People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Repairify will launch a new comprehensive technical training programme intended to raise standards and skills among automotive technicians.
Due to be introduced in 2023, the Repairify Institute will employ innovative training methods such as adaptive learning, which adjusts teachings according to the person’s individual strengths and weaknesses. This will allow students to work at their own pace via several planned academies.
Additional features of the Repairify Institute include a mentorship support programme that tracks progress and a Proof of Skill concept that enables students to demonstrate their new skills.
Cris Hollingsworth, President of Repairify Global Holdings, said, “The Repairify Institute is the embodiment of the Repairify mission to help automotive repair professionals in their quest to simplify complex repairs. Not only are we enabling this mission with our patented technology, but we also are building curriculum and courses that help technicians achieve and maintain certification in their desired areas of expertise.”
A series of Centres of Excellence will be created, the first in Dallas, which will serve as examination and certification hubs.
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Insurance, Mobility, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
CAPS has launched a new and improved platform for the collision repair industry in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
The new platform brings more performance, connectivity and capacity to power the whole of the insurance motor claims repair ecosystem, from the first notification of loss to the end of the repair.
‘Any to many’ is the biggest innovation and a step change in how users will be able to use the platform to share data, enabling all businesses to safely exchange data with any other organisation using CAPS, while enhanced configurability means users will still control who receives information, creating ‘safe’ party lists at each end of the data flow.
Meanwhile, improved process structure means integrators can easily configure what can be sent to create bespoke workflows.
A further major improvement is an upgraded cloud architecture and messaging hub capable of handling more transactions more quickly and with more scalability in line with the increasing numbers of CAPS users and the volume of data shared.
Rob Davey, CAPS Product Owner, said, “The new version of CAPS will mark a significant improvement to the claims process by enhancing existing connections and extending connectivity to all area of the industry. All the changes make exchanging data with your trusted partners easier than ever. Once a connection is migrated to the new interface, integrators will be able to immediately benefit from all the new features as well as all the previous functionalities.”
David Mills, Head of Motor Fulfilment at Direct Line Group, said, “The new CAPS technology is quite impressive as it removes unnecessary expensive administrative burdens and is very good at connecting suppliers and customers in a safe and secure way.”
Meanwhile, Kelvyn Waugh, Managing Director from Prasco UK, added, “Communication is our number one priority as it is central to streamlining and accelerating the vehicle repair process, and this is what CAPS delivers straight out of the box.”
“CAPS is a game-changer in terms of driving efficiencies and ultimately helping to reduce key-to-key times,” said Richard Steer, Chief Executive of Steer Automotive Group. “It simplifies communication with all parties and works with all our technologies, as well as our partner and supplier systems. It provides accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information that’s central to delivering repairs on time and on target.”
Insurance, People, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words
A new study by Thatcham Research has revealed that more than half of UK drivers think they can buy a fully autonomous car today.
It found that 77% of those surveyed between the ages of 17 and 24 believe fully self-driving cars are now available, while 41% of those aged 55 and over also believe this.
This is despite the fact that only assisted driving systems which require driver support are currently available in the UK, and when self-driving capabilities are introduced in 2025 it will be limited initially to automated lane keeping systems on motorways.
Matthew Avery, Chief Strategic Research Officer, Thatcham Research, said, “With more than half of the UK public believing that autonomous driving is here today, the perception is racing ahead of the reality. This demonstrates just how much work needs to be done to set realistic consumer expectations of the first vehicles offering limited self-driving functionality, when they do become available. Put simply, the benefits of Automation will not be delivered if people don’t fully understand its limitations.”
Encouragingly, while most believe the technology is now available, the majority of drivers are in no rush to buy a self-driving vehicle. Thatcham Research’s Trust in Automation study found that 44% of respondents said they would wait for the technology to mature before purchasing a self-driving car, while 16% said they would purchase a vehicle with self-driving technology only if it comes with a car they already intended to buy.
Nearly a quarter (24%) said they would never buy a car with self-driving capability.
Matthew concluded, “Drivers are beginning to recognise that Automation can deliver significant societal benefit in terms of safety, mobility and sustainability. However, the industry must be cautious with the language employed to sell automation and drivers must be made aware of the limitations of systems. “It’s vital that all industry stakeholders come together to instil trust in Automation by ensuring motorists have a firm grasp of their legal obligations and the performance limitations of systems.”
Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has launched a new Automotive Career Guide to attract new talent to the industry.
This comes after SMMT research found that 49% of UK automotive companies are concerned about the skills gap and their ability to fill key roles.
The new guide provides a key resource for school leavers, graduates and career changers on the vast range of new opportunities in the industry, from research and development in autonomous and zero-emission vehicles to technical roles in the aftermarket.
It also provides employer details and advice on how to find the right job or apprenticeship, interview techniques and scholarship and bursary opportunities.
It is hoped this will help bridge the gap between skills and vacancies, with SMMT research revealing that 73% of companies in the industry are experiencing recruitment challenges in operations and manufacturing roles. This is despite the fact that the sector offers salaries 14% higher than the average.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Britain’s world-leading automotive sector is delivering the vehicles of the future, today, and the skills and commitment of a new generation of diverse and talented workers will secure its success. There has never been a more exciting time to work in the industry, with some of Britain’s best paid, rewarding and long-lasting careers, and a breadth of opportunities at the vanguard of the Net Zero and AI revolution. SMMT’s new Career Guide offers a valuable resource, providing advice on how to join the sector in roles as diverse as design, data analytics, engineering and marketing, leading the charge towards a zero emission future.”
ACIS has appointed Jez Chapman as business development manager to help deliver profitable growth and expansion for customers and national network of distributors.
Jez brings with him a wealth of sales and marketing experience, having been business development manager at Morelli Group and Granville Supplies, and sales and marketing manager for International Applications.
He said, “I’m relishing the opportunity to provide a strategic and structured hands-on delivery for ACIS that combines the introduction of new initiatives as well as innovative business streams.”
Ryan O’Neill, Head of Sales, added, “With Jez’s experience in the automotive repair sector combined with his expert knowledge and contacts, we’re confident he will be able to quickly develop new sales avenues for the group that align with our technology-driven business approach.”
Copart is marking Stress Awareness Week by rolling out ‘The Basics of Managing Stress’ training to all teammates.
The training will help colleagues understand what stress is and how our bodies respond to it, as well as providing effective coping mechanisms.
Copart will also be sending out a range of internal communications containing useful hints and tips on how to deal with stress via its Copart Rewards benefits and communications platform.
This latest initiative is one of many already introduced to help improve the wellbeing of its people. In May it announced the launch of its new Mental Health First Aider Programme while its Copart Rewards benefits and communications platform was launched earlier this year to provide 24/7 access to free confidential counselling and advice on a wide range of work and personal issues.
Meanwhile, it has also forged a partnership with automotive charity Ben to deliver a wide range of free health and wellbeing services, and so far over 125 managers have undertaken Ben’s ‘Managing Mental Health in the Workplace’ training.
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
ARC360 has revealed the full agenda for its forthcoming Gaining Ground Together 2022 event taking place at The Manufacturing Technology Centre on Thursday 24 November.
The event – which is free to attend for registered repairers – is sponsored by GT Motive and supported by ARC360 Corporate Partners: Solera Audatex; BASF; BMS; CAPS; Copart; EMACS; Entegral; Enterprise; Innovation Group; Mirka; Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance; and S&G; along with Partners: Repairify; The Green Parts Specialists; Indasa; and Prasco UK; and Associate Partners: Gemini ARC; Trend Tracker; and Thatcham Research.
The day will include a host of topical sessions featuring some of the key persons of influence from across the motor claims sector. Attendees will also be invited to join the conversation via the use of audience engagement technology.
Sessions include a ‘state of the nation’ look at market data and how it actually translates to everyday operations and future planning; a look at how to ensure customer happiness during challenging times; a focus on importance and impact of ESG on the supply chain; and the changing wants and needs across supply chains. The day will also feature an exclusive look at the latest technology to be deployed within the technician training environment.
Tickets, sponsorship and exhibition spaces are all available for the event.
Taking place on Thursday 24 November at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry, the event which is free to access for registered repairers will see Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services, Thatcham Research provide an overview of the latest advances in learning environments including its ‘mixed reality device’ HoloLens.
One of the region’s leading vehicle repairers with a heritage spanning almost three decades, the three-acre site features a workshop space of more than 27,000 sqft that can handle up to 200 car and light commercial vehicle repairs a month.
Due to be introduced in 2023, the Repairify Institute will employ innovative training methods such as adaptive learning, which adjusts teachings according to the person’s individual strengths and weaknesses, with additional features including a mentorship support programme and a Proof of Skill concept that enables students to demonstrate their new skills.
He won bronze in the Car Painting Skills category, and also picked up second place in the Sustainable Practice Awards.
The competition, supported by BASF’s premium paint brand Glasurit, replaced the 46th edition WorldSkills that was cancelled in May due to the pandemic.
The two-day final at Cardiff and Vale College will take place in November, when 24 students and apprentices will demonstrate their skills across a range of tasks in four areas: Automotive Technology, Automotive Body Repair, Automotive Refinishing and Heavy Vehicle Technology.
ISO27001 is the world’s most well-established standard for information security management systems (ISMS) and accreditation recognises a company’s commitment to protecting data and information entrusted by third parties.
CIECA (Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association) develops collision industry electronic standards, codes and standard messages and provides implementation guides to make the industry more efficient.
The company said, “This would not be possible without our loyal team of qualified technicians and staff being committed to providing the highest standards of service every single day.”
According to the Confused.com Car Insurance Price Index, premiums have risen four quarters in a row with six per cent rises recorded in the last three months.
In this webinARC we offer a host of interviews, comments and insights via recorded interviews focusing on business development opportunities and challenges in 2023 and beyond.
Fix Auto UK has announced that MotorAid has joined the network and will now operate as Fix Auto Basildon.
One of the region’s leading vehicle repairers with a heritage spanning almost three decades, the three-acre site features a workshop space of more than 27,000 sqft that can handle up to 200 car and light commercial vehicle repairs a month.
Owner Steve Abbs said, “We are constantly looking to improve and develop the business. Nearly a year ago we started repairing vehicles for Fix Auto UK and liked the services they provide. We realised early into our relationship there was much more to the network, and we wanted more of it.
“We’ve recognised we needed to future-proof our business, being part of a network, especially one with such a reputation as Fix Auto UK, has to be the future for all repairers and we’re now delighted to be part of it.”
Ian Pugh, Managing Director for Fix Auto UK, said: “These are undoubtedly frenetic times for the industry and we are always striving to strengthen the network but with businesses that sit right for us and, dare I say, we have to be the right fit for them too. Steve and business partner Simon Croft have built up an enviable reputation over the years and have served us well since the start of 2022, stepping up to be a first tier, fully branded, Fix Auto UK repairer was the natural progression and I am delighted to have them on board.”
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Covid 19, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words
A new report has found that half of workers in the UK have reported worse mental health since the outbreak of Covid-19.
Nearly half (48%) said they were experiencing ‘burn out’ and more than a third (35%) said they felt depressed.
Despite this, only a third of companies have increased wellbeing support since pandemic.
These were the headline findings of a report, Making Mental Health Top of the Agenda, commissioned by leading digital mental health provider SilverCloud.
It also found that those suffering with poor mental health saw their work performance drop, with lower concentration levels (60%), reduced productivity (56%), reduced quality (40%), and a deterioration in working relationships (26%).
Dr Carolyn Lorian, Head of Clinical Transformation at SilverCloudsaid,“These findings reinforce the crucial role that businesses can play in supporting their workforces to unlock human and business potential; however, just 28% of employees believe employers are doing enough. This gap between employee reality and employer perception and action needs to be addressed.”
The new research also revealed increases in productivity and profitability are being unlocked by companies who invest in their workforce’s mental health. Over half (55%) of employers have seen an increase in staff productivity, plus increases in profitability (40%) and a reduction in absenteeism.
