Category: Technology

Key repairers subscribe to ARC360 conference

Some of the leading lights within the repair community have already confirmed their attendance at this years ‘future vehicle technology’ themed ARC360 conference taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.

Consumer Intelligence to kick start New Generation discussions

Catherine Carey, Head of Marketing at Consumer Intelligence is set to kick-start ILC’s New Generation in Claims Conference 2024 by revealing research findings centred on careers in insurance. 

Titled ‘Perception Vs reality: redefining careers in insurance’ the session will explore the contrast between how current insurance professionals view their careers and the common misconceptions held by outsiders.  

Bodyshop Briefs

• Accident Express Direct is transitioning to BS 10125:2022 after receiving a positive recommendation.
• Steer Automotive Group won the People Team of the Year Award at the British HR Awards. The group was shortlisted in three categories.
• Llandudno-based Hefin Jones Vehicle Body Repairs has passed its first BS10125 audit.
• Komoo Wigan has secured BS 10125:2022 certification after achieving 100% compliance.

Repair market facing over-supply issue

New insight from Trend Tracker suggests that after a period of capacity challenges in vehicle repair, the market could be about to enter a new phase.

It says a combination of greater investment in the sector coupled with falling demand could create a dynamic where supply outstrips demand, although it warns that the continued skills crisis could go some way to balancing that in the coming years as the industry struggles to attract the 107,000 EV technicians and 25,000 ADAS technicians that will be needed by 2030.

EV values continuing to fall

A new white paper into the UK used car market has revealed a dramatic fall in EV prices compared to their petrol and diesel counterparts.

The INDICATA Market Watch found a 20% fall in used EV prices in just six months during 2023, meaning they began 2024 more than 42% cheaper than both used petrol and used diesel cars.

New voices wanted for Diversity Group

The IMI is looking for more people to join its Diversity Task Force Working Group. Members will have the opportunity help shape the future of the industry by taking part in group meetings and sharing examples of best practice.

Plastrepair celebrates IMI approval

Plastrepair, which develops speciality tools and materials for plastic repairs in the vehicle repair sector, has announced that its training programme has now secured IMI approval.

MIB tackles uninsured driving

The Motor Insurers’ Bureau has launched a new initiative in collaboration with police forces to remove uninsured drivers from the road.

In the first of a series of one-day operations, it worked with officers from South Wales, Gwent, Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire, and Thames Valley Police to seize a number of uninsured vehicles from motorways across the region.

FCA warns of unexpected DCA costs

The FCA has written to motor finance firms urging them to maintain the financial resources needed to absorb the costs of discretionary commission arrangements (DCA), following its own review into the issue.

This includes planning for any additional operational costs from increased complaints and meeting the costs of resolving those complaints.

HELLA launches IMI-approved academy

HELLA has unveiled its new IMI-approved academy at its Chipping Warden head office.

The state-of-the-are facility provides classroom-based learning with hands-on workshop training.

Last day of AWE24

The inaugural Automotive Work Experience Week concludes today.

Introduced jointly by the Institute of the Motor Industry, School of Thought Automotive and Autotech Academy, the initiative is urging all employers to play their part in fighting the skills crisis by committing to a week’s work placement for at least one young person this year.

Inchcape sells retail operations

Inchcape is selling its UK retail operations to Group 1 Automotive for £346m as part of its strategy to become a distribution-focused business.

The deal includes more than 80 forecourts and is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter.

EVs and petrol to dominate car sales by 2027

A new report predicts that EVs will make up 34% of all new car sales by 2027, with 701,893 registrations compared to 722,537 (35%) petrol sales. Diesel meanwhile will plummet to just three per cent.

According to Cox Automotive’s Fuel Type Forecast, petrol cars will however still dominate used car sales (62%), ahead of diesel (30%), with EVs languishing on a 5.9% market share.

SMMT wins workplace gold

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has gained gold accreditation from Investors in People (IIP), recognising it as one of the best places in the UK to work.

Just 17% of organisations seeking IIP accreditation secure gold.

BASF collaborates on hybrid hypercar battery

BASF has collaborated with RML Group to develop an immersion-cooled battery for a high-performance hybrid hypercar. It features a capacity of 4.2 kWh and weighs less than 75kg.

Meanwhile, the company has been named as a 2023 Supplier of the Year by General Motors (GM), making it the 17^th time in 32 years it has won the accolade.

BASF has also emphasised how its innovative engineering solutions can support manufacturers meet sustainability targets around recyclability and low product carbon footprint.

Tyre recycling service cutting costs by 30%

Purchase Direct has introduced a new waste tyre collection and disposal service through its sister company, Outsourced Waste, which is delivering savings of over 30%.

BIBA and NOVO unveil EV insurance solution

The British Insurance Brokers’ Association and NOVO have launched a new motor insurance scheme that offers BIBA members like-for-like replacement mobility, access to EV-qualified repairers, and specialist EV claims management.

NFDA survey shows VM relationships trending upwards

The relationship between dealers and manufacturers is on an upward curve, according to the winter edition of the NFDA’s Dealer Attitude Survey.

Carried out between January and March, the survey attracted 2,321 responses with average scores up in 47 of the 56 questions.

JLR unveils BESS in class

JLR has partnered with energy storage start-up Allye Energy to develop a new portable Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that can store 270kWh of energy, the equivalent of nearly a month’s worth of power for the average UK home.

Nissan on course to deliver all-solid-state batteries

Nissan aims to launch EVs with all-solid-state batteries by 2028 and has shown off the production line in Japan where they will be developed.

All-solid-state batteries will have twice the energy density as lithium-ion batteries, will offer shorter charging times and lower costs.

Polestar cuts emissions by nine per cent per car

Polestar’s first sustainability report has revealed that emissions per car sold last year were down by nine per cent, while the company cut absolute emissions by five per cent. 

People

• Avant Group has appointed Mark Adkins as new Technical Project Manager.
• Danielle Fenwick has joined the customer care team at 1^st Choice ARC.
• FMG (Fleet) has named Helen Keenan as Account Director.
• WhoCanFixMyCar has appointed Amada Webb as Chief Finance Officer and Craig Livings as Chief Technology Officer.

Leading names back ARC360 event

Activate Group and Thatcham Research are the two latest names to show their support for ARC360’s ‘future technology’ themed conference taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.

The event is also now sponsored by Activate Group and Thatcham Research – both of whom will be present on the day – along with recently announced event partner Stellantis which will be hosting the ‘Stellantis Zone’.

Carpenters and Enterprise lead New Generation support

Carpenters Group and Enterprise are the two leading names to show their ongoing support of ILC’s New Generation in Claims Conference 2024 takes place on 25 April at etc.venues Manchester.

The New Generation in Claims programme for 2024 has been backed by Ambassadors: Activate Group, Edam Group, Gemini ARC, Kennedys, S&G Response and Solera Audatex.

Bodyshop Briefs

• esure Group has unveiled its latest state-of-the-art bodyshop in partnership with Halo ARC, based in Saffron Waldon. 
• The Vella Group has retained its PAS 2060 certification for a third year in a row after reducing emissions by six per cent in 2023 and becoming the first UK repairer to join the AkzoNobel Sustainable Repair Network last month.
• Fix Auto UK has welcomed three more East Anglia-based repairers to its network. Bressingham Car Bodyshop will now operate as Fix Auto Diss, Autodoc has transitioned into Fix Auto West Norwich, and Red Rocket Accident Repair Centre will now operate as Fix Auto Great Yarmouth.
• Redhill-based Finesse ARC has successfully passed its first Volkswagen Group paint and body audit.
• Crewe-based dealer group Swansway Motor Group will open a new all-electric car dealership in Crewe following a partnership with Chinese manufacturer BYD.
• Knaresborough-based Great North Auto Services is opening a second site in Harrogate.
• Allied Vehicles Group-backed Fix Auto Glasgow North has acquired Fix Auto Wigan as part of a wider growth strategy that will see more acquisitions in the coming three years.
• Perfect Paint MK has announced it has achieved ISO 9001:2015 accreditation.

Repair costs contribute to record payouts

Motor insurers paid out a record £9.9bn in compensation in 2023, up 18% on 2022.

The Association of British Insurers said the increase was driven by repair costs rising from £4.7bn in 2022 to £6.1bn. Meanwhile, claims volumes rose 10% to 2.3 million.

Enterprise Flex-E-Rent bolsters numbers

Enterprise Flex-E-Rent is recruiting more than 100 new technicians across its 28 UK depots.

It is also expanding its training programme, which now provides up to 4,000 bespoke career planning and training hours to technicians every month.

Industry leaders unveil inaugural Automotive Experience Week

The School of Thought Automotive, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and Autotech Academy are collaborating to launch the industry’s first ever Automotive Experience Week.

Taking place from 15-19 April, AWE24 is a call to action with employers encouraged to offer a week’s placement to at least one young person during the year.

Silverlake announces significant fleet investment

Silverlake Automotive Recycling has invested in its fleet to meet growing demand.

It has added six new transporters to offer greater capacity for salvage collections, and four new vans to deliver reclaimed parts to bodyshops.

SYNETIQ secures safety certifications

IAA company SYNETIQ has achieved a key safety milestone by securing a globally recognised certification.

It has announced that its management team has attained the IOSH Managing Safely qualification while its board and directors have achieved IOSH Directing Safely. 

SMMT secures top employer award

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has been named one of Britain’s top places to work after achieving Gold accreditation from Investors in People (IIP), the international benchmark for workplace standards and people management.  

Hybrids pull away from EVs

New figures have revealed that used EV sales have fallen across Europe, but hybrids are more popular than ever.

According to INDICATA, a cooling of demand for EVs means they now make up just 4.1% of the online used B2C used vehicle market, while hybrids have grown to a record high of 15.3%.

Autocraft set for European expansion

Autocraft Solutions Group has announced plans to expand its EV battery repair footprint across Europe after securing a £24m finance deal from HSBC.

It plans to launch its REVIVE range of EV battery testing and repair services in southern Europe and Scandinavia.

Drivers in a tight spot

Drivers are paying out £424m every year to repair vehicles damaged due to tight parking bays, according to Churchill, which also revealed that parking space widths are based on 1970s guidelines while cars have increased by 12cm on average since then.

Delphi expands hydrogen parts portfolio

Global aftermarket leader Delphi has expanded its range of hydrogen vehicle parts and components available to the aftermarket.

It now offers 32 replacement component part numbers across braking, steering and suspension, vehicle electronics, and thermal management systems.

Automotive 30% Club announces Small Business Group

The Automotive 30% Club has announced it will launch a new Small Business Group to develop collective solutions to promote gender balance within the industry.

Meanwhile, Hella Aftermarket Managing Director Neil Grant has renewed his membership.

Euro NCAP announces new safety ratings

Euro NCAP has awarded safety ratings to three crossovers, with the NIO EL6 and Toyota EL6 both receiving five-star ratings.

Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V hybrid achieved a four-star rating.

BMW Group signs tech collaboration

The BMW Group has announced a new collaboration with Croatian tech company Rimac Technology to develop new solutions in EV batteries.

JLR announces strong sales results

JLR has reported wholesale and retail sales increases of more than 20% in the last financial year.

Wholesale volumes rose 25% to 401,303 units while retail was up 22% to 431,733.

Kia sets steep sales curve

Kia has announced sales targets of 4.3 million by 2030, with electric models accounting for 58% (2.48 million) of that.

This represents a 34% increase on the brand’s sales targets for 2024.

Tesla ditches low-cost model

Reuters has reported that Tesla has abandoned plans to develop an affordable EV for the mass-market, due to increasing pressure from Chinese manufacturers.

People

• Accident Credit Group (ACG) has appointed Roxanne Cosby as Business Development Manager.
• Satty Nanuwa has started a new role as Insurance Business Manager at Autoglass.
• AutoGrab has appointed Rupert Pontin as UK Head.
• Richard Farrar has been named Head of Operations – Refurbishment at Cox Automotive Europe.
• Sydney Jeyes has been appointed Customer Experience Agent at Evolution Repair Group.
• The Independent Paint Supplies team has appointed Marc Powell as Technical Sales & Support expert.
• Gail Carr has been promoted from van driver at Carlac to Merchandiser for the Manchester area.
• Equipmake has appointed Glenn Saint as Business Development Director.

ARC360 & Stellantis partner for conference

ARC360 and Stellantis – a constellation of 14 iconic automotive brands and two mobility arms – have partnered for the forthcoming ARC360 ‘future tech’ themed conference.

The event will feature the Stellantis Zone – created to provide delegates with an immersive showcase of the vehicle manufacturers’ network operations, vehicles and technologies. Stellantis will also be taking to the stage during the event to provide more of an insight into its mission to transform into a sustainable mobility tech company, guided by the clear vision of its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan – electric vehicles and various other advanced technologies being core to that.

Steer and Saga join New Generation agenda

Nicky Sutherland, Director of People & Culture at Steer Automotive Group and Andy Cain, Head of Claims – Customer Operations at Saga plc will join the agenda for this year’s ILC New Generation in Claim Conference.

Sponsored by Carpenters Group and Enterprise, and supported by Ambassadors: Activate Group; Edam Group; Gemini Accident Repair Centres; Kennedys Law; S&G Response; and Solera Audatex the New Generation in Claims Conference 2024 takes place on 25 April at etc venues Manchester.

In Conversation With… Mick Jennings

ARC360’s Mark Hadaway catches up with Mick Jennings to find out the latest developments from across the business, his latest venture with Maldon Accident Repair Centre and find out more about the man himself.

Bodyshop Briefs

• Komoo has opened its third site of the year. Based in Southampton it will serve fleet and rental customers across Hampshire, West Sussex, and Dorset.
• M J Warner Volkswagen Bodyshop has passed its latest CARSQA BS10125 audit.
• L&I Eaton Edinburgh has received a positive recommendation for transition to the BS10125:2022 standard.
• James Alpe has won the Workforce Development award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards.
• Peggs Accident Repair Centre has joined the Kia network as an approved repairer.
• Veetec has unveiled a new repair site in Hayes, London. Manufacturer approved and BSi Kitemark accredited, the facility offers aluminium and electric vehicle repairs.
• Aviva has opened its first Solus site in Wales. The new facility is based in Newport.
• Fix Auto Manchester East has become a patron of Oldham-based Mahdlo Youth Zone, a community centre dedicated youngsters between eight and 19 and those with disabilities aged up to 25, for the next three years.

EVs in a ‘turbulent place’

There is a perception among some within the market that ‘take-off’ of electric vehicles is stalling, but that thought is misguided with environmental factors and political will ensuring that electrification of the car parc is here to stay.

That was the consensus of ARC360’s second online Breakfast Think Tank, which considered the current status of EV momentum within the claims and vehicle repair markets. The answer, it appears, depends on who you ask.

Cary Group completes Spire Windscreens purchase

Cary Group has acquired Spire Windscreens, which is also part of the National Windscreens consortium.

The deal means Cary Group now controls all but four National Windscreens operations.

Robertsons unveils complete credit hire service

Robertsons has launched a new end-to-end modular credit hire service which includes FNOL, claims monitoring, intervention services, credit hire investigation, GTA and non-GTA payment negotiations, and credit hire fraud detection.

Customers are able to select any or all modules, providing a fully bespoke service that can be tailored to suit individual needs.

Insurers found to be undervaluing cars

The FCA has found that some insurers are still undervaluing cars when it comes to settlements.

Its review revealed certain insurers continue to offer customers less than their car is worth after it has been written off or stolen.

Vehicle sales maintain strong momentum

The new car market rose 10.4% last month to 317,786 registrations, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, although this remains 30.6% down on pre-pandemic levels.

The light commercial market also enjoyed a strong sales month, with 52,916 new registrations equating to an 11.1% spike.

Repairify announces Italian expansion

Repairify is expanding its business in Europe with the opening of a new office in Italy led by Business Development Director Santiago Malbran.

SYNETIQ celebrates FORS silver

SYNETIQ’s Winsford site has attained silver accreditation in the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).

To become FORS accredited, the business undertook a combination of site-based audits and theory learning.

Meanwhile, SYNETIQ CEO Tom Rumboll has won the ‘Green Leader’ award at the Yorkshire Leadership Awards. 

Mirka reveals upgraded sander

Mirka has unveiled a new electric sander, the DEOS II, which offers 20% more power and user-friendly LED indicators for setting sanding speed.

Thatcham Research announces Cherry partnership

Thatcham Research has signed a two-year deal with Chinese vehicle manufacturer Cherry.

As part of the agreement, it will deliver its ‘Insurability by Design’ programme, which aims to ensure that repairability, sustainability and insurability is incorporated into the design process.

Supermarkets plug in to EV charging

The number of EV charge points at supermarkets rose by 59% last year to 1,616.

More than 600 locations added charge points during 2023 meaning 13% of all 12,839 UK supermarkets now offer EV charging on site.

Euro NCAP reveals latest ratings

Euro NCAP has announced the crash avoidance ratings for eight vans, with Gold ratings awarded to the Citroen Berlingo, Fiat Doblo, Vauxhall Combo, Peugeot Partner, Renault Kangoo and Volkswagen Caddy Cargo and Platinum ratings going to the Mercedes-Benz Citan and VW ID.Buzz Cargo.

Government to look into glare concerns

The government has announced it will commission an independent study into the issue of headlight glare.

This comes after an RAC survey found that 89% of drivers think some headlights are too bright, with 91% saying they have been dazzled by bright headlights and 74% saying they regularly are.

Plunky’s charity matches top £100k

The final Plunky’s All Stars charity football match, which takes place at the Football Development Centre in Norwich on 28 June, has so far raised more than £7,000 for three charities, the East Anglian Air Ambulance (Just Giving) , the Fire Fighters Charity (Just Giving), and Norfolk & Waveney Mind (Just Giving).

Since being launched more than a decade ago, the Plunky’s All Stars matches have raised over £100k for charity.

Automotive production enjoys healthy growth

UK car production rose for the sixth month in a row in February, up 14.6% to 79,907 units.

This made it the best performing February since 2021, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

New-look Assessor due for relaunch

The IAEA has announced that newly revamped and refreshed Assessor magazine will be published again in May, with a summer edition coming out at the end of August and an autumn/winter due in November.

Produced by the ABP club, The Assessor will be published four times a year from 2025.

Volkswagen to introduce Level 4 autonomous driving

Volkswagen has become the first vehicle manufacturer to develop an autonomous Level 4 service vehicle for large-scale production.

This comes after a development agreement with Mobileye, which will manufacture and supply software, hardware and digital maps for the self-driving ID. Buzz AD for commercial use in Europe and the US.

Polestar announces Tesla charging integration

Polestar has become the first vehicle manufacturer in Europe to integrate the Tesla Supercharger network in its own charging app, Polestar Charge, providing drivers with quicker and more convenient access to more charging points.

Drivers slow to U-turn

A new global survey carried out by YouGov in partnership with the Freedom of Mobility Forum has revealed that less than 10% of respondents have made significant mobility changes to reduce their environmental impact.

The survey questioned drivers in Brazil, France, India, Morocco, United States, with the overwhelming feeling that governments are responsible to driving the green revolution.

People

• Allianz has named Hannah Weber as new Supplier Relationship Manager.
• Adrian Hallmark will join Aston Martin as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer.
• Phil Hodkinson is retiring from his position as National Sales Manager at ACG after 33 years in the industry.
• Victoria Turner has joined Ryemarc Group as Executive Director.
• AF Accident Repair has appointed Aaron Reece as Parts Manager.
• Luke Charlesworth and Tony Billett have joined Avant Consult as new Finance Assistants.
• Steer Automotive Group has named Martin Lovell as Regional Compliance Manager.
• React has appointed Andrew D’Arcy and Ross Graham as company Directors.
• Omari Henry-Coleman has joined Fix Auto UK as Bodyshop Site Coordinator.
• Allparts Refinishing has appointed Benjamin Groves as Technical Development Manager.
• McLaren Automotive has appointed Jochen Schnez as new Chief Quality Officer.
• Garry Winckley has joined Fleet Assist as Director of Special Projects.