Category: Supplier

ARC360 hosted its fourth Breakfast Think Tank recently, when attention was turned to the growing impact of new international players entering the UK sector.

After considering skills, electric vehicles and volumes in previous Think Tank sessions, this week the focus was turned on new brands within the domestic market and how they are impacting claims and repairs in terms of parts availability, methods, and insurance.

It was revealed that there are now 75 new brands with European export ambitions, with many of these now coming from China.

And while some European countries might be more cautious to external influence, preferring instead to support their own domestic automotive manufacturing interests, the UK is at the moment open to Chinese investment.

As such, it is expected that a flood of brands will enter the market in the coming years.

Setting the pace so far is BYD, which has already launched three models into the UK – the SEAL, DOLPHIN, and ATTO. It plans to release four more within the next year as its influence continues to grow.

Meanwhile, ZEEKR – backed by Geely Automobile Holdings – has recently secured Euro NCAP approval, while Great Wall Motors has established a UK footprint through its sub-brand ORA, which has released the Funky Cat.

The challenge comes though in differentiating between the brands, and separating the long-term successes from short-term flash in the pans.

One repairer said, “We are following a watching brief at the moment. Some brands are launching into the UK with no aftersales strategy at all so we need to ask ourselves if we can repair the vehicle safely, do we have access to parts and methods?”

In some cases the answer is yes. BYD, which aims to become the largest vehicle manufacturer in the world, is working closely with UK organisations to ensure a smooth introduction to the UK, but others it was suggested appear a little less-proactive.

“Chinese vehicle manufacturers behave differently so the market will need to adjust. There is a level of openness from some brands but others are not always engaging with insurers, there are no methods or parts and that drives up the cost of even minor repairs. I think we will see a massive mix of repairability and quality over the 75 models, so we can expect quite a bumpy road for a little while.”

Chris Downing, Head of Sales & Operations, Stellantis; Marc Holding, Managing Director, The Vella Group; and Victoria Turner, Executive Director, Ryemarc Group are the latest key persons of influence revealed for ARC360’s conference agenda.

Taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, the ARC360 conference is set to deliver the highest calibre of attendees, contributors and debate in the UK body repair industry event calendar.

Supported by Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Copart, Entegral, Enterprise, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Assistance, S&G Response, Solera Audatex; along with Partners: Gemini ARC, Repairify and Prasco, the event is sponsored by Activate Group and Thatcham Research along with vehicle manufacturer Stellantis which will host the ‘Stellantis Zone’ on the day featuring a number of its latest models including the Peugeot Expert (BEV), Jeep Avenger (BEV), and the Vauxhall Astra SW (BEV) .

More than 40 key insurance influencers are already confirmed to attend representing brands including: Action 365, Ageas, Allianz, Arch Insurance, Aviva Insurance, Broker Direct, Collingwood, Direct Line Group, esure, First Central Services UK Ltd, Hastings Direct, Haven Claims, LV= General Insurance, Markerstudy Insurance Services Ltd, NOVO Incident Management, NFU Mutual, QBE and Zurich.  

A host of vehicle manufacturers including Lotus, Porsche, Toyota, Stellantis, and VWG; over 100 of the UK’s leading accident repair operators; and the sectors leading suppliers will too be present throughout the day. 

Delegates will hear thoughts from insurers, vehicle manufacturers, repairers and other key persons of influence from across the sector on how, when and why the sector is preparing for the future including special sessions focused on ‘getting in shape to win more business’ and ‘acquisition, growth and integration’. 

Chris, Marc and Victoria join already announced speakers:

• Chris Ashworth, Founder, ILC
• Matthew Freeman, Managing Consultant at Solera cap hpi
• Andrew Jobling, Supply Chain Lead, UKGI Supply Chain, Aviva
• Tom Leggett, Vehicle Technology Manager, Thatcham Research
• Ulrike Lucas, Head of Procurement & Supply – Allianz Claims, Allianz Insurance plc
• Dawn Marsden, Head of Claims Supplier Management and Engineering Services, esure
• Robert Snook, CEO, Business Success Global
• Pete Thompson, Director of Product, Activate Group

Full agenda to be revealed next week.

Tickets for the event are on sale now – click here to book.

To find out more about the opportunities available to get involved in the event – exhibition or sponsorship, or how to become an ARC360 Partner contact mark@iloveclaims.com or liane@iloveclaims.com.

Stellantis will be hosting its national repair network forum on the 26 June at the same venue.

For a full overview of last year’s event, click here.