vehicle sales Archives - Page 24 of 44

ARC360 News – Friday 3 November 2023

3 November 2023

Bodyshop, Car Rental, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

The Credit Hire Conundrum

Compromise and trust are fundamental if the industry is going to create a revised and relevant General Terms Agreement (GTA) that meets the needs of today and ends the long-running friction that exists between insurers and credit hire companies.

That was the verdict of a panel discussion, ‘The Credit Hire Conundrum,’ which took place during ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference.

Gemini unveils new Luton LV Sole Site

Gemini Accident Repair Centres Ltd unveiled the 32nd site in its expanding network during an official opening ceremony on 17 October in Luton.

Gemini Luton – the networks eighth LV= Sole Site Repairer – is headed up by highly respected industry name Mo Givian and the opening ceremony was attended by members of the Gemini ARC senior management team, leading representatives from LV=, as well as Gemini supply partners Axalta and Repairify.

Copart supporting Luton Airport fire vehicle recovery

Copart’s CAT Response Team is recovering vehicles damaged by the fire at Luton Airport to its incident management site in Corby, where they will be stored, inspected and processed for insurance and automotive customers.

New car sales healthy but used car demand weakens

The latest data from cap hpi has revealed an uptick in registrations of new vehicles while demand for used cars is dampening, with prices softening accordingly.

New report makes business case for upskilling

A new report by Ennis & Co Group has revealed the financial benefits of investing in automotive skills.

The report, ‘The Cost of your Skills Gap’, found that automotive businesses who invest in training can expect a three per cent increase in annual turnover compared to a four per cent drop for those who do not address the skills gap in their organisation.

Euro Car Parts team reunites at GSF Car Parts

Former Euro Car Parts executives Sukhpal Ahluwalia and Steve Horne have reunited as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at GSF Car Parts.

They plan to add a significant number of new branches over the coming years, strengthen its e-commerce offering, and rejuvenate its delivery fleet. They will also expand its range of products for electric vehicles.

IMI identifies ADAS skills gap

New data published by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has identified an existing 18,000-ADAS technician shortfall.

It predicts that about 10% of UK cars will feature Level 2 autonomy by the end of the year, rising to 50% by 2030, however there are only around 3,500 ADAS-qualified technicians in the UK today.

Chaplane celebrates PAS 2060 certification

Chaplane Accident Repair Centre has secured PAS 2060 status, underlining its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and minimising the environmental impact of vehicle repairs.

SYNETIQ secures ISO recertifications

Leading vehicle salvage, dismantling and recycling company SYNETIQ has achieved recertification across a number of ISO standards.

The IAA company has been recertified for ISO 27001 for information security management systems, for ISO 9001 for Quality Management, ISO 45001 for Health and Safety and ISO 14001 for Environmental Management.

BASF unveils green innovations

BASF experts showcased its latest e-mobility innovations at the R-M Refinish Competence Center in France recently, including its Citroen Oli concept car and new materials to enhance electric batteries.

Golden Windscreens adopts Repairify ADAS tech

Repairify has completed the installation of its digital ADAS system at Golden Windscreens, enabling the site to handle forward collision camera, front/rear radar, and 360 camera recalibration in-house.

SMMT urges government to unlock CAM windfall

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has urged the government to clear the path for the UK to capitalise on a potential £66bn connected and automated mobility windfall by 2040.

In a new report, Connected and automated mobility: The UK economic and market opportunities, the SMMT is calling on government to remove all barriers to regulatory reform while at the same time developing a strategy to support private sector investment and innovation.

OUTSORC secures UAE training partnership

OUTSORC is supporting new partners Al Ghandi Auto in developing a new digital core service process for its aftersales teams in the UAE.

The Excellence Programme will enable Al Ghandi Auto management to identify training needs and deliver targeted training and coaching sessions.

Axalta named BMW supplier

Axalta has been named as the exclusive supplier for BMW Group’s private paint label, ColorSystem.

The agreement applies to 15 European countries and South Africa, and also includes BMW’s network of 730 dealerships and collision repair partners.

Cazoo reports record profit per unit and improved cash position

The online car retailer Cazoo has announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2023, showing a significant improvement in its unit economics and cash position.

The company achieved a new record retail gross profit per unit of £1,470 in Q3, up 14% from the previous quarter and 201% from the same period last year.

DS Automobiles integrates ChatGPT

DS Automobiles, the premium brand of Stellantis, has introduced a new feature to its line-up: a digital travel assistant powered by ChatGPT.

The feature, which is integrated with DS IRIS SYSTEM, allows drivers to interact with their cars using voice commands and receive personalised responses.

Fix Auto UK gears up for 2024 conference

Tickets and sponsorship packages are now available for the 2024 Fix Auto UK National Conference, which will take place at The Vox Conference Centre within the National Exhibition Centre complex from 8-9 May.

Silverlake invests in EV storage facilities

Silverlake Automotive Recycling, which is part of the e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management network, has invested in bespoke lithium-ion battery storage containers as part of its fire risk assessment and mitigation strategy.

Mercedes tops SMMT disposal figures

SMMT has published data showing the number of cars disposed of by vehicle manufacturers in September that were defined as pre-registrations.

It found that Mercedes disposed of 647 vehicles with a value of more than £22m, while Nissan disposed of 90 vehicles with a combined value of £2.7m.

LKQ partners International Rescue Committee

LKQ is partnering with the International Rescue Committee, a global non-profit organisation that helps people affected by humanitarian crises. LKQ will directly support the IRC’s work in over 40 crisis-affected countries.

Car output surges in September

UK car manufacturing rose by 39.8% in September to 88,230 vehicles.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) this this is 25,105 more than the same month last year and means the industry has produced 659,901 units year to date – some 14.9% above the same period in 2022.

Steer joins Porsche party

Steer Automotive Group has been invited to help Porsche celebrate its 75^th anniversary by taking part in the Porsche Art Challenge. It will showcase its designs and the skills of its technicians.

Connecting claims through technology

A motor claims journey involves many parties and even more moving parts, meaning the potential for confusion, delays and customer dissatisfaction is high.

However, technology has the capacity to ease the pressure by creating a transparent, integrated ecosystem than links every stakeholder.

Here, CAPS and e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management explain how sharing data with the right people at the right time can cut costs, delight the customer, and even benefit the environment.

People

Thatcham Research has announced key appointments to its engineering team, with Yousif Al-Ani named Principal Engineer – ADAS, and Dan Harrowell Principal Engineer, Advanced Technologies.

Tesla has appointed Craig Rookyard as Body Repair Tooling and Equipment Specialist for European Tesla Bodyshops.

Billy Jemmett has been named Key Account Manager CV for AkzoNobel.

First Central has appointed Ian Pratt as Engineering Manager.

Mark Rimmer has been named Workshop Controller at CARS of Grimsby.

Evolution Repair Group has appointed Helen Wesolowski as new Northern Operations Director.

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Connecting claims through technology

3 November 2023

Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

A motor claims journey involves many parties and even more moving parts, meaning the potential for confusion, delays and customer dissatisfaction is high.

However, technology has the capacity to ease the pressure by creating a transparent, integrated ecosystem than links every stakeholder.

Here, CAPS and e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management explain how sharing data with the right people at the right time can cut costs, delight the customer, and even benefit the environment.

Kevern Thompson, CAPS Commercial Director:

Work providers and insurance companies are now turning their digital aspirations into reality with CAPS https://www.caps.co.uk/ as the UK’s trusted and secure data exchange service providing access to an unprecedented level of data facilitation at every step of the claim.

The conversation around connecting claims technologies with CAPS has finally moved from the conceptual to how work providers and the automotive claims supply chain can achieve that digital transformation. Achieving this will create a better driver/owner experience and unleash even greater efficiencies through the transparency CAPS can provide.

That first step of connecting legacy systems has now evolved into exploring how connectivity drives improved business change.

We’ve talked about data being the new oil, and that is what is happening. Fuelling data into information systems supports analytics and in turn drives innovation, creating efficiency whilst enhancing software products and services.

Already on the horizon we can see the industry working towards positive milestones that have historically been hampered by legacy systems and poor end-to-end connectivity because there wasn’t a source of data flow.

Many companies are now fast-tracking electronic notification of loss because of the connectivity fuelled by CAPS which allows more direct customer involvement enabled by technology.

This is leading to a better customer journey because the policyholder is using the technology directly at many more stages in the claim.

Many insurance companies are already using application systems such as Entegral to provide detailed repairer information to fuel direct consumer choice – for example, if they need an EV repair, or a specific manufacturer repair network solution.

The claims handler may not even speak to the customer because CAPS is connecting the claims ecosystem and all the information the customer needs can be accessed through a single app or portal.

Digital transformation is no longer a boardroom strategy; it becomes a reality when connectivity is supported by CAPS.

Jim Loughran, CEO – e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management:

How do we define a claim connected through technology? Much is currently being written about use of AI and chatbots in the claims process together with the broader digital claims experience. There is a market-wide debate on the risks and benefits of this approach: organisations and their decision makers are invested in understanding more. It’s new and exciting and no one wants to be late to the party.

I’m keen to see the same level of appetite for connecting claims via integrated technology and processes throughout the motor claims supply chain. Specifically, I’m referring to insurers/MGAs, claims management companies, salvage agents/automotive recyclers and repairer networks. Arguably, if we get this right, the impact on cost savings, operational efficiencies and customer experience and retention can be as far reaching as the benefits from the new technologies being explored. And of course, neither approach needs to be exclusive.

Use of reclaimed parts continues to shape motor claims repairs. The associated benefits in reduced costs and claims life-cycle, sustainability and the ability to offer customers choice are well documented. Appetite from insurers and MGAs to wholesale adopt a reclaimed parts strategy is evident. The challenge, for all parties involved, is siloed processes and technology systems. For reclaimed parts to realise the far-reaching impact they are capable of delivering, connectivity is vital across the entire supply chain. Connecting the processes and technology systems of insurers, automotive recyclers and repairers will allow reclaimed parts to be considered at FNOL; affording in some cases the opportunity to avoid a total loss scenario.

Repairers’ estimating systems can include pricing and availability of reclaimed parts in real time. Claims decision making can be swift and informed. Feeding back into the solution, data from intelligent estimatics systems can update automotive recyclers on specific parts demand, ensuring parts availability is maintained.

To answer my opening question… that’s a claim connected through technology.

By Nick Sweetman, AVP of Vehicle Repair and Service Operations, Enterprise Rent-A-Car:

The conversation around the shortage of staff in bodyshops is taking a new direction, with the supply chain now rallying behind repairers to identify effective solutions.

The need is evident. Almost half – 45% – of the 95 repairer owners and managers surveyed at this year’s Enterprise repairer conference said that labour is their biggest challenge.

The ambition to build a strong, future-looking repairer market is there and 64% of repairers said they are looking to grow their business and add locations.

Attracting younger employees is key in the face of an aging workforce, where only six per cent of employees are aged between 20 and 30.

Apprenticeships are helping to fill the gap, though two-thirds of the repairers said they were offering only a small number of apprenticeships, if any, and almost one in five (17%) said they were finding it harder to recruit at this level anyway.

What we are seeing is that a range of approaches are needed to help address the issue.

Attracting Gen Z employees into the sector is essential. This should be possible given the tech familiarity of this generation and the growing technology in new and emerging vehicle types.

We can see through our own graduate recruitment that a different approach is required to appeal to Gen Z applicants – and this is where company culture plays a key part. Gen Z employees want to feel that they belong and that they are cared for and supported by their employer, especially in terms of issues such as mental health.

Values are an important part of this. What is your approach to diversity? How do you ensure employees feel included and get access to the same opportunities? Are there people like me – different genders, ethnicities, walks of life, backgrounds – working in your business?

These questions can sound puzzling for businesses that have built their track record on technical and service excellence.

But we are seeing in our own business that employees want to work for a company with great products, service and reputation that also aligns with their values and beliefs. They want more communication, and to understand the company’s goals and vision.

This is where a bodyshop environment is not dissimilar to an Enterprise branch and means that as a bodyshop partner we can bring some perhaps useful insights.

Gen Z wants to understand the potential and the career path. We need to understand why bodyshop apprentices leave to work in different industries – and how we can communicate that this is an exciting time to work in the sector.

Bodyshop work is complex. The procedures for replacing a wing-mirror camera are akin to engineering, with the ADAS features being increased. These are valuable skills, but it is often hard for apprentices and junior technicians to see the bigger picture and the potential of working in a bodyshop as a career.

It’s also key to begin attracting a more diverse employee base. This is such an effective strategy for widening the talent pool and can be achieved by adjusting how you advertise for positions and recruit candidates.

The language and images used in job adverts can put people off applying. Ensuring you place these adverts where young people will see them is key, rather than purely relying on the traditional channels.

We are seeing bigger bodyshop groups responding, with new policies and programmes designed to appeal to younger workers. This is where collaboration with the rest of the supply chain will help create a high-quality future talent pipeline faster.

For example, we’re piloting programmes to raise awareness of bodyshop careers at secondary schools and partnering with AutoRaise and School of Thought, especially with schools and colleges more focused on vocational and practical careers.

This has involved running workshops with the school, including practical demonstrations such as how to repair a door or virtual spray painting.

The pupils found it interesting and fun because it was hands-on and they were encouraged to try it out. The technology aspect challenged some of the preconceptions of working in a vehicle repairer.

What we’ve learnt is that funding is only part of the solution. This was apparent when we shared our some of our surplus apprentice levy with our own repairer network.

Helping to fund several apprentices showed that, while it pays for the training, it doesn’t address how (especially smaller) bodyshops support an apprentice for the months when they are learning the skills which enable them to become productive.

Retaining them is the next requirement. Younger people naturally experiment with different careers and their attention needs to be nurtured so they stay interested.

Creating a great Gen Z workplace is one of several priorities and can’t always be achieved through direct tactics such as higher pay.

One bodyshop group creates opportunities for families to be involved, and this is something which we see is also successful in our business. It plays a part in creating that culture that attracts talent and then encourages people to stay.

Workplaces have changed radically and expectations are very different. There’s more technology and flexibility. There’s an expectation of a clear career path and greater support for personal as well as professional development.

Adapting to these evolving requirements is easier if we all work together to project the right image of what how exciting a career as a bodyshop technician can be.

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Enterprise unveils new inclusive brand

2 November 2023

Car Rental, Mobility, People, Supplier, vehicle sales and Words

Enterprise has announced it is uniting its full portfolio of offerings together under a single brand – Enterprise Mobility.

This includes car rental, fleet management, flexible vehicle hire, carsharing, vanpooling, car sales, truck rental, vehicle subscription, luxury rental, and technology solutions.

The move is designed to reflect the growth of the company from a fleet of just seven cars more than six decades ago to a global network of mobility solutions serving drivers, businesses and governments.

Enterprise Mobility President and CEO Chrissy Taylor said, “This marks the beginning of our next chapter, reinforcing our 90,000-strong global team’s commitment to deliver exceptional service for partners, customers and neighbours – innovating with intention to meet their ever-changing needs.”

She continued, “Enterprise Mobility brings together the full portfolio we have to offer as we continue to invest heavily to meet customer mobility needs today and into the future.”

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Car output surges in September

31 October 2023

Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words

UK car manufacturing rose by 39.8% in September to 88,230 vehicles.

EV output was up 41%, however, UK commercial vehicle (CV) production dipped 5.2% year-on-year to 11,352 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “A particularly strong period of car making is good news for the UK, given the thousands of jobs and billions of pounds of investment that depend on the sector. With countries around the world shifting to zero-emission motoring, Britain is well placed to be a global EV manufacturing hub if the investment and trading conditions are right.

“Given the increasing importance of electrified car production, the first and urgent step is for the UK and EU to agree to delay the tougher rules of origin requirements that are due imminently. This would give the necessary breathing space for automotive sectors on both sides of the Channel to scale up gigafactories and green supply chains, both of which are essential for a stable, long-term transition.”

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New car sales healthy but used car demand weakens

31 October 2023

Finance, Mobility, People, Supplier, vehicle sales and Words

The latest data from cap hpi has revealed an uptick in registrations of new vehicles while demand for used cars is dampening, with prices softening accordingly.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 272,610 news cars were registered during September, which represents a 14% increase on the same month last year, but 20.5% behind pre-Covid 2019.

This was the 14^th consecutive month of growth with year-to-date sales of 1,451,908 units up 20.2% on the same time period last year.

Fleet registrations continue to drive new car sales, up 40.8% in the month and 42.3% for the year, while private registrations increased by 5.8% in the month and are up 1.8% for the year.

However, against this, demand and prices for used vehicles is tapering off. By 11 October the average price of a used car was 1.7% down, but since then the downwards trajectory has steepened.

By the month’s end, the average three-year-old car value had fallen by 4.2%, or £850, while values at the one-year age dropped by an average of 3.6% in the month, equivalent to £1,225. At older ages, values dropped by 4.3% at five-years and by 4.5% at 10-years, equating to £550 and £240 respectively.

The report concluded, “New car registrations will continue to increase compared to last year, bringing fleet returns, pre-registered cars and part-exchanges into the used market. Used car demand is not going to increase in the run up to Christmas, so it is highly likely that we will continue to see values drop over the coming weeks.”

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DS Automobiles integrates ChatGPT

31 October 2023

Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words

DS Automobiles, the premium brand of Stellantis, has introduced a new feature to its line-up: a digital travel assistant powered by ChatGPT.

The feature, which is integrated with DS IRIS SYSTEM, allows drivers to interact with their cars using voice commands and receive personalised responses.

ChatGPT is a technology that uses language models to understand and generate natural and fluid conversations. By learning from huge amounts of data, ChatGPT can answer a variety of questions and provide useful information. For example, users can ask ChatGPT about places to visit, trivia quizzes, stories, and more.

The feature is available in DS 3, DS 4, DS 7 and DS 9 models equipped with DS IRIS SYSTEM and can be accessed in France, Germany, the UK, Spain and Italy, in each respective language. The feature is offered at no extra cost over a six-month pilot phase for the first 20,000 requests.

Olivier François, Head of DS Automobiles said, “As pioneers in the integration of ChatGPT into the automotive world, we are making a generative artificial intelligence that is fluid, intuitive and immersive accessible, transforming every trip into a unique journey. It is a high-tech revolution with unlimited potential that is part of one of the greatest 21st century societal transformations.”

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Cazoo reports record profit per unit and improved cash position

31 October 2023

Finance, People, Supplier, vehicle sales and Words

The online car retailer Cazoo has announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2023, showing a significant improvement in its unit economics and cash position.

The company said that it achieved a new record retail gross profit per unit (GPU) of £1,470 in Q3, up 14% from the previous quarter and 201% from the same period last year. The company attributed the increase to higher ancillary product sales, better inventory management, and lower logistics costs.

Cazoo also reported a strong cash position of £151 million at the end of September, plus approximately £35 million of self-financed inventory. The company said that it reduced its fixed and variable costs in line with its expectations, leading to lower cash utilisation.

The company sold 9,525 retail vehicles in Q3 ‘despite the challenging economic environment with increased interest rates and higher costs of living’. The company expects to sell around 8,500 units in Q4 and finish the year with between 40,000 and 42,000 units.

Cazoo said that it is on track to reach profitability by 2024 as it continues to expand its operations in the UK and Europe.

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ARC360 News – Friday 27 October 2023

27 October 2023

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

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.

More Insights

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

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ARC360 News – Friday 20 October 2023

20 October 2023

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

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.”