Repairify announces global expansion

Repairify Australia will deliver remote automotive repair solutions to the Australian and New Zealand markets after announcing a joint venture with Capricorn Society.

The joint venture will be branded Repairify and distributed throughout Capricorn’s 25,000 member businesses and the wider automotive aftermarket.

Cris Hollingsworth, President – Repairify Global Holdings, said, “We see a huge opportunity to support Australian and New Zealand repairers as global technology evolves and are keen to introduce our proposition to the market.

“Capricorn is the ideal choice for this venture due to their unparalleled position in the marketplaces in Australia and New Zealand. We‘re highly confident that the combination of Repairift products and services and the Capricorn network will rapidly accelerate the distribution of the right technology to ensure that the market can undertake and complete complex vehicle repairs.”

Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer David Fraser, added, “Being able to efficiently and effectively diagnose and calibrate remotely connected vehicles is imperative to the long-term business success of the smallest to the largest automotive workshops across Australia and New Zealand.”

“We are delighted to have formed this joint venture with Repairify who have built a strong reputation across the world for their patented technology and experience, sharing the same commitment to the success of the automotive aftermarket repair and service industry.”

More Insights

Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | wellbeing | Words

20-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Copart to double Scotland capacity

Copart UK is doubling its operational capacity in Scotland with the development of a new 31-acre site in East Kilbride.

The new facility will add to Copart’s existing Operation Centre in Whitburn and its vehicle recycling centre in Inverkeithing.

Expected to be operational by the winter, East Kilbride will enable Copart to handle around 100,000 cars in the country every year, and continues its ambitious growth and investment programme that includes land acquisition with continuous improvement at existing sites.

Jane Pocock, CEO of Copart UK & Ireland, said, “Works are now well underway in East Kilbride, further strengthening our unrivalled operational capabilities in Scotland in line with the continued growth of the UK car parc and the ever-changing needs of our customers.

“This 31-acre site will provide annual storage capacity for over 49,000 vehicles and with extreme weather events increasing in Scotland, the provision of latent storage capacity is more important than ever.”

More Insights

Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | wellbeing | Words

20-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday 28 July 2023

Managing EVs in the real world

Information sharing and better communication between manufacturer, insurer, repairer and customer is critical to managing EV claims – but so too is a mindset that accepts the evolution is ongoing.

That was the overarching message of a session entitled, Managing EVs in the Real World, which was held during ARC360’s specialist EV event, EV-olution, at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry.

Key names support EMCC agenda

ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference (EMCC) 2023 has received the support of some of the leading brands and key influencers within insurance claims as it continues to promote its ‘better tomorrow’ vision.

Copart announces significant expansions

Copart UK will expand vehicle storage capacity at its Wisbech Operation Centre site by 50% after securing planning permission.

It is also acquiring over nine acres of land beside its Westbury site to increase storage capacity for customers by 60% and has doubled its vehicle storage capacity near central London after completing a two-phase expansion of its Rochford Operation Centre in Essex.

Ben Ball tickets selling fast

Automotive charity Ben has reported unprecedented ticket sales for the Ben Ball, which is taking place at Old Billingsgate Market on 6 December, supported by Auto Trader.

Cap hpi data makes promising reading

The latest UK car market overview from cap hpi has revealed strong demand in the new vehicle sector although the used car sector continues to struggle.

Year-to-date, 949,720 cars were registered in the first six months of the year, which is an 18.4% increase on the 802,079 in the same period last year, but still a 25.2% reduction on the same period in 2019.

Car production on upwards trajectory

UK car production rose 11.7% in the first half of the year to 450,168 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Meanwhile, production of hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is up 71.6% from January to June to a record total of 170,231 units.

However, overall, year-to-date output remains 32.5% below 2019 levels.

EV MOT failure rate a cause for concern

A new report by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has revealed that EVs are 40% more likely to fail an MOT because of poor tyre condition than petrol cars.

Meanwhile, the IMI is predicting a 31% drop in EV qualifications for the second quarter of 2023. Its EV Technician Forecast Report found that the total number of technicians trained to work safely on EVs by the end of the first quarter was 42,400.

SYNETIQ supports low-carbon projects

SYNETIQ is working with international carbon reduction specialists Highland Carbon to finance projects around the world to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Among the projects it is supporting is the establishment of diverse, native forest in Scotland, a new wind power project in Turkey and solar power project in India.

IMI warns against putting EV training on ice

The IMI has warned against any delays to EV training after some people interpreted comments from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to mean that the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles could be put back.

The PM said he would tackle the climate crisis in a ‘proportionate and pragmatic’ way, but the IMI insists training must not be put on ice, warning of a shortfall of 25,000 technicians by 2030 even at the current rate of training.

CMA casts doubt on LKQ/Uni-Select deal

The Competitions and Markets Authority as concluded that LKQ’s proposed purchase of North America-based Uni-Select could reduce competition in the supply of car parts to independent garages and workshops across the UK.

Sorcha O’Carroll, CMA Senior Director of Mergers, said, “We identified that this deal could lead to higher prices and worse choice for customers across the UK. We will now carefully consider the proposal put forward by LKQ and Uni-Select which they believe could address our concerns, before deciding on the next step.”

Public charge points increasing steadily

The Office of National Statistics has reported that there were 44,020 public charging points in the UK as of 1 July. Of these, 19% (8,461) are rapid chargers and 57% (24,918) are fast chargers.

That is only 3,870 more than on 1 April.

Castle Coachworks gets JLR approval

Castle Coachworks (Northampton) has successfully passed its Jaguar Land Rover audit, ensuring its repair methods, training and facilities meet the vehicle manufacturer’s approval.

iRG casts talent net far and wide

iRG has taken its innovative approach to business to its recruitment strategy by seeking to attract the top talent from around the world.

Through collaboration with international talent companies, it has identified, recruited and relocated 10 skilled professionals from as far afield as Botswana, Albania and India.

UK Carbody Bristol celebrates outstanding customer service

LV= has recognised repair partner UK Carbody Bristol for delivering outstanding customer service.

ITAS launches new all-in-one platform

ITAS has unveiled a new platform to support business integration and job management.

ITAS Capture enables businesses to manage repairs and communicate with suppliers and customers on a single platform.

Fix Auto Edinburgh West celebrates PAS 2060

Fix Auto Edinburgh West has secured carbon neutral status in line with PAS 2060.

ECA calculated its carbon footprint and created and implemented a comprehensive carbon management plan which will see the site reduce emissions year-on-year to agreed targets.

People

Jaguar Land Rover has appointed Adrian Mardell as CEO.

Mercedes-Benz UK has appointed Calum James as Head of Fleet for its van division.

Autotech Group has named Mark Armitage as new Commercial Director.

Tom Arnold has been appointed Bodyshop Manager at ABL 1 Touch Group.

Steer Automotive Group has appointed Donna Chinery as Executive Assistant.

More Insights

Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | wellbeing | Words

20-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Fix Auto Edinburgh West celebrates PAS 2060

Fix Auto Edinburgh West has secured carbon neutral status in line with PAS 2060.

ECA calculated its carbon footprint and created and implemented a comprehensive carbon management plan which will see the site reduce emissions year-on-year to agreed targets.

Michael Kinnell, Bodyshop Manager, said, “Like so many of our fellow franchise partners we recognise the importance of being as sustainable as possible and, while it is becoming ever-more a prerequisite of our corporate work providers, in reality it is our responsibility to act now and do our bit to help the planet. Working towards our PAS 2060 has been a great exercise for the business for it has helped up focus ourselves on adopting processes to help reduce our carbon footprint. This is just the start for us. Our aim now is to continue and reduce it even further.”

Steve Silverwood, Managing Director for ECA, added, “Fix Auto Edinburgh West have always had a reputation as a responsible and reputable repairer. By formalising this commitment to becoming carbon neutral, they will be actively reducing their emissions year-on-year as well as offsetting any outstanding emissions.”

More Insights

Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | wellbeing | Words

20-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Copart increases capacity by 60%

Copart UK is acquiring over nine acres of land beside its Westbury site to increase storage capacity for customers in the region by 60%.

The news follows similar announcements for the online vehicle remarketing and recycling company, including expansion at it Operation Centres in Rochford and Wisbech.

Jane Pocock, CEO of Copart UK & Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to announce our expansion plans for Westbury, which is yet another strand of our extensive reinvestment strategy, which combines a programme of land acquisition with continuous improvement at existing sites and reinvestment in transport, services, and technology.

“Annually, the expansion will provide storage for 16,000 additional vehicles at this site, supporting Copart’s continued growth in industry leading services in the Southwest alongside our Operation Centres in Bristol and Newbury.”

More Insights

Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | wellbeing | Words

20-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Latest cap hpi data makes promising reading

The latest UK car market overview from cap hpi has revealed strong demand in the new vehicle sector although the used car sector continues to struggle.

The report stated that, based on data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 177,266 new cars were registered in June 2023, an increase of 25.8% over the same month last year. That makes the 11th consecutive month of growth.

Year-to-date, 949,720 cars were registered in the first six months of the year, which is an 18.4% increase on the 802,079 in the same period last year, but still a 25.2% reduction on the same period in 2019.

Petrol driven cars remain the most popular fuel-type with a 56,9% share of the market year-to-date, with battery electric vehicles accounting for a 16.1% market share.

Meanwhile, the used car market continued to struggle in June, with figures suggesting it is falling back into a more seasonal pattern in line with pre-Covid levels.

More Insights

Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | wellbeing | Words

20-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Copart announces major Rochford expansion

Copart UK has doubled its vehicle storage capacity near central London after completing a two-phase expansion of its Rochford Operation Centre in Essex.

The expansion has significantly strengthened Copart’s storage capacity for customers operating in the east of England, adding to its Operation Centres in Colchester, Sandy, Sandwich, and Wisbech.

The Rochford site now has the capacity to handle over 32,000 vehicles per annum and provides vehicle collection and storage only 30 miles from central London.

Jane Pocock, CEO of Copart UK & Ireland, said, “Our combination of strategically positioned sites across the UK and unrivalled storage capacity means we are never far from our communities and customers.

“With total ownership of our 23 connected Operation Centres and offices across the UK and Ireland, we are incredibly unique within our industry in that we can manage any peaks in demand through centrally controlled decisions and have complete flexibility to divert vehicles, people, and operations to another Copart location if needed.

“This enables us to collect, handle, and store vehicles quickly, efficiently, and with minimal environmental impact, all helping to support our ongoing Plan-Net-Zero sustainability commitment.”

More Insights

Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | wellbeing | Words

20-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Ben Ball tickets selling fast

Automotive charity Ben has reported unprecedented ticket sales for the Ben Ball, which is taking place at Old Billingsgate Market on 6 December, supported by Auto Trader.

It is now encouraging anyone wanting to book tickets or sponsorship packages to do so now. https://ben.org.uk/get-involved/do-it-4-ben/ben-ball/

Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement and Income at Ben, said, “Understandably, with our new exciting packages, Ben Ball 2023 bookings are coming in thick and fast. We have limited sponsorship opportunities remaining so, to avoid disappointment, book today for what promises to be a truly amazing night.

“The Ball brings in vital donations and gives us the chance to thank those who have helped us achieve so much during the year, as well as show how we use their donations to change lives.”

Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at Auto Trader, added, “We’re proud to be sponsoring Ben Ball again this year, and hope that it will once again prove to be a successful fundraising event for the charity. Ben provides invaluable support and services to so many, and as demand for these services continues to increase we must all ensure we do our bit to help.”

More Insights

Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | wellbeing | Words

20-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday 21 July 2023

The EV impact on engineering and skills

The rise and rise of electric vehicles has already brought about a fundamental change to the industry, with repair processes and skills now seemingly in a constant race to catch up according to Adrian Watson, Head of Engineering, and Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services from Thatcham Research.

EMCC set for high level insights

ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference (EMCC) 2023 will explore the key areas impacting the motor insurance claims sector through the lens of a variety of key industry stakeholders.

IMI report reveals worrying training dip

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has published a new report highlighting the dip in training and education across the automotive industry since the pandemic.

Its research has found that automotive apprentices have risen 12% so far this year, but are still eight per cent below 2019/2020 levels and 31% below what they were in 2018/2019.

Further, it has found a seven per cent drop in vocational qualifications compared to last year.

Enterprise tackles US skills gap

Enterprise Holdings is tackling the skills gap in America by announcing that the Metropolitan Community College in Nebraska will now offer its Collision Engineering Programme (CEP).

CEP is now available in seven educational institutions across the US as Enterprise tackles the expected shortfall of 110,000 technicians by 2026.

Enterprise expands rental network

Enterprise has cut the ribbon on a new rental branch. Based in Dagenham, the new site will create five new jobs, including three graduate trainees.

Galaxy stars in Mirka product range

Mirka has unveiled its new self-sharpening Galaxy abrasive tool, which enables technicians to sand faster and longer and comes with a clog-resistant coating and multi-fit hole configuration eliminates dust.

Solera Global launches AI-powered triage solution

Solera Global has unveiled a new intelligent triage solution that helps claims handlers immediately assess whether a damaged vehicle is repairable or not.

The AI-powered solution delivers early identification of total losses and vehicles that are unsafe to drive, as well as a streamlined triage process and compatibility with any estimating platform.

Meanwhile, Audatex has announced the latest AudaEnterpriseGold data release, adding 12 new and 83 updated model sheets to the vehicle database. 

Brand success for Fix Auto UK partners

Fix Auto UK has announced that four franchise partners have secured Toyota and Lexus vehicle approval.

Fix Auto Leicester, Fix Auto Mid Devon, its sister site in Newton Abbot, and Fix Auto Slough have all completed the manufacturers’ stringent compliance process.

Autocraft completes £250,000 solar investment

Autocraft Telford has completed a £250,000 investment into solar energy.

It has installed a 216kW solar power system on the roof of its 25,000 sqft headquarters in Shropshire which is expected to reduce electricity costs by up to 70%.

Doseley Motors celebrates 18th JLR birthday

Doseley Motors has retained its JLR approval for the 18th consecutive year after passing its VM audit. It achieved a score of 94%, underlining its commitment to meeting the brand’s exacting repair and training standards.

Fix Auto Harlow investment yields instant rewards

Fix Auto Harlow has seen a 40% increase in productivity after securing a new 5,000 sqft site alongside its existing facility.

The new unit has been fitted out with an additional spraybooth, improving workflow to support productivity growth to more than 110 vehicles a month.

CMA approves Copart/Hills deal

The Competition and Markets Authority has officially given the green light to Copart’s acquisition of Hills Motors.

In May it launched an investigation into the proposed deal, fearing a lessening of competition in the UK market for vehicle salvage services.

Leading brands create new support hub

Eight leading automotive brands have merged expertise to create 1TEC Auto Hub to support the repair sector with training and advice.

LKQ Euro Car Parts, TMD Friction Group, Shell, Clarios, Valeo, MPM, Schaeffler, ZF are working together to deliver the ‘next generation of workshop concept’, providing technical data, business support and dedicated support.

IMI launches automotive awareness campaign

The Institute of the Motor Industry has launched a new campaign to promote the industry to the next generation and debunk some of the myths around the sector.

It will use real stories from real people in the industry to highlight the varied career opportunities that exist.

Used EV values comparable to ICE models

Aston Barclay has reported that the price of some used EVs are now comparable to their ICE equivalents after revealing that used EV values dropped 1.4% in the second quarter of 2023.

Average prices decreased to £22,100, with an average age and mileage of 30 months and 22,128 miles.

JLR confirms £4bn investment in UK gigafactory

Jaguar Land Rover owners Tata Group has confirmed it will develop a new EV battery gigafactory in Somerset.

The site represents an investment of £4bn and is expected to create upwards of 9,000 additional jobs.

Magnificent seven for Genesis

Genesis Motor UK has appointed seven new retail partners to complement its existing Genesis studios and online services. 

They are Ancaster Group, Arnold Clark, Hendy Group, Holdcroft Group, Pendragon, Richmond Motor Group and Sinclair Group, with representatives from each attending the prestigious Genesis Scottish Open last week for an official signing ceremony.

New guide helps fleets meet ULEZ compliance

Shoreham Vehicle Auctions (SVA) has launched a commercial vehicle disposal guide to help fleets optimise their residual values as they transition towards a ULEZ compliant fleet.

The guide helps fleets set the correct reserves and points out the benefits of offering vehicles to an open market across both physical and online channels.

Allianz apprentices join SYNETIQ

SYNETIQ has welcomed three Allianz Insurance apprentices to its Doncaster headquarters.

They will spend a few days on site working with the SYNETIQ teams to follow the salvage journey once a vehicle arrives on site.

Motor premiums soar 40%

Comprehensive car insurance premiums have rocketed by 40% in a year, according to the Confused.com Car Insurance Price Index in association with WTW.

Average policies have climbed £222 in 12 months to £776, with drivers aged 17-20 seeing policies soar by £903 to £2,414, representing a rise of 60%.

People

Chris Setz has started a new position as Chief Commercial Officer at WhoCanFixMyCar.

Georgia Brown has been appointed Network Relationship Programme Manager at LKQ Corporation.

Marshalls Motor Group has named Garry Winckley as Group Aftersales Director.

Laird has appointed Adam Fletcher as Desktop Engineer.

More Insights

Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | wellbeing | Words

20-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

IMI report reveals worrying training dip

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has published a new report highlighting the dip in training and education across the automotive industry since the pandemic.

Its research has found that automotive apprentices have risen 12% so far this year, but are still eight per cent below 2019/2020 levels and 31% below what they were in 2018/2019.

Further, it has found a seven per cent drop in vocational qualifications compared to last year.

Emma Carrigy, Research and Insights Manager at the IMI, said, “It is encouraging to see that automotive employers are working hard to bring new talent into the sector, compared to the same period in the last academic year. Indeed, we are among the few sectors that have actually seen an upturn in apprenticeship start numbers year-on-year.

“However, our data shows that automotive employers are lagging behind other sectors when it comes to using levy funding. This seems to be a huge missed opportunity particularly when inflationary pressures ae so challenging. So far for the 2022-23 academic year, 59% of automotive apprentices are levy funded compared to 67% across all sectors.”

More Insights

Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | wellbeing | Words

20-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Vehicle Repair | Words

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners