Steer announces prestige acquisition

Steer Automotive Group has acquired prestige repairer Fastlane Paint & Body, which has sites in Guildford, Ascot, Heathrow and Elstree.

An approved repairer for brands such as Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz AMG, Mercedes-Benz EQ, Maybach, Brabus, BMW, Tesla and Audi, Fastlane’s acquisition marks a significant growth step in Steer’s luxury vehicle repair division.

Richard Steer, Chief Executive, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Fastlane into the Steer family. This acquisition not only expands our footprint in the luxury space but also aligns with our commitment to excellence in automotive services, providing enhanced value to our customers and insurance partners. We look forward to building on Fastlane’s impressive track record and integrating their expertise into our operations.”

Fastlane will continue to be lead by the leadership team of Managing Director Alex Andrea and Mark Hassan.

Alex said, “When my business partner Peter Weil decided he wanted to retire we explored a number of different options and it was clear from the outset, that in spite of significant interest from elsewhere, the best fit for our business, clients and colleagues was to become part of the Steer Automotive Group family and I’m delighted that we have managed to conclude a deal with Richard and the team at Steer. We are very excited about the future prospects of our business under new ownership.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

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

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK celebrates 20th anniversary with award ceremony

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

SYNETIQ tackles HGV emissions

SYNETIQ has announced a new initiative to drive HGV fleet decarbonisation.

The project is being run in collaboration with automotive and mechanical engineering masters students at Sheffield Hallam University and aligns with the company’s net-zero strategy.

Elisa Caton, Sustainability Manager at SYNETIQ said, “We’re proud to continue our work with Sheffield Hallam as part of our ongoing commitment to reaching net-zero operational carbon emissions. The project with Sheffield Hallam University is key to achieving important milestones on our journey, and we look forward to exploring alternative and innovative solutions over the coming years as we work together to build a more sustainable future.”

 The transport sector currently accounts for 24% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions worldwide. According to the Road Haulage Association, a major issue preventing the reduction of CO2 emissions from HGVs is a lack of infrastructure allowing adequate power for battery or hydrogen-powered vehicles. The SYNETIQ and Sheffield Hallam University project could support a future selection of fuelling options for the sector.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

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

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK celebrates 20th anniversary with award ceremony

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Fix Auto Basingstoke to open dedicated LCV site

Fix Auto Basingstoke is developing a dedicated van and LCV repair centre to sit alongside its existing bodyshop.

The new 15,000 sqft site, which includes twin oversized spraybooths, large four-poster lifts and supporting equipment, is expected to operational by the middle of the month.

It will employ six technicians initially, with plans to double the workforce as the site grows.

Owner Dale Morris said, “After what seems like an age since we came up with the notion to open a dedicated van and LCV repair centre we’re finally here and I couldn’t be happier.

“Choosing the right building to suit our needs has been critical to our plans. Access and security to the site was paramount as was the need to develop a layout which enables a seamless and efficient in/out layout. This site gives us that and more.”

Ian Pugh, Managing Director for Fix Auto UK, said: “While many of our repairers have the ability to process damaged LCVs, developing a repair centre solely dedicated to them is yet another first for Fix Auto UK and you really must give credit to Dale and his team.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

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

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK celebrates 20th anniversary with award ceremony

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday 22 December 2023

Thank you & festive cheer

From all of us here at ARC360, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support throughout 2023. We’re really looking forward to working with you all in 2024 to support the sector ‘gaining ground together’. Our next ARC360 Newsletter is scheduled for Friday 5 January.

If you have anything you would like to see included in 2024, please email: alan.feldberg@iloveclaims.com

In the meantime, wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Market Intelligence Report – November/December

ARC360 has published its latest Market Intelligence report in partnership with Trend Tracker. Read more here.

Bodyshop briefs

  • Peggs Accident Repair Centre has achieved BS 10125:2022 certification.
  • Vertu Motors has named John Jones from its Teesside site as Accident Repair Centre Manager of the Year.
  • ChipsAway Glasgow has installed Todd Engineering’s Zeus drive-through solution to enhance operational flow and improve service times.
  • Doseley Motors has announced its Vehicle Manufacture CSAT and NPS 2023 results, scoring 100 NPS from all JLR and VWG respondents. It also achieved five stars from 96% of the respondents on NFU/Vizion Customer Experience feedback.
  • Shoreade UK has won the Business of the Year award at the Paul Avins – Grown Up Business Awards.
  • Halo ARC has passed the 5,000-review mark on Trust Pilot, while still maintaining its 4.9 rating.
  • Wrights Accident Repair Centre has secured BS 10125:2022 certification.

Industry News

Range Rover unveils insurance move

Range Rover has introduced its own comprehensive motor insurance product for customers.

Land Rover Insurance, which ensures repairs are completed by a JLR authorised bodyshop, using only genuine parts, comes with no deposits or interest charges while clients are able to amend or cancel their cover with no fee.

Glasurit extends EcoBalance to commercial vehicles

Glasurit has introduced the EcoBalance portfolio for the commercial vehicle industry with nine products covering the full paint process.

EcoBalance products help save fossil raw materials and are certified to offer a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

Mirka invests in world-first innovation

Mirka is building an innovative circular grain manufacturing plant in Jeppo, Finland which will reduce its CO2 footprint by approximately 5,000 tons.

Funded by Business Finland, the site will begin producing circular abrasive products by 2026.

R-M unveils new training centre

R-M Global has opened a new state-of-the-art Refinish Competence Training Center in Vantaa, Finland. The new site features the latest training standards and processes.

UK avoids EV tariffs with new EU deal

The UK and EU have agreed to extend trade rules on electric vehicles.

New rules of origin regulations were due to be introduced on 1 January, but that has been put back until the end of 2026, saving manufacturers and customers up to £4.3bn in tariffs and charges.

Cotswold and RWC announce training partnership

Cotsworld Automotive Diagnostics and Training has announced a partnership with RWC Training that will see it support more than 1,000 technicians secure IMI-approved EV/Hybrid certification.

Fix Auto South open for business

The new Fix Auto Leeds South repair centre is now open for business.

The fourth site owned by father and son Stephen and Sam Smith, Fix Auto Leeds South includes two large commercial spraybooths and 10 work bays and will be able to repair 30 vehicles a week.

National ARC continues Progression

National Accident Repair Group has unveiled Progression 2.0, a complete end-to-end solution that tracks the entire repair journey and identifies issues early to minimise delays and reduce costs.

Touchpoints include bodyshop capacity and capabilities and parts availability.

Cary Group enhances sustainable strategy with acquisition

Cary Group will acquire 100% of J Huggins and Son Ltd, a family-owned glass repair and replace business with 17 workshops.

Both operations are part of the National Windscreens consortium.

PartsXchanges adds commercial parts category

Bodyshop marketplace PartsXchange has added truck and LCV parts to its platform.

Customers can now buy commercial parts alongside bodyshop remarketed parts, green parts, dealer parts, and non-genuine parts.

SYNETIQ CEO in line for top Green award

SYNETIQ CEO Tom Rumboll has been shortlisted for Green Leader of the Year in the Yorkshire Leadership Awards.

Winners will be announced on 21 March.

VM News

BMW i5 named Car of the Year

The BMW i5 has been named Carwow ‘Car of the year’ 2024. The i5 isthe eighth generation 5 Series and the first all-electric version of the model.

Mercedes-Benz receives automated light approval

Mercedes-Benz has received a permit to display turquoise-coloured marker lights for automated driving.

The permits were issued in California and Nevada and means Mercedes-Benz becomes the first manufacturer to display special exterior lights during automated driving.

People

  • CEO of Copart Jane Pocock has renewed her membership of the Automotive 30% Club.
  • Paul Reid has been appointed as Scotland Territory Manager at Kamoo.
  • BASF has announced that Markus Kamieth will succeed Martin Brudermüller as Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors in 2024.
  • Vizion Network has appointed Jordan Chinn as Network Manager for Nissan.
  • Mick Walker has been appointed to CCO of Quantum Technical.
  • Derrick Paton has announced that he is leaving Axalta after 27 years. He will step down from his role as EMEA Strategic Account Manager on 29 December.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

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

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK celebrates 20th anniversary with award ceremony

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Range Rover unveils new insurance product

Range Rover has introduced its own comprehensive motor insurance product for customers.

Land Rover Insurance, which ensures repairs are completed by a JLR authorised bodyshop, using only genuine parts, comes with no deposits or interest charges while clients are able to amend or cancel their cover with no fee.

Available to drivers of Defender and Discovery vehicles too, the service has provided quotes to more than 4,000 customers since October with an average monthly premium of less than £200.

A company spokesperson said, “Customers of luxury cars and other luxury items are experiencing an increase in thefts due to organised criminal activity in the UK. The desirability of our luxury vehicles, coupled with concerns around thefts, has recently led to challenges in obtaining insurance cover for some clients.

“We are fully committed to doing everything we can to address this by adopting a multifaceted approach: from our significant investment in vehicle security, to now providing our own insurance.

“While our new insurance proposition is a key milestone, we want to reassure clients that we will continue monitoring and refining our service so that even more clients can take advantage of it.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

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

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK celebrates 20th anniversary with award ceremony

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Fix Auto South now operational

The new Fix Auto Leeds South repair centre is now open for business.

The fourth site owned by father and son Stephen and Sam Smith, alongside Bradford, Keighley and Leeds Central, the 10,000 sqft facility will be managed by James Bentley.

Fix Auto Leeds South includes two large commercial spraybooths and 10 work bays and will be able to repair 30 vehicles a week.

Sam said, “This new site really is all about progression. While our previous Leeds South centre served us well, productivity and efficiency were restricted by the limited parking there while the access to the building wasn’t the best either. The new site is similar to our Leeds North building with an open plan bodyshop, plenty of car parking and easy access which will enable us to operate a far greater work-flow processes.”

Ian Pugh, Managing Director for Fix Auto UK, added, “Once again Sam and Stephen have delivered on their promise to open a new centre that is strategically placed and adds further strength to the network.  Yet again we have another centre in the network that is a credit to their commitment and drive to deliver exemplary customer service.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

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

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK celebrates 20th anniversary with award ceremony

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday 15 December 2023

ILC releases 2024 events schedule

ILC has released its 2024 event schedule highlighting the dates of its annual key events set for the coming 12 months which includes 27 June as the date for 2024’s ARC360 technology focussed conference with other activity dates to follow. Further details to follow early in 2024.

LV= Sole Site Repairer forum sets the pace

LV= General Insurance hosted the latest annual edition of its Sole Site Repairer forum in late November with the key message to attendees: ‘keep doing what you are doing’.

Tesla tops list of most expensive EV repairs

New figures have revealed that Teslas are the most expensive EVs to repair. According to data released by Activate Group and Gecko Risk, who have formed a new partnership to deliver deeper insights into EVs, the average repair cost for an EV over the last four years is just under £2,600.

Eco Balance delivered to commercial vehicles

Glasurit has released its Eco Balance product range for commercial vehicles. Eco Balance enables faster processes and less material consumption, cutting CO2 emissions without compromising on quality.

Storms cause £53m of vehicle damage

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) predicts that insurers will pay out about £53m for vehicles damaged by Storms Babet, Ciaran and Debi.

Its data found that 7,210 vehicle damage claims were made following the bad weather in the UK during October and November.

Lexus tops charts of rising vehicle thefts

LV= has revealed that car thefts increased by 59% from 2021 to 2022 and predicts further rises this year.

Its data identified that Lexus thefts rose 513% from 2021-2023, Toyota thefts were up 103% and Hyundai thefts were up 81%, while theft hotspots included Birmingham, London, Sheffield, Manchester, and Liverpool.

Strategy summary

Wayne Mason-Drust, Managing Director at Accident Express Group, has presented his views on the five unique business models for bodyshops at the latest Trend Track meeting.

They included the Network Dominator, which operates a vast network; the Flex Master, which is more adaptable; the Efficiency Expert, which focuses on streamlined operations; the Independent Maverick; and the Mobile Maestro.

Ofgem launches consultation around services and costs

Energy regulator Ofgem has launched a statutory consultation on proposals to ensure businesses get reliable service. It is also seeking more clarity on the costs being paid to third party energy brokers.

Bodyshop Briefs

  • Gemini Accident Repair Centres has been named ‘Winner’ for the Best Nationwide Vehicle Repairs Group 2023 in the Midlands Enterprise Awards 2023.
  • Chaplane Accident Repair Centre has achieved BS10125:2022 accreditation.
  • All nine of Fix Auto UK’s wholly owned repair centres have successfully gained their PAS2060 accreditations. They are Fix Auto Barnsley, Fix Auto Colwyn Bay, Fix Auto Crawley, Fix Auto Castleford, Fix Auto Daventry, Fix Auto Henley-on-Thames, Fix Auto Liverpool South, Fix Auto Newport and Fix Auto Paignton.
  • Activate Accident Repair Sunderland and Newcastle has secured BS10125:2022 certification.

Citroën and BASF unveil new sustainable concept car

Citroën has worked with BASF to create a concept car that pushes back the boundaries for sustainable production.

JLR announces digital deal with Tata

JLR has announced a new partnership with Tata Communications to support the efficient development of its next-generation vehicles.

It will deploy Tata’s cloud-based technology to connect all its 128 global sites, providing AI-powered and real-time data capturing, monitoring and analysis to improve production line performance.

Stellantis supports start-ups

Stellantis has recognised 11 new technology start-ups as part of its second annual Stellantis Venture Awards. The awards identify and then support the continued development of innovations in customer-focused technology.

Fisker opens Milton Keynes site

American EV company Fisker has opened a new site in Milton Keynes and is now inviting customers to book a test drive.

ARC360 Podcast 32: Mental Health Matters

In this episode we speak with Carl Norton, Regional Business Manager at Fix Auto UK and, perhaps more relevant to this conversation, the man behind the network’s Mental Health First Aid programme.

Catch up on podcasts

For the full back catalogue of ARC360 podcasts including conversations with Thatcham Research’s Dean Lander, Chartwell’s Chris Brightmore, and Martin Brown of Repairify click here.

People

  • Tom Hart has been appointed Claims Sales Director UK and Ireland at Solera Audatex.
  • Direct Line Group has named Jamie Brown as Senior External Automotive Engineer.
  • Komoo has appointed James Duffin as Northern Territory Manager.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

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

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK celebrates 20th anniversary with award ceremony

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Fix Auto UK celebrates PAS 2060 successes

Fix Auto UK is on track to achieve its goal of having every repair centre within the network PAS 2060 accredited after securing certification for all its wholly owned repair centres.

The centres that have now achieved accreditation include Fix Auto Barnsley, Fix Auto Colwyn Bay, Fix Auto Crawley, Fix Auto Castleford, Fix Auto Daventry, Fix Auto Henley-on-Thames, Fix Auto Liverpool South, Fix Auto Newport and Fix Auto Paignton.

Fix Auto UK worked with Purchase Direct to complete the programme for each of the nine sites. Purchase Direct calculated the carbon footprint of each bodyshop and then developed a bespoke management plan to reduce their carbon footprints.

Mark Hutchins, Operations Director for Fix Auto UK, said, “We have invested significantly in our owned and part owned sites over the last couple of years; that investment has provided us with a springboard to gain PAS 2060 accreditations for each site. Thankfully, our close working relationship with Purchase Direct has ensured a relatively seamless process to achieve our goal.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

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

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK celebrates 20th anniversary with award ceremony

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Tesla tops list of most expensive EV repairs

New figures have revealed that Teslas are the most expensive EVs to repair.

According to data released by Activate Group and Gecko Risk, who have formed a new partnership to deliver deeper insights into EVs, the average repair cost for an EV over the last four years is just under £2,600.

By comparison, average repair costs for Teslas exceed £3,000.

Mercedes-Benz (£2,996) and BMW (£2,938) were the second and third most expensive EVs to repair, while Volkswagen’s were the cheapest with an average repair cost of just over £2,300.

The jointly produced data also found that there are now almost 920,000 EVs on UK roads, with Tesla the most popular with 180,000 registered vehicles.

Hannah Wilcox, CEO of Activate Group said, “We recognise the significant impact EVs are having on our industry and have placed a strong focus on ensuring high levels of EV capability across our UK repair network. It’s encouraging to see that EV repair costs have remained relatively stable despite a significant increase in demand as the number of EVs on the road rises.”

Commenting on the partnership with Gecko Risk, Pete Thompson, Director of Product at Activate Group added: “Our product roadmap is built around a data-driven, customer-focused approach to the big changes in our industry. We know fleets and insurers are developing their AFV strategies, and we’re delighted to partner with Gecko Risk so that both us and our customers can benefit from the rich insights within the platform.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

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

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK celebrates 20th anniversary with award ceremony

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Citroën and BASF unveil new sustainable concept car

Citroën has worked with BASF to create a concept car that pushes back the boundaries for sustainable production.

The vehicle, called the Oli, shows how manufacturers can achieve their environmental and carbon footprint goals by reducing weight and resource usage.

It was painted with R-M’s AGILIS paint line, one of the most eco-friendly automotive refinish coatings on the market, and created with materials and expertise from BASF.

Various components were radically reinterpreted and constructed using materials in a different context, such as plastics, coatings and 3D printing, to create a new and innovative design.

The company said, “This is not about the fastest or most luxurious car, but a testament to how much can saved by reducing weight and resource usage on a step forward to sustainable mobility.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

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

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK celebrates 20th anniversary with award ceremony

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners