Category: vehicle sales

More key names join ARC360 line-up

Chris Ashworth, Founder, ILC; Robert Snook, CEO, BSG; and Pete Thompson, Director of Product, Activate Group are the three latest key names revealed for ARC360’s ‘future vehicle technology’ themed conference.

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

Bodyshop Briefs

• Fix Auto UK has acquired the former Fix Auto Blackpool business two years after it moved away from the network, making it the 10th site the network owns outright.
• UK Assistance ARC t/a DLG Auto Services has successfully transitioned all of its 23 sites to the new BS 10125:2022 standard. 
• AD Williams High Wycombe site has received a positive recommendation for transitioning to the new BSI10125:2022 standard.
• Komoo Newcastle has successfully passed its BS10125:2022 audit.
• Walton Accident Repair has passed its latest Nissan Approved Bodyshop audit.
• M&M Group (Fix Auto) has passed its latest BMW standards audit.
• Caha! FixBox, trading from 11 sites, has officially launched providing non-structural and cosmetic repairs; pre/post diagnostic checks; and ADAS recalibration.

Trend Tracker explores changing repair volumes

Trend Tracker data suggests ‘a similar amount of work is being completed by more sites’ following reports from some bodyshops of a significant drop in the number of notifications.

Automated Vehicles Act becomes law

Self-driving vehicles could be on British roads by 2026, after the government’s world-leading Automated Vehicles (AV) Act became law on 20 May 2024. 

Announced in the King’s Speech, the AV Act enables advanced technology to safely drive vehicles on British roads.

Thatcham Research offers cautious welcome to AV Act

Thatcham Research has called for further legislation to ensure the safe introduction of autonomous vehicles to UK roads after the Automated Vehicles Act received Royal Assent.

Solera and Axalta agree sustainability partnership

Solera has announced a new strategic partnership to better support the repair industry measure and reduce CO2 emissions.

AGE partners with Repairify

Automotive Glass Experts (AGE) has announced a new partnership with Repairify, for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) remote calibration.

PACTS unveils new road safety manifesto

A new road safety manifesto has been launched by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) to tackle the number of deaths and serious injuries sustained on UK roads.

Edam explores impact of AI on motor insurance

Edam Group has explored the impact of AI on motor insurance in its latest online post highlighting the opportunities and challenges the technology poses.

Motorbike ‘crash for cash’ claims up 60-fold

Allianz‘s personal lines business has reported a sharp increase in insurance fraud, particularly in ‘crash for cash’ fraud involving motorbikes and scooters. The insurer’s data indicates that crash for cash has increased 60 times between January – December 2023.

Marshmallow joins IFB

Marshmallow is the latest insurer to join the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) membership and be at the heart of the industry’s collective fight against fraud.

GSF announces new national distribution centre

GSF Car Parts has announced the opening of its new National Distribution Centre (NDC) in Wolverhampton. The facility is a milestone for GSF as part of its commitment ‘to rapidly awaken the sleeping giant of the UK aftermarket’.

ASM secures bulk JLR parts basket

ASM Auto Recycling Ltd, members of the e2e network, have secured over 350 flood-damaged JLR cars, with a market value exceeding £10m. The extensive range of predominantly new vehicles are being fully inventoried to be made available for green parts supply.

New website for Car-O-Liner

Car-O-Liner – a leader in the provision of collision repair equipment – has introduced a new website providing information on its most up-to-date services and distribution network.

Winn integrates with JDK Technology

Imaging technology specialists, JDK Technology, has integrated its platform with Winn Solicitors to help streamline the customer journey and correctly triage work into Winns’ repairer network.

Ben launches Big Walk charity drive

Automotive industry charity Ben is calling on the sector to step forward for its new ‘Big Walk’ fundraising challenge on 8 September.

More than 100 EV models now available

Some 102 battery electric models are now available to British motorists, making almost a third (29.3%) of models on the new car market available as zero emission, according to new analysis by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

JLR signs with Fortescue

JLR has signed a multi-year deal to use Fortescue’s advanced battery intelligence software, Elysia, in its next-generation electric vehicles. The software will help enhance JLR’s luxury vehicles with improved battery longevity, safety, and performance.

XPENG launches AI powered in-car OS

XPENG Motors has announced the full rollout of the XOS 5.1.0, Tianji, in-car OS to all eligible XPENG models. Fully integrated with AI large models, the AI Tianji System provides more intelligent and personalized in-car AI assistant services ensuring safer and more comfortable driving experiences, whether in smart driving or human driving modes.

People

• Robert McMunnigal has been appointed as Regional Bodyshop Manager at Halo Accident Repair Centers part of IRS Group Europe.
• Adam Fletcher has taken the role of Senior Business Development Manager for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at GEOTAB.
• Chris Davis has started a new role with Hastings Direct as Motor Claims Technical Operations Manager (Customer).

Event to set out path ahead for sector

The future of the vehicle repair sector is set to be unveiled at ARC360’s forthcoming ‘future vehicle technology’ themed event, taking place on Thursday 27 June 2024 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.

The specialist event is sponsored by Activate Group and Thatcham Research along with Stellantis which will host the ‘Stellantis Zone’ on the day featuring a number of its latest models.

Repair costs and volumes both up in April

The latest data from ARC360 Associate Partner Trend Tracker has revealed that repair costs in April were up 4.7% on the same month last year, while repair volumes showed a 13% increase – although they remain just below levels seen in April 2019 (97%).

The data also found that cycle times in April were 14% down on April 2023, with lead times and key-to-key times down by 12%.

Ageas hosts sustainability workshop for repairers

Ageas has hosted a ‘sustainable motor repairs workshop’ to promote more environmentally-friendly practices within its repair network.

The focus of the day was promoting repair over replace, and the wider adoption of green parts in repair.

Court backs wider access to VM data

A court ruling in Germany has backed up a previous decision by the European Court of Justice that ensures wider access to technical vehicle manufacturer data for the independent automotive aftermarket.

The Regional Court of Cologne found in favour of Automotive Data Publishers Association member Belron in a decision which aims to promote fair competition in the industry.

Euro NCAP unveils Truck Safe test protocols

Euro NCAP has released new test protocols that will support the framework for its new Truck Safe rating scheme.

The Truck Safe rating scheme will enable industry to accurately assess the safety levels of its fleets.

BASF backs WorldSkills with Glasurit brand

BASF will support WorldSkills Lyon 2024 as exclusive sponsor of the Car Painting category, providing its premium refinish paint brand Glasurit to competitors.

S&G Response enhances engineering quality

S&G Response has underlined the benefits it can offer companies who outsource their engineering provisions.

This includes fast turnaround times, improved service quality, reduced costs and seamless integration of reports into existing systems.

Mirka announces 20% upgrade

Mirka has upgraded its DEROS and DEOS orbital sanders with a long-life electric motor that delivers up to 20% more sanding power.

The tools also feature a new LED indicator to help the operator adjust the sanding speed, as well as a new on/off button and lockable speed function.

Enterprise on target for charity

Nearly £20,000 has so far been raised by Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s inaugural five-a-side charity football tournament in support of Insurance United Against Dementia.

Taking place on 9 May at Goals for Birmingham, the tournament saw 16 teams compete to raise money for a worthy cause.

IMI turns to Morelli

Morelli’s Eyebox Training & Conference Centre is hosting national qualifying rounds for the Institute of Motor Industry’s Body Repair and Refinishing Skills Competition this week.

New report calls for skills policy rethink

A report by cross-party think tank Policy Connect, ‘Skills 2030: Building a World Class Skills System’, has urged the next parliament to reform skills policy to ensure the country has a future-proofed workforce.

It calls for further investment in training and education, and removing barriers for young learners.

Stellantis expands parts range

Stellantis has expanded its Eurorepar parts range to include bumpers. The range will initially launch for brands such as Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall vehicles, with plans to exceed 100 product variants, once all brands are launched.

ACG goes live with new site

ACG has unveiled its new website to announce a new digital era at the company. The new site is intended to encourage wider engagement with customers and future talent.

Markerstudy unveils Sustainable Supply Chain Charter

Markerstudy is inviting suppliers to demonstrate their commitment to its sustainability targets by signing its new Sustainable Supply Chain Charter.

The charter is the first part of Markerstudy’s Sustainable Supply Chain Programme, which will benchmark suppliers via third-party assessments and then support them in making the necessary improvements.

Mental health concerns driving people away from automotive

One in seven automotive workers are considering leaving the industry for financial reasons and strain on their mental health.

This is according to a new survey by automotive charity Ben, which found that 27% of the 1,872 respondents had challenges managing their mental health in the last 12 months, with stress (56%), poor sleep (51%), anxiety (43%), and low mood (41%) the main issues.

Sales tick up for 21^st straight month

Car sales edged up by one per cent in April to 134,274 units, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), with plug-in hybrids up 22.1% and BEVs increasing by 10.7%.

Demand for new light commercial vehicles rose 5.4% to 23,889 units, while the UK’s used car market rose by 6.5% to 1,967,923 units in the first quarter and heavy goods sales fell by 3.9% to 11,068 units.

Businesses call for government support towards net zero

BSI’s fourth annual Net Zero Barometer has found that 96% of UK businesses want government support to help them reach net zero targets, with 48% saying cost is the main obstacle.

It found that 35% have not set targets to achieve net zero by 2050, while 23% don’t believe they will.

RWC hosts training day

RWC Training hosted a hands-on training day for Level 2 and 3 motor vehicle students from Bedford College recently, exposing them to technologies not covered in the course such as hybrid and EVs, ADAS calibration, and new welding techniques.

Stellantis leads Leapmotor International

Stellantis and Leapmotor has received regulatory approval to establish Leapmotor International, a 51/49 Stellantis-led venture that will introduce a range of EVs into Europe from September, expanding through Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America thereafter.

Leapmotor International has been created after Stellantis acquired a 21% stake in Leapmotor, a leading Chinese EV start-up, last year.

Honda sets steep EV targets

Honda has announced plans to make EVs 40% of all global sales by 2030 with more than two million units produced.

This is an interim target as it moves towards 100% EV sales by 2040.

Van drivers tempted by EV switch

New research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has found that 67% of UK van drivers believe an EV would suit their business needs, with 52% thinking it would be more cost-effective than a petrol or diesel equivalent.

XPENG begins international expansion

Chinese EV manufacture XPENG Motors has launched into Europe with the G9 and G6 models now available in France. The move is a milestone in the brand’s international expansion strategy.

NIO unveils new EV brand

NIO has introduced its new smart electric brand ONVO with the launch of its first product, the L60.

Available to market from the third quarter, the L60 is a mid-size family SUV that can achieve a range of over 1,000km with an ultra long-range battery.

JLR reports record revenues and profits

Jaguar Land Rover has reported record annual revenues of £29bn for the last financial year, with profits of £2.2bn.

This follows fourth quarter revenues of £7.9bn and profits of £661m.