regions require different stickers.

Fix Auto Devon sites complete EV training

Fix Auto Crediton and Fix Auto Newton Abbot have completed Thatcham Research’s EV Aware and EV Ready training programmes.

The online courses, available via Thatcham Research’s ecademy learning platform, ensures all colleagues have the level of knowledge suitable to their jobs to handle electric vehicles.

Premiums reach record highs

Motor insurance premiums reached a record high in the second quarter of 2023, with the average comprehensive policy now £511. This is a seven per cent rise on the first quarter and 21% up on the same quarter of 2022.

Meanwhile, insurers paid out £2.4bn in all motor insurance claims in the first quarter of this year, a rise of 14% on the first quarter of 2022.

Government launches EV inquiry

The government has launched a new inquiry into electric vehicles as it considers the viability of its proposed 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. It is seeking real-world insights from drivers, manufacturers, repairers and all industry stakeholders around buying experience, aftersales support, charging and end-of-life disposal.

People

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has appointed John Ricardo-Neto as its new Head of Product Planning. 

LV= has appointed Matt Crabtree as Head of Finance Crime Strategy.

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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SYNETIQ and LV= provide key to sustainability

SYNETIQ has launched a client initiative with LV= Insurance which sees unused keys sold to raise money for charity. 

The two businesses have come together to sell unused keys for reuse to support the insurer’s chosen charity, FamilyAction – an organisation which supports families when they need it the most.

SYNETIQ already recycles 96.4% of all dismantled vehicles and by combining synergies of care and sustainability, SYNETIQ and LV= Insurance have found this initiative to be crucial to reducing waste further. The pair have so far raised over £500 for the charity with more to come.

Sarah Hirst, Client and Green Parts Director said: “We are proud to work with LV= on this project to sell unused car keys for reuse and help our client raise funds for their chosen charity. We care about making a difference to our clients, charitable causes and the planet. This is a simple impactful initiative that helps raise money for a great cause which is also sustainable.

“We look to roll this out to other clients in the future following the successful trial with LV=.”

Becci Yates, Claims Supplier Manager at LV= Insurance said:“We are delighted to work together with SYNETIQ on this project, not only to reuse keys but to raise funds for Family Action.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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ARC360 Market Intelligence: July 2023

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Best practice and best outcomes: EV batteries

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to best practice, and good outcomes differ according to sector, service and customer. For SYNETIQ, best practice is about ensuring that total losses are managed in the most effective and efficient way for both the customer and the environment.

EVs present a wholly new concern in this area; here, SYNETIQ discusses the challenges posed by battery recycling, and how it is working with the wider industry to find best outcomes.

According to the DVLA, over 960,000 vehicles were taken off the roads last year and as a leading vehicle recycler, it’s our responsibility to adopt and share best practice when handling these vehicles to ensure our clients and their policyholders get the best outcome.

Best practice is a feature in the management standards ISO 9000 and ISO 14001 and we are accredited for both. Achieving these standards means we must evidence the fact that we work towards best practice in our daily duties. We also carry out internal audits against our processes and ISO clauses.

Discovering best practice is a continuing process we go through when adapting and responding to external factors that can have an impact on our business.

External influencers such as new technology, changes in the economy, Brexit and Covid-19 have taught us that as a business we can be agile in our ways of working and continue to deliver for our clients.

It is important to identify your own best practices and adopt ones that suit your business needs. Implementing another company’s best practice could result in trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

At SYNETIQ, we have seen a tenfold increase in electrified car and van disposal in the past two years. As a recycler, we have a responsibility to dispose of EV batteries in the safest, most cost-effective, and sustainable way.

As our industry navigates the undiscovered world of EV battery recycling, where best practice is yet to be clearly understood, we’re working with experts to research sustainable and cost-effective disposal.

Earlier this year, we teamed up with automotive risk intelligence company Thatcham Research in a project to focus on electric vehicle collision repair and salvage processes.

Very little is known about the risks presented by EVs and what we do know is that there is currently a lack of affordable or available repair solutions and post-accident diagnostics. As we continue on our journey in the discovery of a best practice solution to this issue, we need more data from manufacturers to be able to process the vehicles in a safe, cost-efficient, and sustainable way.

A joined-up approach and more knowledge-sharing throughout the entire supply chain would help to facilitate the safe handling and repairing as well as recycling and repurposing of collision-damaged BEVs. This would support the industry in creating a sustainable, cost-effective way of handling the batteries and electrical components.

As we’re still in the research stage to determine what best practices are for battery recycling, one thing we do know is that it will certainly be worth the time we have invested. We’re leading the way on this subject, and we look forward to sharing the findings so everyone can get the very best outcome.

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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02-05-2025

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