Category: Technology

ARC360 Conference 2025: shaping the future of vehicle repair

The ARC360 Conference 2025 is set to be one of the most influential industry gatherings of the year, bringing together leading insurers, repairers, vehicle manufacturers, and supply chain experts to explore the changing dynamics of the motor claims and vehicle repair sector.

Taking place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, this year’s conference will explore the theme: A new era – the changing dynamics of a sector. Full story

This week marked a major milestone for Fix Auto UK, as the network celebrates 20 years since its first franchise partner signed up to the pioneering concept of independent bodyshops working together under a single brand. Full story

KC Autos Blackburn received a 100% pass for its recent BS10125:2022 audit from BSI.

Mustoe’s (Fix Auto Caldicot & Bristol) is now an official Nissan approved bodyshop for the Caldicot area.

Autotech Group with four sites in Taplow, Slough, reading and High Wycombe has passed it latest BSI Kitemark.

R&R Autos has passed its BSI Kitemark BS10125:2022 audit.

Revive! North Yorkshire has launched to deliver smart repairs in areas including Harrogate, Northallerton, Catterick and Skipton.

BASF Coatings and NIO agree on strategic partnership for automotive coatings

BASF Coatings, a leading global supplier of innovative coatings solutions, and NIO, a pioneer in the global smart electric vehicle market, have announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) aimed at establishing a strategic partnership to enhance cooperation in the automotive coatings sector. This collaboration marks a significant step towards achieving a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship, focusing on automotive exterior coatings for NIO’s electric vehicles. Full story

Four Superbrains for the Neue Klasse: More intelligent, more efficient, more powerful

The BMW Group is the first automotive manufacturer to launch a completely newly developed digital nervous system for all drivetrain variants and vehicle segments. It is more intelligent, more powerful and more efficient and will be rolled out for the first time in the models of the Neue Klasse. Four high-performance computers, also called “Superbrains”, consolidate the computing power for the most important customer functions: infotainment, automated driving, driving dynamics, and basic functions such as vehicle access, climate control, and comfort. Full story

Lexus leads on BEV technology innovation, launching Steer-by-wire and virtual manual gear shifting

Lexus reaffirmed its strategic status as the battery electric vehicle technology leader in the Toyota group with the announcement of technical innovations it will bring to Europe’s BEV market in the coming year.

Hosting the world premiere of its new RZ luxury electric SUV in Brussels, the company revealed that this model will introduce both a steer by wire system and Interactive Manual Drive, a software-based system which replicates the experience of manual gear shifting. These innovations demonstrate how Lexus is combining advanced hardware and cutting-edge software to realise its ambitions to develop software-derived vehicles. Full story

Incentives needed to convert ‘electric sceptics’ to EV benefits  

The automotive industry has called on government to act fast to convert Britain’s electric sceptics to the benefits of EVs, by using purchase incentives to stimulate greater demand. Such measures would boost the market by a further 15% on top of current outlooks – delivering a total of two million new EVs by 2028, increasing business for chargepoints, insurance, maintenance and other sectors, whilst drastically reducing road transport emissions. Full story

Toyota expands its battery electric model range across Europe’s core segments

Toyota is delivering on its promise to introduce a series of new battery electric models to the European market, strengthening the role they play in the company’s multi-pathway technology approach to achieving carbon neutrality in the region by 2035. This week, Toyota has revealed the latest additions to its BEV range, demonstrating how concepts shown previously have been successfully developed into production-ready models. Full story

The most common car insurance claims

Accidental damage without injury – such as a collision where no one was hurt – is the most common type of car insurance claim, Which? research has found.Our survey of 4,719 car insurance customers who’d made a claim in the past two years revealed accidental damage without injury accounted for 49% of claims.  Windscreen damage came second, with 16%. While 12% of claims were for accidental damage with injuries, and 11% for theft or burglary. Full story

Drivalia appoints Motor Assist for accident management and mobility solutions

Drivalia has signed up Motor Assist to support its expansion with a range of accident management and mobility solutions. Full story

One in three school leavers struggle to find apprenticeships

The future of the accident repair industry depends on a strong pipeline of new talent and apprenticeships are a crucial way to bring young people into the sector, offering hands on experience and a direct path into skilled employment. However, similarly to employers, school leavers are also struggling to navigate the apprenticeship landscape. Full story

CarInsurent Reveals Emerging Trends in Rental Car Insurance Claims for 2025

Recent data analysis has identified significant trends shaping the landscape of rental car insurance claims. A detailed examination of industry patterns highlights key insights into claim frequency, common causes, and evolving consumer behaviours in rental car insurance. Full story

Government announces Implementation Programme for Automated Vehicles Act: What insurers need to know

The UK is taking significant steps towards integrating automated vehicles (AVs) into everyday life, with the recent launch of the Automated Vehicles Act Implementation Programme (AVAIP). This programme sets the stage for the safe deployment of self-driving vehicles on UK roads by 2027 and outlines a comprehensive framework for their regulation, trialling, and ongoing operation. Full story

Over 40 uninsured vehicles taken off Luton roads in just 8 hours

An intensive day of action has seen 43 uninsured vehicles taken off the road across Luton.

On 11 March, the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit (BCH RPU) and MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) worked together to focus on LU1, LU2, LU3 and LU4 post code areas, reminding drivers it is their responsibility to ensure appropriate motor insurance is in place. Full story

Tracker and the Police shut down 60 illegal chop shops in 2024

Tracker and UK police forces uncovered a record 60 illegal ‘chop shops’ in 2024. This compares to just two chop shops found in 2020 and underlines the rapid growth of organised crime gangs in using chop shops to dismantle stolen cars, strip them of parts and sell them on for profit. It’s a lucrative business for the unscrupulous, but in 2024, not only did Tracker and the police shut down an unparalleled number of chop shops, but they also made significant strides in outsmarting thieves by making 144 arrests – an increase of 80% year-on-year. Full story

Government must act on car insurance costs

The DUP’s Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is seeking an urgent meeting with the Transport Secretary to discuss how Government will tackle the dramatic rise in car insurance premiums, which have increased by 42% in the last financial year, according to the Office for National Statistics. Full story

Repairify Italia celebrates one year of growth and success

In February 2025, Repairify Italia is celebrating its first anniversary, marking a year of considerable growth and success. Since its launch in 2024, the company has quickly established itself as a leading supplier of remote diagnostic products and services for the independent aftermarket and glass repair sectors across Europe.

Preventing distracted driving

How can OEMs deliver crucial data and information to drivers without impacting attention and safety? Driving distractions are a growing concern in modern transportation. In the UK alone, distracted driving caused 458 fatalities in 2022 – a 51% increase compared to deaths caused by speeding. Meanwhile, in the US distracted driving accounts for over 3,000 deaths annually. Full story

MINI Cooper Electric and Audi A6 e‑tron gain five-star ratings

The latest results from Euro NCAP’s new car safety tests show that when it comes to choosing a safe car, size isn’t everything. The latest Mini Cooper E and Audi A6 e-tron were awarded a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating, illustrating how size and cost is no barrier when it comes to choosing a safe car. Full story

Mobility for everyone: with the ID. EVERY1, Volkswagen is providing a preview of an entry-level electric model

Since the Beetle, Volkswagen has been enabling affordable mobility for millions of people with compact and likeable cars. With the ID. EVERY1 concept car, the German car manufacturer is now showing an entry-level all-electric model. Volkswagen will launch the production version in 2027 – with a starting price of around 20,000 euros. Full story

EVs account for one in four new car registrations in flat February market

The UK new car market fell slightly in February, down -1.0% to 84,054 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Electrified vehicle uptake continued to grow, with plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) rising 19.3% and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) up 7.9%. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations were up by 41.7% to 21,244 units, securing a 25.3% market share compared with 17.7% a year ago. Full story

Electric vans up as overall market contracts in February

Demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) fell by 19.3% in February to 14,476 units, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The third consecutive monthly decline led to the month’s lowest outturn since 2020. Full story

Hyundai pairs up with Yandex spinoff Avride to develop robotaxis

Hyundai Motor Company and Avride have agreed to jointly develop autonomous vehicles in a tie up that will deepen the relationship between the two companies. Full story

In a class of its own – here is the all-new, fully electric Volvo ES90

Volvo has unveiled its first fully electric model that’s not an SUV. Priced at £69,000, the ES90 hatchback has a range well in excess of 400 miles. The Swedish brand is positioning the 5m-long ES90 as its technological flagship, thanks to a series of advanced features and mighty computing power that will allow it to be extensively updated and refreshed over the air with new, additional features during its lifetime. Full story

Women in automotive spotlight: Can you identify any challenges you’ve overcome as a woman in this industry?

The women in our industry face challenges unique to them, but their ability to turn obstacles into opportunities is nothing short of inspiring.

At the NBRA, we’re proud to showcase women who have not only built successful careers but have become leaders and mentors, helping shape the future of automotive repair. Full story

Industry leaders collaborate to develop new sustainability standard

As the automotive industry faces growing environmental pressures, a number of leading companies have united to create a new sustainability standard following the planned phase-out of PAS2060.

The initiative, known as ARIES (Accident Repair Industry Environmental Standard), is designed to provide a structured, measurable, and inclusive framework for reducing carbon emissions across the vehicle repair sector. Full story

NWVA makes new appointment to SVR team

Following the success of supporting Police forces across the country in recovering stolen vehicles, NWVA recently launched their dedicated Stolen Vehicle Recovery division – designed to alleviate pressure on the Police whilst expediting the speedy and safe return of stolen vehicles.

Joining the team in heading up ‘SVR’, is Phil Pentelow, who has 18 years’ experience working for Essex Police, the last five spent on the Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit (SVIU). This work included stolen vehicle examination, tracking and recovery. Full story

ACSO calls for root and branch review of OIC Claims Portal

The Association of Consumer Support Organisations (ACSO), which represents consumers in the civil justice system, has called for a government review to determine the success or failure of a raft of recent personal injury legal reforms. The call comes as the Official Injury Claim portal (OIC), which processes minor injury claims worth less than £5,000, approaches its fourth birthday, with more than one million claims submitted and around 300,000 processed. Full story

Motor insurance premiums continue to slow and home insurance premiums fall for third consecutive month

The latest General Insurance Price Index from Pearson Ham Group for February 2025 shows that motor insurance premiums continued to decline, but at a slower pace. Prices fell by 0.9%, marking the smallest monthly decrease in the past 12 months and bringing the annual movement rate to -19.3%. Full story

Call to close drug-driving roadside test loophole

The government is being urged to update drug-driving legislation and allow police to take evidential saliva tests at the roadside. Currently, if a driver tests positive at the roadside, police must obtain an evidential blood sample, which is not always possible. Even when it is, there can be a delay of up to six months before results return from the laboratory, during which time the offender remains free to drive. Full story

Could self-healing asphalt end the UK’s pothole problem?

Self-healing asphalt roads, created from biomass waste and developed with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, could be used to tackle the UK’s pothole crisis.

A research team comprised of experts from Swansea University, King’s College London, and scientists in Chile are designing a new type of self-repairing asphalt that can repair its own cracks without the need for human intervention or maintenance. Full story

Motorists applaud government’s decision to abandon Graduated Driver Licensing for young adults

New research conducted by training and compliance expert TTC, found that 60% of adults it surveyed welcomed the Government’s decision to abandon plans for a graduated driver licensing (GDL). The scheme would have placed a set of restrictions on new drivers aged 17-24, who have recently passed their practical test for an initial period of time. Full story

EV battery services centre to open in Rugby

Cox Automotive and DHL Supply Chain have teamed up to deliver a large scale battery management and maintenance operation in the UK, with the opening of a dedicated space for battery services within DHL’s 146,000-square-foot EV Centre of Excellence in Rugby, UK. Full story

New car appetite ramps up ahead of key selling month as Auto Trader reports record start to 2025

The latest data from Auto Trader points to a promising month ahead for the new car market with the automotive platform reporting a significant rise in interest from consumers for brand new cars. Visits to its new car platform increased 15% month-on-month (MoM) in February, whilst year-on-year (YoY) it jumped by a massive 23%. Full story

Brothers Dan and Ashley Mustoe have opened their second Fix Auto UK repair centre, honouring the promise they made upon joining The Group less than 12 months ago.

iRG Repair Group’s state-of-the-art Cardiff repair facility has received its updated BSI Kitemark certification, officially approving it for structural aluminium repairs.

XL Motors has demonstrated an eight per cent reduction in absolute emissions and a 12% reduction in emissions intensity during its recent PAS 2060 audit.

Grainger Motor Group has opened its sixth Kia showroom in Stapleford, Cambridgeshire.

Dawsongroup has adopted epyx’s 1link Service Network to manage service, maintenance and repair (SMR) for its 13,000-van fleet.

Core Diagnostics has been presented with its IMI Approved Training Centre Award.

Revive! Auto Innovations has delivered just under £24m in network sales during 2024, up 13% year-on-year.

Vehicle production down in January as sector faces global headwinds

UK vehicle production declined by 17.7% in the first month of the year, with factories turning out 71,104 cars and 6,908 commercial vehicles (CVs) for a total of 78,012 units, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The performance follows a bumper January last year, when car and CV output surged by 21.0% and 27.5% respectively, and reflects weakness in key markets, notably the EU, China and the UK itself, combined with planned model changeovers. Full story

Faster and further than any Volvo car before: new ES90 adds 300km in 10 minutes and goes 700km on one charge

How about a new, fully electric Volvo car that can go just that little bit further with less charging time? The upcoming Volvo ES90 does exactly that, thanks to our new 800V technology which makes its debut in our latest fully electric model. Full story

Stellantis publishes full year 2024 results

Stellantis has reported that annual net revenues last year were £129.7bn, a 17% fall on 2023, while net profits were down 70% to £4.5bn. John Elkann, Chairman, said, “We are firmly focused on gaining market share and improving financial performance as 2025 progresses.” Full story

Aston Martin to cut 170 jobs in cost-cutting drive

Luxury carmaker Aston Martin is planning to cut 170 jobs in a bid to drive down costs and turnaround a struggling share price. The plans involve axing five per cent of its global workforce, which it estimates will save around £25m. Full story

Maextro S800 luxury sedan released in China as Maybach rival with 6C charging

The Maextro S800 luxury sedan was officially released in China as the domestic rival for the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class. The S800 has all-electric or range-extended powertrain options, 32 ADAS sensors, and up to 635 kW (852 hp). Full story

Stellantis expands its Eurorepar parts range

Following the successful launch of Eurorepar Body Parts last year, Stellantis has announced that the range has been extended with an additional 20 new bumpers and 14 front grilles.  This brings the total number of Eurorepar body parts available to 254, covering a wide range of popular models across the Stellantis passenger car and commercial vehicle brands. Full story

BMW delays electric Mini over ‘uncertainty’

BMW has confirmed it is delaying the reintroduction of electric vehicle production at its Oxford Mini plant. The vehicle manufacturer said “multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry” had led to its decision to pause work on the £600m upgrade of its plant in Cowley. Full story

Dacia announces a sub-£15k electric city car

Dacia has announced it will be bringing a budget-friendly new city electric vehicle specifically designed for Europe. Bosses promised the yet-to-be-named EV will cost less than £15,000 and be available in just 16 months – meaning it should be here in 2026. Full story

ILC forges partnership with BTCC rising star

ILC, in collaboration with Ben Taylor, Business Development Director – Verisk Claims (Automated Insurance Solutions), has forged an exciting partnership with BTCC rising star Ronan Pearson for the 2025 season. Full story

New Generation interview: Jack Meekings, Head of Network, Engineering and Audit, Innovation Group

Here, we talk to Jack Meekings about how a casual enquiry about Saturday work ignited a long and varied career in the industry, and what impact he thinks Chinese models will have on automotive claims and repairs. Full story

Survey unveils key barriers to employing apprentices

A recent survey conducted by Apprenticeship Central has highlighted the primary obstacles businesses face when considering apprenticeships with the most common being a lack of time for training, concerns about cost and difficulty finding suitable candidates. Full story

New legislation on theft devices marks important step in vehicle security evolution, says Thatcham Research

The UK’s leading automotive risk intelligence organisation, Thatcham Research, welcomes the government’s new Crime and Policing Bill targeting electronic devices used in vehicle theft, while emphasising the need for a comprehensive approach to combat increasingly sophisticated criminal operations. Full story

Car repair costs accelerate to ‘all time high’

The rising cost of car repairs is hitting consumers and repairers hard according to Warranty company AutoProtect which said its average warranty claim in 2024 was £502.07, up 9% year-on-year. AutoProtect cited the Motor Ombudsman’s latest annual survey of vehicle repairers, more than half of repairers expect motorists to reduce essential repairs to save money. Full story

Inspiring the Next Generation at ‘Future First’ Insight Day

Auto Windscreens recently opened its doors to 15 Level 1 students from Chesterfield College for its inaugural ‘Future First’ Insight Day, held during National Apprenticeship Week. The event was organised in partnership with social mobility charity, Future First, to encourage young people to explore career opportunities in the automotive sector. Full story

Local authorities need more funding to improve road safety

Government recently pledged an additional £1.6bn to tackle the pothole plague that some are calling a “national embarrassment”. However, this won’t begin to put a dent in the backlog of potholes that plague the nation as it’s estimated that £15.6bn is needed to repair the local road network. Zurich reported a 19% increase in damage-related claims last year, with potholes causing £2.6m worth of damage to vehicles. Full story

New car registrations down 2.6% in January; EVs take 15% market share

In January, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) made up 15% of the market share, up from the low baseline of comparison of 10.9% in January 2024. Hybrid-electric vehicles surged ahead, commanding nearly 34.9% of the market and becoming again the first most preferred choice among EU car buyers. Meanwhile, the combined market share of petrol and diesel cars fell to 39.4% in January 2025, down from 48.7% one year ago. Full story

£120m to roll-out more electric vans, taxis and motorbikes

Drivers, cabbies and businesses are set to benefit from £120 million in government funding to make the switch to cleaner vans, wheelchair accessible vehicles and taxis easier, faster and cheaper. Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed that the department is extending the Plug-in van grant for another year, to help van drivers and businesses transition to zero emission vehicles. Full story

The IGA seeks industry input ahead of crucial meeting

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is calling on independent garage owners and operators to provide critical input ahead of a key meeting regarding the long-standing MOT fee freeze and the financial impact of the recent Autumn Budget. The IGA has been invited to discuss these pressing issues at a meeting on 11March, with the office of Lilian Greenwood MP. Full story

Ross Pengilly has started a new position as Director of Automotive Industry Solutions at Powerverse.

Mike Slater has taken on a new role as Head of Network for Blackthorn Repair Management.

Plasnomic, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to revolutionising plastic repairs in the collision industry, is proud to announce Brian Driehost as CEO. 

FAI Automotive has appointed Lewis Wykes as Head of Sales (UK and Ireland).

The former chief executive of the National Transport Authority Anne Graham has been appointed chair of the Road Safety Authority.

Bentley Motors has announced the appointment of Axel Dewitz as Board Member for Finance and IT.

First Line has welcomed Kevin Neaverson as Commercial Director.

Audatex UK has restructured its crash repair team with the appointment of Joe Baynham to the BDM role.

Tim Moss has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.