Category: Technology

The Dawning of a New Era

Lotus is a name synonymous with performance sports cars. From a rich heritage in Formula 1 to appearances on the ‘big screen’, Lotus has been at the cutting edge of vehicle innovation for 75 years.

The business is now transforming itself as part of its Vision80 plan, which will not only see it become one of the first all-electric vehicle (EV) performance car manufacturers, but also offering luxury tech-focused lifestyle vehicles and increasing its global presence.

Here, we catch up with Steve Plunkett, Lotus Cars’ Global Bodyshop Programme Manager, to find out how the business is getting set to satisfy insurer and customer requirements across the world.

Adapting to the ADAS age

ARC360 partnered with Repairify recently to host a roundtable event, focused on the growing influence and subsequent challenges and opportunities around advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

The roundtable saw experts from all corners of the sector meet at The Midland Grand Dining Room, London to consider the impact ADAS is having on the industry, both from a repairer and insurance perspective.

Copart announces Peterlee expansion

Online vehicle remarketing and recycling specialist Copart is expanding its Operation Centre in Peterlee, County Durham.

The expansion will increase the site to 30 acres with a capacity for handling upwards of 38,000 vehicles a year.

Thatcham Research unveils AiQ data platform

Thatcham Research has unveiled its new automotive intelligence platform, AiQ, which will deliver relevant, timely and data rich insurability content to members.

Content includes research on new vehicles, car parc composition and aggregated repair costs.

Government calls for urgent EV roadmap

A new government report on electric vehicles has called for ‘urgent changes’ if the UK is to meet its net zero emissions targets.

Published by the House of Lords Committee, the Environment and Climate Change Committee’s EV strategy: rapid recharge needed report highlighted that barriers still exist around cost and public charging.

NWVA scores with West Ham United

Nationwide Vehicle Assistance has recorded a promotional video with stars of the West Ham United FC first team.

The video is hosted by The Apprentice star Tom Skinner, who asks the three players a series of questions while they safely strap a vehicle to one of NWVA’s recovery trucks.

SYNETIQ underlines sustainability credentials

SYNETIQ has been awarded Gold Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) status from the Carbon Literacy Project.

Gold status recognises that more than 50% of colleagues have completed industry-specific Carbon Literacy training and are certified as Carbon Literate.

It has also announced a new partnership with clean technology group Altilium to recycle EV batteries from cars that have been written off.

Consolidation continues within National Windscreens

National Windscreens’ largest member Cary Group has completed the acquisition of the second largest member, J Huggins and Son. This consolidates 95% of National Windscreens’ fitting and calibration centres.

IMI campaign breaks five-million barrier

An IMI campaign to promote the industry has achieved more than five million impressions and 35,000 conversions in just three months.

The More to Motor digital campaign was launched across multiple platforms in September last year.

Cogent Hire joins NBRA supplier list

The NBRA has announced that Chorley-based credit hire company Cogent Hire has joined its supplier list as a non-fault partner and EV mobility specialist.

Silverlake opens the door for Steer apprentices

Silverlake Automotive Recycling is supporting Steer Automotive apprentices by supplying reclaimed door panels to help their continued training and development.

Carwow announces Autovia acquisition

Online car marketplace Carwow has acquired automotive media company Autovia, which reaches over 15 million car owners, buyers and enthusiasts every month through its print and digital titles.

HGVs gather momentum

Demand for new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) grew for the second year running with UK registrations up 13.5% to 46,227 in 2023, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Meanwhile, the new bus, coach and minibus market grew by 44.6% to 4,932.

Farécla updated website now live

Farécla has unveiled its newly redesigned website, which features an advanced and intuitive Solution Finder and eShop to help bodyshops find and secure relevant products.

EVs drive Stellantis growth

Stellanis has reported that across the group battery electric vehicle sales grew 21% last year, while light electric vehicle sales increased by 27%. To drive further growth, it plans to launch 18 new BEVs in North America this year.

Meanwhile, CEO Carlos Tavares has warned that cutting EV prices regardless of the reality of costs could lead to a race to the bottom and result in an industry ‘bloodbath’.

Addison Lee accelerates EV switch with VWG

London private hire and taxi firm Addison Lee has added 600 new Volkswagen Multivan hybrid vehicles to its fleet, which already includes more than 1,000 all-electric Volkswagen ID.4’s, and 400 Audi A6 low-emission vehicles.

The Multivans will replace diesel people carriers.

GM expands Super Cruise network

GM has added thousands of LiDAR-mapped highways to its Super Cruise road network in North America.

GM Super Cruise is ‘the first true hands-free driver assistance technology for compatible roads’. Drivers can now benefit from the ADAS technology on more than 750,000 miles across America and Canada.

JLR invites new apprentices

JLR has increased its 2024 apprenticeship intake by 50, meaning there are 350 places available this year.

Candidates with A-level maths, BTEC and T-Level qualifications are now being invited to apply.

Bright future for Porsche Panamera

Porsche has unveiled a new colour programme for its Panamera saloon, including blue metallic, ice grey metallic, Lugano blue and Madeira gold metallic.

People

• Finance Director at Fix Auto Mid Devon and Newton Abbott Alena Woolacott will join Automotive 30% Club’s next Inspiring Conversation, themed Invest in Women to Include the Female Customer,’ which will take place on 6 March.

• Pro-Align has appointed Kasia Rzepka as new Head of Operations.

• Kumho Tyre UK has appointed Tim Dougherty as TBR National Sales Manager.

Bodyshop briefs

• KC Autos Northwich has achieved the BS10125:2022 standard.

• Komoo Sheffield is celebrating after passing its BSI Kitemark audit.

• Witham-based Nova Automotive Group is now open, handling both passenger and commercial vehicles.

EU considers limiting repairs to old cars

A number of news sources have reported that the European Union is considering restricting repairs to cars over 15 years old as part of a plan to phase out older, more polluting vehicles.

The proposal, which has not been ratified, would form part of the Fit for 55 initiative, which aims to reduce net emissions by 55% by 2030.

It’s understood that older vehicles with significant damage to engines, transmissions, brakes or steering would fall under a ‘residual vehicle’ category, which would bar them from repair.

Trend Tracker report now live

Trend Tracker has published its comprehensive UK Motor Claims and Body Repair Report 2023-24.

The 266-page report includes the latest data, trends and analysis from across the motor claims and body repair sector.

Industry targets new talent during National Apprenticeship Week

The automotive industry has rallied to support National Apprenticeship Week, with businesses from all sectors promoting the sector to the next generation through a range of initiatives and events.

At the Nottingham College Apprenticeship evening, both Michael Golding, Network Manager at LV, and Managing Director of Gemini Accident Repair Centres Dave Sargeant were on the AutoRaise stand discussing automotive career opportunities to students and parents.

Elsewhere, Autocraft Group apprentices are on respected manufacturer programmes such as Volvo and VWG, Steer Automotive Group has recently unveiled its first ever Apprentice Skills Competition, which will continue throughout February, while The Vella Group has recognised the 29 apprentices on its books.

EY forecasts further growth for UK automotive

EY UK is predicting another strong year of growth in the new car market, after the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that sales grew a further 8.2% in January to 142,876 registrations.

David Borland, EY UK & Ireland Automotive Leader, said, “While the new year will undoubtedly present economic and regulatory challenges, the market is showing robust momentum as it heads into 2024 with further volume increases forecast for the year.

Repairify offer proves a huge hit

Repairify’s offer of free remote services for three months has saved bodyshops thousands of pounds since it was announced at the end of December, with hundreds of free jobs already undertaken.

The offer was introduced to support repairers amidst rising operational costs.

Sustainability a key focus for 2024

Solera APAC Managing Director Chris Iacovou has highlighted the key challenges facing the sector this year.

Talking to Digital Nation alongside other industry leaders, he said consumer demand and regulatory pressure would ramp up the focus on sustainability. Other issues addressed included enhanced cyber security, ethical use of AI, and digital skills.

TGSS formed after management buyout

Key figures in the sector have come together to launch telematics solutions provider Trak Global Security Solutions (TGSS).

TGSS has been created following a management buyout of the IMS stolen vehicle recovery division by former commercial director Dave Turnock and entrepreneur Andy Christopher.

Dave Shepherd has been appointed Chairman, while Alan Cottrill and Mark Ward have joined as non-executive directors.

Pricing tool dedicated to dealers released

cap hpi had developed a new tool to support dealers price optional extras on used vehicles. Its Options Value tool is available free to subscribers in the Valuation Anywhere product.

Silverlake supports Ukraine with first aid kits

Silverlake is partnering with charity UK Sunflower Aid to support refugees in Ukraine.

It is sending recycled vehicle first aid kits to the country as well as fuelling all the vans needed to transport them there.

To date it has collected and shipped over 1,500 first aid kits from its Sheffield site.

Strong start to 2024 for car sales

New car registrations grew for the 18^th month in a row in January, rising 8.2% to 142,876 units.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders also reported that the month saw the one millionth electric vehicle sold in the UK, with 20,935 BEVs registered, a rise of 21%, taking the overall total since records began to 1,001,677.

SYNETIQ set for BTCC grid

SYNETIQ has entered a new team to compete in the British Touring Cars Championship.

Called ‘LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ,’ the team will consist of two additional cars racing alongside the Toyota Gazoo Racing UK effort under the Speedworks banner, with two-time Independents’ laurel winner Josh Cook confirmed as one of the drivers.

Used car sales enjoy robust sales year

More than seven million used cars were sold in the UK last year as the market increased by 5.1%, or 351,915 units, from 2022.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also reported that used EV sales nearly doubled through the year, rising by 90.9% to a record 118,973.

A year in review

Research carried out by sopp+sopp has found that 41% of bodyshops said staffing was among their biggest challenges last year.

It also found that repair times had risen to an average of 42 days on average by September, while 40% of repairers said that delays in parts sourcing had impacted one in five jobs.

GLASS provides transparency

BASF has unveiled a new tool which enables businesses to measure the carbon footprint and associated costs of their paintshops.

GLASS, which stands for Global Life Cycle Assessment of Automotive Surface Solutions, covers the entire value chain from raw material extraction via pre-treatment to clearcoat as the final step of the coating process, enabling customers to optimise costs and performance, and ecological footprint. 

Thatcham Research renews call for EV battery collaboration

Thatcham Research has welcomed the House of Lords report, ‘EV strategy: rapid recharge needed,’ which has called for “the introduction of a cross-industry battery health testing standard… to provide clarity around the condition of an old or damaged battery.”

Thatcham Research has now renewed calls for the industry to work together to reduce the cost of battery repair or replacement.

A1 ADAS Solutions set for ADAS growth

A1 ADAS Solutions is gearing up for further growth in mobile ADAS calibration, diagnostics, and programming, after demand for services from its fully-equipped fleet of vans rose substantially last year.

Iain Molloy, Managing Director, said, “By 2030 it’s also estimated 44% of cars will have level 2 autonomy. This makes ADAS is a real growth area, not just for us, but for our bodyshop customers too.”

ITAS introduces updated Honda training

ITAS has updated its two-day Honda Body Structure collision repair course.

The updated course addresses changes in construction, vehicle technology and subsequent collision repair and panel replacement procedures.

Headlight partnership shines the way forward

General Motors is partnering with Llink Technologies to produce and sell remanufactured headlights. The collaboration will offer dealers and customers greater choice in headlamp replacement.

AutoCommercial unveils online platform

A new online platform for buying and selling automotive businesses and properties has gone live. AutoCommercial has been unveiled by MTBN and offers full buyer and seller confidentiality.

EV skills in the spotlight

Thatcham Research Chief Executive Jonathan Hewett had addressed the role of insurers in supporting the EV switch.

Speaking with Stephen Linklater, Claims Director at Ageas UK in the first episode of Insured Insights, he stressed the importance of having specialist staff able to repair EVs safely and the growing need to reuse damaged EV batteries.

BYD Seal U spotted on UK shores

BYD Europe has launched the BYD SEAL U, an electric SUV offering a range of more than 300 miles on a single charge.

BYD sold more than three million units worldwide last year and Thatcham Research helped prepare the UK aftermarket for rising sales from the Chinese manufacturers by hosting a two-day product showcase recently.

People

• Finance Director at Fix Auto Mid Devon Alena Woolacott has been named 2024 Inspiring Automotive Women Award.

• Vertu Motors has appointed James Ousby as VDA at its Exeter site.

• Henry Angus has started a new position as Client Manager at BSI.

• Matthew Coles has been appointed Group Parts Manager at Komoo.

• RWC Training has appointed James Haydon as Training Manager.

• AkzoNobel has appointed Kristy Clyde as Regional Sales Manager – South.