Managing EVs in the real world
Information sharing and better communication between manufacturer, insurer, repairer and customer is critical to managing EV claims – but so too is a mindset that accepts the evolution is ongoing.
That was the overarching message of a session entitled, Managing EVs in the Real World, which was held during ARC360’s specialist EV event, EV-olution, at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry.
Key names support EMCC agenda
ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference (EMCC) 2023 has received the support of some of the leading brands and key influencers within insurance claims as it continues to promote its ‘better tomorrow’ vision.
Copart announces significant expansions
Copart UK will expand vehicle storage capacity at its Wisbech Operation Centre site by 50% after securing planning permission.
It is also acquiring over nine acres of land beside its Westbury site to increase storage capacity for customers by 60% and has doubled its vehicle storage capacity near central London after completing a two-phase expansion of its Rochford Operation Centre in Essex.
Ben Ball tickets selling fast
Automotive charity Ben has reported unprecedented ticket sales for the Ben Ball, which is taking place at Old Billingsgate Market on 6 December, supported by Auto Trader.
Cap hpi data makes promising reading
The latest UK car market overview from cap hpi has revealed strong demand in the new vehicle sector although the used car sector continues to struggle.
Year-to-date, 949,720 cars were registered in the first six months of the year, which is an 18.4% increase on the 802,079 in the same period last year, but still a 25.2% reduction on the same period in 2019.
Car production on upwards trajectory
UK car production rose 11.7% in the first half of the year to 450,168 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Meanwhile, production of hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is up 71.6% from January to June to a record total of 170,231 units.
However, overall, year-to-date output remains 32.5% below 2019 levels.
EV MOT failure rate a cause for concern
A new report by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has revealed that EVs are 40% more likely to fail an MOT because of poor tyre condition than petrol cars.
Meanwhile, the IMI is predicting a 31% drop in EV qualifications for the second quarter of 2023. Its EV Technician Forecast Report found that the total number of technicians trained to work safely on EVs by the end of the first quarter was 42,400.
SYNETIQ supports low-carbon projects
SYNETIQ is working with international carbon reduction specialists Highland Carbon to finance projects around the world to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Among the projects it is supporting is the establishment of diverse, native forest in Scotland, a new wind power project in Turkey and solar power project in India.
IMI warns against putting EV training on ice
The IMI has warned against any delays to EV training after some people interpreted comments from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to mean that the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles could be put back.
The PM said he would tackle the climate crisis in a ‘proportionate and pragmatic’ way, but the IMI insists training must not be put on ice, warning of a shortfall of 25,000 technicians by 2030 even at the current rate of training.
CMA casts doubt on LKQ/Uni-Select deal
The Competitions and Markets Authority as concluded that LKQ’s proposed purchase of North America-based Uni-Select could reduce competition in the supply of car parts to independent garages and workshops across the UK.
Sorcha O’Carroll, CMA Senior Director of Mergers, said, “We identified that this deal could lead to higher prices and worse choice for customers across the UK. We will now carefully consider the proposal put forward by LKQ and Uni-Select which they believe could address our concerns, before deciding on the next step.”
Public charge points increasing steadily
The Office of National Statistics has reported that there were 44,020 public charging points in the UK as of 1 July. Of these, 19% (8,461) are rapid chargers and 57% (24,918) are fast chargers.
That is only 3,870 more than on 1 April.
Castle Coachworks gets JLR approval
Castle Coachworks (Northampton) has successfully passed its Jaguar Land Rover audit, ensuring its repair methods, training and facilities meet the vehicle manufacturer’s approval.
iRG casts talent net far and wide
iRG has taken its innovative approach to business to its recruitment strategy by seeking to attract the top talent from around the world.
Through collaboration with international talent companies, it has identified, recruited and relocated 10 skilled professionals from as far afield as Botswana, Albania and India.
UK Carbody Bristol celebrates outstanding customer service
LV= has recognised repair partner UK Carbody Bristol for delivering outstanding customer service.
ITAS launches new all-in-one platform
ITAS has unveiled a new platform to support business integration and job management.
ITAS Capture enables businesses to manage repairs and communicate with suppliers and customers on a single platform.
Fix Auto Edinburgh West celebrates PAS 2060
Fix Auto Edinburgh West has secured carbon neutral status in line with PAS 2060.
ECA calculated its carbon footprint and created and implemented a comprehensive carbon management plan which will see the site reduce emissions year-on-year to agreed targets.
People
Jaguar Land Rover has appointed Adrian Mardell as CEO.
Mercedes-Benz UK has appointed Calum James as Head of Fleet for its van division.
Autotech Group has named Mark Armitage as new Commercial Director.
Tom Arnold has been appointed Bodyshop Manager at ABL 1 Touch Group.
Steer Automotive Group has appointed Donna Chinery as Executive Assistant.
