Category: Technology

Key claims topics to shape specialist EV event

Vehicle recovery, repair and recycling are just some of the topics set to be explored at ARC360’s specialist EV event.

Taking place on Tuesday 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, ARC360’s specialist electric vehicle (EV) event will provide a rounded view of how the sector is advancing towards an electric future, with attendees hearing from insurers, vehicle manufacturers, repairers and others throughout the supply chain to understand more of how and why the sector needs to prepare.

Prasco announces manufacturing step-change

Prasco Group has increased its manufacturing and distribution footprint to more than a million square metres with the acquisition of a new site in Turin.

It will now embark on a programme of accelerated investment to become Europe’s leading manufacturer of independently certified non-OEM vehicle replacement parts. 

Fix Auto UK names network winners

Fix Auto UK has announced its annual winners at its ‘Next Gen’ 2023 National Conference, held at The Vox, near Birmingham, with Fix Auto Weston-super-Mare being named as the network’s ‘Bodyshop of the Year’.

Somerset business owners Tony Atkins and Carl Prosser received the award shortly after collecting the prize for being the best performing repair centre within the network’s Region Five.

Policy premiums continue upwards trend

The ABI’s latest Motor Insurance Premium Tracker has found that the overall average premium paid for private comprehensive motor insurance was £478 in the first quarter of the year, 16% higher than the same period in 2022.

The average price paid for renewals rose by £8 to £436 while the average premium for a new policy was up £14 to £545.

Audatex enhances Bodynet integration

Audatex has enhanced its integration with Bodynet to enable seamless exchange of repair data.

Images of damaged vehicles can now be seamlessly passed between Audatex and Bodynet, improving on the existing reliable integration between Bodynet and AudaEnterpriseGold.

Used car market rallies

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported a 4.1% growth in the used car market in the first three months of 2023, with rises recorded in January (3.6%), February (4.4%) and March (4.3%) respectively.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were the fastest growing powertrain, with transactions rising 56.5% to 26,257 units, representing 1.4% of the market.

Copart expands Plan-Net-Zero strategy

Copart has invested upwards of £80m in an ongoing replacement and expansion programme as part of its Plan-Net-Zero commitment.

It has invested heavily in Euro VI compliant DAF and Volvo multi-car transporters, deployed the latest connected telematics to lower fuel consumption and emissions, and fitted its entire fleet with a fuel pick-up system which ensures that only clean fuel enters the fuel lines, reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by five per cent. 

Meanwhile, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally found that Copart’s acquisition of Hills Motors could reduce competition in the market for the supply of salvage services in the UK.

Apollo wins prestigious Culture award

Apollo Motor Group has been awarded The Solent 250 Business Culture of The Year Award.

The awards celebrate the achievements of the region’s top privately-owned businesses by sales turnover.

LV= uncovers ‘worrying’ trend

New research from LV= has found that motorists are cutting back on vehicle maintenance to help offset the cost-of-living crisis, with worn tyres among the most common issues.

Meanwhile, its breakdown providerBritannia Rescue recorded a 78% rise in vehicles without MOTs during call-outs in January 2023 compared to March 2022.

The findings were published in The Independent.

Core V2 set for ITAS release

ITAS has announced that its Core V2 software solution is due for imminent release, providing users with one place to manage, view, update and collate data.

It has been developed in the same environment as ITAS Capture which means that it functions and looks the same, offering a streamlined consistent end-user experience, making it easier to carry out daily business functions.

NCR secures Toyota certification

NCR Bodyshops has announced that it has been certified as an approved Toyota repairer, meaning repair methods, parts and facilities all meet manufacturer standards.

Park Lodge unveils new bespoke AFV training

Park Lodge International has formed a working consortium with Jeff Mack Consultancy and RWC Training to develop a comprehensive training programme around the safe assessment, recovery, transportation, storage and repair of alternatively-fueled vehicles. 

Tailored to specific groups, the IMI-approved courses have been developed with the support of manufacturers and dealers, and are both theoretical and practical, covering a range of topics from vehicle identification, approach, risk assessment, how to make the vehicle safe, and equipment.