Technology Archives - Page 15 of 81

ARC360 conference set to sell out

14 June 2024

Bodyshop, Finance, Insurance, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference, set to deliver the highest calibre of attendees, contributors and debate in the UK body repair industry event calendar, is set to sell out.

Taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, the event will provide shared insights, interactive exhibits and networking opportunity for the UK’s key persons of influence from across the UK vehicle incident repair and insurance claims sector.

Supported by Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Copart, Entegral, Enterprise, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Assistance, S&G Response, Solera Audatex; along with Partners: e2e, Gemini ARC, Repairify and Prasco, the event is sponsored by Activate Group and Thatcham Research along with vehicle manufacturer – Stellantis which will host the ‘Stellantis Zone’ on the day featuring a number of its latest models including the Peugeot Expert (BEV), Jeep Avenger (BEV), and the Vauxhall Astra SW (BEV).

Around 50 key motor insurance claims influencers are confirmed to attend, along with a host of vehicle manufacturer representatives; over 100 of the UK’s leading accident repair operators; as well as the sector’s leading suppliers. 

Delegates will hear thoughts from insurers, vehicle manufacturers, repairers and other key persons of influence from across the sector on how, when and why the sector is preparing for the future including special sessions focused on ‘getting in shape to win more business’ and ‘acquisition, growth and integration’. 

The conference agenda includes contributions from:

Chris Ashworth, Founder, ILC
Chris Downing, Head of Sales & Operations, Stellantis
Matthew Freeman, Managing Consultant at Solera cap hpi
Marc Holding, Managing Director, The Vella Group
Andrew Jobling, Supply Chain Lead, UKGI Supply Chain, Aviva
Tom Leggett, Vehicle Technology Manager, Thatcham Research
Ulrike Lucas, Head of Procurement & Supply – Allianz Claims, Allianz Insurance plc
Dawn Marsden, Head of Claims Supplier Management and Engineering Services, esure
Robert Snook, CEO, Business Success Global
Pete Thompson, Director of Product, Activate Group
Victoria Turner, Executive Director, Ryemarc Group

Click here to see the full agenda for the day.

A limited number of tickets remain for the event – click here now to book

To find out more about the opportunities available to get involved in the event – exhibition or sponsorship, or how to become an ARC360 Partner contact mark@iloveclaims.com or liane@iloveclaims.com.

For a full overview of last year’s event, click here.

Stellantis will be hosting its national repair network forum on the 26 June at the same venue.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 6 June 2025

06-06-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 30 May 2025

30-05-2025

SERMI: What does it mean for the UK?

30-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday, 7 June 2024

7 June 2024

Bodyshop, Covid 19, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words

ARC360 full agenda revealed

The full agenda for ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference has been revealed with shared insights, interactive exhibits and networking opportunity making up the key ingredients.

Taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, the ARC360 conference is set to deliver the highest calibre of attendees, contributors and debate in the UK body repair industry event calendar.

ARC360 turns focus on new players

ARC360 hosted its fourth Breakfast Think Tank recently, when attention was turned to the growing impact of new international players entering the UK sector.

After considering skills, electric vehicles and volumes in previous Think Tank sessions, this week the focus was turned on new brands within the domestic market and how they are impacting claims and repairs in terms of parts availability, methods, and insurance.

Bodyshop Briefs

Gemini Accident Repair Centres has expanded its footprint in the South West with the acquisition of Swindon-based NCR Bodyshops.
John Grose has announced that Chinese brand OMODA has been added to its supply portfolio, with models available in both petrol and electric.
Komoo Glasgow has responded to growing customer demand by moving to a new 10,000 sqft site.
Fix Auto UK has increased its presence in the south of Wales with the appointment of Fix Auto Caldicot to the network.
Solus is opening three new repair centres in the UK. They will be based in Sheffield, Sunderland and Exeter.
Steer Automotive Group has announced the strategic acquisitions of Chartwell and M&A Coachworks, adding to its capacity to repair prestige and luxury models.
Fix Auto UK has reached a new wellbeing milestone with 150 colleagues now qualified Mental Health First Aiders. A further 14 candidates completed the two-day Mental Health First Aid England tutorial as the network aims to have at least two people per centre qualified.

Industry News

Repairify ready for Best of Belron

The Best of Belron competition will take place in Portugal from 12-13 June, when the top technicians from around the organisation will compete for the title.

Meanwhile, Repairify will underscore its status as a key partner with a scaled-up stand where colleagues will demonstrate the company’s portfolio of remote services.

Markerstudy meets sustainability challenge

Markerstudy Group has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, which highlights the organisation’s continued shift to electric mobility and its focus on developing a sustainable supply chain through the launch of its Supply Chain Charter.

Repairers gather for LV= insights

LV= network repairers met at LKQ Bodyshop Division in Tamworth recently to share industry insights and gain a deeper understanding of the Allianz Insurance multi-brand strategy.

ARC360 attended the day and will publish a full report shortly.

Car and CV sales both up in May

New car registrations grew by 1.7% to 147,678 units in May, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Meanwhile, sales of new light commercial vehicles rose by 19.9% in the month, with 25,853 units sold.

IMI unveils new automotive ‘wish-list’

The Institute of the Motor Industry has published an industry ‘wish-list’ for the next government which calls on urgent action around four key areas: vacancy rates, skills, education, and new technologies.

Spotlight shines on EDI

The IMI will deliver free Equity, Diversity and Inclusion webinars to members. Delivered by independent experts, the sessions include Active Bystander (19 June), Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion (9 July), and Tackling Ableism (13 August).

Charity match nears £20k

The Plunkys Allstars charity match has now raised more than £17,000 on its way to a target total of £25,000.

Taking place on 28 June at the Football Development Centre in Norwich, the game is being played to raise funds for Norfolk and Waveney MIND, East Anglian Air Ambulance and the Fire Fighters Charity.

WorldSkills UK venues announces

WorldSkills UK has announced that this year’s national finals will take place from 20-21 November across a range of venues in Greater Manchester.

Venues include Bolton College, Manchester College – City Campus, Manchester University, Oldham College, Rochdale Training, Tameside College, Trafford College, and Wigan and Leigh – Pagefield Campus.

Five stars

Automotive expert James Scoltock has identified the five key technologies he expects to revolutionise automotive.

These include sustainable plastics replacing petroleum-derived plastics, AI, lidar-integrated headlights, connectivity, and Nvidia-developed in-vehicle solutions.

Key components absent from ‘Covid cars’

The Vehicle Remarketing Association has revealed that cars made during the pandemic, when there were substantial supply issues, are now entering the used car market with irregular specifications.

It says items such as heated seats, head-up displays, electric door mirrors, and electric seats are missing, causing issues around valuations.

VM News

JLR launches new Sustainability Challenge

JLR has unveiled its first Sustainability Innovation Challenge, which will see the brand collaborate with start-ups and innovators on new technologies for the luxury mobility sector.

Fourth generation BMW 1 Series unveiled

The fourth generation BMW 1 Series is now available. Standard features include front collision warning, lane departure warning, exit warning, traffic sign recognition, and parking assistant with reversing assistant.

Optional features include steering and lane control assist, automatic speed limit assist and route guidance.

Hyundai unveils new Bayon specs

Hyundai Motor UK has announced pricing and specification for the new Bayon, which comes with a range of safety features such as driver, front passenger, side and curtain airbags, lane follow assist, lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance assist, intelligent speed limit assist and rear-view camera and parking sensors.

SEAT sets new sustainability standard

SEAT has reported the best sustainability results in its history in 2023, with improved production processes helping to cut its environmental impact by 53% since 2010.

ADAS cuts collisions by half

New research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has found that 45% of UK van drivers said ADAS technology had prevented at least one accident in the last year.

Van repairs have risen to an average of £534, with parking (27%) and reversing (18%) the most common causes of incidents.

People

Sarah Eaton has been appointed Head of Automotive Retail Sales at AX.
National Windscreens has promoted Mark MacKenzie to UK Regional Sales Manager.
Indasa Abrasives has appointed Faye Tindall as Brand & Communications Executive.
Christine Grosse Lembeck has been appointed to lead BASF’s global Battery Recycling business.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars has named Martin Sander as new board member for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.
Hyundai Motor Company has announced the appointment of Eduardo Ramírez as the new Chief Designer of Hyundai Design Europe.
Lesley Woolley is retiring as Chief Operating Officer of the IMI. She has been a key figure in the industry for more than 30 years.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 6 June 2025

06-06-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 30 May 2025

30-05-2025

SERMI: What does it mean for the UK?

30-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

ARC360 turns focus on new players

7 June 2024

Bodyshop, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

ARC360 hosted its fourth Breakfast Think Tank recently, when attention was turned to the growing impact of new international players entering the UK sector.

It was revealed that there are now 75 new brands with European export ambitions, with many of these now coming from China.

And while some European countries might be more cautious to external influence, preferring instead to support their own domestic automotive manufacturing interests, the UK is at the moment open to Chinese investment.

As such, it is expected that a flood of brands will enter the market in the coming years.

Setting the pace so far is BYD, which has already launched three models into the UK – the SEAL, DOLPHIN, and ATTO. It plans to release four more within the next year as its influence continues to grow.

Meanwhile, ZEEKR – backed by Geely Automobile Holdings – has recently secured Euro NCAP approval, while Great Wall Motors has established a UK footprint through its sub-brand ORA, which has released the Funky Cat.

The challenge comes though in differentiating between the brands, and separating the long-term successes from short-term flash in the pans.

One repairer said, “We are following a watching brief at the moment. Some brands are launching into the UK with no aftersales strategy at all so we need to ask ourselves if we can repair the vehicle safely, do we have access to parts and methods?”

In some cases the answer is yes. BYD, which aims to become the largest vehicle manufacturer in the world, is working closely with UK organisations to ensure a smooth introduction to the UK, but others it was suggested appear a little less-proactive.

“Chinese vehicle manufacturers behave differently so the market will need to adjust. There is a level of openness from some brands but others are not always engaging with insurers, there are no methods or parts and that drives up the cost of even minor repairs. I think we will see a massive mix of repairability and quality over the 75 models, so we can expect quite a bumpy road for a little while.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 6 June 2025

06-06-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 30 May 2025

30-05-2025

SERMI: What does it mean for the UK?

30-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

ARC360 full agenda revealed

7 June 2024

Bodyshop, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

The full agenda for ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference has been revealed with shared insights, interactive exhibits and networking opportunity making up the key ingredients.

More than 40 key insurance influencers are already confirmed to attend representing brands including: Action 365, Ageas, Allianz, Arch Insurance, Aviva Insurance, Broker Direct, Collingwood, Direct Line Group, esure, First Central Services UK Ltd, Hastings Direct, Haven Claims, LV= General Insurance, Markerstudy Insurance Services Ltd, NOVO Incident Management, NFU Mutual, QBE and Zurich.

A host of vehicle manufacturers including Lotus, Porsche, Toyota, Stellantis, and VWG; over 100 of the UK’s leading accident repair operators; and the sectors leading suppliers will too be present throughout the day.

The conference agenda will include contributions from:

Chris Ashworth, Founder, ILC
Chris Downing, Head of Sales & Operations, Stellantis
Matthew Freeman, Managing Consultant at Solera cap hpi
Marc Holding, Managing Director, The Vella Group
Andrew Jobling, Supply Chain Lead, UKGI Supply Chain, Aviva
Tom Leggett, Vehicle Technology Manager, Thatcham Research
Ulrike Lucas, Head of Procurement & Supply – Allianz Claims, Allianz Insurance plc
Dawn Marsden, Head of Claims Supplier Management and Engineering Services, esure
Robert Snook, CEO, Business Success Global
Pete Thompson, Director of Product, Activate Group
Victoria Turner, Executive Director, Ryemarc Group

Click here to see the full agenda for the day.

A limited number of tickets remain for the event – click here now to book.

For a full overview of last year’s event, click here.

Stellantis will be hosting its national repair network forum on the 26 June at the same venue.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 6 June 2025

06-06-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 30 May 2025

30-05-2025

SERMI: What does it mean for the UK?

30-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

Repairify set for Best of Belron

7 June 2024

Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words

Repairify will underscore its status as a key Belron partner with a scaled-up presence at this year’s Best of Belron, which takes place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 11-12 June.

Reparify colleagues will be on hand to demonstrate the company’s portfolio of remote services.

Its patented technology allows customers to scan, calibrate or programme the vehicle by connecting the vehicle over the air to Repairify’s datacentre, which hosts OEM tools, enabling the vehicle to be returned to manufacturers’ specifications.

The technology is supported by Repairify’s team of IMI-certified and trained technicians.

Phil Peace, Managing Director of Repairify’s international division, said, “Our robust global partnership with Belron is testament to the two companies’ commitment to provide high-quality recalibration services to customers. Our technical team is looking forward to demonstrating our offering and patented technology at Best of Belron, reinforcing our aim to support customers in retaining these services inhouse and reducing key-to-key times.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 6 June 2025

06-06-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 30 May 2025

30-05-2025

SERMI: What does it mean for the UK?

30-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday, 31 May 2024

31 May 2024

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

ARC360 line-up revealed

Chris Downing, Head of Sales & Operations, Stellantis; Marc Holding, Managing Director, The Vella Group; and Victoria Turner, Executive Director, Ryemarc Group are the latest key persons of influence revealed for ARC360’s conference agenda.

ARC360 turns focus on new players

ARC360 hosted its fourth Breakfast Think Tank this week, when attention was turned to the growing impact of new entrants joining the UK sector.

After considering skills, electric vehicles and volumes in previous Think Tank sessions, this week the focus was trained on new entrants, and it was revealed that there are now 75 new brands with European export ambitions, with many of these coming from China.

Bodyshop Briefs

AD Williams Vehicle Accident Repair Centres, which operates 14 sites across the south of England, has announced that its High Wycombe location has received a positive recommendation to transition to the new BSI10125:2022 standard.
Market Drayton-based Stevens Collision Repair Specialists has passed its first unannounced BS 10125 audit with a 100% score.
Fix Auto Dagenham Directors Chris Oliver and Paul Cunningham have raised £2,000 for the Bone Cancer Research Trust after completing the Ride100, a 100-mile cycle from London to Essex and back.
The 2025 Fix Auto UK National Conference will once again be staged at The Vox Conference Centre within the National Exhibition Centre complex near Birmingham on 7-8 May 2025 with 3M confirmed as Presenting Partner.

Industry News

Copart unveils new data hub

Copart has unveiled its new AutoAudit Hub to support engineers meet Consumer Duty legislation around fair value for total loss settlements. The solution draws from multiple sources to provide accurate provenance checks and a pre-accident damage matrix.

Insurers resume GAP insurance sales under new guidelines

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced that some firms have been permitted to resume selling Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance, but with significantly lower levels of commission.

This comes after an FCA investigation to ensure fair value in GAP insurance.

Production suffers April dip

UK car manufacturing decreased by seven per cent to 61,820 units in April, with EVs accounting for 40.5% of all production.

Meanwhile, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also revealed that UK CV manufacturing dropped by 19.9% to 8,413 units in April.

Scotland cities introduce LEZ charges

Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh have followed Glasgow by introducing Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges.

Charges will apply to most diesels registered before 2016 and petrol models registered before 2006.

Plastrepair unveils new training service

Plastrepair EU is now delivering its inaugural IMI Filler-less Plastic Repair Accredited training course as it moves to a hybrid business, carrying out repairs for customers itself or upskilling their colleagues to do the work in-house.

Royal appointment

Autoglym has received royal approval for the fourth successive time, meaning its products will continue to be used to clean and protect all vehicles in the Royal Household fleet.

It is one of just 145 companies and the only car care brand to be granted a Royal Warrant from His Majesty King Charles III.

G3 cuts ribbon on Bedford site

G3 Remarketing has unveiled a new auction centre in Bedford after acquiring a 14-acre site from Cazoo. The new facility provides an annual capacity of over 30,000 vehicles.

VM News

Five-star performers

Euro NCAP has announced the results for five new models.

The Volkswagen Tiguan, Maxus MIFA 7 and ZEEKR models OO1 and X have all received Green NCAP five-star ratings, while the Ford Tourneo Custom achieved four stars, rising to four if it includes upgraded safety features

JLR accelerates EV training programme

JLR has announced that more than 20,000 colleagues have now received electrification and digital training as part of its Future Skills Programme.

This includes delivering EV skills to more than 2,400 UK manufacturing employees, more than 95% of partner technicians, and nearly 3,000 engineers.

BMW unveils advanced ADAS features

BMW has released its new 3 Series Saloon and 3 Series Touring, featuring a range of advanced ADAS features.

Alongside a front collision warning system with brake intervention, cruise control with brake function and an intelligent speed assistance function, features also traffic light recognition, evasion assistance, and crossroads and wrong-way warnings.

VWG to sell £17k EVs

Volkswagen Group has announced plans to sell entry-level electric cars for around £17,000 by 2027. The move is part of the Group’s ambition to make EVs available to a wider market.

BYD partners with Goodwood Festival of Speed

BYD’s growing UK penetration will be enhanced at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from 11-14 July, when it will showcase its new plug-in hybrid SUV, the SEAL U DM-i.

Subaru, Toyota, Mazda announce joint initiative

Subaru, Toyota and Mazda have announced they will work together to develop new, more compact electric engines as part of a wider strategy to decarbonise the car parc which also includes making ICE models more compatible with various carbon-neutral (CN) fuels.

People

Lee Berryman has started a new position as Regional Operations Manager at AD Williams.
Daren Axon has started a new role as Regional Business Manager at Vizion Network.
Stellantis has appointed Luca Napolitano as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, while Olivier Bourges is new Chief Customer Experience Officer and Clara Ingen-Housz becomes head of the Global Corporate Office and Public Affairs.
Hyundai Motor Group has named Manfred Harrer as Executive Vice President and Head of the newly established Genesis & Performance Development Tech Unit.
Organisation Development Manager at Silverlake Automotive Recycling Tom Harvey has joined the VRA Management Committee.
Evolution Claims Management has welcomed Sarah Kerr as Talent Development Manager.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 6 June 2025

06-06-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 30 May 2025

30-05-2025

SERMI: What does it mean for the UK?

30-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

ARC360 line-up revealed

31 May 2024

Bodyshop, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

Supported by Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Copart, Entegral, Enterprise, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Assistance, S&G Response, Solera Audatex; along with Partners: Gemini ARC, Repairify and Prasco, the event is sponsored by Activate Group and Thatcham Research along with vehicle manufacturer Stellantis which will host the ‘Stellantis Zone’ on the day featuring a number of its latest models including the Peugeot Expert (BEV), Jeep Avenger (BEV), and the Vauxhall Astra SW (BEV) .

Chris, Marc and Victoria join already announced speakers:

Chris Ashworth, Founder, ILC
Matthew Freeman, Managing Consultant at Solera cap hpi
Andrew Jobling, Supply Chain Lead, UKGI Supply Chain, Aviva
Tom Leggett, Vehicle Technology Manager, Thatcham Research
Ulrike Lucas, Head of Procurement & Supply – Allianz Claims, Allianz Insurance plc
Dawn Marsden, Head of Claims Supplier Management and Engineering Services, esure
Robert Snook, CEO, Business Success Global
Pete Thompson, Director of Product, Activate Group

Full agenda to be revealed next week.

Tickets for the event are on sale now – click here to book.

Stellantis will be hosting its national repair network forum on the 26 June at the same venue.

For a full overview of last year’s event, click here.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 6 June 2025

06-06-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 30 May 2025

30-05-2025

SERMI: What does it mean for the UK?

30-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday, 24 May 2024

24 May 2024

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words

More key names join ARC360 line-up

Chris Ashworth, Founder, ILC; Robert Snook, CEO, BSG; and Pete Thompson, Director of Product, Activate Group are the three latest key names revealed for ARC360’s ‘future vehicle technology’ themed conference.

Taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, the ARC360 conference provides the highest calibre of speakers and attendees in the UK body repair industry event calendar.

Bodyshop Briefs

Fix Auto UK has acquired the former Fix Auto Blackpool business two years after it moved away from the network, making it the 10th site the network owns outright.
UK Assistance ARC t/a DLG Auto Services has successfully transitioned all of its 23 sites to the new BS 10125:2022 standard.
AD Williams High Wycombe site has received a positive recommendation for transitioning to the new BSI10125:2022 standard.
Komoo Newcastle has successfully passed its BS10125:2022 audit.
Walton Accident Repair has passed its latest Nissan Approved Bodyshop audit.
M&M Group (Fix Auto) has passed its latest BMW standards audit.
Caha! FixBox, trading from 11 sites, has officially launched providing non-structural and cosmetic repairs; pre/post diagnostic checks; and ADAS recalibration.

Industry News

Trend Tracker explores changing repair volumes

Trend Tracker data suggests ‘a similar amount of work is being completed by more sites’ following reports from some bodyshops of a significant drop in the number of notifications.

Automated Vehicles Act becomes law

Self-driving vehicles could be on British roads by 2026, after the government’s world-leading Automated Vehicles (AV) Act became law on 20 May 2024.

Announced in the King’s Speech, the AV Act enables advanced technology to safely drive vehicles on British roads.

Thatcham Research offers cautious welcome to AV Act

Thatcham Research has called for further legislation to ensure the safe introduction of autonomous vehicles to UK roads after the Automated Vehicles Act received Royal Assent.

Solera and Axalta agree sustainability partnership

Solera has announced a new strategic partnership to better support the repair industry measure and reduce CO2 emissions.

AGE partners with Repairify

Automotive Glass Experts (AGE) has announced a new partnership with Repairify, for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) remote calibration.

PACTS unveils new road safety manifesto

A new road safety manifesto has been launched by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) to tackle the number of deaths and serious injuries sustained on UK roads.

Edam explores impact of AI on motor insurance

Edam Group has explored the impact of AI on motor insurance in its latest online post highlighting the opportunities and challenges the technology poses.

Motorbike ‘crash for cash’ claims up 60-fold

Allianz‘s personal lines business has reported a sharp increase in insurance fraud, particularly in ‘crash for cash’ fraud involving motorbikes and scooters. The insurer’s data indicates that crash for cash has increased 60 times between January – December 2023.

Marshmallow joins IFB

Marshmallow is the latest insurer to join the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) membership and be at the heart of the industry’s collective fight against fraud.

GSF announces new national distribution centre

GSF Car Parts has announced the opening of its new National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Wolverhampton. The facility is a milestone for GSF as part of its commitment ‘to rapidly awaken the sleeping giant of the UK aftermarket’.

ASM secures bulk JLR parts basket

ASM Auto Recycling Ltd, members of the e2e network, have secured over 350 flood-damaged JLR cars, with a market value exceeding £10m. The extensive range of predominantly new vehicles are being fully inventoried to be made available for green parts supply.

New website for Car-O-Liner

Car-O-Liner – a leader in the provision of collision repair equipment – has introduced a new website providing information on its most up-to-date services and distribution network.

Winn integrates with JDK Technology

Imaging technology specialists, JDK Technology, has integrated its platform with Winn Solicitors to help streamline the customer journey and correctly triage work into Winns’ repairer network.

Ben launches Big Walk charity drive

Automotive industry charity Ben is calling on the sector to step forward for its new ‘Big Walk’ fundraising challenge on 8 September.

VM News

More than 100 EV models now available

Some 102 battery electric models are now available to British motorists, making almost a third (29.3%) of models on the new car market available as zero emission, according to new analysis by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

JLR signs with Fortescue

JLR has signed a multi-year deal to use Fortescue’s advanced battery intelligence software, Elysia, in its next-generation electric vehicles. The software will help enhance JLR’s luxury vehicles with improved battery longevity, safety, and performance.

XPENG launches AI powered in-car OS

XPENG Motors has announced the full rollout of the XOS 5.1.0, Tianji, in-car OS to all eligible XPENG models. Fully integrated with AI large models, the AI Tianji System provides more intelligent and personalized in-car AI assistant services ensuring safer and more comfortable driving experiences, whether in smart driving or human driving modes.

People

Robert McMunnigal has been appointed as Regional Bodyshop Manager at Halo Accident Repair Centers part of IRS Group Europe.
Adam Fletcher has taken the role of Senior Business Development Manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at GEOTAB.
Chris Davis has started a new role with Hastings Direct as Motor Claims Technical Operations Manager (Customer).

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 6 June 2025

06-06-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 30 May 2025

30-05-2025

SERMI: What does it mean for the UK?

30-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

More key names join ARC360 line-up

24 May 2024

Bodyshop, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Technology, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

Chris Ashworth, Founder, ILC; Robert Snook, CEO, Business Success Global; and Pete Thompson, Director of Product, Activate Group are the three latest key names revealed for ARC360’s ‘future vehicle technology’ themed conference.

A host of vehicle manufacturers – including event partner Stellantis; many of the UK’s leading accident repair operators; and the sectors leading suppliers will too be present throughout the day.

Delegates will hear thoughts from insurers, vehicle manufacturers, repairers and other key persons of influence from across the sector on how, when and why to prepare for the future including special sessions focused on ‘getting in shape to win more business’ and ‘acquisition, growth and integration’.

Chris, Robert and Pete join already announced speakers:

Matthew Freeman, Managing Consultant at Solera cap hpi
Andrew Jobling, Supply Chain Lead, UKGI Supply Chain, Aviva
Tom Leggett, Vehicle Technology Manager, Thatcham Research
Ulrike Lucas, Head of Procurement & Supply – Allianz Claims, Allianz Insurance plc
Dawn Marsden, Head of Claims Supplier Management and Engineering Services, esure

ARC360 is supported by Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Copart, Entegral, Enterprise, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Assistance, S&G Response, Solera Audatex; along with Partners: Gemini ARC, Repairify and Prasco.

The specialist event is sponsored by Activate Group and Thatcham Research along with Stellantis which will host the ‘Stellantis Zone’ on the day featuring a number of its latest models.

Tickets for the event are on sale now – click here to book.

Stellantis will be hosting its national repair network forum on the 26 June at the same venue.

For a full overview of last year’s event, click here.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 6 June 2025

06-06-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 30 May 2025

30-05-2025

SERMI: What does it mean for the UK?

30-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

Thatcham Research offers cautious welcome to AV Act

22 May 2024

Bodyshop, Environment, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words

Thatcham Research has called for further legislation to ensure the safe introduction of autonomous vehicles to UK roads after the Automated Vehicles Act received Royal Assent this week.

The Act, which sets out clear guidelines around self-driving safety assessments and terminology, could pave the way for autonomous vehicles to join UK roads as early as 2026 and enable the country to capitalise on a market expected to be worth £42bn by 2035, creating 38,000 skilled jobs.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has welcomed what it calls a ‘watershed moment’ for UK automotive and said self-driving technology can revolutionise society.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “This is a watershed moment for UK automotive innovation and road safety in the UK. Self-driving vehicles will revolutionise our society, and this new law will help turn ambition into reality, putting the UK alongside a handful of other global markets that already have their regulatory frameworks in place.”

However, Thatcham Research, which worked with insurers to develop a report establishing the insurance requirements around automated vehicles, has said that further legislation around safety, access to data, and potential cyber threats will be critical.

Tom Leggett, Vehicle Technology Manager at Thatcham Research, said: “I am pleased the AV Act has received Royal Assent. Reassuringly, the act recognises several points raised in our joint Insurer Requirements for Automated Vehicles report. This highlights an understanding from lawmakers that working alongside insurers and other key automotive stakeholders is essential to ensuring the safe adoption of this technology.

“However, as our report details, there is still work to be done through secondary legislation to ensure this technology is adopted sustainably. Challenges remain around the clarity of insurance responsibility in the event of an AV collision, the clear identification of self-driving capabilities, and the possible cybersecurity risk.”

Meanwhile, Jonathan Fong, Manager for General Insurance policy at the ABI, added, “The insurance industry has played a pivotal role in enabling and supporting its development which has the potential to drastically improve road safety. As this technology continues to evolve, so must the legislation and we look forward to further collaboration between insurers, government and the wider motor industry to address any potential roadblocks around data sharing, road safety and cyber security.”