Category: Salvage

Gemini welcomes latest cohort of apprentices

Gemini Accident Repair Centres has welcomed 19 new apprentices to the group.

The apprentices, who have completed a five-day induction at EMTEC, include seven VDAs and 12 level 3 multiskilled apprentices.

ARC360 Market Intelligence: September 2023

ARC360 have released their analytics report, studying the trends of economics and vehicle repairs and sales. A must-read.

Copart completes Bristol expansion

Vehicle salvage and remarketing specialist Copart UK has completed the expansion of its 80-acre Super Centre in Bristol.

The addition of a further 21 acres adds 30% more vehicle capacity, providing secure storage and enlarged areas for vehicles that require specialist handling like EVs, HEVs, and flood and fire damaged vehicles.

EV supply could outstrip demand

Sales of EVs could slow following the government’s decision to delay the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, according to David Borland, EY UK & Ireland Automotive Lead.

He said, “There is a risk that with OEMs, retailers and charge point operators all having invested significant capital in anticipation of a 2030 ICE sales ban, the policy shift could see supply outstripping demand.”

Fix Auto UK expands network

Fix Auto UK has announced that Ultimate Accident Repair has joined the network and will now operate at Fix Auto Gloucester.

Owned by Aron Matthews, the 8,000sqft bodyshop includes 12 work bays, two external spraybooths and an oversized commercial booth inside the unit.

Yeovil ARC achieves repair accreditation

Yeovil Accident Repair has secured BS 10125 certification after a successful stage 2 audit.

DF Crash Repairs meets the standard

Despite undergoing a full refurbishment, DF Crash Repairs was still able to pass its BS 10125 audit, achieving the industry standard vehicle repair accreditation.

IMI welcomes Labour Party skills plan

The Institute of the Motor Industry has praised plans by the Labour Party to restore the 2030 deadline on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles and introduce 80,000 more skills workers to the sector, announced at the Labour Party Conference by Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.

Government to relax rules for EV vans

The government has said it will remove the mandatory five-hour training requirement for van drivers switching to EVs, while towing rules will be applied consistently across EVs, petrol and diesel vans.

The announcement was made in its response to its consultation on driving licence flexibility for alternative fuelled vehicles.

Rising premiums dampen EV demand

Surging insurance premiums for electric vehicles coupled with an end to subsidies could halt EV sales across Europe, according to a report by Forbes.

It revealed that EV repairs cost about 25% more than petrol or diesel equivalents, and can take 14% longer.

ABI advice for Luton fire drivers

The ABI has offered advice to drivers affected by the Luton Airport fire.

It said, “Comprehensive and third-party fire and theft motor insurance policies will cover fire damage. Drivers affected should notify any claim to their motor insurer. We will continue to work with our members and Luton Airport to understand the situation, as and when more information becomes available.”

Green light for red light recovery agents

The government has announced that breakdown recovery vehicles will now be allowed to use red flashing lights when helping the public.

This measure will apply to England, Scotland, and Wales.

Jason Connon concludes John Clark Motor Group deal

Jason Connon ACII has announced a new partnership with John Clark Motor Group to deliver its insurance services to customers.

The move is part of wider strategy to become a top-tier Private Client insurance broker.

Fix Network announces F1 collaboration

The Fix Network has announced a new partnership with the Alfa Romeo F1 Team which will offer it access to industry-leading expertise, research and development opportunities.

Ezi victory

The winners of the inaugural Ezi Methods Industry Golf Challenge have been revealed.

A team of Martyn Rowley, GT Motive; Chris Dore of Apollo/Steer Group; I Love Claims’ Chris Ashworth; and Fix Auto UK’s Earle Avann won the event at the Old Thorns Resort, Hampshire.

GT Motive adds Tesla to platform

GT Motive has announced that it has now added the new Tesla Model 3 to its estimating platform.

Meanwhile, the Tesla Model S and the Tesla Model Y will be available in the November and January releases.

Gold star for Silverlake

Silverlake Automotive Recycling’s Operations Manager Steve Diaper was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Hampshire and IOW Fire & Rescue Services, recognising his continued support for the organisation.

The presentation took place after the second HIOWFRS training exercise this year at the Southampton site of e2e member Silverlake.

People

Maria Charlton has been named Managing Director at AirPro Diagnostics.

Stephen Murray has been appointed Director of Operations at ECF – Accident Repair, MOT & Service Centre.

Castle Coachworks in Northampton is promoting former Volvo apprentice Nathan to Vehicle Damage Assessor.

Komoo has appointed Steve Hill to the newly-created role of Finance Director.

Nav Singh has been appointed Managing Director at CLiiKk Accident Repair Centre, Kidderminster.

ARC360 and ILC support Work Wellfest event

ARC360 and ILC have joined forces with Corporate Partners Entegral and Gemini Accident Repair Group to launch Work WellFest across the vehicle accident repair and motor claims sectors.

The virtual wellbeing festival has been created to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Tuesday 10 October 2023 and will feature a cross-section of virtual events designed to meet the needs of all colleagues and industry peers.

Gemini to summit Snowdon for Ben

Thirty colleagues from Gemini Accident Repair Centres will summit Mount Snowdon to raise funds for automotive charity Ben.

With more than £1,600 already raised, they will take on the challenge on 14 October.

Ben announces Race Across Britain

Automotive charity Ben has announced a new fundraising challenge – Race Across Britain – which will take place over three days next February.

Supported by LKQ Euro Car Parts, Race Across Britain will see up to 50 pairs of automotive industry colleagues challenged to reach various checkpoints from 26-28 February.

New car sales surge 21%

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that the UK new car market grew for the 14^th month in a row in September, up 21% to 272,610 registrations.

Meanwhile, the new light commercial vehicle market grew for the ninth month in a row, up 28.1% to 44,760 units.

Fix Auto Chelmsford unveils new site

Fix Auto Chelmsford has moved to a new state-of-the-art repair centre a full month ahead of schedule.

The new facility is expected to increase capacity by 25% to nearly 150 jobs per month.

Perfect 10 for Komoo

Komoo has unveiled its 10th site. Komoo Sheffield is a 10,000 sqft facility dedicated to supporting fleet and rental customers for both car and commercial repair.

IMI supports AR development

The IMI has donated assisted reality headsets to 18 colleges and training providers nationwide. 

The initiative has been launched in collaboration with Autotech Connect and RealWear.

Trend Tracker announces Chartwell as Corporate Partner

Trend Tracker has announced that the UK’s number one super-brand bodyshop, Chartwell, as a Platinum Corporate Partner.

IMI calls for further training support

The IMI has welcomed the government’s ‘Plan for Drivers’, which aims to ease some of the pressure points on motorists, but has urged the government to back it up with support for repair training to ensure the industry has the skills to keep cars on the road.

IAEA adopts hybrid supply chain

The Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors (IAEA) has announced it is undergoing significant operational changes that will see it end its long partnership with Plenham and develop a hybrid supply chain model that will tap into the resources of multiple provider partners.

It has engaged with a number of industry organisations and providers as it seeks to modernise operations and underpin its commitment to be compliant and transparent with all governing and legislative bodies.

John Lewis withdraws EV insurance

John Lewis Financial Services is suspending new insurance coverage and renewals for electric car owners. Underwritten by Covea, the policies are being withdrawn due to spiralling repair costs.

MotorEasy reports 370% rise EV warranties

MotorEasy has reported a 370% increase in warranty claims for electric vehicles over the past three years.

UK government announces ZEV mandate revisions

The UK government has revised targets of its Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles each year.

Revised targets stipulate that 22% of new cars sold in 2024 must be zero emission, as was previously the case. This will increase each year and by 2030 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans must be zero emission. This will rise to 100% by 2035.

Used car prices soften

Data from cap hpi has revealed that used car values fell by their largest amount since 2008 in September. Values fell by 1.9%, an average of £420, at the three-year, 60,000-mile point, while values at the one-year age point dropped by 1.6%, or £575.

However, used car prices remain at an unprecedented level despite these modest falls, tracking at some 25-30% more than in 2021.

CHO partners with Percayso in anti-fraud measures

Percayso Inform is developing a new anti-fraud platform for members of the Credit Hire Organisation (CHO).

The platform, which will be officially launched at the CHO’s annual conference on 12 October, will enable subscribers to screen claims in order to manage and identify fraudulent activity.

Fixico and Xtract announce digital partnership

Digital FNOL provider Xtract is partnering with digital car repair management platform Fixico to deliver a fully integrated solution for insurance companies and commercial fleets looking to combine telematics-based incident and repair management.

Markerstudy Broking and RAC enhance SME insurance offering

Markerstudy Broking has partnered with the RAC to offer a suite of SME insurance products to customers.

RAC Business Insurance enables customers to manage their insurance needs in one place.

AI solution driving up fraud detection

A new AI-powered counter fraud solution from the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) has resulted in a six-fold increase in fraud investigations carried out by insurers since it was launched a year ago.

About 40 insurance fraud networks are being detected every week.

People

Steve Thompson will step down from his position as AutoRaise Vice Chairman after five successful years championing the accident repair industry charity.

Simon Allen has been appointed as Bodyshop Manager at Steer Automotive Group.

L&I Eaton ARC has named Tony Robson as Bodyshop Manager.

The Vella Group Repair Centres has appointed Jonny Haynes as Senior Business Analyst.

Chris Telford has been named Senior Staff Motor Engineer at Quantum Technical.

KECO Body Repair Products has named Jennifer Phillips as Training Development Manager.

Annie Milner has been appointed Head of Technical Excellence at Belron.

Hastings Direct has named Nadim Ahmed as Motor Engineer.

Claire Nesbit has been appointed as Claims supplier specialist at esure Group.

Cogent Hire has appointed Luke Le Sauteur to the new role of commercial director.

Admiral Group has named Fiona Muldoon as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

ARC360 supports Work Wellfest event

ARC360 and ILC have joined forces with Corporate Partners Entegral and Gemini Accident Repair Group to launch Work WellFest across the vehicle accident repair and motor claims sectors.

The virtual wellbeing festival has been created to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Tuesday 10 October 2023 and will feature a cross-section of virtual events designed to meet the needs of all colleagues and industry peers.

To register for the sessions, visit: https://www.iloveclaims.com/claims_tech/arc360-ilc-support-work-wellfest-event/

Event set for panoramic view of motor sector

Claims inflation, credit hire, technology, skillsets and key industry innovators will be at the heart of ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference (EMCC) 2023.

Taking place at Landing Forty-Two, London on 5 October, the Exclusive Motor Claims Conference, headline sponsored by Enterprise along with sponsors Clearspeed, EDAM Group, LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Wiser Academy, will see experts from key insurers, insurtech, and supply chain specialists delve into the current workings of the sector and share their respective insights on how the market is evolving.

EV adoption facing critical challenges

The UK is ranked fifth in terms of global markets best prepared for electric vehicles. According to EY’s latest EV Country Readiness Index, it is behind China, Norway, the US and Sweden.

It fell from seventh to eighth in terms of supply and third to fourth in regulation issues.

New report exposes OIC failures

The Justice Committee has raised concerns about the number of unresolved cases still in the Official Injury Claim portal, and called on the Ministry of Justice and Motor Insurance Bureau to investigate the backlog.

In a new report, it has revealed that 349,000 cases are still unresolved, with just over a quarter of all claims entered into the system since it launched in May 2021 having so far reached settlement.

UK government confirms delay to 2030 ICE ban

The UK government has confirmed that the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be put back until 2035. This brings it in line with the rest of the European Union.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, “We’ve got further to go to get the charging infrastructure in place. So to give us more time to prepare we’re going to ease the transition to electric vehicles. You’ll still be able to buy a combustion engine vehicle until 2035.”

NBRA: 2030 delay could cost repairers

The National Body Repair Association is calling on the government to offer subsidies to repairers which have already invested in preparations for the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the deadline was being put back five years.

The NBRA believes this delay will place extra strain on businesses which committed early to 2030, as they won’t now get a return on investment for another five years.

Private drivers key to EV uptake

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has warned that the continued adoption of electric vehicles depends on greater support for private drivers.

A new EV is registered every 60 seconds, however, these numbers are driven by fleets, with private drivers stalling due to higher costs and concerns over charging availability.

ARC360 Market Intelligence: August 2023

ARC360 have released their analytics report, studying the trends of economics and vehicle repairs and sales. A must-read.

WorldSkills UK unveils 2024 programme

WorldSkillsUK has announced its training and skills programme for 2024, with 47 competitions taking place to identify the most talented apprentices and young professionals in the UK.

It has also launched a new leaning space, the WorldSkills UK Learning Lab, featuring e-learning information and skill development tools.

IMI sponsors Automotive 30% Club

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has become the key sponsor of the Automotive 30% Club, which aims to ensure at least 30% of leadership roles within the sector are held by women by 2030.

As part of the sponsorship, the winner of the 2024 Inspiring Automotive Woman of the Year Award will be unveiled at the IMI’s Annual Dinner next March.

Motor claims inflation on upwards trajectory

Gallagher has revealed that motor claims inflation is still increasing, driven by delays in getting replacement parts, higher wage costs, and a lack of courtesy cars.

IMI warns of EV skills slowdown

The IMI has warned that the government’s decision to postpone the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles until 2035 could result in the industry cutting back on critical EV preparations.

CEO Steve Nash said, “There’s now a serious risk that businesses and individuals will take their foot off the pedal. It is absolutely crucial that the shift to 2035 is not seen as a ‘free pass’ to delay investment in infrastructure and training.”

Repairify unveils new wiring solution

Repairify has identified an increasing industry challenge around the wiring of reversing cameras, which are often damaged during repairs.

It has now developed an innovative solution that enables technicians, based on diagnostic data from asTech, to create custom replacement cables rather than replace the entire cabling loom.

Thatcham Research backs 2030 delay

Thatcham Research has welcomed the government’s decision to put back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 to 2035.

It has restated its commitment to supporting the industry’s transition to electrification, but says the extension emphasises the need for continued investment in ICE repair skills.

BMW launches next level of assisted driving

BMW has unveiled an L2+ assisted driving system.

The BMWi5 features the innovative Driving Assistant Plus system, which offers hands-free highway driving and automated lane changing, with a sophisticated driver monitoring system to ensure the driver is always attentive.

Fix Auto UK marks mental health milestone

Fix Auto UK has celebrated a wellbeing milestone this week after training its 100^th Mental Health First Aider.

The landmark was achieved at its head office and comes just 18 months after the network launched the initiative.

L&I Eaton ARC expansion continues

L&I Eaton ARC has unveiled its 14^th site, a 20,000 sqft facility based in Liverpool. The group plans to unveil further sites in Newcastle and Sheffield shortly.

ABL 1 Touch Group launches management development training

ABL 1 Touch Group has enhanced its continuous learning strategy with the launch of a six-month Management Development Programme.

Through a combination of best practice research and theory training, managers will develop an advanced toolkit to help them better support colleagues.

Parkway celebrates charity triumph

Parkway Prestige has raised £310.50 for the Macmillan charity through a coffee morning.

ITAS supports JLR global training programme

ITAS has supported the JLR Global Train the Trainer (GT3) Structural Repair Sessions.

The sessions are designed to standardise the delivery of the steel and aluminium training/assessments throughout JLR’s global network of panel Trainers.

Bangers4Ben charity opportunities

Thatcham Research is appealing for sponsors to support its Bangers4Ben charity entry.

The four-day, 1,500-mile journey around Ireland starts on 7 October and will raise valuable funds for automotive charity Ben.

People

Phil Wong has been named Regional Manager at Halo ARC.