Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Solera Audatex has enhanced its estimating solution AudaEnterpriseGold by adding 29 new models and updating a further 121.
Among those models now included is the Tesla Model Y.
Also added as part of the data release are the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW 4 Series Convertible and 4 Series Gran Coupe, BMW X3, Cupra Born, Dacia Jogger, DS 4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Honda ADV, Honda CB125, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Bayon and Ioniq 5, Jeep Compass, Kia Rio and Kia EV6, Mercedes EQB and EQS, Peugeot 308, Polestar 2, Toyota Yaris Cross, Toyota Mirai, Vauxhall Astra, Volvo C40 Recharge, VW Multivan, VW Taigo.
The company said, “Accuracy is everything. Our team works tirelessly to ensure we bring the latest graphics and vehicle data to market first, when new data is made available to us direct from the manufacturers.”
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
ARC360 has revealed the first insight into the agenda for its ‘Gaining Ground Together’ themed event taking place on Thursday 24 November at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry.
Included in the line-up is Andrew Eade, Head of AD Strategy & Fulfilment at First Central; Nick Sweetman, Head of Vehicle Repair & Service Operations for UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings; and Chris Weeks, Executive Director of the NBRA.
The day will include a host of ‘quickfire’ sessions focused on providing greater insight and context to current market conditions. It will provide a ‘state of the nation’ look at market data and how it actually translates to everyday operations and future planning; explore procurement and battling the challenges of rising claims inflation; and discuss the importance and impact of ESG on the supply chain.
Mark Hadaway, co-founder of ARC360 said, “The Gaining Ground Together mantra of ARC360 is, arguably, even more pertinent for this event.
“We’re all acutely aware of the many challenges currently faced by the sector. By late November we may have greater insight into how they are evolving, what the true impact is on businesses throughout the supply chain and how we can try to support positive outcomes for all.”
ARC360 is supported by Corporate Partners: Solera Audatex; BASF; BMS; CAPS; Copart; EMACS; Entegral; Enterprise; Innovation Group; Mirka; Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance; S&G; and Sherwin Williams; along with Partners: Repairify; The Green Parts Specialists; Indasa; and Prasco UK; and Associate Partners: Gemini ARC; Trend Tracker; and Thatcham Research.
More details of the event, along with further names on the agenda will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Tickets, sponsorship and exhibition spaces are all now available for the event.
Toby Wood, Steve Gale, John Wiggins and Malcolm Street managed to complete the full distance across Dartmoor from Okehampton to Ivybridge in just under 12 hours, raising upwards of £3,000, while five more colleagues began the march but were advised to withdraw at the half-way point.
Among them was company owner Louise Woolacott, who said, “The trek was absolutely brutal, so I can only applaud the fabulous four who made it all the way to the finish line. We knew it was going to be our toughest charity challenge yet, which is why we choose it to mark our 50th anniversary, but we really didn’t expect the course to be as challenging. The terrain, the warm weather, the steep hills and descents were savage.
“Toby, Steve, John and Malcolm really were like machines, and when they needed an extra boost they were joined by David Sutcliffe of Grove for the final leg.”
Fix Auto Mid Devon was founded in 1970 by Louise’s in-laws, Geoff and Sheila Woolacott. It has since grown to one of the region’s most successful repairers with two sites and 50 colleagues who between them repair about 3,000 vehicles a year.
Louise said: “Being part of a family-owned business that has served an area for more than 50 years is an incredible achievement and it’s one we are extremely proud of. The business actually surpassed that milestone 18 months ago but the pandemic put our celebrations on hold.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
A new survey by Audatex has revealed a growing appetite among bodyshops for the greater use of artificial intelligence solutions.
Conducted between July and August, the survey examined the attitude towards AI in estimating among the Audatex repairer community.
It found that 56% of respondents believe AI could increase estimating efficiency, 51% said it could improve customer service and half thought it could also streamline and accelerate the parts ordering process.
Meanwhile, the survey also asked respondents what their biggest challenge was at the moment, with two thirds citing recruitment. In terms of reducing cycle times, parts ordering was the single greatest issue for 54%, 45% said it was waiting for insurer approval with 46% saying it was the time taken to do assessments.
Delving deeper into the numbers, the report found that the average estimating time for a lightly damaged vehicle was 16-30 minutes, 31-60 minutes for vehicles with medium damage and anything from an hour upwards for heavily-damaged vehicles.
Audatex said, “There is no denying that there is an appetite for AI to support the industry. To tackle the challenges of the ongoing skills shortage we need to build trust in AI and see it as an enabler to do more with a smaller, highly skilled workforce.”
Environment, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words
Copart UK is opening new CashForCars headquarters in the Fife area, creating a raft of new jobs.
CashForCars is Copart’s sister company which buys directly from customers and re-sells them through Copart’s patented online auction platform.
Since launching in the UK and Ireland last year, it has experienced rapid expansion and as a result has invested into new executive offices in Kirkcaldy, Fife.
Its team includes specialist vehicle buyers and customer sales advisors, as well as technologists and marketeers. The company is already anticipating further job opportunities and is now actively recruiting customer sales representatives.
Mark Godfrey, director of strategy, marketing, Copart, said: “As we continue to increase our footprint in Scotland, we’re delighted to announce significant investment into the Fife area with the opening of our new headquarters.
“As CashForCars.co.uk continues to grow, supported by Copart’s extensive operational capabilities, we fully expect to bring further expansion and job opportunities to this area of Scotland.”
Insurance, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Electric vehicles dominated the latest round of Euro NCAP testing, with all but one of the models assessed achieving a five-star safety rating.
Setting the benchmark was the Tesla Model Y, which achieved the highest score ever (98%) in the Safety Assist category. It also scored 97% in Adult Occupant Protection.
Matthew Avery, Chief Research Strategy Officer, Thatcham Research, said, “The Tesla Model Y has aced testing, securing outstanding all-round safety ratings. However, it’s a shame that unresolved issues remain with regard to the safe operation of its Autopilot system.”
Meanwhile, Chinese models the ORA Funky Cat and WEY Coffee 01 scored 93% and 94% in Safety Assist respectively, falling short of the Model Y only in crash-avoidance capability.
Matthew added, “All the cars tested in this group are EVs, as electrified powertrains continue to dominate the market, and it’s reassuring to see that EVs are continuing to match, if not exceed, the safety performance of their petrol-powered counterparts.
“Also of note are the five-star Euro NCAP ratings awarded to two new entrants from China. This is comforting news for those who were concerned that an influx of new market entrants from China might bring the safety standard down.”
Environment, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
More technicians underwent EV training in the first half of 2022 than ever before, but it’s still not enough to meet demand with the Institute of Motor Industry now suggesting the skills gap will hit crisis point a year earlier than expected.
The IMI found that in the first six months of the year more technicians took an EV qualification eligible for IMI TechSaf recognition since its introduction in 2016.
It reports there are now 32,900 technicians qualified to work safely on electric vehicles – the equivalent of 15% of in the UK.
However, as the uptake of EVs continues to accelerate it says the shortfall between qualified technicians and vehicles on the road will now hit in 2027. This is based on Auto Trader’s latest Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) parc data, which predicts there will be nine million pure EVs on UK roads by 2030.
Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, said, “We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our automotive industry peers and the education sector to bang the drum to government about the critical importance of bolstering investment in EV training. The significant uptick in technicians seeking EV qualifications this year, which in turn makes them eligible to obtain IMI TechSafe recognition, is incredibly positive and proves our collective efforts have paid off.
“Furthermore, indications are that the third quarter of 2022 will see record numbers continue, which is fantastic news for the automotive industry.”
Ian Plummer, Commercial Director, Auto Trader and a Non-Executive Director of the IMI added: “As increasing numbers of motorists transition to EVs it is vital that the infrastructure is there to keep them on the road. A hugely significant part of this is the ability to get vehicles serviced and repaired safely, quickly and efficiently. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the investment is made now in the skills training that is essential to ensure a smooth road ahead for EV adoption.”
Executive Director Chris Weeks said, “We are pleased to see the government taking action to support business with the increasing energy costs prices. However, we are still extremely worried for our members, who will still need support after the six-month timeframe.”
The collection includes masks, glasses and overalls and has been launched to offer repairers a complete choice of high volume, good quality consumables at a competitive price.
It will now offer colleagues full pay for 18 weeks maternity leave followed by half pay for a further 18 weeks, with remaining leave paid at statutory rates. The company has also introduced two weeks full paternity leave.
He said, “In Europe many OEMs are rolling out the agency model for their dealers. The agency model is not allowed in the US, however, some of the OEMs are going down the vertically integrated retail route and buying out their dealers. Is this the opportunity for the OEMs to go one step further and own their own dealer network?”
As a Volvo-approved bodyshop, Frosts guarantees customers that its technicians are fully trained and that equipment, facilities and repair methods comply with Volvo’s own competence standards.
NBRA welcomes Synetiq as part of green parts push
UK salvage, dismantling and vehicle recycling company Synetiq has joined the NBRA in a bid to raise awareness and uptake of green parts.
Research has found that nearly 30% of bodyshops do not use green parts in repairs, although most say this is down to resistance among customers and work providers.
It also scored 97% in Adult Occupant Protection, while Chinese models the ORA Funky Cat and WEY Coffee 01 scored 93% and 94% in Safety Assist respectively.
The collaboration will offer students the opportunity to learn new skills and experience cutting-edge technology now being used in recycling end-of-life vehicles.
Club members pledge to ensure that 30% of senior positions within their organisation are held by women by 2030.
Jonathan said, “Through Thatcham Research’s membership of the Automotive 30% Club, we are demonstrating our support for change across the industry. I am excited to see where this new chapter takes us on our journey to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation.”
It says 15% of UK technicians (32,900) are now EV qualified, but with up to nine million EVs on the road by 2030 it believes the gap between qualified technicians and customer demand will hit in 2027.
Major independent falls into admin
East Yorkshire-based Broach Hill Garage has fallen into administration, citing the pandemic, supply disruption caused by the microchip shortage, and falling sales of used vehicles as the primary factors.
Administrators from Leonard Curtis are handling the sale of all assets of the business, which has been trading for nearly 50 years.
It says operating on the continent would require too much additional investment and will save up to £100m net by exiting markets in Germany, Spain, France and Italy.
Bodyshop, Environment, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words
Fix Auto UK has officially elevated Morelli to one of ‘preferred supplier’ status as the network continually strives to provide its Franchise Partners with unrivalled industry services and support.
Managing Director Ian Pugh and Morelli’s National Sales Director Ruth Moring-Beale officially cemented the two companies’ relationship this week by signing a contract that ensures Morelli’s position as one of the network’s two preferred suppliers of all goods including paint and ancillaries, consumables and tools and equipment.
A key element of the agreement ensures Morelli, which has enjoyed a close working relationship with Fix Auto UK for several years, has direct access to its network of 118-fully branded repair centres through its Regional Business Management team.
Fix Auto UK Managing Director Ian Pugh, said: “I am delighted to say we have officially cemented a close working bond with Morelli for the greater good of our Franchise Partners.
“As our network continues to grow and mature it has become increasingly apparent that we need to further strengthen our ties with key industry suppliers if we are to maintain our high service levels. Being able to provide our Franchise Partners with access to the latest products, processes and sustainable profit options for the benefit of their businesses are at the very core of the services we provide and Morelli helps us to deliver that service.”
Ruth Moring-Beale, National Sales Director for Morelli, said: “Morelli Group is delighted to be part of Fix Auto UK’s plans for the future and to cement the bonds we already have across the network. Our aim is to bring our value-added programmes to the Franchise Partners and show the value of our partnership with the profit-driven, sustainable products and innovative ideas that Morelli are known for.”
