IMI publishes recycling NOS

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has published the newly-developed National Occupational Standards (NOS) for vehicle recycling. 

Developed in collaboration with key stakeholders in the vehicle recycling and insurance sector, the new standards focus on the safe dismantling and depollution of all types of vehicles.

It also covers disposal of electric vehicles, providing the sector with a genuinely future-proofed guide to the industry.

Steve Nash, CEO, said: “With environmental sustainability now front of mind for all parts of society, there is a huge opportunity for those working with end-of-life vehicles to go a step further. Giving them the ability to demonstrate the high standards applied through all parts of their operations, the IMI has developed the new standards with specific focus on the Vehicle Dismantler role, including depollution processes and the grading of the ‘green’ parts to be re-used.

“Crucially, we have developed these standards in close collaboration with key stakeholders; including the Vehicle Recyclers Association (VRA) and the British Vehicle Salvage Federation (BVSF), as well as employers, industry experts and other relevant organisations to ensure the NOS are fit for purpose for the current and future shape of automotive recycling. Recognising the workload pressures within the sector, the standards have also been designed to be easy to train, and able to be adopted in bite-sized modules.”

NOS are used to help develop qualifications used in apprenticeship frameworks in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland as well as the IMI accreditation scheme across the UK. The IMI has already set more than 20 NOS for the motor industry.

Nash concluded, “Certification for Vehicle Dismantlers, under the new NOS, will improve the credibility of the sector. Plus, when professionals have clear standards to operate within, the health and safety record of the industry as a whole will be improved.”

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Market Intelligence – 14 April 2022

Market-Intel-14-April-2022

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ARC360 announces Solera Audatex UK partnership 

I Love Claims (ILC) is delighted to announce that Solera Audatex has joined as ILC Motor Corporate Partner, ARC360 Corporate Partner, and Claims Tech Silver Sponsor. 

Solera Audatex is the global leader in vehicle lifecycle management with AI-enabled technologies providing the most comprehensive collection of vehicle, repair, performance and telematics data in the industry. 

Solera handles more than a million transactions every day for more than 300,000 customers including OEMs, insurers, repairers, salvage yards, fleets and dealerships. 

Mark Hadaway, ILC Managing Director and ARC360 co-founder, said, “Solera Audatex is a global leader in its field and has established a strong reputation for innovation and cutting-edge technology for the benefit of partners and customers alike. 

“We’re proud they have recognised ILC and ARC360 as platforms for open communication and knowledge-sharing for the betterment of the wider industry. We look forward to working with them in the future and sharing their insights with our community through our broad range of media activities.” 

Chris Wright, Regional Vice President, Solera, North Europe, commented: “ILC and ARC360 have a great reputation in the market, providing an open platform for the industry to share expertise, insights and to tackle the challenges of today, by putting technology at the heart of a business strategy.

“At Solera Audatex, we think technology should not be a mountain for the industry to climb, but an intelligent, intuitive assistant that facilitates every stage of the claims and vehicle repair process. We look forward to engaging with ILC, ARC360 and their members to help meet their promise of a better tomorrow.”

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Citroen shines but Jogger limps to one-star rating

The Citroen DS4 has received an upgraded five-star safety rating in the latest round of Euro NCAP testing.

The model received four stars in original tests but has been elevated to five stars with the addition of the optional safety pack.

Meanwhile, the Honda HRV received a four-star rating with good protection seen for adult and child passengers, but the Dacia Jogger was given just one star due to lack of basic safety features and sub-standard ‘active’ safety technology.

Matthew Avery, Chief Research Strategy Officer, Thatcham Research, said: “For a family car this safety performance is disappointing. The vehicle may be more affordable than others in the same category, but in terms of safety it appears that you do get what you pay for. In this case, not only is the Dacia Jogger lacking the active safety features that buyers expect as standard, but even some of its basic passive safety features are not up to the industry standard set by the vast majority of carmakers.”

The Euro NCAP assessments look at two main areas of safety during testing: ‘passive’ and ‘active’. Passive safety features include airbags, seatbelts, and crumple zones with a view to securing occupants and mitigating damage during an accident. Whereas active safety features, such as Autonomous Emergency Breaking, are designed to help prevent accidents from happening in the first place.

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Repairify launches remote initiative

Repairify UK is launching a new initiative this month that could reduce remote diagnostics, ADAS calibrations, coding and programming prices by as much as 45%.

Available to asTech and RED (EU) customers, the Repairify Remote Services Pledge will see IMI certified and ADAS trained technicians carry out diagnostic scans and resets, and ADAS calibrations according to UK Insurance Industry Requirements.

This enables repairers to benefit from new income streams while at the same time reducing key-to-key times by not outsourcing or hiring subcontractors.

Phil Peace, Managing Director (SVP) International, Repairify, said: “Repairify’s continuous investment in technology development and data acquisition ensures repairers can be confident they are employing the safest, most reliable, and up-to-date ADAS repair solutions available. 

“With the introduction of the Repairify Remote Services Pledge, repair shops can confidently employ the best value, high-quality diagnostics, and ADAS services on the market to meet their repair requirements.”

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Audatex to provide free apprenticeship training

Audatex is offering one apprentice a month a free spot on its AudaEnterpriseGold certification course.

The new initiative is being introduced with the support of the NBRA and automotive apprentice charity AutoRaise.

The two-day, £600 course provides apprentices with AEG certification in vehicle damage assessment and is being introduced to help tackle the crippling skills shortage in the sector. Recruitment was named as the number one challenge for 67% bodyshops in the UK, according to research conducted by the Institute of the Motor Industry, while 40% of workshops say they are too short-staffed to send apprentices on training courses.

Neil Garrett, UK Sales Director, Audatex, said, “We hope this offer of free training for selected apprentices will not only make the candidate better qualified but also help bodyshops send trainees on industry courses in the absence of funding. These apprentices will get an invaluable insight into a career in intelligent technologies as they return to their employers with valuable skills.”

Chris Weeks, NBRA Executive Director, said, “The next generation of automotive technicians has grown up in the age of smart technology. Audatex’s training will reveal the growing complexity and technology behind everyday vehicles we take for granted.”

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Toyota launches new apprenticeship programme

Toyota is introducing a Project Management Degree Apprenticeship programme for UK school leavers, giving them the chance to gain real life experience at Toyota’s Surrey headquarters while studying for a degree.

Offered in partnership with Northumbria University, the four-year apprenticeship is designed so that apprentices can divide their time between office work and virtual academic studies.

Apprentices will work with Toyota’s Data and Insight team to develop project management skills to support improvement of the consumer experience. The programme includes degree apprenticeships, 12-month student placements and an 18-month rotational graduate programme.

Luke Smith, Toyota (GB) Specialist, Talent Acquisition and Experience, said, “This is an opportunity for a school leaver to start their career with a major global player in the automotive industry while studying for a degree. We are very proud of our Emerging Talent schemes and have many examples of team leaders and senior managers who started their careers as students or apprentices.”

Applications are open until 15 April.

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ARC360 News Round Up – Friday 8 April

Register Now…   

webinARC – people & skills 2022   

1.30pm Wednesday 27 April   

In this webinARC we look at the latest trends in recruitment, upskilling and wellbeing from a industry undergoing rapid evolution.    

Gemini focuses on talent development 

Gemini Accident Repair Group has launched a national search for its next cohort of apprentices. The group has a proven record of developing talent, with more than 13% of its workforce on an earn and learn scheme. 

It is now hoping to increase that number by recruiting even more technician and vehicle damage assessor apprentices, offering competitive rates of pay, tools and uniforms to successful applicants. 

Vella Group joins Climate Pledge reception 

The Vella Group marked its commitment to improving sustainability by attending the Climate Pledge’s Spring Reception at The Gherkin in London. The Climate Pledge is an international initiative comprising more than 300 organisations that have committed to achieving net zero by 2040. 

The evening was attended by Vella Group Finance Director Brendan Miller and Head of Commercial Tom Hadfield. 

The Group said, “Signing the Climate Pledge means we are not focusing on this alone, but also working with some of the world’s biggest companies to create a colossal impact.” 

Perfect storm driving up motor claims 

Aviva has published a report highlighting the factors that are driving up motor claims inflation, which is now at 7.5%.  

The report examines the effects of disruption to the supply chain, Brexit, Covid-19, developing vehicle technology, whiplash reforms, and even climate change, while considering some of the actions that can be taken to subdue the impact.  

Car sales stall in March  

New car registrations decreased by 14.3% in March, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, with just 243,479 units sold.  

However, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) enjoyed a record month with 39,315 sales of zero emission cars. This is an increase of 78.7% on the same month last year and represents a 16.1% market share.  

Meanwhile, new light commercial vehicle registration dropped 27.6% to 40,613 units in March. 

Inflation raising the risk of underinsurance 

Inflation has reached its highest level for 30 years, driven by rising demand, the rising cost of materials and stock, which are now at their highest level in 40 years, and continued supply chain issues. 

Nick Hobbs, Chief Distribution and Regions Officer, Allianz, has said this has made index linking critical to avoid the potential for underinsurance.  

He said, “Index linking is commonly used in buildings insurance, but is not limited to buildings. Changes and developments in the macroeconomic environment can affect the value of other assets, such as stock, materials and parts.” 

Kick-off approaching for charity football match 

Steve Plunkett is nearly 70% of the way towards his target of raising £17,000 for Brain Tumour Research through the Plunky’s All Stars football match, which will take place at the home of Peterborough United on 24 May. 

He said, “We’re chasing £17,000 to beat last year’s £16,500. Why not? We normally raise anything from £800 to £1,200 on the night, so I’m fairly confident that we will get close.” 

Further sponsorship for the event is still required. 

Thatcham Research confirms new test centre  

Thatcham Research will develop a new centre of excellence at Gamston Airport after acquiring Gamston Aviation Limited.  

The UK’s only ‘not-for-profit’ insurer-funded automotive research centre will use the facility for the testing and research necessary to ensure new mobility technology is introduced safely and effectively. This includes active-safety and assisted and automated driving systems.  

Fix Chelmsford plans multi-site expansion 

Danny Ashwell, Managing Director at Fix Auto Chelmsford, has revealed a programme of expansion that could see his single-site operation quadruple in size within the next four years. 

He revealed his intentions after signing the papers to take over a 10,000sqft building which will be transformed into Fix Auto Braintree, a new addition to the Fix Auto UK network. 

The new site will be the result of a £230,000 investment but will be the first of two additional developments already in the pipeline. 

AW docuseries explores evolution of sector 

AW Repair Group’s seventh episode in the AW: A Career for Life docuseries sees Technical Development Executive Steve Hoe share more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and the evolution of vehicle crash repair.  

Starting out as a paint technician and now Technical Development Executive Steve explains how AW Repair Group is investing in the future with knowledge, skills, and equipment to be able to repair complex vehicles on a daily basis.  

Watch Steve’s story here.

webinARC follow-up with Andrew Hooker  

Following on from the recent Vehicle Technology webinARC (see below) – we caught up with panellist Andrew Hooker, Head of Technical at Solus Accident Repair Centres to pose some questions received from those tuned in.  

Siemens brings Enterprise mobility to employees

Siemens UK has extended its partnership with Enterprise to offer all its employees 24/7 access to Enterprise Car Club’s 1,400-plus on-street fleet via an automated rental programme.    

Enterprise’s car club is available in 200 towns, cities and communities across the UK, while dedicated car club vehicles are also located at Siemens offices in Lincoln, Hull, Aberdeen, Congleton and Manchester. The partnership has already helped Siemens reduce its pool cars in the UK by a third. 

Sherwin-Williams completes Sika acquisition

Sherwin-Williams has acquired the European industrial coatings business of Sika AG. Sika, which manufactures and sells corrosion protection coating systems, and its 115 employees will now become part of Sherwin-William’s Performance Coatings Group operating segment.     

Sherwin-Williams Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John Morikis said, “This business brings us unique technology and additional manufacturing and services capabilities in line with our strategy of acquiring complementary, high-quality, differentiated businesses that support our growth and profitability targets.” 

Road usage settling into old rhythms   

The impacts of Covid-19 on road usage and driver behaviour is waning, although certain shifts that took place during the pandemic are still in effect.    

According to data released by ERS, there are now about 10% more HGVs on UK roads than before the pandemic and fewer cars, while rush hour traffic remains staggered due to flexible working hours.   

It further warned that fleets are facing challenges in both replacing and repairing vehicles due to a shortage of new models entering the market and lack of repair capacity.  

Rewind…  

“The industry needs to be educated about the safety implications of EVs so it will allow technicians time to do the right thing.”  

Catch up on ARC360’s most recent webinARC focusing on vehicle technology and featured:   

Andrew Hooker, Head of Technical, Solus Accident Repair Centres   

Franco Iannotta, Bodyshop Development Manager, Volkswagen Group UK  

Phil Peace, Managing Director (International), Repairify  

Available to watch or to read.

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webinARC follow-up with Andrew Hooker

Following on from the recent Vehicle Technology webinARC – we caught up with panellist Andrew Hooker, Head of Technical at Solus Accident Repair Centres to pose some questions received from those tuned in.

Based on the volume of EVs, how will the sector recruit and train the technicians of the future?

As I touched on in the online debate, I believe we need to recognise a new skill level within our technicians, or perhaps different levels of Bodyshop MET technician, much as there are junior, senior, and master technicians in the main dealers. There will be a need for ongoing learning and skills development, and we should be looking for those with the will and confidence to progress themselves.

Perhaps new recognition comes with us as an industry having confidence to call out the automotive sector as being highly technical and recognizing how sophisticated the vehicles we work on are, and communicating this to potential ambitious candidates of the future to get excited about.

I would suggest this is a mix of VM and independent training. There is much commonality in EV’s and how to handle them and these can be addressed by many UK training providers, but also some brand/model specifics, and VM training/learning would benefit technicians.

What training and development will we need to make available to ensure we build that infrastructure?

The VM should provide some of the expertise to enable their customers to get the service they need and deserve. Whilst it is a competitive marketplace, the customer has the right to take their car to an independent repairer, even if just for tyres or wiper blades. The VM could help set the framework for UK wide training & qualifications that enable these vehicles to be maintained properly. There will always be specialisms and the experience and frequent exposure to VM specific technology should still enable the main dealers to have a competitive advantage to compete against cheaper independents, but a safe and skilled UK workforce would mean we all see safer cars, and cars that are maintained properly. All parties could gain by having a higher skilled workforce pool to fish from.

What is clear is that the competency and training frameworks of today need to evolve far faster, to reflect the pace of technology.

Academia, research Centres, OES, and training schools/colleges have their part to play too in collaboration and listening to the industry (their customers) to provide what they need, with Standards providers enabling, and not hampering, development.

What qualifications will these technicians require to hold to work on these vehicles?

Clearly ‘awareness’ is a minimum. This is not just pertinent to EVs, but also to automated driving systems, body structures, software derived systems etc, so as not to compromise any of these.

Beyond that, the highest available qualification; this seems to breed competence AND confidence. Certainly, within Bodyshop operations we cannot presume an EV to be ‘safe’ as it has sustained damage, so we need technicians and support teams who can recognize and manage the risks. This could be as simple as the vehicle being jacked up inappropriately.

The UK would benefit from a universally recognized qualification system, with VM and the independent training/skills sectors agreeing. This would create greater transparency across the sector and make the automotive sector safer and more professional. This is a big ask for the VM to accept, but their customers may make the wrong choice without this clarity, and the reality is that many will choose another service provider as is their right.

With the development of technology within the vehicle will there become a point that only VM aligned bodyshops can repair accident damaged vehicles correctly and safely?

No. These will have variances of competency/skills and a staff turnover like any other, so they too face a risk. We also should remember that these vehicles have been engineered well, for the Electric drivetrain not to sustain damage. As volumes grow, we shall see more unsafe and challenging repairs, but the majority should be safe enough if the repair is planned and managed appropriately.

However, again there may be much to be gained from the VM recognising the benefits to them and particularly for their customers if a broader range of service providers have the required capabilities so that their brand vehicles are maintained and protect their asset value and residual values. 

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Thatcham Research confirms new test centre

Thatcham Research will develop a new centre of excellence at Gamston Airport after acquiring Gamston Aviation Limited.

The UK’s only ‘not-for-profit’ insurer-funded automotive research centre will use the facility for the testing and research necessary to ensure new mobility technology is introduced safely and effectively. This includes active-safety and assisted and automated driving systems.

The facility, which will also enable greater focus on the assessment of the performance and safety benefits of these systems, will be dual operational with aviation being managed alongside vehicle research and testing.

Jonathan Hewett, Chief Executive at Thatcham Research and Director at Gamston Aviation, said: “Our investment marks the beginning of an exciting new era for Thatcham Research, and ensures we continue to be at the forefront of technological advances. We are expanding our extensive research and testing capabilities, whilst supporting and retaining aviation at the aerodrome.

“The long-term vision for the site will see the inception of a first-class vehicle research and testing facility, and provide leading insight to the automotive industry, legislators and insurers.”

Construction on the multi-million-pound investment is anticipated to begin in the summer 2022, with dual-operations beginning from Autumn 2022.

Hewett said: “In addition to research and testing, our investment provides commercial viability for the site, ensuring it continues to play a key role in the region. We are working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to dual-operations, and will continue to provide regular updates on the project and its progress.”

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