Category: Training

Inflationary Insights

Inflation is not a sector-specific challenge; businesses throughout the supply chain have all been facing steepling costs for months.

However, the consequences and coping mechanisms put in place have varied widely.

This was addressed during two sessions, Inflationary Insights Parts One and Two, that were held during the Exclusive Motor Claims Conference at Landing Forty-Two, London.

Read the full article here.

Enterprise Mobility ushers in new era

Enterprise, a pioneer in mobility solutions for over six decades, has unveiled its new corporate brand: Enterprise Mobility.

As the global leader reaffirms its mobility ambition and looks to partner with others to help shape future experiences, the business is connecting its full portfolio of offerings – car rental, fleet management, flexible vehicle hire, carsharing, vanpooling, car sales, truck rental, vehicle subscription, luxury rental, technology solutions and more – under the new corporate brand.

Sky reports Steer heading towards auction

Sky News has reported Richard Steer, the mastermind behind Steer Automotive Group is working with DC Advisory on the potential sale of a large stake in the company.

Motor Repair Network launches Activate Initiate

Accident management specialists Motor Repair Network has launched Activate Initiate, a new eNOL app to help customers throughout the claims journey.

The app helps to guide the customer through the stages of FNOL, asks them to provide the important information and photographs, and efficiently triages the vehicle and recognises any engineering decisions.

New repair centre partners with WHUFC women

Maldon Accident Repair Centre has become an Official Back of Shorts partner for West Ham United women’s team.

Based in Essex, Maldon Accident Repair Centre is a state-of-the-art crash repair specialist offering services to private individuals, fleet operators, insurance and accident assistance companies and manufacturers.

Thatcham highlights EV challenges

Thatcham Research has highlighted a lack of insight and understanding surrounding high voltage battery condition diagnostics, and detailed repair methods for damaged EVs as the most pressing concerns during the shift towards electrification.

Thatcham Research states the uncertainty has led to inflated insurance premiums and has even resulted in some providers opting out of covering EVs altogether. Adrian Watson, Head of Engineering at Thatcham Research, said, “We must understand whether the battery has been compromised or damaged post incident. What we need at the moment is clarity on the tools required to perform appropriate battery diagnostic.”

Chinese manufacturers achieve five-star Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP has revealed three Chinese electric family cars: the BYD Seal, XPENG P7 and the BYD Dolphin have all achieved five-star ratings.

According to Euro NCAP ‘all three have achieved Euro NCAP’s highest star rating, with little to choose between them, particularly in the areas of adult and child crash protection. All three are well-equipped with an impressive range of safety technologies, including lane and speed assistance.’

ITAS partners with IAEA

ITAS has partnered with The Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors (IAEA) to create a new era of modernisation and efficiency.

The partnership aims to enhance IAEA’s services; deliver extended value; increase and secure membership numbers; and provide a fresh approach to its operations; online training and CPD content; and partnership opportunities.

ACG marks record growth with move

Accident Credit Group (ACG) Ltd, a leading funding partner for the accident repair and credit hire sectors, has relocated to new offices following a record year of growth.

ACG Operations Director, Ian Budsworth. “The joint efforts by every part of the business have resulted in this incredible milestone, and we’re excited to see what the next chapter has in store for us”.

Thatcham Research welcomes work experience

Thatcham Research recently welcomed 24 young people to its family work experience day at its Berkshire HQ.

The young visitors took part in a carousel of activities across Thatcham Research’s sites including: witnessing a live crash test followed by a post-impact walk around assessment; demonstrations of car security; hands-on virtual spraybooth simulator; demonstration of safe driving and active safety technology, assisted driving, and automated parking; and some were also given insight into the work of our recruitment and data teams.

Seventy-eight per cent of attendees said following the event they would consider a career in automotive research.

Rivian opens Dusseldorf centre

Rivian has opened its first Service Center in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The centre is strategically located two hours from Rivian’s EU Parts Distribution Centre in the Netherlands and will focus on servicing EDV’s for its Amazon partners and around the city.

The 34,000sqft features five two post lifts, alignment rack, ADAS, office and lounge space.

The Düsseldorf Service Center will be joined by several other German based Service Centers including locations in Munich and Berlin.

Entegral enabling frictionless claims

Frictionless claims and repairs is a priority for insurers, repairers and drivers alike: Entegral explained to delegates at ILC’s ClaimsTech Live 2023 event how its suite of products are helping to make it a reality.

IMI Diversity Task Force launches toolkit

As part of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Diversity Task Force’s commitment to supporting more inclusive workplaces, a new Neurodiversity Awareness in the Workplace Toolkit has been launched.

The toolkit provides crucial information, advice and guidance and lived experiences from automotive people to help educate and raise awareness about neurodiversity in the workplace.

Britain’s manufacturers have best September since 2020

Manufacturing figures grew by 39.8% in September with nearly 90,000 vehicles leaving factory production lines in Britain. This makes September the most successful month for growth since September 2020, according to The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

That being said, the tariff-free trade deal with the EU requires crucial maintenance for EVs. The bilateral trade is at risk due to costs of EV batteries that could harm the competitiveness of both UK exports and EU imports. This could potentially raise the average cost of EVs by £3,600.

Synetiq secures ISO recertifications across the board

Synetiq shows their commitment to the highest standards of health and safety, environmental management, quality management and information security management.

“As a leader in the vehicle recycling industry, protecting our client, customer and policyholder data is essential to how we operate,” said UK Managing Director for IAA and SYNETIQ CEO Tom Rumboll. “We are equally proud to achieve recertification for ISO 9001, which highlights our commitment to ensuring we supply our customers and clients with high quality products and services every time.”

eBay UK shed a light on potential fines this winter

While drivers are not obligated to bring spare bulbs on their journeys, waiting one to two weeks before changing a blown bulb could now cause a £100. Reports from eBay UK have stated in the worst case, this could also be challenged and raised to £1,000 in court.

Eatron Technologies foresee battery failure

In utilising artificial intelligence (AI), Eatron Technologies have been able to recognise potential battery failures in EVs before they occur. This could not only help to schedule service visits sooner but also affect the way in which the battery is managed to prevent further damage.

People

HB Accident Repair Network has appointed Steven Gilligan as Group Production Manager.

Rik Green has been appointed as Total Loss Repair Consultant at Solus Accident Repair Centres.

Karen Jakes has started a new position as Group Product Manager – Automotive & Repair at Thatcham Research.

Exclusive Motor Conference proves major success

Around 150 leading influencers from across the UK’s motor claims insurance sector joined ILC at its Exclusive Motor Claims Conference last week in London for discussion, insights, and networking.

Supported by ILC’s Corporate Partners and headline sponsored by Enterprise along with sponsors BHR Assist, Clearspeed, EDAM Group, LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Wiser Academy, the event included a highly influential line-up of speakers focusing on a host of key topics from across the sector.

Repairify updates calibration system

The asTech Digital ADAS Calibration System from Repairify has been updated to support the new Nissan Juke and Nissan Qashqai models.

Prasco extends next-day delivery window

Prasco UK has announced that next-day deliveries will now be available for orders placed before 5.30pm.

This extends the Monday-Friday window for next-day deliveries by 30 minutes. The announcement also includes Saturdays, which previously had a cut-off time of 12.30pm.

Gemini scale Snowdon for Ben

Gemini ARC supported automotive charity Ben by scaling Mount Snowdon. Twenty seven Gemini colleagues climbed the highest peak in Wales, raising more than £2,700.

Thatcham Research unveils espire

Thatcham Research has launched its espire training solution to support bodyshops on their path to BS10125 certification.

The framework covers 18 competencies including ADAS, electric vehicles and vehicle damage assessment and features mandatory knowledge tests and practical assessments.

This comes after recent revisions to the standard which now include a CPD requirement.

Ready and ABL

ABL 1 Touch Group has welcomed its latest cohort of apprentices, supported by PPG. They will now head to Emtec Colleges for induction.

Komoo expands with Wigan launch

Komoo has cut the ribbon on its 11^th site and first in the North West as it continues to expand its network.

The Komoo Wigan repair centre will be managed by James Francis.

Top marks for 4 Elms

4 Elms Group has secured CARS QA BS10125 certification after receiving a 100% pass on its latest audit.

Suzuki celebrates customer services award

Suzuki GB is celebrating another customer service award after winning UK CXA’s ‘Customers at The Heart of Everything’ award.

The award recognised the company’s outstanding service across all four of its divisions – Car, Motorcycle, Marine and All-Terrain Vehicles.

AEG mitigates claims inflation

Audatex Head of Account Management Tom Hart has explained how bodyshops can mitigate repair inflation through AudatexEnterpriseGold, which delivers right-first-time methodology, while the payment process can be accelerated through AudaInvoice’s quick and frictionless solution.

Team UK honoured at Houses of Parliament

Team UK’s success at EuroSkills Gdańsk was celebrated at the Houses of Parliament this month. The team is now focusing on selection for WorldSkills Lyon 2024.

IMI to review EV National Occupational Standards

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is seeking industry feedback ahead of its review of Electric and Hybrid Vehicle National Occupational Standards (NOS).

The first phase of the consultation will see the IMI running face-to-face and online meetings with industry stakeholders while also carrying out digital surveys, before the second phase will invite wider industry consultations.

AXA highlights EV obstacles

AXA UK has published a new report assessing the obstacles around the UK’s transition to electrification.

The report has underlined the importance of UK gigafactories to attract investment and warned a lack of EV repair skills could deflate the used car market. It has also called for clear regulation and targets around public charging infrastructure and said the industry must do more to raise customer awareness around the cost-benefits of owning and running an EV.

SMMT calls for ROO delay

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has called for a three-year delay to stricter Rules of Origin regulations which are due to be introduced on 1 January.

Rules of Origin apply to the manufacture and import of car batteries, with EVs failing to meet the threshold subject to a 10% tariff.

The SMMT fears this could add a combined bill of £4.3bn to the price of EVs, or £3,400 per car made in Europe and sold in the UK.

Moon shines after ride-along day

Allianz Partners UK and Ireland Chief Executive Patricia Moon witnessed the company’s roadside technicians in action during a ride-along day.

She said, “Our roadside assistance colleagues are incredibly well-skilled and their vehicles carry an impressive number of tools to ensure we are able to help our customers as swiftly as possible.”

NBRA spread talent net far and wide

The NBRA is supporting the industry tackle the skills shortage with its Easy to Recruit initiative.

Easy to Recruit specialises in bringing highly skilled vehicle technicians from overseas, and assisting them through the immigration and settling in period.

James Alpe on the tee for charity

Clitheroe-based Accident Repair Centre and vehicle conversions specialist James Alpe has raised more than £2,000 for the North West Air Ambulance Charity and Ronald McDonald House Charities UK by hosting a golf day at Accrington & District Golf Club and Wilpshire Golf Club.

ABI Luton Airport car park fire update

The ABI has issued its latest response to the fire at Luton Airport’s car park.

It said, “We’ve worked with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to obtain and share the number plates of the vehicles in the car park with our members, who are contacting customers as quickly as possible. Many insurers are covering the costs of their customers’ journeys home from the airport, others have said they will waive policy excesses and that any claim from the fire will not impact no claims discounts.”

People

Komoo has appointed Catrin Morgan as Head of Business Development for the UK and Ireland.

Matthew Adlem has been named Head of Credit Hire at Acorn Insurance and Financial Services Limited.

The Institute of the Motor Industry has appointed Jason Embery as Product Manager.

Ross Pengilly has been appointed Director of Partnerships at Affinity EV.

Gemini welcomes latest cohort of apprentices

Gemini Accident Repair Centres has welcomed 19 new apprentices to the group.

The apprentices, who have completed a five-day induction at EMTEC, include seven VDAs and 12 level 3 multiskilled apprentices.

ARC360 Market Intelligence: September 2023

ARC360 have released their analytics report, studying the trends of economics and vehicle repairs and sales. A must-read.

Copart completes Bristol expansion

Vehicle salvage and remarketing specialist Copart UK has completed the expansion of its 80-acre Super Centre in Bristol.

The addition of a further 21 acres adds 30% more vehicle capacity, providing secure storage and enlarged areas for vehicles that require specialist handling like EVs, HEVs, and flood and fire damaged vehicles.

EV supply could outstrip demand

Sales of EVs could slow following the government’s decision to delay the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, according to David Borland, EY UK & Ireland Automotive Lead.

He said, “There is a risk that with OEMs, retailers and charge point operators all having invested significant capital in anticipation of a 2030 ICE sales ban, the policy shift could see supply outstripping demand.”

Fix Auto UK expands network

Fix Auto UK has announced that Ultimate Accident Repair has joined the network and will now operate at Fix Auto Gloucester.

Owned by Aron Matthews, the 8,000sqft bodyshop includes 12 work bays, two external spraybooths and an oversized commercial booth inside the unit.

Yeovil ARC achieves repair accreditation

Yeovil Accident Repair has secured BS 10125 certification after a successful stage 2 audit.

DF Crash Repairs meets the standard

Despite undergoing a full refurbishment, DF Crash Repairs was still able to pass its BS 10125 audit, achieving the industry standard vehicle repair accreditation.

IMI welcomes Labour Party skills plan

The Institute of the Motor Industry has praised plans by the Labour Party to restore the 2030 deadline on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles and introduce 80,000 more skills workers to the sector, announced at the Labour Party Conference by Shadow Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.

Government to relax rules for EV vans

The government has said it will remove the mandatory five-hour training requirement for van drivers switching to EVs, while towing rules will be applied consistently across EVs, petrol and diesel vans.

The announcement was made in its response to its consultation on driving licence flexibility for alternative fuelled vehicles.

Rising premiums dampen EV demand

Surging insurance premiums for electric vehicles coupled with an end to subsidies could halt EV sales across Europe, according to a report by Forbes.

It revealed that EV repairs cost about 25% more than petrol or diesel equivalents, and can take 14% longer.

ABI advice for Luton fire drivers

The ABI has offered advice to drivers affected by the Luton Airport fire.

It said, “Comprehensive and third-party fire and theft motor insurance policies will cover fire damage. Drivers affected should notify any claim to their motor insurer. We will continue to work with our members and Luton Airport to understand the situation, as and when more information becomes available.”

Green light for red light recovery agents

The government has announced that breakdown recovery vehicles will now be allowed to use red flashing lights when helping the public.

This measure will apply to England, Scotland, and Wales.

Jason Connon concludes John Clark Motor Group deal

Jason Connon ACII has announced a new partnership with John Clark Motor Group to deliver its insurance services to customers.

The move is part of wider strategy to become a top-tier Private Client insurance broker.

Fix Network announces F1 collaboration

The Fix Network has announced a new partnership with the Alfa Romeo F1 Team which will offer it access to industry-leading expertise, research and development opportunities.

Ezi victory

The winners of the inaugural Ezi Methods Industry Golf Challenge have been revealed.

A team of Martyn Rowley, GT Motive; Chris Dore of Apollo/Steer Group; I Love Claims’ Chris Ashworth; and Fix Auto UK’s Earle Avann won the event at the Old Thorns Resort, Hampshire.

GT Motive adds Tesla to platform

GT Motive has announced that it has now added the new Tesla Model 3 to its estimating platform.

Meanwhile, the Tesla Model S and the Tesla Model Y will be available in the November and January releases.

Gold star for Silverlake

Silverlake Automotive Recycling’s Operations Manager Steve Diaper was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the Hampshire and IOW Fire & Rescue Services, recognising his continued support for the organisation.

The presentation took place after the second HIOWFRS training exercise this year at the Southampton site of e2e member Silverlake.

People

Maria Charlton has been named Managing Director at AirPro Diagnostics.

Stephen Murray has been appointed Director of Operations at ECF – Accident Repair, MOT & Service Centre.

Castle Coachworks in Northampton is promoting former Volvo apprentice Nathan to Vehicle Damage Assessor.

Komoo has appointed Steve Hill to the newly-created role of Finance Director.

Nav Singh has been appointed Managing Director at CLiiKk Accident Repair Centre, Kidderminster.

ARC360 and ILC support Work Wellfest event

ARC360 and ILC have joined forces with Corporate Partners Entegral and Gemini Accident Repair Group to launch Work WellFest across the vehicle accident repair and motor claims sectors.

The virtual wellbeing festival has been created to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Tuesday 10 October 2023 and will feature a cross-section of virtual events designed to meet the needs of all colleagues and industry peers.

Gemini to summit Snowdon for Ben

Thirty colleagues from Gemini Accident Repair Centres will summit Mount Snowdon to raise funds for automotive charity Ben.

With more than £1,600 already raised, they will take on the challenge on 14 October.

Ben announces Race Across Britain

Automotive charity Ben has announced a new fundraising challenge – Race Across Britain – which will take place over three days next February.

Supported by LKQ Euro Car Parts, Race Across Britain will see up to 50 pairs of automotive industry colleagues challenged to reach various checkpoints from 26-28 February.

New car sales surge 21%

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that the UK new car market grew for the 14^th month in a row in September, up 21% to 272,610 registrations.

Meanwhile, the new light commercial vehicle market grew for the ninth month in a row, up 28.1% to 44,760 units.

Fix Auto Chelmsford unveils new site

Fix Auto Chelmsford has moved to a new state-of-the-art repair centre a full month ahead of schedule.

The new facility is expected to increase capacity by 25% to nearly 150 jobs per month.

Perfect 10 for Komoo

Komoo has unveiled its 10th site. Komoo Sheffield is a 10,000 sqft facility dedicated to supporting fleet and rental customers for both car and commercial repair.

IMI supports AR development

The IMI has donated assisted reality headsets to 18 colleges and training providers nationwide. 

The initiative has been launched in collaboration with Autotech Connect and RealWear.

Trend Tracker announces Chartwell as Corporate Partner

Trend Tracker has announced that the UK’s number one super-brand bodyshop, Chartwell, as a Platinum Corporate Partner.

IMI calls for further training support

The IMI has welcomed the government’s ‘Plan for Drivers’, which aims to ease some of the pressure points on motorists, but has urged the government to back it up with support for repair training to ensure the industry has the skills to keep cars on the road.

IAEA adopts hybrid supply chain

The Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors (IAEA) has announced it is undergoing significant operational changes that will see it end its long partnership with Plenham and develop a hybrid supply chain model that will tap into the resources of multiple provider partners.

It has engaged with a number of industry organisations and providers as it seeks to modernise operations and underpin its commitment to be compliant and transparent with all governing and legislative bodies.

John Lewis withdraws EV insurance

John Lewis Financial Services is suspending new insurance coverage and renewals for electric car owners. Underwritten by Covea, the policies are being withdrawn due to spiralling repair costs.

MotorEasy reports 370% rise EV warranties

MotorEasy has reported a 370% increase in warranty claims for electric vehicles over the past three years.

UK government announces ZEV mandate revisions

The UK government has revised targets of its Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles each year.

Revised targets stipulate that 22% of new cars sold in 2024 must be zero emission, as was previously the case. This will increase each year and by 2030 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans must be zero emission. This will rise to 100% by 2035.

Used car prices soften

Data from cap hpi has revealed that used car values fell by their largest amount since 2008 in September. Values fell by 1.9%, an average of £420, at the three-year, 60,000-mile point, while values at the one-year age point dropped by 1.6%, or £575.

However, used car prices remain at an unprecedented level despite these modest falls, tracking at some 25-30% more than in 2021.

CHO partners with Percayso in anti-fraud measures

Percayso Inform is developing a new anti-fraud platform for members of the Credit Hire Organisation (CHO).

The platform, which will be officially launched at the CHO’s annual conference on 12 October, will enable subscribers to screen claims in order to manage and identify fraudulent activity.

Fixico and Xtract announce digital partnership

Digital FNOL provider Xtract is partnering with digital car repair management platform Fixico to deliver a fully integrated solution for insurance companies and commercial fleets looking to combine telematics-based incident and repair management.

Markerstudy Broking and RAC enhance SME insurance offering

Markerstudy Broking has partnered with the RAC to offer a suite of SME insurance products to customers.

RAC Business Insurance enables customers to manage their insurance needs in one place.

AI solution driving up fraud detection

A new AI-powered counter fraud solution from the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) has resulted in a six-fold increase in fraud investigations carried out by insurers since it was launched a year ago.

About 40 insurance fraud networks are being detected every week.

People

Steve Thompson will step down from his position as AutoRaise Vice Chairman after five successful years championing the accident repair industry charity.

Simon Allen has been appointed as Bodyshop Manager at Steer Automotive Group.

L&I Eaton ARC has named Tony Robson as Bodyshop Manager.

The Vella Group Repair Centres has appointed Jonny Haynes as Senior Business Analyst.

Chris Telford has been named Senior Staff Motor Engineer at Quantum Technical.

KECO Body Repair Products has named Jennifer Phillips as Training Development Manager.

Annie Milner has been appointed Head of Technical Excellence at Belron.

Hastings Direct has named Nadim Ahmed as Motor Engineer.

Claire Nesbit has been appointed as Claims supplier specialist at esure Group.

Cogent Hire has appointed Luke Le Sauteur to the new role of commercial director.

Admiral Group has named Fiona Muldoon as an Independent Non-Executive Director.