Zenzic and Thatcham Research reveal plans for automated driving system consumer ratings

Zenzic, the organisation dedicated to accelerating the self-driving revolution in the UK, has announced funding for a proof-of-concept consumer safety rating for Automated Driving Systems, via Thatcham Research and CAM Testbed partners.

Initially, the independent rating will focus on Automated Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS). This technology could see motorists driving hands-free on UK motorways at limited speeds within a year. The goal is that this project will act as a basis for consumer safety rating of future Automated Driving Systems, and it is anticipated that it will later be adopted by consumer safety organisations such as Euro NCAP.

The project, which is funded by the Government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, and coordinated by Zenzic, will be led by Thatcham Research, and brings together UK expertise in safety testing. Organisations from the world-leading CAM Testbed UK will work together to develop capabilities and test procedures that will evaluate future connected and automated mobility systems like ALKS. Partners include Automotive Electronics Innovation (AESIN), Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG, the Midland Future Mobility Testbed), HORIBA Mira (Assured CAV) and IDIADA (CAVWAY).

The future independent consumer safety rating scheme will support the safe adoption of Automated Driving Systems by giving UK motorists and insurers greater clarity around the performance and safe use of automated technology. It aims to be the first of its kind in the world to independently rate the performance of Automated Driving Systems and combine virtual and physical testing.

Jonathan Hewett, Thatcham Research Chief Executive, comments, “The advent of Automated Driving promises to bring a host of benefits spanning safety, mobility and the environment. To realise this potential, we are developing an independent consumer safety rating scheme to foster confidence in the technology and its ability to control the vehicle.

“Not all Automated Driving Systems will be made equal. Therefore, an independent consumer safety rating will drive best practice, while helping consumers to make informed choices and trust that it is safe to relinquish control.”

Mark Cracknell, Head of Connected and Automated Mobility at Zenzic said: “Zenzic is pleased to announce the launch of the Consumer Safety Rating project alongside Thatcham Research and partners from CAM Testbed UK. It is an extremely exciting time for CAM, and the aims of this project will not only provide confidence in safety, for both consumers and insurers, but it could also place the UK as a global leader in the introduction, adoption and use of Automated Driving Systems.”

The project aims to have a proof of concept delivered March 2022

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Keeping the faith

Repairers and insurers have built up a new level of trust with consumers during Covid-19, but it is fragile and must not be taken for granted as the country begins to emerge from the pandemic.

That was the insightful message of the first post-summer ARC360 live webinar, held in association with I Love Claims.

The Data Jigsaw invited Jordan Chinn of the Innovation Group; insurance claims operations specialist Rob Hopkins; and Paul Sell of Trend Tracker to pick their way through the latest industry figures, but it was a far less scientific conclusion that resonated loudest.

Understanding

Rob said, ‘Customers have been very understanding of insurers and repairers who have been open with them about the challenges they’ve faced, and hybrid working has actually built up a new level of trust. It’s humanised the sector, with customers hearing dogs barking and children crying in the background during calls, but it’s fragile and we can’t take it for granted.’

He warned that fatigue of Covid-19 excuses is already setting in, and if businesses want to retain the ground they have made then they need to deliver service levels that are again being expected of them.

‘What we’ve been through has been remarkable, but customer perception is that everything is now normal again, and perception is reality so we have to respond to that very quickly.’

However, that is easier said than done.

Variations

It’s true that some consistency has returned to the industry; Trend Tracker has found that repair volumes are averaging 15% more than what they were two months ago, and fuel levels, which indicate traffic volumes, are at 85% of what they were in 2019 despite electric vehicles now taking a 15% marketshare.

But business planning remains incredibly difficult.

Although cars have returned to the road the traffic is less predictable, with commuting patterns spread out through the week. Weekdays remain less busy than they were pre-Covid-19, and the daily rush hour has extended in length, with fewer claims per hour.

School holidays have no doubt influenced this, but hybrid working remains a telling factor and could do indefinitely.

Hybrid working

Rob said, ‘The hybrid working environment has a lot more capacity and capability now, so the work commute has been disrupted and will remain that way. What we thought could never be done from home can be done from home, and although businesses will still have offices, they will use them in a different way.’

Furthermore, volumes continue to vary dramatically from region to region. While some regions are still quiet, staycation areas such as Devon and Cornwall, for example, have been inundated with work and in many cases the aftermarket has been unable to service it all.

Jordan said, ‘We have got an accurate capacity management policy in place, but we’re finding it difficult to manage volumes in the staycation hotspots because there just aren’t the bodyshops there. It’s difficult because not long ago repairers were trying to get more volume from work providers, but now they have too much volume and in some cases it’s a case of last in and first out.’

Supply

On top of this, the extreme disruption to supply chains is having a severe impact on the sector. With new cars in such short supply, the value of used cars has rocketed to never-seen-before levels.

That in turn has resulted in more damaged vehicles being repaired instead of written off, but this is not necessarily the good news for bodyshops it appears to be. The supply crisis has impacted spare parts too, with some taking 20 weeks or more to arrive. As such, repair costs have escalated.

Jordan continued, ‘We are looking to repair more vehicles, which is good news for repairers, but the parts issues mitigate any advantages repairers might get.’

Planning

Looking ahead, September could be a bell-weather month for the sector. Paul predicts it could be the best September on record for volumes, and has also identified other notable trends.

He said, ‘This could be the first month when more electric vehicles are sold than non-electric vehicles. I think in August it was 52%-48%, so we could see that shift. Also, the sale of commercial vehicles in still booming and I expect that to continue for the next three to six months.’

Paul estimates volumes climbing to 90% of pre-pandemic levels, but he admits that forecasting now is more of an art than a science, with historical data counting less than it did. Rob agreed.

He said, ‘We don’t dismiss historical data, some of it gives us a good basis, but what we see more of now are leading measures, predictors, whether it’s geographical or customer habits. Both are important, but there has been a shift to leading measures.’

ARC360, in association with I Love Claims, is supported by corporate partners BASF, BMS, Copart, EMACS, Entegral, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Innovation Group, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance, S&G Response, Sherwin Williams and CAPS; partners asTech, The Green Parts Specialists, Indasa and Prasco UK.

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Survey finds EV ownership rising fast

Over seven per cent of respondents to Trend Tracker’s EV Readiness report have an EV or hybrid vehicle – more than a five per cent increase on the expected conversion reported by ET&T in 2020.

From the 980 people who answered the survey, 71 had at least one electric or hybrid vehicle, equating to 7.2% market conversion as of June 2021.

The finding comes as data shows new car sales are seeing an exponential rise in electric and hybrid vehicles, with 38% of new vehicle sales being an electric, hybrid or mild hybrid vehicle from January to June 2021, a 94% increase from 2020 according to SMMT.

In collaboration with Consumer Intelligence, Trend Tracker issued a 27-question survey which was answered by 980 households, equating to 1,143 vehicles. In addition to this, a second 23-question survey was distributed specifically to EV owners, to understand their viewpoint having owned an EV. The second survey was answered by 146 EV owners in the UK.

Due to be launched on World EV Day – a global movement to celebrate and support the transition to EV mobility – Trend Tracker’s second in the series of quarterly reports, ‘EV Readiness’ features a wide-ranging industry study, expert insight and analysis of the latest EV market trends.

The ‘EV Readiness’ Report is free to subscribers of Trend Tracker and available to purchase.

This report will be followed by a focus on Supply Chain Sustainability in the Autumn.

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News Round Up: Friday 3 September 2021

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webinARC Wednesday makes a return as we catch up on developments and insights from across the sector. In this episode we explore what the ‘summer’ has meant for claims; do the numbers tell us anything new; and what can we expect in the coming weeks as work/life patterns resume.

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Report reveals changing EV market

Electric car (EV) insurance is currently more expensive than conventional insurance, largely due to the need for specialist parts but repair costs will improve as OEMs optimise designs.

This is according to a new ‘EV Readiness’ report from Trend Tracker scheduled for publication on World EV Day – Thursday 9 September.

The report is Trend Tracker’s second in the series of quarterly reports and features a wide-ranging industry study, expert insight and analysis of the latest EV market trends.

asTech launches ‘pay as you calibrate’

asTech, a Repairify company, has launched the industry’s first ADAS ‘pay as you calibrate’ initiative removing the upfront costs involved in purchasing ADAS equipment.

The company will offer its digital ADAS equipment with no upfront cost, and repairers will be able to pay as they use the equipment based on a small number of calibrations per week.

Meanwhile, the business has appointed Paul Cunningham as its new head of operations in the UK.

NBRA reveals Greener finalists

The NBRA has revealed the finalists for its Greener Bodyshop Awards which will take place on Thursday 9 September at West Midlands Safari Park.

Chris Weeks, Executive Director, NBRA said, “The level of nominations and interest in these awards is a great testament to the commitment our industry continues to show in doing the right thing, by our people, our planet and our eco-system.”

Trio create new prestige repair operation

A highly respected trio of industry names have teamed up to create Shorade UK Ltd to cater for the growing need for specialist, manufacturer-approved repair facilities across the UK.

The new venture, made up of Steven Shore, Shorade Accident Repair Centre; Mark O’Keefe, Finesse Accident Repair Centres; and Leon Coupland, HTH Dynamics comes after a period of close collaboration between the existing businesses.

Existing sites will continue to trade as independent companies, but will share resources, processes, management, and best practise. Shorade UK will focus on serving prestige manufacturers through the acquisition and opening of new facilities.

Fix Auto Sandhurst undergoes transformation

Fix Auto Sandhurst has completed a major programme of investment which has totally transformed the Berkshire business ravaged by fire in an arson attack in 2020.

Owner Martin Weller has spent an additional £150,000 on top of the insurance money received after arsonists destroyed his offices and part of his main workshop.

The repair centre now boasts a brand-new reception area, offices and storage facilities, while the 12,000sqft workshop has been refurbished with new flooring, efficient LED lighting and three new ramps.

Repairers announce VM approvals

HB Accident Repair Network has been appointed to the Stellantis Multi-Brand Accident Repair Network. The programme currently includes the Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall and DS Automobiles brands.

Meanwhile, Fix Auto Blackburn has become a Polestar Approved Accident Repair Centre, adding to its already impressive list of VM approvals.

Remit launches new HGV skills course

Remit Training has introduced a new training course to help technicians convert light vehicle skills to heavy vehicles.

The free 12-week Heavy Vehicle Skills Bootcamp course includes 12 hours a week of online sessions and tutor-led virtual classes, covering the theory elements of servicing and inspection, electronics, electrical systems within vehicles and bespoke EV awareness and safety.

The practical training element will be completed on the job, once the technician is employed in a heavy vehicle setting.

Cazoo acquires Cazana

Online car retailer, Cazoo has acquired automotive data insights specialists, Cazana to further optimise its car buying and pricing across the UK & Europe.

Cazana’s products include real-time vehicle valuation, pricing and stock management tools, and the acquisition by Cazoo will combine its market leading brand, proposition and platform with Cazana’s extensive data, products and expertise.

Alex Chesterman OBE, Founder & CEO of Cazoo said: “I am looking forward to welcoming the Cazana team to Cazoo as we continue our mission to deliver the best car buying and selling experience to consumers across Europe.”

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Report reveals changing EV market

Electric car (EV) insurance is currently more expensive than conventional insurance, largely due to the need for specialist parts but repair costs will improve as OEMs optimise designs.

This is according to a new ‘EV Readiness’ report from Trend Tracker scheduled for publication on World EV Day – Thursday 9 September.

The report is Trend Tracker’s second in the series of quarterly reports and features a wide-ranging industry study, expert insight and analysis of the latest EV market trends.

Some of the key findings from the report include:

•             Electric car insurance is more expensive than conventional insurance

•             The approach of major insurers to electric cars insurance cover is changing

•             The automotive supply chain currently has more concern and risk than optimism

•             The skills gap continues to widen

Paul Sell, Associate Director of Industry Insights, owners of Trend Tracker, said, “There are many key contributors to this report which is a real eye opener to the various challenges and opportunities the electrification of the car parc is presenting.”

To find out more about Trend Tracker and the EV Readiness report visit the website.

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News Round-Up: Friday 27 August 2021

Save the date…

ARC360 – Back to the Future – sees a welcome return to physical events on Thursday 25 November at the British Motor Museum, Warwickshire.

Offering an event experience to remember – including plenty of exciting ARC360 initiatives – the day will focus on just what the past means for the future of the industry.

Find out more…

McKinsey explores market rebound

Insurers are likely to confront three persistent challenges that can be addressed – at least in part – by transforming claims management to improve profitability according to a new McKinsey insight.

The insight – Are motor claims in Europe about to rebound? – explores how as mobility – and insurance claim volumes – ramp back up after the pandemic slowdown, insurers can return with a stronger claims value proposition.

It highlights three key areas: top-line pressure will continue; digital is here to stay; and inflation will affect claims costs.

Insurers respond to CCPC investigation

Six leading insurance companies have agreed to reform their internal competition law compliance programmes after an investigation by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in Ireland.

The investigation focused on anti-competitive practices in the provision of motor insurance, and although AIG Europe, Allianz, AXA Insurance, Aviva Insurance Ireland, FBD Insurance and AA Ireland all deny any breaches, each has made legal commitments to provide mechanisms for internal monitoring and whistleblowing, independent oversight and regular competition law training.

A seventh company, Brokers Ireland, has not agreed to the terms.

Covid consequences ‘permanent’ – but unknown

The incident repair market has been permanently altered by Covid-19, although the nature and extent of that change is still uncertain.

The second ILC/ARC360 Great British Motor Claims Survey found that nearly three quarters of respondents (73%) believe that impacts on supply and demand in the last year and more have changed market dynamics forever. However, what that change will look like is less clear.

AutoRaise supports Saint Gobain levy transfer

AutoRaise has acted as both the administrator and facilitator to enable Saint Gobain to approve transfers of more than £125,000 to fund new apprentice start-ups within the vehicle repair industry.

“This is fantastic for, not only our own affiliated repairers, but also others within the industry who this funding has helped. Saint Gobain’s generous offer of transferring some of their levy pot to repairers has enabled 10 new apprentices to be taken on in their bodyshops respectively,” said Steve Thompson, vice chair of AutoRaise.

FCA warns insurers over new product governance rules

Insurance firms may not be ready to implement new product governance rules there to ensure insurance provides fair value, according to a review published by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Part of the FCA’s ongoing work to ensure consumers receive fair value, the review looked at how firms designed, sold and reviewed their products to ensure they met the needs of their customers.

The FCA found too many firms are not fully meeting the FCA’s standards. In addition, many firms are likely to be unprepared to meet new enhanced rules on product governance, which come into force on 1 October 2021. These new rules are part of a wider package of remedies introduced by the FCA to tackle the loyalty penalty and ensure that firms focus on providing fair value to all their customers.

UK car manufacturing down but electrics rising

UK car manufacturing output fell -37.6% in July, the first fall since February, with just 53,438 units made, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

It represented the worst July performance since 1956 as manufacturers grappled with the global shortage of semiconductors and staff absence resulting from the ‘pingdemic’, with some altering summer shutdown timings to help manage the situation.

However, more than a quarter (26%) of all cars made in July were either battery electric (BEV), plug in hybrid (PHEV) or hybrid electric (HEV), the highest share on record.

IMI focuses on vehicle recycling standards

The IMI is calling for input from employers, industry experts and other relevant stakeholders as it develops National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the vehicle recycling sector.

NOS are used to help develop qualifications used in apprenticeship frameworks in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland as well as the IMI accreditation scheme for staff in all nations of the UK.

Phase 1 of the feedback will be carried out electronically via Teams and/or Zoom between 6 to 9 September. Phase 2 will gather feedback on the new draft NOS developed as a result of these meetings.

Cazoo opens new Customer Centre in Liverpool

Cazoo has opened its latest Customer Centre in Liverpool marking the 19th customer collection/drop off location opened by Cazoo over the past 11 months.

Cazoo has invested over £1m in the site and created 15 new customer-facing and vehicle-servicing jobs. The company is planning to open a further five Customer Centres across the UK this year.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Dunkley, ex-CEO of CarShop and ex-Sytner Group Board member, has joined Cazoo as senior strategic adviser.

Mitchell links with Inspektlabs AI

Mitchell has linked with Inspektlabs artificial intelligence (AI) to enable insurers to automatically generate an appraisal from photos or videos of collision-damaged vehicles.

Inspektlabs is the third AI provider to integrate with Mitchell Intelligent Estimating through the Mitchell Intelligent Open Platform. The claims automation solution also supports computer vision technology from Tractable and Claim Genius. 

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Covid consequences ‘permanent’ – but unknown

The incident repair market has been permanently altered by Covid-19, although the nature and extent of that change is still uncertain.

The second ILC/ARC360 Great British Motor Claims Survey found that nearly three quarters of respondents (73%) believe that impacts on supply and demand in the last year and more have changed market dynamics forever.

However, what that change will look like is less clear.

Respondents to the survey suggested that one result could be higher wages brought about by staff shortages, while bodyshops might also have to get used to steeper costs and longer lag-times for parts and materials.

It is also believed that certain trends that were underway even before Covid-19, such as consolidation and manufacturers taking more control of parts supply, will accelerate post-Covid.

But, ultimately, there are still too many variables to know for sure which changes will remain and which will revert.

The pandemic is hopefully being brought under control now, but market conditions continue to fluctuate while no one yet knows the full impact of Brexit or the legislative updates around small claims.

‘This is a moving target and will continue to ebb and flow between consumer, insurer and supply chain,’ said one respondent. ‘This will always be the case especially when there is an open market driven by competitive behaviour.’

Click here to download the full survey.

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News Round-Up: Friday 20 August 2021

Verisk adds Thatcham Research’s Variant Code

Verisk is enhancing its motor insurance solutions with Thatcham Research’s Variant Code, a unique and extensive dataset that provides updated information on the growing variety of standard and optional features in UK vehicles.

Dan Payne, Chief Digital Officer at Thatcham Research said: “This is about accurate risk assessment at a uniquely granular level.”

Sherwin Williams acquires Sika industrial coatings

Sherwin-Williams has signed an agreement to acquire the European industrial coatings business of Sika AG. The transaction is expected to close in the beginning of 2022.

Based in Germany with additional sales and technical support in Poland, Austria and Switzerland, Sika’s European industrial coating business engineers, manufactures and sells corrosion protection coating systems.

“This transaction fits our strategy of acquiring complementary, high-quality, differentiated businesses that add to our profitable growth momentum,” said Sherwin-Williams Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, John G Morikis.

Copart launches CashForCars in UK & Ireland

Copart UK has launched CashForCars.co.uk and Cash-For-Cars.ie, two new consumer-facing websites designed to enable customers to sell their car instantly, straight from their driveway.

Both CashForCars.co.uk and Cash-For-Cars.ie provide a free, online quote within sixty seconds, a free nationwide collection service, and fast payment upon receipt of the vehicle. Customers also have the option to drop off their vehicles to dedicated areas based at Copart UK’s 15 nationwide Operation Centres, and in Ireland at Copart’s Head Office or one of its sub-lot.

Any vehicle, in any condition, will be accepted via this platform, including non-runners, accident-damaged and MOT/NCT failures.

Motofix Group appoints Executive Director

Motofix Group has appointed Darren Wills to the newly created role of Executive Director to further the group’s ambitious development plans.

A Chartered Manager for over 10 years, Darren brings a wealth of experience with him having worked for 23 years in claims functions for some of the markets largest insurer brands including Eagle Star (Zurich), Direct Line, Allianz and Groupama Insurances.

He later joined Nationwide at the start of its growth period in a role that evolved to include leadership of mobile repairs, motor glass, contact centres, group data, IT, procurement and was one of three Executive Directors responsible for day-to-day operations.

Morning commutes down by 20%

The Floow suggests that the UK’s morning commute volumes remain 20% down on pre-Covid levels.

In a website blog, Andy Goldby, Chief Actuary for the telematics provider said ‘…the patterns of driving have changed significantly and are nowhere near returning to pre-Covid levels.’

However, he highlights that overall ‘…since May both the average distance of each trip and the number of trips per driver per month were back pretty much inline with the 2019 values and well above 2020.’

IMI calls for £15m skills funding boost

The IMI is calling for government funding to support EV skills training, suggesting a £15m boost would play a critical role, contributing towards training for up to 75,000 technicians.

Data from the IMI shows that the automotive retail sector does not currently have the skills and the pipeline of talent needed to service and repair electrified vehicles (EV) to keep the nation moving safely.

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI said, “The government has committed £1.9bn to tackling consumer uptake and charging issues. We are asking that £15m is set aside for employers to access to support their own investment in skills training to get their workforce EV-ready. This will be particularly important for the independent sector.”

Fix makes it seven in Birmingham

Fix Auto UK has added Fix Auto Moseley to its network bringing its number of repair centres in Birmingham to seven.

Established by second generation repairer Jay Sehra five years ago as NJP Motors, the latest addition to the network spans 15,000sqft with 13 operatives currently processing up to 35 vehicles a week.

Carzam appoints chief vehicle preparation officer

Carzam has appointed Dave Palmer as its new Chief Vehicle Preparation Officer.

Under his new role Dave, who was previously Vehicle Preparation Director for Sytner’s CarShop, will be heading up Carzam’s vehicle preparation operations, offering the best to both wholesalers and retail customers by ensuring Carzam’s vehicle prep levels are the best in the business.

Ben challenge on hold but fundraising continues

Automotive industry charity, Ben, has postponed its Industry Leader Challenge fundraiser, The Climb, as Tanzania remains on the travel red list.

Meanwhile, participants will tackle the National 3 Peaks Challenge from 31 October to 3 November, to maintain momentum in training and fundraising.

The Industry Leader Challenge accounts for 10% of Ben’s total annual fundraising income, so the challengers are determined to reach the much-needed £300,000 target by the end of March 2022. A total of £50,000 has been raised so far through various fundraising initiatives.

To show your support and donate, click here.

US: Toyota and Lexus introduce Collision Assistance

Collision Assistance, a just-in-time support service, is now available to drivers within the Toyota and Lexus mobile app. The feature within the Toyota and Lexus Owners Apps offers guided instructions to help drivers navigate a post-collision repair process.

Toyota worked with CCC Intelligent Solutions Inc (CCC), a leading SaaS platform, to develop Collison Assistance. The CCC mobile technology combines guided accident documentation with access to claims and management services to assist drivers following a collision. Toyota transmits accident and vehicle telematics data to CCC to initiate the programme.

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Verisk adds Thatcham Research’s Variant Code

Verisk is enhancing its motor insurance solutions with Thatcham Research’s Variant Code, a unique and extensive dataset that provides updated information on the growing variety of standard and optional features in UK vehicles.

Dan Payne, Chief Digital Officer at Thatcham Research said: “This is about accurate risk assessment at a uniquely granular level. Variant Code offers a competitive advantage, empowering Verisk’s insurer customers to make more informed and intelligent decisions, and price according to the features present on a particular model variant. This is fundamental as vehicles evolve and technologies that were once the preserve of high-end models are increasingly made available at entry level.”

Verisk is also benefitting from the aggregated view of data that Variant Code provides.

Sean Moriarty, operations manager, Verisk said, “Carmakers have their own naming conventions for vehicle features, which can be problematic. However Variant Code provides this information using a consistent nomenclature, ensuring the quick and easy identification of these features.”

With Thatcham Research’s Variant Code, Verisk can help insurers more accurately identify the potential presence of features across model variants. Features such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), expensive headlights, and keyless and connectivity systems, will now be captured more accurately, addressing what has been a frustration for the insurance industry.

“Variant Code addresses a long-standing challenge to the accurate underwriting of new vehicle models, benefitting both insurers and insureds. Until now, there has been a lack of clarity regarding the fitment of certain features across vehicle variants and their potential positive or negative impact on risk. ADAS have been a particular issue – with little information available to insurers on the presence of technology that can reduce accident risk,” Moriarty commented.

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Motofix Group appoints Executive Director

Motofix Group has appointed Darren Wills to the newly created role of Executive Director to further the group’s ambitious development plans.

A Chartered Manager for over 10 years, Darren brings a wealth of experience with him having worked for 23 years in claims functions for some of the markets largest insurer brands including Eagle Star (Zurich), Direct Line, Allianz and Groupama Insurances.

He later joined Nationwide at the start of its growth period in a role that evolved to include leadership of mobile repairs, motor glass, contact centres, group data, IT, procurement and was one of three Executive Directors responsible for day-to-day operations.

Richard Tutt, Motofix Group Chairman said, “We are clear on the strategy that will keep us at the forefront of vehicle repair solutions and we are committed to continuously invest in our technology, our people and our clients to ensure this happens.

“Darren’s experience in both the insurance and body repair industry will play a key role in strategic planning and implementation.”

Darren said, “I am thrilled to be joining such a well-regarded organisation in the vehicle repair sector. Richard’s drive and passion for developing the Motofix business over the years has put them in great shape for what I am sure will continue to be challenging times ahead for our sector, but ones which will also offer tremendous opportunities for businesses that are progressive in their outlook.”

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