Category: Supplier

Register now (Wednesday 26 January 2022 – 1.30pm)

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.

December dip in volumes

Repair volumes fell from November to December and although marginally better than December 2020 they were only 88% of volumes recorded in December 2019.

Based on Audatex figures, Trend Tracker has reported that across the year volumes were 85% of 2019 levels, which equates to a shortfall of about 423,000 repairs.

Copart and Solus agree innovative exchange programme

Copart has announced a new colleague exchange programme with Solus, the repair arm of Aviva.

As part of the programme, engineers, trainees and apprentices from each business will spend time with the other, giving them to opportunity to upskill and better understand each other’s roles.

BEVs breakthrough in 2021

Sales of battery electric vehicles last year exceeded the last five years combined as 2021 signalled a breakthrough year for electrification.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 190,727 units were sold, which equates to 18.5% of all new registrations. Combined with hybrids that ratio rises to 27.5%.

However, the wider new car market continued to struggle. Just 1.65 million new cars entered the UK market, which is 28.7% down on 2019 figures.

McKinsey publishes far-reaching mobility report

McKinsey has produced an all-encompassing report assessing the future of the mobility market. Its granular Mobility Market Model takes data from more than 2,800 cities and towns in more than 110 to model a range of possible mobility projects.

The report, which considers miles travelled, vehicle sales, infrastructure and environmental impact, also estimates the size of private and shared transport markets through 2030 and beyond.

FMG promotes from within

Claims management specialists FMG has promoted former Business Development Manager Matthew Lees to the new role of National Sales Manager – Insurance Solutions.

In his role he will be responsible for promoting FMG’s outsourced claims management solutions to insurers, brokers, MGA’s and self-insured fleet operators.

BSI inviting industry input

BSI is inviting industry input as it reviews its CAV standards roadmap. It is hosting two online workshops on 26 January and 3 March during which industry stakeholders will be invited to help it future-proof its CAV standard.

The roadmap, first published in 2020, is a forward-looking structure that signposts key projects, published standards and future areas for standardisation.

Ben unveils new fundraising challenge

Automotive charity Ben is launching a new fundraising challenge this summer that is set to test the industry’s mental and physical abilities. The Beast of Ben, taking place in Wales from 6-8 July, will pit teams of four against each other in a series of challenges including abseiling, water crossing, navigation and problem solving.

Registration is £250pp which contributes towards the team’s fundraising target of £5,000 per team.

ALD confirms Leaseplan purchase

ALD has announced that is has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire fleet management and mobility company Leaseplan from a consortium led by TDR Capital for €4.9bn.

Leaseplan operates a global fleet of about 1.8 million vehicles and the acquisition would merge the two companies into NewALD, which would be positioned to take advantage of megatrends such the shift from ownership to usership, digitalisation and zero emission mobility. NewALD aim for long term fleet growth of six per cent per year.

Motorists overcharged £5m a day

The BBC reports that the RAC has accused petrol retailers of overcharging UK motorists by as much as £5m a day in December, claiming that cuts to wholesale prices were not fairly passed down to drivers.

Prices for unleaded petrol fell 2p a litre but the RAC believes a 12p decrease would have been appropriate. It has calculated that, as a result, retailers made 16p a litre instead of the normal 6p.

US: Driven Brands announces major acquisition

North America’s largest automotive services company Driven Brands Holdings has acquired Auto Glass Now, which carries out repair, replacement and calibration at 75 locations throughout the country.

The acquisition makes Driven Brands one of the largest auto glass services providers in the country and well-placed to capitalise on a market that is valued at $5bn and growing.

ARC360 sets out webinARC schedule for 2022

ARC360 has set out its webinARC schedule for 2022 with key industry themes forming the basis of the monthly discussions.

Each 45-60-minute session aims to tackle a core thread common throughout the industry and glean input from a variety of stakeholders in order to continue to promote ARC360’s core ethos of ‘gaining ground together’.