SYNETIQ announces new EV battery partnership

SYNETIQ is collaborating with clean-tech innovator Allye Energy to focus on the sustainable transformation of end-of-life EV batteries.

The partnership will focus on repurposing battery packs for MAX Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which SYNETIQ will provide through its many industry agreements.

Tom Rumboll, UK Managing Director for IAA and CEO of SYNETIQ said: “We’re excited to work with Allye to repurpose entire EV battery packs and address a key challenge in our industry. Having a safe, climate-conscious, and affordable solution for EV batteries is crucial to maximising their environmental and economic benefits.”

Jack Levy, COO and Co-Founder of Allye, added: “Our unique approach to repurposing the whole EV battery pack is the most sustainable way to deliver energy storage at scale, making best use of the finite resources available and helping ensure every EV battery has another chance to deliver what it was designed to do. Our approach allows us to build battery systems that provide flexibility and circularity at their core, by integrating cells of mixed chemistries, assorted voltage ranges, varying capacity and mixed state-of-health.”

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Summers secures Lotus approval

Summers Accident Repair Centre in Ashford has been appointed as Lotus approved bodyshop.

Director Ian Summers said, “As Lotus vehicles become more technically advanced and complex to repair, it’s never been more important to be able to repair them correctly and safely, following the brands repair methods, which is why we are delighted to announce that we have been appointed as Caffyns Lotus Approved Bodyshop.

“We will be covering Kent and Sussex for the brand and are really looking forward to building a strong working relationship with both dealerships as well as with the Lotus car owners.”

Joe Holman, General Sales Manager, Caffyns Lotus, said, “Caffyns Lotus are thrilled to welcome Summers Motors as our Approved Lotus Bodyshop serving our market area of representation. Their extensive expertise is an invaluable asset to our business, and we eagerly anticipate nurturing a strong partnership with them to better serve our customers.”

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Next Generation Interview: Ben Routh, Apprentice Repair Technician, Activate Accident Repair, Leeds

Tell us about your role. What do you do, and what do you find most interesting about it?

I am a third year MET (Mechanical, Electrical, and Trim) apprentice. I remove damaged components on a car after estimation so the panel beaters and painters can conduct their work. I then refit new or repaired parts in place of the damaged ones.

My daily work typically consists of removing and refitting, however as an apprentice I am constantly learning and adapting to my role within the automotive industry. This is what I find most interesting as I love to be able to learn and apply my newfound knowledge daily, no matter the level of impact this new learning will have on my work.

What made you want to work in this industry?

With the rise of electric vehicles and ADAS (advanced driver assist system) technology, the automotive industry is becoming more computer and technology based than it has ever been.

This is what initially made me want to work in this industry given my background in computer science and physics – the evolution of technology is highly interesting to me so being able to see that within my work is a big positive.

What does job satisfaction look like to you?

Simply put, job satisfaction to me is seeing the work I’ve produced leave the shopfloor to a good standard. I’ve always been a perfectionist, so seeing my work leave at a point I can be happy with is satisfying to me.

What do you see as the biggest challenge to your industry in the next year?

As mentioned above, technology is constantly changing. Cars are becoming even more reliant on things like ADAS, and new fuels are being developed. This, in my opinion, could potentially be the biggest challenge. With more variation in vehicle fuel, technology, and systems comes a greater level of difficulty in repair. This is due to the pace of change, and a lack of knowledge and experience across the industry in working with new car equipment.

How would you like to see the industry improved next year/five years?

I would like to see the automotive industry become the thriving industry it once was – technicians have become a dying breed as of late. I’d like to see the industry recognised as an important employer and innovator, so that the younger generation aspire to be part of it.

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K&R Coachworks joins Fix network

Fix Auto UK has announced that K&R Coachworks has joined its network and will now operate as Fix Auto St Albans.

The 6,000 sqft bodyshop, which includes 12 workbays, two spraybooths and two thirds of an acre of secure parking, repairs about 100 vehicles a month but owner Rash Panesar expects to increase that to 130.

He said, “Our reputation for high quality repairs and delivering a great customer service is second to none and that’s because I’ve worked tirelessly in the business. But I now feel it is time I worked on the business and I need help, support and guidance from industry experts to fulfil my ambitions which include developing a second site nearby.

“I went to Fix Auto UK’s National Conference in May and was completely bowled over by the whole experience and I just knew I needed to be part of it.”

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ARC360 News Round-Up – Friday 5 January 2024

Bodyshop briefs

  • Fix Auto Basingstoke is developing a dedicated van and LCV repair centre to sit alongside its existing bodyshop.
  • Steer Automotive Group has acquired prestige repairer Fastlane Paint & Body, which has sites in Guildford, Ascot, Heathrow and Elstree.
  • Northern Ireland-based bodyshop Porters Bodyshop has secured BMW and MINI approval.
  • Fylde Coast ARC has received the Enterprise Customer Service Award for achieving a World Class Quarterly Net Promotor Score for customer repair.
  • East Bilney Coachworks Thetford has received a positive recommendation for transition to BS10125:2022.
  • Shorade UK has acquired DB Auto Repairs and Paint, which will now operate as Shorade Cheltenham.

Industry News

Car sales up for 17th month

New car sales were up 9.8% in December to make it 17 successive months of growth.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, sales for the year were up 17.9% to 1.903 million units, while 314,687 new EV registrations is a higher total than 2021 and 2022 combined.

Growth for Nationwide Assistance Group

Nationwide Assistance Group has welcomed DJ Spall Recovery, which provides recovery services across the UK, into its group.

Meanwhile, the group has also cut the ribbon on a new Nationwide European Office in Alicante.

IMI updates NOS

The IMI has released draft versions of new Electric and Hybrid Vehicle National Occupational Standards (NOS). It has also developed two new NOS for assessing the condition of EV high voltage batteries and EV conversions.

SYNETIQ tackles HGV emissions

SYNETIQ has announced a new initiative to drive HGV fleet decarbonisation. Working in collaboration with automotive and mechanical engineering masters students at Sheffield Hallam University, it will explore alternative fuels for its fleet.

MIB warns of uninsured driving spike

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau will invest a further £5m in initiatives to get uninsured drivers off the road in 2024 after warning that cost-of-living pressures could see uninsured driving rise this year.

Car Market Overview January 2024

The latest cap hpi market report is predicting that used car values will continue to fall in the first quarter of 2024, but expects values to decrease at a much slower rate than in recent months.

Thatcham Research welcomes new starters

Thatcham Research welcomed 79 learners from 28 employers to its Automotive Academy during the winter.

They have embarked on courses including Vehicle Damage Paint Technician, Vehicle Damage Panel Technician, Vehicle Damage MET and VDA (Vehicle Damage Assessor).

Driverless car set for UK 2026 launch

Transport Secretary Mark Harper believes driverless cars will be on UK roads by 2026. Legislation is going through parliament now and should enable autonomous driving within two years.

Government falls short of charging targets

The government failed to hit its target of having six or more rapid or ultra-rapid electric vehicle chargers at every motorway service area in England by the end of 2023.

According to the RAC, just 46 of the 119 motorway services reviewed had the target number of chargers.

VM news

BYD outsells Tesla for first time

Chinese EV manufacturer BYD outsold Tesla in the last three months of 2023, with 526,000 sales compared to 484,500.

However, Tesla still sold more cars than BYD over the whole year with 1.8 million EV sales compared to 1.6 million.

Landmark birthday for VW Golf

The Volkswagen Golf turns 50 this year, with more than 37 million units sold during the model’s eight generations.

Key partnership in PEM progress

Hyundai, Kia, and Gore have signed an agreement to collaborate on the development of advanced polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for hydrogen fuel cell systems.

EVs drive Volvo sales surge

Volvo Cars has reported that global sales rose 15% last year to 708,716 units, with fully electric sales surging 70% to 113,419.

People

  • Martin Smith has been appointed Director at Nova Automotive Group.
  • ABL1 Touch has named Andrew Goodings as Senior Production Manager.
  • Darren Blacklaw has started a new position as General Manager Vertu Retail Repair at Vertu Motors.
  • Lee Croft has been named Group Operations Data Analyst at Komoo.
  • John Coombs has started a new position as Senior Sales Manager at Autoglass.
  • Steer Automotive Group Farnborough has appointed Jay Commander as Manager.
  • Derrick Paton has been appointed Sales Director – Scotland at Morelli Group.
  • Carlac has named Chris Simpson as Business Development Manager.
  • Andrew Pilkington has started a new role as Deputy CEO, Sales & Marketing at disrupter EV brand VINFAST UK.
  • Scott Thompson has been appointed the new President and Managing Director of Toyota (GB) plc.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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ARC360 Market Intelligence: November/December 2023

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