Mobility, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Volvo Car UK has introduced an industry-first free repair service covering both windscreen and tyre damage.
Where viable, Volvo retailers will provide a free puncture or windscreen chip repair on Volvo cars of any age, helping to get owners safely back on the road again as soon as possible.
The process is simple, convenient and comes with the peace of mind of work carried out by qualified Volvo technicians. Owners can take their car to any UK Volvo retailer, where the damage will be checked to determine whether a repair is safe and possible. In most instances, a repair can be made on the spot, while the customer waits, with no charge.
If the damage is not repairable, the retailer will advise the customer and, if they wish, arrange for a new tyre or windscreen to be fitted.
Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “As well as reducing the nuisance factor of minor damage, this new service helps keep cars in safe condition and, in the case of windscreens, can prevent chips leading to cracks and more costly replacements. We value all Volvo drivers, no matter how old their car might be, and this new service is the perfect way to help them stay safe, secure and mobile.”
Environment, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
ARC360 caught up with Terence Jackson, Country Manager UK & Ireland – Automotive Refinish of Corporate Partner BASF to find out more about the organisations focus on sustainability and how it drives every area of the business.
Can you give us an overview of how sustainability has risen up the list of priorities at BASF in the last few years?
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We have operated our Verbund concept for decades, a system in which, chemical processes make use of energy more efficiently, achieve higher product yields and conserve resources. By-products of one process are used as starting materials for another process, therefore saving on raw materials and energy, minimising emissions, cutting logistics costs and realising synergies.
We want to live up to our responsibility for climate protection and we are committed to the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement. One way we do this is with our products, which enable our customers to lower CO2 emissions. But that is not all. We will also become more efficient in our production and energy use, we will increase our use of renewable energies and we will accelerate the development and deployment of new CO2-free processes for the production of chemicals.
What does sustainability success look like for BASF?
BASF contributes to a world that provides a viable future with enhanced quality of life for everyone. We do so by creating chemistry for our customers and society and by making the best use of available resources. In March 2021 BASF announced that it had set itself even more ambitious goals on its journey to climate neutrality, wanting to achieve net zero emissions1 by 2050.
Our BASF Coatings division contributes to BASF’s overall ambitious targets. BASF Coatings sees strong dynamics in the market regarding the trends of sustainability and is following three priorities: Climate change, efficient materials and safe chemicals. We are driving sustainable surface solutions to support our customers. With our new waterborne basecoat line we are exceeding all global VOC requirements. We are pioneering with a VOC value <250g/l, which is 40% below solvent limit. But not only is this especially environmentally friendly, at the same time it is highly efficient for our customer’s processes. Another example is our bio mass balance certified clear coats, for whose production we use renewable feedstock for production, allowing our customers to reduce their CO2 emissions in the bodyshop. When our customers are successfully reducing CO2 emissions, that’s what success looks like for us.
Can you give us an insight into the role partnerships are playing in achieving your sustainability targets?
Our approach covers the entire value chain – from responsible procurement and safety and resource efficiency in production to sustainable solutions for our customers. As well as our commitment to sustainability along our value chain, we also draw on the competence of global initiatives and networks and contribute our own expertise. BASF is active in worldwide initiatives with various stakeholder groups. For instance, we have been a member of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) since its establishment in 2000. This allows us to better understand trends in society as the drivers of our business, to help shape measurement and performance standards and to partner for joint contributions to Sustainable Development. An example of this was BASF’s leading role in establishing the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, whose aim is to develop solutions that stop plastic waste entering the environment.
In Automotive Refinish we are following a holistic sustainability approach. Beyond our products we are collaborating with external partners to consult with our customers on their way to carbon neutrality. In addition, we are in exchange with OEMs, insurances, associations and other industry stakeholders to collaborate towards a more sustainable future.
How are you working towards CO2 reduction within the organisation?
How are you working towards VOC reduction within the organisation?
[see also answer in question 2 regarding VOCs] Reducing VOC content is a large focus for us within our Refinish business, as well as carbon reduction. We know that we need to be doing as much as possible to make vehicle refinish as sustainable as possible, and we are pushing waterborne technology as far as we can. Our new AGILIS basecoat system in R-M is 40% less VOCs versus current technology and a huge leap forward.
What do you see as the greatest challenge in terms of sustainability?
There are many challenges related to sustainability, so it is difficult to highlight only one. The task ahead is complex and hard and requires alignment by across many stakeholders to achieve success. The hard, technical challenges entail significant cost and so access to finance is crucial. We need government support in terms of supporting legislation and strategy, including access to renewable energy. We also have a very human challenge in winning hearts and minds, bringing everyone along through this transition and ensuring that nobody gets left behind.
How is sustainability influencing product development within BASF?
We recognise that Innovation is the key enabler for the sustainability transformation. Products from the chemical industry can make a significant contribution to help decarbonise customer value chains. We see the problems that need to be solved and harness our expertise and capabilities to produce solutions.
In BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings sustainability is strongly influencing product development. Not only do we work with our suppliers to source more sustainable raw materials (reducing carbon backpack), or with our partners to introduce more sustainable paint related materials, but we are also eager to introduce even more sustainable products to the market than we already have today. One focus is our mass balance approach, where we use renewable feedstock like bio-naphta for our own production. Products produced this way are marketed under the EcoBalance and e’sense label.
Can you give us an insight into how process optimisation can impact/reduce your carbon footprint?
Energy efficiency and process optimisation measures are not only good sense for the environment but also save money. BASF has done most of the hard work on this to reduce our carbon footprint by half while doubling output over the last 30 years. We can also work with our customers to reduce their energy usage and so reduce their carbon footprint. Our vehicle refinish brands have also entered into a partnership with ECA Energy, where we are working together to drive body shops reducing their carbon footprint through a combination of faster processes and more sustainable products.
Sustainability is far more than just ‘going green’ – how are you working with communities to promote a cleaner society?
As part of our sustainability commitment, BASF’s societal engagement contributes to the solution of relevant societal challenges for communities surrounding our sites and vulnerable communities worldwide. We seek to add to a cohesive society by supporting and safeguarding health, skills and resources. We regard societal engagement as an investment into the shared value for societies, the environment and business alike. A global example is our commitment to Zero by 40, a partnership whose aim is to develop the tools needed to eradicate Malaria by 2040.
Meeting sustainable targets for a global organisation such as BASF will require buy-in from every colleague; how are you engaging with the 110,000-plus workforce to ensure everyone is working towards the same end?
Sustainability is more than a topic or a ‘nice to do’ for BASF and it forms part of our reason for existence, our culture and is manifested in our corporate purpose, ‘We create chemistry for a sustainable future’. This starts with clear and consistent messaging from the very top of our organisation and cascades through our strategy, targets and employee dialogue throughout the organisation. BASF has also been engaging with its employees through Carbon Literacy, which is aimed at giving everyone a basic understanding of climate change and its impacts and how each of us can take action to make a difference, either as individuals or as employees.
In BASF Automotive Refinish sustainability is one strategic pillar. It is on every meeting agenda, we have a dedicated sustainability manager, we offer training to our people and are on the way to make sustainability part of our DNA.
1 For more details on BASF’s Climate Protection Goals click here
In this webinARC we explore incident claims processes and repair operations in a bid to unravel just what the current climate means for products, processes, plant, people and programmes (5Ps).
WTW partners with Thatcham Research
WTW and Thatcham Research have announced a new partnership that combines their market-leading data and analytical capabilities to deliver a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of increasingly advanced vehicle technologies on claims risk.
The tie-up will see Variant Code’s vehicle specificity combine with Claim Metrics’ data and analytics to give insurers far deeper, richer insights of emerging trends in claims risks at a granular level in terms of claims characteristics, geography and vehicle type.
Sherwood’s joins Fix in North East
Sherwoods Accident Repair Centre in the North East has joined the Fix Auto UK network.
The latest addition, which is part of the Sherwoods Motor Group, will now operate as Fix Auto Washington and joins following an aggressive programme of investment.
Currently, the operation repairs up to 30 vehicles a week but the senior management held no reservations by admitting their key rationale behind joining Fix Auto UK was to improve on work efficiencies in order to truly maximise the 30,000sqft repair centre and double its capacity.
Motofix secures ADAS training
Motofix Group has upskilled its workforce with a range of ADAS courses delivered by RWC Training.
The courses were delivered at Motofix sites in Yeovil and Northampton, with colleagues from a number of other sites taking part remotely. The training included an ADAS Awareness course for managers and VDAs while MET technicians completed an ADAS course to secure IMI accreditation.
Day’s celebrates carbon certification
Day’s Motor Group has announced that its Swansea accident repair site has achieved PAS 2060 certification.
It has partnered with ECA Business Energy to achieve this, following the agreed methodology of measuring their carbon footprint across all three scopes. As part of PAS 2060, it and has pledged to continuously reduce its carbon footprint across all three fronts.
Repair challenges going nowhere
The NBRA’s first Independent Group Summit of 2022 predicted that the challenges afflicting the sector now will persist for another 18-24 months.
It found that while claims levels have returned to around 85-90% of pre-pandemic levels, repair capacity is only at 75-80%, with fewer repairers, fewer skilled staff, disruptions to the supply chain causing parts delays, and reduced mobility options all having a negative impact on the market’s efficiency.
Vella Group earns VAG approval
The Vella Group has announced that a second site has secured manufacturer approval from the Volkswagen Group. The approval at its Workington site follows VAG approval at its Skelmersdale in Lancashire.
The Vella Group is now certified to repair a growing number of brands including Audi, ŠKODA UK, Cupra, SEAT, Volkswagen Group, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Commission calls for Automated Vehicles Act
The Law Commission of England and Wales and the Scotland Law Commission have jointly published a report calling for a new Automated Vehicles Act to regulate the introduction of driverless cars. The new Act would draw a clear distinction between driver-assist and self-driving features, and apportion liability accordingly in the event of a collision.
It proposes that when self-driving features are in use then the technology provider or manufacturer will be responsible if anything goes wrong, and not the driver.
Tractable joins Guidewire PartnerConnect
AI solutions provider Tractable has joined Guidewire PartnerConnect. This will enable Guidewire ClaimCentre users to use Tractable’s technology to accelerate the recovery and claims process for insurers and policyholders.
Tractable’s uses AI and digital images to estimate repairs. Its solutions process over $2bn in year in vehicle repairs and purchases every year and have been employed by more than 20 of the world’s largest insurers.
Bentley announces £2.5bn EV strategy
Bentley is investing £2.5bn in an electrification strategy that will turn its Crewe headquarters into an EV ‘dream factory’ and secure the futures of more than 4,000 employees. It has said its first EV will roll off the production lines in Crewe in 2025, with a new EV model released every year after than until 2030.
Meanwhile, the site itself will transition into an EV hub and the introduction of sustainable practices will make it carbon neutral by 2030.
Road rule changes come into effect
Rules to improve the safety for all types of road users will be updated in The Highway Code from tomorrow (Saturday 29 January 2022).
The changes follow a public consultation which ran from July to October 2020, and received more than 20,000 responses from the public, businesses and other organisations.
Licence Bureau has produced a short video explaining the eight key changes which includes hierarchy of road users; people crossing the road at junctions; and overtaking when driving or cycling.
Cox Automotive predicts further uncertainty
Cox Automotive has warned the industry not to expect a return to pre-Covid-19 norms. In its first AutoFocus of the year, it predicts the problems of 2021 will persist through 2022 and beyond.
It urges the industry to adopt a military acronym, VUCA, which stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, and prepare to operate in a constantly changing environment. The report also suggests that supply chain disruption will not be resolved this year.
Sustainability catch up…
During ARC360’s most recent webinARC we explored the key themes of sustainability.
Featuring:
Charlotte Burnige, company secretary, Coachwork Renovations Ltd
Joe March, head of commercial & network management, The Green Parts Specialists
Chris Payne, head of networks & engineering – home & motor, LV=
Stuart Sandell, assistant vice president – sales, UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings
Insurance, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
WTW and Thatcham Research have announced a new partnership that combines their market-leading data and analytical capabilities to deliver a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of increasingly advanced vehicle technologies on claims risk.
The tie-up will see Variant Code’s vehicle specificity combine with Claim Metrics’ data and analytics to give insurers far deeper, richer insights of emerging trends in claims risks at a granular level in terms of claims characteristics, geography and vehicle type.
Containing data for over 50,000 vehicle variants, the unique Thatcham Research dataset Variant Code provides data granularity on the growing variety of standard and optional features in UK vehicles. Meanwhile, WTW’s Claim Metrics platform provides deep analysis of claims activity in the personal lines insurance market, benchmarking over £17bn of motor claims spend and more than 40% of the UK motor market.
Tom Helm, Head of Claims Consulting, WTW, said: “We are excited to announce this new partnership, which delivers a powerful combination of two unique datasets, supported by market-leading analytics, that offers insurers exceptional levels of insight into emerging claims trends driven by changes in vehicle technology and, as a consequence, the opportunity to benchmark claims performance at a more precise and granular level.”
Daniel Payne, Chief Digital Officer, Thatcham Research, said: “Vehicles are set to change more in the next five years than they have in the last 50. Combining the uniquely granular data and sophisticated analytics capabilities of Variant Code and Claim Metrics is a win-win for insurers. Empowered by new levels of insight, claims, underwriting and pricing teams are able to make more informed decisions, and price according to the specific features of a particular model variant. This capability is fundamental to maintaining competitive advantage, as vehicles evolve and technologies that were once the preserve of high-end models increase ngly become available at entry level.”
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Sustainability was the topic of ARC360’s first webinar of 2022, when the opening question was – what does sustainability actually mean to businesses today?
Held in association with I Love Claims, the webinar brought together a diverse panel representing different sectors of the automotive incident repair aftermarket, featuring:
Charlotte Burnige, company secretary, Coachwork Renovations
Joe March, head of commercial & network management, The Green Parts Specialists
Chris Payne, head of networks & engineering – home & motor, LV=
and Stuart Sandell, assistant vice president – sales, UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings
Broad range
While sustainability used to encapsulate a much broader range of business areas – from economic to strategic to human resources – the panel agreed that, increasingly, the word now is used in relation to a company’s environmental policies.
Stuart said, “It can be applied to a lot of different areas, and in some ways economic sustainability has never been more important as we work through the pandemic. But I think sustainability now is heavily linked to the environment and our understanding of our collective impact. The environment has become front and centre now.”
However, while that is certainly true, it is also true that all elements of sustainability impact each other and targets in one area cannot be reached at the expense of others.
Charlotte said, “Every element of sustainability is entwined. We all want to do things that benefit the environment, but we won’t be able to invest in the training, culture and processes if we are not financially sound.”
Commercial
Economic and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive though, and the idea that ‘going green’ can actually yield commercial results is gaining momentum.
One area where this is, according to Joe, a ‘no-brainer’, is in the use of green parts. He says that using more green parts in repair is beneficial for bodyshops as they are substantially cheaper than their OEM equivalents and, in many cases, will arrive on site quicker while insurers will benefit from seeing the cost of repairs going down.
However, to make the supply cycle work it needs full market buy-in. In other words, to ensure there are enough recycled parts available at one end insurers need to provide enough vehicles at the other. Joe says that this is not the always the case at present.
He said, “It’s about trust. For us, sustainability is about being commercially astute and working with our partners to help them become commercially astute. We question everything we do and ask if we can do it more efficiently, so often being more sustainable means being more cost-effective.”
Marginal gains
Chris agreed that it is a process of marginal gains. He likened the shift to a sustainable future to turning a tanker around in a canal, but insisted that incremental changes add up.
“Ultimately it’s about achieving net carbon zero. Our global CEO has a very clear vision about that and that gives us a clear idea of what we need to achieve. But there are no easy wins, so we are bringing it down to a granular level. How can we stop driving so much? How can we start using more green parts in repair? How do we achieve a paperless operation?
“There are many marginal gains we can make ourselves, but we’re also working with and investing in our repair network to help them meet our standards.”
The Green Heart Standard – which addresses carbon footprint, electric vehicles, green parts, diversity and equality, mental health, and apprentices – is fundamental to that and LV= can now announce that nearly 50% of its repairers have achieved or are working towards PAS 2060 certification.
“We’re really proud of that,” Chris said.
He added that there is an increasing commercial benefit to this as well, as more and more customers seek businesses that have a proven environmental focus.
Strategy
But while the sustainability challenge may be daunting, it is also an opportunity as there is a chance for gains in almost every area of every business.
For example, on a macro scale, Enterprise has been considering the implications of introducing more electric vehicles into its global mobility solution and what that might mean for emissions and charging infrastructure.
It is also looking at ways of encouraging customers to switch from ICE to EVs when taking its hire cars, which is something that LV= has been trialling at certain sites for the past year.
“Take-up has been low,” Chris said, “but it’s something we’re actively pursuing.”
Meanwhile, on a micro scale, Charlotte spoke about wastage in packaging, revealing that Coachworks Renovations fills up two 1,100-litre containers every single week just with cardboard used in parts delivery.
“That doesn’t even include single-uses plastics,” she said, “so is there a way the industry can reduce packaging without effecting the quality of the part that is delivered?”
People
Ultimately though, strategy only goes so far, and the success or otherwise of sustainable initiatives will be measured by the level of engagement from individuals. No one person can make a telling difference, but the difference of many people working towards the same objective is greater than the sum of its parts.
Stuart said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast. You can have best strategy in the world but you need the people to execute it.”
He explained how regular company-wide ‘townhall’ meetings with the Enterprise leadership keep colleagues informed and engaged, while communication is also paramount for both Christine and Joe.
Christine said, “Our team knows what the vision is. We’ve been working on our greener project for five years so they know what we’re doing and if you sit down and explain why you’re doing something people are happy to embrace the change.”
Joe agreed: “We have more than 300 employees in a number of different roles, but we think that people working in silos and not understanding how their role makes a difference is a wasted opportunity. We take a proactive approach in making sure our wider teams understand what sustainability is about and how they can help.”
The webinar was sponsored by eBay and supported by ARC360 Corporate Partners BASF, BMS, CAPS, Copart, Emacs, Entegral, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Innovation Group, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance, S&G Response, and Sherwin Williams as well as Partners asTech, The Green Parts Specialist, Indasa and Prasco.
Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Sherwoods Accident Repair Centre in the North East has joined the Fix Auto UK network.
The latest addition, which is part of the Sherwoods Motor Group, will now operate as Fix Auto Washington and joins following an aggressive programme of investment.
Currently, the operation repairs up to 30 vehicles a week but the senior management held no reservations by admitting their key rationale behind joining Fix Auto UK was to improve on work efficiencies in order to truly maximise the 30,000sqft repair centre and double its capacity.
Managing Director Simon MacConachie, said: “We have a truly magnificent bodyshop that has, in our opinion, never quite fulfilled its true potential. The team we have in place are highly skilled and excellent at what they do but we recognised that if the centre is to reach its true potential, we needed to significantly invest in the facilities and equipment which is exactly what we have done.
“Car sales is our core specialism and while we’ve managed to run the repair operation well, we also realise we need support and guidance from industry experts if we are to meet our own ambitions which us why we have joined Fix Auto UK to help elevate that area of our business.”
Chris Elvidge, Sherwoods Motor Group Chairman, added: “Having previously worked very successfully with Fix Auto UK and known Ian Pugh for many years, it is great to have them as a partner to help us take our repair operation to greater successes”
The repair centre already holds official vehicle manufacturer approvals for the Stallantis Group along with Suzuki and Isuzu.
As an organisation, Sherwoods Motor Group employs 160 people across its car sales centres in Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland and Washington and has a turnover in excess of £75 million.
Ian Pugh, Managing Director of Fix Auto UK, said: “What a way to start 2022! Here we have a 30,000 sq ft repair centre that has been significantly invested in over recent times and owners who are extremely ambitious. Operationally, I am confident that by working together we can help to fulfil those ambitions.”
Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Motofix Group has upskilled its workforce with a range of ADAS courses delivered by RWC Training.
The courses were delivered at Motofix sites in Yeovil and Northampton, with colleagues from a number of other sites taking part remotely. The training included an ADAS Awareness course for managers and VDAs while MET technicians completed an ADAS course to secure IMI accreditation.
Richard Tutt, CEO of Motofix said, “We believe in continually developing our team and ensuring we have the latest technology available to them. Our investment in state-of-the-art ADAS equipment at all sites, coupled with a training partnership from RWC is testament to that commitment.”
RWC Director Rob Ward said, “We were delighted to work with Motofix Group to help them prepare for ADAS technology, and our partnership with the group allows Motofix staff to undertake ongoing training and development in their specific job roles.”
In this webinARC we explore the key themes of sustainability across the industry to discover just what it means to different operations – from large corporates through to independent businesses –at this current time.
Featuring:
Charlotte Burnige, company secretary, Coachwork Renovations Ltd
Joe March, head of commercial & network management, The Green Parts Specialists
Chris Payne, head of networks & engineering – home & motor, LV=
Stuart Sandell, assistant vice president – sales, UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings
Qashqai secures safety top spot
Nissan’s Qashqai is pound-for-pound the UK’s safest car in 2022. That’s the expert conclusion that independent testing organisation Thatcham Research has drawn after completing its judging for the coveted What Car? Safety Award.
Choosing a winner of the UK’s leading car safety award is a responsibility shared between Thatcham Research, Euro NCAP and What Car? journalists.
NEARC goes carbon neutral
North East Accident Repair Centres (NEARC) has achieved Carbon Neutrality in accordance with PAS 2060 across all three sites.
Roger Collings, director at NEARC said, “The business has always been conscious of our impact on the environment and we continue to invest in technology to reduce our carbon footprint.”
NEARC worked with Purchase Direct to achieve the PAS 2060 status.
Copart is a global leader in vehicle remarketing and recycling, handling more than 500,000 used and salvage vehicles every year in the UK alone. Here, we speak to UK & Ireland managing director Jane Pocock about Copart’s focus on and commitment to sustainability, and ask what that means for the business on a day-to-day basis.
Thatcham Research reveals UK’s safest new cars of 2021
Thatcham Research has revealed the UK’s safest new cars of 2021, with EV and Hybrid models demonstrating impressive safety advancements ahead of the 2030 ban on new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) sales.
Making a positive impact this year are the safety-conscious EQS from Mercedes-EQ, Nissan’s popular Qashqai, and the all-electric Enyaq by Škoda. Also featured are the Volvo-derived Polestar 2 and the hybrid-electric Toyota Yaris Cross.
Mitchell and asTech deliver integrated solution
Technology and information provider for the claims and collision repair industries Mitchell has partnered with asTech to introduce a new diagnostics solution that is intended to simplify and speed up customer service.
The MD-OE22 combines asTech’s OEM scanning device and remote services with Mitchell’s cloud-based ecosystem and collision repair software. This improves efficiency by centralising document management and distribution on a single platform. Further, the solution standardises scan reporting, making them easy to understand for insurers and customers alike.
Four-week free trial
BMS Eclipse is offering all customers a four-week free trial of its ‘Service Certainty – Image Capture’ application.
The solution speeds up key-to-key times by enabling customers to upload images of their damaged vehicle by a unique link. Repairers can then create an estimate and order parts before the vehicle arrives on site.
The Grove Group delivers EV training and bespoke bodyshop improvement programmes, while also providing refinishing supplies, digital solutions and stock management tools.
UK AFCAR, the lobbying group comprising automotive trade associations and commercial organisations, is now calling for the UK government to follow suit. It wants the MVBER to be revised to suit today’s vehicles, and says it is gathering increasing evidence that vehicle manufacturers are misinterpreting the existing MVBER and denying independent garages access to technical information.
‘Good’ systems will need to ensure the driver is focused on the road and holding or the steering wheel, while escalating alerts and emergency procedures will also be required.
The ratings are being set by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and are expected by be released later this year.
Wayve of support for AI solution
London-based start-up Wayve has secured $200m Series B backing, taking total equity raised to more than $258m. Support came from long-time backer Eclipse Ventures as well as new global financial investors.
Wayve is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in the global autonomous driving market.
Ben launches self-referral to free Life Coaching service
Ben, the automotive industry charity, has launched a new self-referral route to access its free Life Coaching service.
Anyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry, can now register for free Life Coaching sessions by completing a short self-referral form online.
The personalised Life Coaching service gives automotive people the opportunity to work with a qualified professional to identify the change they’d like to see in their lives, set goals and maximise their potential to become the best version of themselves.
In this episode, we catch up with Lee Johnson, managing director at independent repair outfit LD Autovogue based in Norwich.
A thriving business, everything changed in the middle of last year when the business experienced a fire. Thankfully, no one was injured but the whole episode has not only proved a real challenge – physically and psychologically – for all involved – but so too has it been an ‘eye opener’ in many respects.
Insurance, Mobility, Supplier, Technology and Words
Nissan’s Qashqai is pound-for-pound the UK’s safest car in 2022. That’s the expert conclusion that independent testing organisation Thatcham Research has drawn after completing its judging for the coveted What Car? Safety Award.
Choosing a winner of the UK’s leading car safety award is a responsibility shared between Thatcham Research, Euro NCAP and What Car? journalists.
As a family SUV, the Qashqai was an outstanding performer during Euro NCAP’s most exacting safety assessments in 2021, a year in which 20 cars achieved the coveted five-star rating.
Built in the UK, the Qashqai scored more than 90% in three out of four safety categories and its Safety Assist score is one of the highest ever recorded at 95%.
Experts were impressed by the Qashqai’s range of passive and active safety features, and the fitment of reverse AEB and centre side airbags – two newer innovations that are beginning to make a real difference to passenger and pedestrian safety.
Yet according to Matthew Avery, Thatcham Research’s Chief Research Strategy Officer, the most encouraging aspect is the popular Qashqai’s potential to bring high-end safety features to the mass-market without breaking the bank.
“The Qashqai is an affordable, family-focused SUV that is already popular with motoring consumers,” he said. “There were more than 29,000 new registrations in the UK last year alone, so it’s very encouraging to see this year’s safest car is also one many people already have on their driveways.”
Runner-up in the Safety category for the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2022 is the all-electric Polestar 2, closely followed by the Skoda Enyaq in third place.
Meanwhile, Gridserve’s pioneering motorway service station concept won the What Car? Innovation Award, in association with Thatcham Research.
Gridserve’s Electric Forecourts will offer up to 36 dedicated EV chargers, including some 350kW fast chargers capable of charging vehicles in around 20 minutes.
BMW’s new virtual navigation system and a smart innovation by Hyundai that could revolutionise the way we overcome blind spots when behind the wheel took second and third place respectively.
Environment, Insurance, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training and Words
Copart is a global leader in vehicle remarketing and recycling, handling more than 500,000 used and salvage vehicles every year in the UK alone. Here, we speak to UK & Ireland managing director Jane Pocock about Copart’s focus on and commitment to sustainability, and ask what that means for the business on a day-to-day basis.
Can you give us an overview of how sustainability has risen up the list of priorities at Copart in the last few years?
As a global leader in vehicle remarketing and recycling, Copart has always been committed to environmental sustainability.
From our inception in 1982, we have played a critical role in the automotive circular economy as the key intermediary enabling the recycling and reuse of automobiles and automotive parts, while facilitating access to transportation around the world.
With sustainability now a strong focus around the globe, our customers, partners, and stakeholders expect Copart to continue leading by example. As the owner of the UK’s largest salvage transport fleet, we’ve made sustainability the focal point of our future strategy.
Our Plan-Net-Zero programme (our formal commitment to both global sustainability and becoming a more sustainable business by achieving net-zero emissions) is well underway, with a renewed focus on vehicle recycling, green parts, and EVs.
With a decade of experience and expertise in the handling of EVs, our operational network is fully equipped and ready for the electric revolution ahead. We have steadily been building specialist facilities, skills, and processes around handling and remarketing EV’s, and now have UK-wide capabilities.
In addition to significant investment into specialist training for our people, our Operation Centres have been constantly evolving to support electric and hybrid requirements, with hundreds of changes made to our operational processes.
What does sustainability success look like for Copart?
Copart’s ‘sustainability quadrants’
As a global leader in online vehicle remarketing and recycling, our vision is to achieve a carbon-neutral future while consistently delivering a world-class level of customer service.
Our ‘sustainability quadrants’ (see image) ensure we focus on the right things to achieve our sustainability goals.
We’ll continue to expand our UK recycling and green parts capabilities.
75% of our annual vehicles sold for re-use or re-build; 25% sent to scrap recyclers.
Over 5,808 tonnes of vehicle components recycled and over 5,000 vehicles crushed for recycling in the last year.
We’re increasing energy efficiency through smart technologies and innovative green solutions.
Our ongoing sustainability refurbishment programme means the design of our future offices will be energy-efficient and constructed responsibly.
We are introducing more outside green spaces to our locations to improve air quality, encourage nature, and reduce our carbon footprint.
Nothing is off the agenda, from light bulbs to waste management.
Our ‘Greenest Fleet on the Street’ initiative has seen Copart invest in upgrading our fleet, to deliver lower mileage, lower fuel consumption, and lower emissions.
We’ve committed to providing Euro VI compliancy across our full 250-strong transporter fleet through an ongoing fleet replacement and expansion programme.
How is Copart working with partners to initiate change in this area?
As a global market leader, our insurance customers expect us to be a sustainable partner/green supplier and lead by example, so we must continue to rise to this challenge.
We are working with our partnership network across fleet, transport, infrastructure, and education, reviewing everything from Carbon Literacy training for our teammates, to the most sustainable fuel options to ensure we operate the ‘Greenest Fleet on the Street’.
To keep us on track and on target, external auditors will review our annual Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) and Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) reports, as well as Copart’s EMS objectives and on-site processes, to ensure we achieve our sustainability commitments.
Our Plan-Net-Zero programme also involves supply chain analysis. We comprehensively review and quantify each of our supplier’s emissions using the Economic Input-Output Life-Cycle Assessment (EIO-LCA) method.
Can you give us an insight into the role partnerships are playing in achieving your sustainability targets?
Our Copart teams are working closely with a consultancy firm to develop a comprehensive Project Charter, which will agree critical success factors, timeframes, targets, and roles and responsibilities of key personnel.
A Net Zero Gap Analysis will then be completed to identify key improvements and opportunities and establish emissions boundaries and data inventory, which will lead on to the development of our Net Zero Roadmap.
We’re excited about making meaningful and measurable changes as we look forward to the development of more sustainable business practices and a greener future.
What do you see as the greatest challenge in terms of sustainability?
The greatest challenge will be reacting quickly and ensuring that we continue to stick to the timescales ahead.
There is also work ahead of us to do all we can to educate and encourage all our teammates to live and breathe sustainability in everything they do, both inside and outside of work.
We want to make this part of our everyday culture and communications going forward and we are continuously introducing various green initiatives across the business, including our Choose to Reuse campaign, where we hope to encourage the mindset of recycling and the avoidance of single-use products.
There is more work is still to be done, but Copart is passionately committed to the challenges ahead. By making a transformative change today, we believe we can create a sustainable tomorrow.
How is sustainability influencing process and operations within Copart?
As part of our Plan-Net-Zero sustainability strategy to achieve the ‘Greenest Fleet on the Street’, we have committed to providing Euro VI compliancy across our full 250-strong transporter fleet through an ongoing fleet replacement and expansion programme.
Investment into the deployment of the latest connected telematics and cameras across our fleet will enhance efficiency and significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions.
Our comprehensive driver behaviour telematics data not only improves driver productivity and long-term fleet sustainability, but also helps to lower emissions and maintenance costs by planning the most intelligent and effective routes.
Because of the strategic and unrivalled positioning of our sites across the country, we are proud to say that we are never far from urban communities, and therefore our customers. This means that we can collect and handle vehicles quickly, efficiently, and with minimal environmental impact.
We’ve also made significant investment in laptops and software for our teammates, supporting hybrid working practices and reducing unnecessary mileage and fuel consumption.
How are you engaging with your workforce to ensure everyone is working towards the same end?
We send out regular internal communications to keep teammates updated on the progress of our green initiatives and how they can contribute to their success.
Much of this is led by Copart’s Green Team, our dedicated environmental team which includes teammates from each Copart location.
The Green Team helps to ensure that all Copart’s processes are carried out safely and that the environment is considered at every stage. Weekly and monthly checks are completed by the team at all Copart locations including waste disposal, noise pollution, land and water contamination, evidence of pests/vermin and air emissions.
The work of the Green Team helps us to conduct our business in a way that is ethical and mindful of environmental impact and helps us to maintain a positive business reputation.
We’ve also made a significant investment into training with initiatives like the Carbon Literacy Project, to provide formal training and environmental awareness for teammates both inside and outside of work.
