Insurance, People, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words
A new study by Thatcham Research has revealed that more than half of UK drivers think they can buy a fully autonomous car today.
It found that 77% of those surveyed between the ages of 17 and 24 believe fully self-driving cars are now available, while 41% of those aged 55 and over also believe this.
This is despite the fact that only assisted driving systems which require driver support are currently available in the UK, and when self-driving capabilities are introduced in 2025 it will be limited initially to automated lane keeping systems on motorways.
Matthew Avery, Chief Strategic Research Officer, Thatcham Research, said, “With more than half of the UK public believing that autonomous driving is here today, the perception is racing ahead of the reality. This demonstrates just how much work needs to be done to set realistic consumer expectations of the first vehicles offering limited self-driving functionality, when they do become available. Put simply, the benefits of Automation will not be delivered if people don’t fully understand its limitations.”
Encouragingly, while most believe the technology is now available, the majority of drivers are in no rush to buy a self-driving vehicle. Thatcham Research’s Trust in Automation study found that 44% of respondents said they would wait for the technology to mature before purchasing a self-driving car, while 16% said they would purchase a vehicle with self-driving technology only if it comes with a car they already intended to buy.
Nearly a quarter (24%) said they would never buy a car with self-driving capability.
Matthew concluded, “Drivers are beginning to recognise that Automation can deliver significant societal benefit in terms of safety, mobility and sustainability. However, the industry must be cautious with the language employed to sell automation and drivers must be made aware of the limitations of systems. “It’s vital that all industry stakeholders come together to instil trust in Automation by ensuring motorists have a firm grasp of their legal obligations and the performance limitations of systems.”
Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has launched a new Automotive Career Guide to attract new talent to the industry.
This comes after SMMT research found that 49% of UK automotive companies are concerned about the skills gap and their ability to fill key roles.
The new guide provides a key resource for school leavers, graduates and career changers on the vast range of new opportunities in the industry, from research and development in autonomous and zero-emission vehicles to technical roles in the aftermarket.
It also provides employer details and advice on how to find the right job or apprenticeship, interview techniques and scholarship and bursary opportunities.
It is hoped this will help bridge the gap between skills and vacancies, with SMMT research revealing that 73% of companies in the industry are experiencing recruitment challenges in operations and manufacturing roles. This is despite the fact that the sector offers salaries 14% higher than the average.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Britain’s world-leading automotive sector is delivering the vehicles of the future, today, and the skills and commitment of a new generation of diverse and talented workers will secure its success. There has never been a more exciting time to work in the industry, with some of Britain’s best paid, rewarding and long-lasting careers, and a breadth of opportunities at the vanguard of the Net Zero and AI revolution. SMMT’s new Career Guide offers a valuable resource, providing advice on how to join the sector in roles as diverse as design, data analytics, engineering and marketing, leading the charge towards a zero emission future.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
ARC360 has revealed the full agenda for its forthcoming Gaining Ground Together 2022 event taking place at The Manufacturing Technology Centre on Thursday 24 November.
The event – which is free to attend for registered repairers – is sponsored by GT Motive and supported by ARC360 Corporate Partners: Solera Audatex; BASF; BMS; CAPS; Copart; EMACS; Entegral; Enterprise; Innovation Group; Mirka; Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance; and S&G; along with Partners: Repairify; The Green Parts Specialists; Indasa; and Prasco UK; and Associate Partners: Gemini ARC; Trend Tracker; and Thatcham Research.
The day will include a host of topical sessions featuring some of the key persons of influence from across the motor claims sector. Attendees will also be invited to join the conversation via the use of audience engagement technology.
Sessions include a ‘state of the nation’ look at market data and how it actually translates to everyday operations and future planning; a look at how to ensure customer happiness during challenging times; a focus on importance and impact of ESG on the supply chain; and the changing wants and needs across supply chains. The day will also feature an exclusive look at the latest technology to be deployed within the technician training environment.
Tickets, sponsorship and exhibition spaces are all available for the event.
Taking place on Thursday 24 November at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry, the event which is free to access for registered repairers will see Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services, Thatcham Research provide an overview of the latest advances in learning environments including its ‘mixed reality device’ HoloLens.
One of the region’s leading vehicle repairers with a heritage spanning almost three decades, the three-acre site features a workshop space of more than 27,000 sqft that can handle up to 200 car and light commercial vehicle repairs a month.
Due to be introduced in 2023, the Repairify Institute will employ innovative training methods such as adaptive learning, which adjusts teachings according to the person’s individual strengths and weaknesses, with additional features including a mentorship support programme and a Proof of Skill concept that enables students to demonstrate their new skills.
He won bronze in the Car Painting Skills category, and also picked up second place in the Sustainable Practice Awards.
The competition, supported by BASF’s premium paint brand Glasurit, replaced the 46th edition WorldSkills that was cancelled in May due to the pandemic.
The two-day final at Cardiff and Vale College will take place in November, when 24 students and apprentices will demonstrate their skills across a range of tasks in four areas: Automotive Technology, Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Refinishing and Heavy Vehicle Technology.
ISO27001 is the world’s most well-established standard for information security management systems (ISMS) and accreditation recognises a company’s commitment to protecting data and information entrusted by third parties.
CIECA (Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association) develops collision industry electronic standards, codes and standard messages and provides implementation guides to make the industry more efficient.
The company said, “This would not be possible without our loyal team of qualified technicians and staff being committed to providing the highest standards of service every single day.”
According to the Confused.com Car Insurance Price Index, premiums have risen four quarters in a row with six per cent rises recorded in the last three months.
In this webinARC we offer a host of interviews, comments and insights via recorded interviews focusing on business development opportunities and challenges in 2023 and beyond.
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Covid 19, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words
A new report has found that half of workers in the UK have reported worse mental health since the outbreak of Covid-19.
Nearly half (48%) said they were experiencing ‘burn out’ and more than a third (35%) said they felt depressed.
Despite this, only a third of companies have increased wellbeing support since pandemic.
These were the headline findings of a report, Making Mental Health Top of the Agenda, commissioned by leading digital mental health provider SilverCloud.
It also found that those suffering with poor mental health saw their work performance drop, with lower concentration levels (60%), reduced productivity (56%), reduced quality (40%), and a deterioration in working relationships (26%).
Dr Carolyn Lorian, Head of Clinical Transformation at SilverCloudsaid,“These findings reinforce the crucial role that businesses can play in supporting their workforces to unlock human and business potential; however, just 28% of employees believe employers are doing enough. This gap between employee reality and employer perception and action needs to be addressed.”
The new research also revealed increases in productivity and profitability are being unlocked by companies who invest in their workforce’s mental health. Over half (55%) of employers have seen an increase in staff productivity, plus increases in profitability (40%) and a reduction in absenteeism.
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Thatcham Research is set to provide delegates at ARC360’s forthcoming ‘Gaining Ground Together 2022’ event with an exclusive first look at its Microsoft HoloLens technician training capabilities.
Taking place on Thursday 24 November at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry, the event which is free to access for registered repairers will see Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services, Thatcham Research provide an overview of the latest advances in learning environments including its ‘mixed reality device’ HoloLens.
Thatcham Research first deployed HoloLens back in March 2021 as part of its Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) apprentice onboarding process. Since this time, the Automotive Academy team has been refining the use cases – advancing its virtual teaching environment capabilities and deploying these within its blended technician learning environment.
Dean said, “Just as vehicle technology continues to become ever more expansive, so too does the role for technology in delivering our training programmes. Working patterns and practices have shifted permanently because of the pandemic and flexibility has come to the fore in a competitive jobs market, where hybrid models continue to challenge conventional ways of working.
“At our Automotive Academy we’re welcoming hundreds of apprentices who will contribute to rebalancing the ageing repair workforce and bring much-needed cutting-edge skills to bodyshops.”
The day – sponsored by GT Motive – will include a host of ‘quickfire’ sessions focused on providing greater insight and context to market conditions including a ‘state of the nation’ look at market data and how it actually translates to everyday operations and future planning; procurement and battling the challenges of rising claims inflation; and the importance and impact of ESG on the supply chain.
ARC360 is supported by Corporate Partners: Solera Audatex; BASF; BMS; CAPS; Copart; EMACS; Entegral; Enterprise; Innovation Group; Mirka; Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance; and S&G; along with Partners: Repairify; The Green Parts Specialists; Indasa; and Prasco UK; and Associate Partners: Gemini ARC; Trend Tracker; and Thatcham Research.
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Andrew Hooker, Head of Technical at Solus Accident Repair Centres is set to unravel how and why environmental, social and governance (ESG) is now so vital within the accident repair supply chain at the ARC360 conference in November.
Andrew will provide an insight into how Solus – the 21 site repairer network owned by Aviva – is working to align its ESG practices with those of its insurer parent. From his unique perspective, Andrew will explore the reasons why; how it is achieved; and what a clear ESG strategy means for a sustainable future for all working relationships.
Taking place on Thursday 24 November at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry the ‘Gaining Ground Together’ themed event is offering free access to repairers who register as it bids to bring the repairer and supply chain communities closer.
Mark Hadaway, co-founder of ARC360, said, “Having the support of Andrew and Solus, with such a wealth of experience and understanding from both insurer and repairer perspectives, is a major coup for the event and aligns perfectly with the ARC360 theme of ‘Gaining Ground Together’.
“With ESG being such a topical subject, the session is sure to provide a great insight into both the realities of ingraining stringent ESG practices but so too the future expectations for supply chain partnerships.”
The event – sponsored by GT Motive – will also feature a host of ‘quickfire’ sessions focused on providing greater insight and context to market conditions via a ‘state of the nation’ look at market data and how it translates to everyday operations and future planning; procurement and battling the challenges of rising claims inflation; and an exclusive look at the latest technology to be deployed within the technician training environment.
The speaker line-up revealed to date includes:
Chris Brightmore, CEO, Chartwell
Andrew Eade, Head of AD Strategy & Fulfilment at First Central
Dawn Marsden, Head of GI Supplier Management, LV= Insurance
Nick Sweetman, Head of Vehicle Repair & Service Operations for UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings
Sharna Thomson, Head of Customer – UK Claims, Zurich Insurance
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
Customer satisfaction, reshaping supply chain relationships and having the ‘why’ in your business are just some of the key topics set for November’s ARC360 ‘Gaining Ground Together’ event.
Taking place on Thursday 24 November at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Coventry the event will kick-off with a ‘state of the nation’ round-up of the latest data and hot topics of the day, followed by a host of sessions focusing on the implications of the current challenging socio-economic factors.
With well-documented challenges around areas such as inflation, parts availability and talent pool the event will bring into focus just what this means for general business practices and processes, and discuss how optimising such areas can provide significant benefit now and into the future.
Taking to the stage to help explore these three key areas are:
Chris Brightmore, CEO, Chartwell
Dawn Marsden, Head of GI Supplier Management, LV= Insurance
Sharna Thomson, Head of Customer – UK Claims, Zurich Insurance
They join the previously announced speakers:
Andrew Eade, Head of AD Strategy & Fulfilment at First Central
Nick Sweetman, Head of Vehicle Repair & Service Operations for UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings
Chris Weeks, Executive Director of the NBRA
More names are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
The day – sponsored by GT Motive and free to attend for registered repairers – will include a host of ‘quickfire’ sessions focused on providing greater insight and context to market conditions. It will deliver a ‘state of the nation’ look at market data and how it actually translates to everyday operations and future planning; explore procurement and battling the challenges of rising claims inflation; and the importance and impact of ESG on the supply chain.
The day will also feature an exclusive look at the latest technology to be deployed within the technician training environment.
ARC360 is supported by Corporate Partners: Solera Audatex; BASF; BMS; CAPS; Copart; EMACS; Entegral; Enterprise; Innovation Group; Mirka; Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance; and S&G; along with Partners: Repairify; The Green Parts Specialists; Indasa; and Prasco UK; and Associate Partners: Gemini ARC; Trend Tracker; and Thatcham Research.
Tickets, sponsorship and exhibition spaces are all now available for the event. Contact jonathan@iloveclaims.com for details or click here.
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words
The Mercedes-EQ EQE achieved the highest ever score in Assisted Driving Gradings in the latest round of Euro NCAP testing.
The Gradings measure not just the safety systems in place, but the clarity of the marketing around them.
The EQE’s overall Assisted Driving rating of ‘very good’ was the best ever achieved, with an Assistance Competence score of 85%. The model also became the first to achieve a perfect Safety Back-Up result of 100%.
Matthew Avery, Chief Research Strategy Officer, Thatcham Research, said, “Mercedes is a brand that appears to be getting Assisted Driving right. Driver expectations are managed successfully thanks to appropriate naming conventions and marketing that clearly positions system function as ‘assisted’.
“The driver is encouraged to understand that it’s a team effort involving cooperative driving between motorist and machine, as opposed to becoming convinced that they can check-out completely.”
The Mercedes-EQ EQE was one of seven vehicles that went through rigorous impact protection and crash avoidance testing and a separate Assisted Driving Grading.
The Atto 3 from Chinese manufacturer BYD received a five-star rating, as did the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW X1, SEAT Ibiza and VW Golf, while the Citroën C5 X and Mobilize Limo were given four-star ratings.
Bodyshop, Finance, Insurance, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Solera Audatex updated its paint materials table on Thursday, 13 October, for its Irish customers.
The updates were made to bring the table into line with recent paint manufacturer price changes, which shows an indicative average increase of 19% on the calculated paint and materials.
The company said, “These calculations are based upon updated paint material tables represented by the basket of paint brands used in our system. Please note that this is an indicative percentage for guidance purposes only, as the actual increase per job will depend on a number of factors including the specific paint operations (new part, surface, repair), paint type, and the surface to be prepared/painted (metal versus plastic).”
