Bodyshop Briefs

Steer Automotive Group has acquired Komoo, diversifying its market offering and strengthening its position in the UK automotive repair market. Read more The news follows just days after it acquired MG Cannon Group. Read more

Gemini ARC was named in Apprenticeship Top 100 Employers 2024 for the fourth year, finishing 86^th. Read more

Fix Auto UK’s presence in the North East of England has been significantly enriched following the appointment of Fix Auto Darlington. The addition is the latest by the Drive Vauxhall organisation that now has five of its eight sites fully immersed in the Fix Auto UK network. Read more

AutoRaise has donated 50 new laptops to Emtec Colleges to support apprenticeship students and future students.

Bobbie Currie of FMGRS Dumfries has won SATA’s Custom Design Spray Gun competition.

PJB Accident Repairs has worked with Gary Chew of Small Torque to launch a new website.

Exclusive Repair Network has added ERN + to its repair offering, providing a complete repair solution for super prestige vehicles post-accident.

KC Autos has secured BMW/MINI vehicle repair approval. They join a VM portfolio including JLR, VAG, Toyota/Lexus, Stellantis, and Ford.

EB Crash Repair has been given a positive recommendation to complete our transition to BS 10125:2022.

The son of Fix Auto UK Basingstoke owner Dale Morris has started a 14,000-mile solo bike ride around the world from his father’s repair site. Henry, 24, will travel through 21 countries on an epic adventure. Read more

Today’s challenge, tomorrow’s normal?

In a far-reaching debate during ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology, Chris Downing, Head of Sales and Operations, Stellantis, warned that the ZEV (zero emission vehicle) Mandate is the single biggest challenge facing manufacturers today. Read more

Sector experts join motor conference line-up

James Driscoll, Senior Claims Manager – Motor Damage and Credit Hire, Aviva; Donna Scully, Joint Owner/Director, Carpenters Group; and Stuart Sandell, Assistant Vice President Sales – UK and Ireland, Enterprise Mobility are the latest leading names to join ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference 2024 agenda. Read more

Robertsons tackles repair delays with parts solution

Robertsons is helping vehicle repairers cut costs and key-to-key times by sourcing and delivering hard-to-find parts. Read more

Parking technology proves most popular car technology

According to recent survey data gathered by insurance comparison site Uswitch, the most popular automotive technology installed on vehicles are parking sensors, with the second most popular proving to be parking cameras. Read more

WorldSkills UK partners with UVAC

WorldSkills UK has announced its first ever Higher Education partnership with the University Vocational Awards Council. Read more

Repairify set for Automechanika

Repairify will showcase its advanced vehicle diagnostic and calibration technology, spearheaded by its asTech Digital ADAS Calibration Unit, at Automechanika, which takes place from 10-14 September. Read more

Copart to expand Wisbech Operation Centre

Copart UK has announced plans to expand its Operation Centre in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. Read more

Green Parts Specialists delivers carbon literacy training

The Green Parts Specialists has announced a company-wide roll-out of carbon literacy training, led by Copart UK Ltd and accredited by The Carbon Literacy Project.

FCA announces DCA complaint pause

The Financial Conduct Authority has announced that firms will not have to respond to discretionary commission arrangement (DCA) complaints until 4 December at the earliest. Read more

AkzoNobel enhances EV safety with powder coatings range

AkzoNobel has developed new innovative powder coatings technology that provides improved electrical protection for electric vehicle battery systems. Read more

20,000 automotive vacancies still a big gap to fill

The Institute of the Motor Industry’s (IMI) latest Vacancy Rate Tracker for June 2024 data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows a reduction from 3.7 to 3.6 vacancies for every 100 employees. Read more

A1 ADAS Solutions Group awarded hat-trick of ISO accreditations

One of the aftermarket’s leading ADAS, diagnostic and workshop equipment businesses has become the only specialist ADAS company in the UK to achieve three ISO standards. Read more

Positive used car outlook for the rest of 2024, but big change ahead

According to the latest market analysis by Auto Trader, based on the current trajectory, the used car market is expected to perform well in the latter half of the year, with sales predicted to rise 5% year-on-year (YoY) to circa 7.6m transactions. Read more

RWC Training gains access to Ezi-Methods

RWC Training delegates and apprentices will have full access to Ezi-Methods’ vast collection of vehicle repair methods to help with their studies. Ezi-Methods offers 77,375 repair methods encompassing 63 makes of vehicles that embodies 1,100 models and 1,517 body styles. To date, more than 5.2 million repair methods have been downloaded.

Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving technology approved for customers in Europe

Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving technology can now be used in a total of 15 European countries, following approval by the European Commission. Read more

Think global – act local for local

The Neue Klasse will usher in a new era of fully electric driving at the BMW Group – the success of which will depend heavily on the production of powerful high-voltage batteries. Read more

Nissan unveils inaugural Integrated Report and new sustainability plan

Nissan published its Integrated Report 2024, which showcases the company’s business progression as it accelerates toward its Ambition 2030 vision, always with sustainability at its core. Read more

Volvo Cars global sales up six per cent in July

Volvo Cars reported global sales of 57,447 cars in July, up 6 per cent compared to the same period last year. The sales increase was primarily driven by the strong sales of our fully electric cars in Europe. Read more

XPENG announces first global Tianji XOS 5.2 OTA upgrade

XPENG Motors, a leading Chinese smart electric vehicle company, today showcased its cutting-edge advancements in AI technology during the XPENG Smart AI Technology Conference. Read more

Uber and BYD Partner to Accelerate Global EV Transition

Uber Technologies  and BYD have announced a multi-year strategic partnership designed to bring 100,000 new BYD electric vehicles onto the Uber platform across key global markets. Read more

People

Nationwide Assistance Group has appointed Stephan Surmont as Group Managing Director.

Daniel Austin has been named Procurement Senior Officer at Allianz.

It is with sadness that PPG has paid tribute to its former Market Director and well respected industry figure, Gethyn Davies who passed away this week at the age of 56. Our thoughts are with Gethyn’s family, friends and colleagues.

Bodyshop Briefs

• Steer Automotive Group has unveiled its first purpose-built electric vehicle repair site, Steer Electric Eastleigh.
• The collaboration between Gemini Accident Repair Group, Mac Tools UK, and Emtec Colleges will announce the winners of the MacNIFICENT Toolbox Design Competition shortly.
• Adlington-based ST Accident Repair Centre has been awarded the BSI Kitemark Accreditation for vehicle damage repair.
• Silvester Crash Repair has achieved carbon neutrality in accordance with PAS 2060.
• Whaley Bridge ARC has taken delivery of its new KECO Glue Pull Repair System.
• Brandon Accident Repair has become a Tesla approved bodyshop.
• Steer Automotive Group has achieved carbon neutrality in accordance with PAS2060 for the second year in a row after reducing CO2 emissions by an additional 5.3%
• In collaboration with Emtec Colleges, Steer Automotive Group has welcomed 60 more apprentices to the group.
• Greg Biggam Accident Repair Centre has passed its first unannounced BS 10125 Kitemark audit.
• Thatcham Research hosted the AutoRaise trustee board for a day of learning and insights.

Matt Freeman of cap hpi delivers keynote address

The used car market, electric vehicles, and new technologies were the subject of a keynote address delivered by Matt Freeman, Managing Consultant, cap hpi, at ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference.

Enterprise Repair Partner Event 2024: A showcase of innovation and partnership

The third annual Enterprise Repair Partner Event took place on 11 July 2024 at the prestigious Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth marking the second consecutive year the venue has hosted this key gathering. Attended by industry leaders, partners, and stakeholders, the event highlighted the innovations, challenges, and successes within the vehicle repair and mobility sector. ARC360 was on hand to find out more.  

Motor conference set to explore key market dynamics

ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference 2024 is set to explore the key market dynamics shaping the motor insurance claims sector in 2024 and beyond.

Themed ‘Preparing for a better tomorrow’, the event takes place on Thursday 3 October at the UK’s highest event space – Landing Forty-Two in the Leadenhall Building London.

Thatcham Research sets government seven challenges

Thatcham Research is asking the new government to address seven key areas of concern within the automotive sector, including skills, autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, and cyber security.

SYNETIQ and cap hpi agree salvage data deal

Vehicle remarketing and salvage company SYNETIQ has signed a data deal with vehicle provenance check company cap hpi to provide customers with information around total losses.

Premiums fall for second successive quarter

Comprehensive car insurance premiums fell six per cent, or £59, between April and June this year, according to the latest Confused.com Car Insurance Price Index in association with WTW.

Home and motor insurance show resilience after IT outage

Consumer Intelligence has reported that the insurance industry has shown considerable resilience and is recovering after the largest IT outage in history.

LKQ Europe sets concept network target of 10,000 workshops

Leading distributor of automotive aftermarket parts, services and solutions in Europe, LKQ Europe, has launched a central workshop concept hub to bring its 16 concept brands closer together.

Ageas reveals new crash for cash scam targeting van drivers

Ageas has identified a worrying new trend of so called ‘crash for cash’ scams involving vans and mopeds. This new type of fraud sees moped-riders deliberately manoeuvring their vehicles into the path of reversing vans.

AND-E acquires assets of Nukula

AND-E, the captive insurer for the Toyota and Lexus brands through its subsidiary business Toyota Insurance Management (TIM), has acquired the trading assets of Nukula, the former administrator for Toyota and Lexus add-on insurance products in the UK.

One in ten motorists have had a collision while driving abroad

New research from Aviva reveals that almost one in seven motorists have had an incident abroad with 11% experiencing a collision while driving overseas.

ADAS market to swell by £26.2bn in four years

The size of the global ADAS market is expected to grow by £26.2bn from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio.

£350m sale of PI group in the offing as turnover and profit soar

Private-equity backed personal injury business Winn Group has reported soaring revenue and profit amid talk that it is to be sold for £350m.

Rooster attempts to disrupt UK motor market

UK insurtech motor provider Rooster is looking at new ways to target the younger generation of drivers with innovative policies.

WhoCanFixMyCar rebrands to FixMyCar

The UK’s largest online marketplace for car repairs & maintenance, WhoCanFixMyCar, has rebranded to FixMyCar.

Perfect Paint flourishes in ITAS audit

ITAS has recently carried out a successful audit of Perfect Paint Centre Milton Keynes on behalf of the Honda and Mazda brands.

Todd Engineering upgrades Zeus spraybooth

Todd Engineering has announced an upgrade to its Zeus all-electric spraybooth, which offers advanced technology for efficient and eco-friendly curing.

Vector Group acquires vehicle measurement tech manufacturer CSM

CSM Computer-Systeme-Messtechnik, a manufacturer of networked measurement technology and data loggers for vehicles and test benches, has been acquired by software specialist Vector Informatik.

Car-O-Liner hosts ADAS awareness day for NBRA

Car-O-Liner proudly hosted an ADAS Awareness Day on behalf of the National Body Repair Association (NBRA) at their UK headquarters.

Vehicle theft remains at 15-year high according to Government statistics

The number of vehicles stolen in the UK remains at a record high level, according to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

VW and Xpeng pursue electric dreams

Volkswagen and Chinese EV pure play start-up Xpeng have entered into a new agreement to jointly develop electric architecture based on Volkswagen’s China Main (CMP) and Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platforms.

ZEV mandate targets slip out of reach for major brands

Car makers including Renault, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Ford and Toyota are falling far behind targets for the UK’s ZEV Mandate, which requires 22% of this year’s sales to be of zero-emission models.

Mercedes-AMG reorganises its GT Sport division

Mercedes‑AMG has taken groundbreaking measures to strategically reorganise its motorsport division to meet future requirements and plans.  

Toyota joins Coca-Cola in hydrogen fuel cell testing

Toyota has started testing a new hydrogen-fuelled truck with Coca-Cola as part of the drinks company’s supply operations.

End of an era at Bentley

Bentley Motors is celebrating production of the last hand-built, high performance 12-cylinder engine at the company’s UK headquarters in Crewe.

People

• Craig Brooks has been named Technical Director – Motor TPA at Davies.
• SATA has expanded its technical team with the appointment of Terry Oxley as Sales & Technical Manager for The Midlands.
• Tony Fearon has joined Vertu Accident Repair Centre Nottingham.
• Shaun Hopkins, Supply Chain Manager at AXA, is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support through an all-day darts event.

IIHS-HLDI research finds little evidence that partial automation prevents crashes

Crash records and insurance data offer little evidence that partial automation systems are preventing collisions, research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute shows.

“Everything we’re seeing tells us that partial automation is a convenience feature like power windows or heated seats rather than a safety technology,” IIHS President David Harkey said.

Prasco trebles cooling system parts

Prasco UK has more than trebled the number of individual part numbers it holds for cooling systems over the last 12 months.

It now includes more than 4,000 individual part numbers at its distribution hub in Doncaster, making it the widest range in the UK.

MIB tackles uninsured drivers with joint initiative

Five police forces across the M62 worked in collaboration with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to tackle uninsured driving. Officers from Greater Manchester, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, Cheshire, and Humberside Police used a number of methods to identify and seize vehicles driven by uninsured drivers.

BASF joins NBRA

ARC360 Corporate Partner BASF has joined the National Body Repair Association and Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association as a Gold Supplier member.

Meanwhile, BASF brand Glusurit has been selected as a preferred supplier by Avant Repair Networks.

SMMT urges government to support industry drive net zero targets

The Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders is urging the new Labour government to use the industry’s decarbonisation success to the UK’s economic advantage, as a new report shows direct carbon emissions from vehicle factories halved over the past 25 years – helping position the country as the ideal place to produce the next generation of zero emission vehicles.

National finalists 2024 announced

Over 400 apprentices and students have advanced to the WorldSkills National Finals.

Competitors have participated in regional competitions at their local colleges, training provider centres, workplaces, or online to secure their place in the WorldSkills UK National Finals, which will take place in Greater Manchester from 19-22 November. 

21,000 vacancies offer enormous career opportunities in automotive

As the sector continues to battle its biggest skills gap in history, the IMI and Toyota GB have joined forces to share the real voices of employees to inspire young adults at a career crossroads, and adults looking for a career change into the industry. The stories are being shared on the ‘There’s More to Motor’ YouTube channel.

IMI finalists announced

The IMI has announced the finalists for its Skills Competition, which will see 24 technicians compete in four categories, Body Repair, Refinishing, Light Vehicle Technology, and Heavy Vehicle Technology, from 18-22 November.

Winners can then go on to represent Squad UK in EuroSkills 2025 in Denmark and WorldSkills International 2026 in China.

New AI safety cameras trial expand across Britain

A trial of new artificial intelligence technology that can identify drivers not wearing their seatbelts will be extended until March.

National Highways is working with 10 police forces to test the technology, which captures images of drivers and then uses AI to identify those without seatbelts or using their phones behind the wheel.

Copart expansion to continue in St Helens

Copart has announced that it will open a new Operation Centre in St Helens. As part of its Land and Expand strategy, the new 19-acre site will provide further storage capacity for up to 24,000 vehicles in the region.

Ben raises awareness around financial support

Automotive industry charity Ben is raising awareness around the support it offers to those facing money worries after receiving nearly 16,000 enquiries and offering more than 600 grants in the last year.

Fix Auto Penzance upgrades wheel refurbishment capabilities

Fix Auto Penzance has invested in a state-of-the-art laser-guided diamond-tipped cutting machine to enhance its alloy wheel refurbishment capabilities.

Owner Stuart Cameron bought the DCR Pro machine from Portsmouth-based DCR Systems after seeing the technology in action at the network’s National Conference sponsors’ exhibition in May.

Dacia and Swift suffer in new Euro NCAP ratings

Euro NCAP has released new safety ratings for a range of models. The Dacia Duster and Suzuki Swift both achieved just three stars, while the Mercedes-Benz E class, the VW Passat, Skoda Superb and Skoda Kodiaq all achieved five stars

Meanwhile, the BMW x2 and Renault’s Espace and Rafale were rated as five-star twins to 2022-tested cars.

Stellantis extends hybrid range to meet demand

Stellantis has responded to growing customer demand by increasing its range of hybrid models. Thirty models be available across Europe by the end of the year, with six more launched through 2026.

Ford unveils re-imagined Capri

Ford has re-released its iconic Capri, with two powertrain options offering ranges of 390 miles or 370 miles.

It also includes full ADAS features including Blind Spot Information System, Clear Exit Warning, Cross Traffic Alert with Active Braking Driver Alert, Evasive Steering Assist, Front and rear parking sensors, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, 12 Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keeping Aid, Pre-Collision Assist, Rear-View Camera, Reverse Brake Assist, Selectable Drive Modes, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Wrong Way Assist.

VWG and Rivian form joint venture to develop EVs

Rivian Automotive and Volkswagen Group have formed an equally controlled and owned joint venture to create next-generation electrical architecture and best-in-class software technology.

Chery Achieves Over One Million Vehicle Sales

Chery Group has reported vehicle sales of 1,100,621 in the first half of the year, up 48% on the same period last year.

EV exposure increasing according to ARC360 poll

Nearly seven in 10 respondents to a live poll conducted during ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology event cited their exposure to EV claims was now moderate or high.

Stellantis repair network joins NBRA

Stellantis has announced that its entire accident repair network has joined the NBRA.

This significant development brings Stellantis and its accident repair programme, representing nine of the 14 global brands in the UK, into a formal association with the NBRA.

Motor premiums up 34% in a year

New data has revealed that the average quoted price of car insurance rose by 34% in the year to May. This is according to the latest Consumer Intelligence Car Insurance Price Index.

GSR2 makes ADAS mandatory from 7 July

The European Union’s New Vehicle General Safety Regulation (GSR2) comes into effect on 7 July, making a number of ADAS features mandatory in vehicles.

These include Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Driver Drowsiness and Attention Warning (DDAW), and Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS).

Copart unveils Chelmsford Operation Centre

Copart UK has opened a new Operation Centre in Chelmsford, Essex. The new 30-acre site is part of an ongoing expansion strategy with further announcements to come.

Falling capacity creating bottlenecks

Falling capacity in the refurbishment sector is hitting remarketing, creating substantial bottlenecks in preparing cars and vans for sale, according to the Vehicle Remarketing Association.

Irish motor insurance damage costs soar 126%

The cost of Irish motor insurance claims rose 126% to £160m in the first half of 2023.

Drivers reminded to check insurance

Motor Insurers’ Bureau is reminding drivers to check their vehicle is properly insured, after a YouGov study showed 10% of the British public are not aware that it is compulsory for any vehicle used on a public road.

Silverlake hosts Brazilian recycling delegation

Silverlake hosted nine members of the Brazilian Automotive Recycling Association recently to showcase UK best practice around vehicle recycling.

The tour covered all aspects of automotive recycling including processing vehicles for auction or dismantling for reclaimed parts.

Stella partners with global leader in automotive solutions Assurant

Stella has announced a strategic partnership with Assurant, a global leader in insurance solutions. This collaboration aims to redefine automotive cover with a focus on delivering tailored insurance solutions specifically for women.

SYNETIQ colleagues scale Three Peaks for charity

Colleagues at SYNETIQ, an IAA company and one of the UK’s leading integrated vehicle salvage, dismantling, and recycling companies, have completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, raising over £4,000 for suicide prevention charity ANDYSMANCLUB.

Why skills are critical to the future mobility debate

IMI CEO Steve Nash was part of one of a high-profile panel discussion on skills. He formed part of the Auto manufacturing and skills: reshaping the industry in the electric image session at Move.

Tradex joins the IFB’s fraud-fighting membership

Tradex Insurance Company has joined the Insurance Fraud Bureau membership to play a key role in the industry’s collective fight against fraud.  

Car sales pass million mark for 2024

New car sales topped a million units in the first half of the year for the first time since 2019, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Sales in June rose by 1.1% to take total sales so far in 2024 to 1,006,763 units. Meanwhile, the UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market fell for the first time in June after 17 successive months of growth.

Onyx unveils new BMS

Onyx has launched a new bodyshop management system that streamlines workflows and automates core processes like estimating, job scheduling, and parts ordering. It has been developed specifically to address the challenges of legacy systems.

Ben adds details to flagship fundraising events

Automotive charity Ben has announced more details surrounding its two flagship fundraising events, Ben’s Big Breakfast and Ben Ball.

Motor Ombudsman’s Knowledge Base viewed over 170,000 times

The Motor Ombudsman’s online Knowledge Base, the reference tool designed to provide consumers with responses to queries on car ownership, vehicle maintenance and dispute resolution, has seen a rise in usage during the second quarter of 2024.

Final whistle blows on Plunkys All Stars

The final Plunkys All Stars charity match raised more than £26,000 for its three charities Norkfolk and Waveney Mind, East Anglian Air Ambulance, and the Fire Fighters Charity.

The annual matches, the brainchild of industry stalwart Steve Plunkett, have been played for more than a decade now, raising over £119,000 collectively for valuable causes.

MAHLE Powertrain expands dedicated hydrogen powertrain testing capabilities

MAHLE Powertrain is expanding its Northampton facility to include a dedicated hydrogen powertrain testing capability. The capacity to hold two tube-trailers on-site with rapid switch-over functionality between them will ensure a near-continuous supply of hydrogen.

Stellantis joins with CEA to pursue next-generation battery cell technology

Stellantis and CEA, one of the world’s most innovative research institutions, have announced a new, five-year collaboration that targets in-house design of next-generation battery cells for electric vehicles.

Geotab and BYD Trucks Europe announce integration

Geotab has announced an integration of its European-based fleet management solutions with BYD Trucks Europe. This collaboration provides BYD Trucks Europe with a robust fleet management solution across Europe.

Commercial Van safety performance improving significantly

The latest Euro NCAP Commercial Van ratings show a significant improvement in the performance of ADAS available on commercial vans. Seven of the tested vehicles (40%) received Euro NCAP’s Commercial Van Platinum rating and performed substantially better than the EU General Safety Regulation.

Toyota to host IAATI conference

Toyota will host the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators UK Branch national vehicle crime conference on 9-10 July at its manufacturing plant in Derbyshire, underscoring it’s commitment to combating vehicle crime.

Rimac unveils Verne EV

Rimac has shifted from hypercars to autonomous transportation with the unveiling of Verne, a new electric, autonomous fleet of taxis to be launched in Zagreb in 2026.