Category: vehicle sales

ARC360 full agenda revealed

The full agenda for ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference has been revealed with shared insights, interactive exhibits and networking opportunity making up the key ingredients.

Taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, the ARC360 conference is set to deliver the highest calibre of attendees, contributors and debate in the UK body repair industry event calendar.

ARC360 turns focus on new players

ARC360 hosted its fourth Breakfast Think Tank recently, when attention was turned to the growing impact of new international players entering the UK sector.

After considering skills, electric vehicles and volumes in previous Think Tank sessions, this week the focus was turned on new brands within the domestic market and how they are impacting claims and repairs in terms of parts availability, methods, and insurance.

Repairify ready for Best of Belron

The Best of Belron competition will take place in Portugal from 12-13 June, when the top technicians from around the organisation will compete for the title.

Meanwhile, Repairify will underscore its status as a key partner with a scaled-up stand where colleagues will demonstrate the company’s portfolio of remote services.

Markerstudy meets sustainability challenge

Markerstudy Group has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, which highlights the organisation’s continued shift to electric mobility and its focus on developing a sustainable supply chain through the launch of its Supply Chain Charter.

Repairers gather for LV= insights

LV= network repairers met at LKQ Bodyshop Division in Tamworth recently to share industry insights and gain a deeper understanding of the Allianz Insurance multi-brand strategy.

ARC360 attended the day and will publish a full report shortly.

Car and CV sales both up in May

New car registrations grew by 1.7% to 147,678 units in May, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Meanwhile, sales of new light commercial vehicles rose by 19.9% in the month, with 25,853 units sold.

IMI unveils new automotive ‘wish-list’

The Institute of the Motor Industry has published an industry ‘wish-list’ for the next government which calls on urgent action around four key areas: vacancy rates, skills, education, and new technologies.

Spotlight shines on EDI

The IMI will deliver free Equity, Diversity and Inclusion webinars to members. Delivered by independent experts, the sessions include Active Bystander (19 June), Trans and Non-Binary Inclusion (9 July), and Tackling Ableism (13 August).

Charity match nears £20k

The Plunkys Allstars charity match has now raised more than £17,000 on its way to a target total of £25,000.

Taking place on 28 June at the Football Development Centre in Norwich, the game is being played to raise funds for Norfolk and Waveney MIND, East Anglian Air Ambulance and the Fire Fighters Charity.

WorldSkills UK venues announces

WorldSkills UK has announced that this year’s national finals will take place from 20-21 November across a range of venues in Greater Manchester.

Venues include Bolton College, Manchester College – City Campus, Manchester University, Oldham College, Rochdale Training, Tameside College, Trafford College, and Wigan and Leigh – Pagefield Campus.

Five stars

Automotive expert James Scoltock has identified the five key technologies he expects to revolutionise automotive.

These include sustainable plastics replacing petroleum-derived plastics, AI, lidar-integrated headlights, connectivity, and Nvidia-developed in-vehicle solutions.

Key components absent from ‘Covid cars’

The Vehicle Remarketing Association has revealed that cars made during the pandemic, when there were substantial supply issues, are now entering the used car market with irregular specifications.

It says items such as heated seats, head-up displays, electric door mirrors, and electric seats are missing, causing issues around valuations.

JLR launches new Sustainability Challenge

JLR has unveiled its first Sustainability Innovation Challenge, which will see the brand collaborate with start-ups and innovators on new technologies for the luxury mobility sector.

Fourth generation BMW 1 Series unveiled

The fourth generation BMW 1 Series is now available. Standard features include front collision warning, lane departure warning, exit warning, traffic sign recognition, and parking assistant with reversing assistant.

Optional features include steering and lane control assist, automatic speed limit assist and route guidance.

Hyundai unveils new Bayon specs

Hyundai Motor UK has announced pricing and specification for the new Bayon, which comes with a range of safety features such as driver, front passenger, side and curtain airbags, lane follow assist, lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance assist, intelligent speed limit assist and rear-view camera and parking sensors.

SEAT sets new sustainability standard

SEAT has reported the best sustainability results in its history in 2023, with improved production processes helping to cut its environmental impact by 53% since 2010.

ADAS cuts collisions by half

New research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has found that 45% of UK van drivers said ADAS technology had prevented at least one accident in the last year.

Van repairs have risen to an average of £534, with parking (27%) and reversing (18%) the most common causes of incidents.