Traffic volumes exceed pre-Covid levels 

The Department of Transport has reported that traffic levels in early May were higher than they were pre-pandemic. 

Its figures revealed that traffic volumes on Friday 5 May were three per cent up on those recorded in the first week of February 2020. 

They were also three per cent higher than traffic levels registered on Friday 6 May in 2022. 

However, the figures also revealed a marginal dip in weekday traffic at the start of this year. It found that during the weeks from 11 April to 8 May weekday usage was recorded at between 93% and 103% of the pre-Covid baseline. 

This compares to pre-Covid weekday travel levels of 96% to 101% between 14 March and 10 April. 

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ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

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EV momentum growing across Europe 

Data released by PwC has revealed that EV sales in the UK grew by over a fifth in the first quarter of 2023 to make up 53% of the sales market. 

Double-digit year-on-year growth was recorded in January (18%), February (25%) and March (24%), with hybrids accounting for 32% of all EVs sold, followed by battery (15%) and plug-in (six per cent). 

Meanwhile, the 10 largest European markets reported a combined 22% growth in EV sales, with 1,232,000 units sold in the first three months of the year. 

Cara Haffey, Head of Automotive at PwC UK, said, “The research findings highlight clear consumer momentum in the UK electric vehicle market, as motorists demonstrate their desire to make the switch to electric vehicles. The fact that hybrid electric vehicles are the preferred choice in the UK above fully electric BEV models, at least currently, could perhaps point towards some of the developing factors and talking points in the market, such as how best to expand UK charging infrastructure and addressing both charge and range ‘anxiety’ felt by current or aspiring EV motorists. 

“The challenge for government and policymakers is to work out how to maximise the charging infrastructure quickly across cities and rural locations, as the assumption that everyone can access a charging point easily is a false one.” 

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ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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Key names revealed for ARC360 EV event

ARC360 has revealed more key industry experts set to join discussions at its forthcoming EV specialist event.

The latest names revealed include:

  • Victoria Turner, CEO, Activate Accident Repair & CCO, Activate Group
  • Erika Woolacott, Managing Director, Fix Auto Mid Devon & Newton Abbot
  • Giovanni Adamo, Senior Engineer, Zego Insurance

The specialist event, sponsored by Thatcham Research and backed by ARC360 Corporate Partners and Partners, which takes place on 4 July 2023 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry will bring together leading industry experts and key stakeholders from across the motor claims supply chain to debate the implications of an EV future.

Mark Hadaway, co-founder of ARC360 and Managing Director of ILC, said, “ARC360 is known for its high-level insights and forward-thinking discussions. The level and range of expertise joining discussions at this specialist EV event makes it a ‘must attend’ event for anyone involved in the sector.”

FNOL, repair capabilities, cost inflation, skillset requirements, health & safety, repairability, vehicle availability and end-of-life vehicle management will be just some of the other key topics to come under the spotlight during the day.

To reserve a ticket visit or to find out more about the opportunities available to get involved in the event and place your brand at the heart of the industry’s evolution, contact jonathan@iloveclaims.com or mark@iloveclaims.com

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ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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Continental introduces autonomous parking feature

Continental has introduced hands-free parking to its autonomous driving platform.

The technology, developed by Israeli-based Imagery, enables the vehicle to explore a parking lot, identify a parking space, and then park the vehicle without the driver touching the steering wheel. It uses motion planning, a deep neural network that learns to drive by imitating human behaviour, meaning it can make data-driven decisions based on its surroundings and therefore navigate new environments.

However, the driver must still be in the vehicle and decide when to engage the autonomous valet parking feature.

Amiss Toyed, Head of Partnerships and Innovation at Continental Business Area Autonomous Mobility, said, “Imagery’s technology approach is a great add-on to Continental’s software stack solutions for assisted and automated driving. We are impressed by the talented and highly motivated Imagery team and we are looking forward to jointly realize new automated parking features.”

Errand Fir, CEO at Imagery, said, “Autonomous parking is just the first step in the path to full autonomous driving. The capabilities of our mapless system extend easily to the open road, enabling the vehicle to operate freely in geographic areas which were previously unknown to it.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 19 May 2023

Known-unknowns of EVs set to test sector

ARC360’s specialist electric vehicle (EV) event is set to discuss the known-unknowns for the vehicle incident repair sector as the vehicle parc transitions to an electric future.

FNOL, repair capabilities, cost inflation, skillset requirements, health & safety, repairability and end-of-life vehicle management will be just some of the key topics to come under the spotlight on Tuesday 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.

ILC joins Vella celebrations

ILC’s John Hutchinson recently joined other industry luminaries including AkzoNobel to help The Vella Group Repair Centres celebrate becoming an LV= General Insurance Sole Site and the first ElectriX approved bodyshop in the network.

Gemini claims coveted award

Gemini Accident Repair Centres has been named Auto Repair Company of the Year in the Central England Prestige Awards.

Solera enhances analytics solutions

Solera has unveiled a new feature to help companies control their data and pick out the insights relevant to them. As part of the Solera Analytics platform, the solution will enable managers to create custom reports and delivery schedules.

Copart Cares with continued commitment

Copart is marking Learning at Work Week by highlighting its training and development initiatives.

This includes company-wide Carbon Literacy Training, a Leadership Programme that has now been rolled out to 170 managers, a Driver Academy and the nearly £500,000 invested into apprenticeship schemes.  

Shine! Sparkles with audit success

Shine! UK has successfully passed a BS10125 audit. Shine! is a national network of mobile cosmetic vehicle repair technicians.

Shoreham Vehicle Auctions celebrates EVA status

Shoreham Vehicle Auctions has become the first company in the sector to secure Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) status.

Developed by the National Franchised Dealers Association and the Energy Saving Trust and endorsed by the Office for Zero Emissions, the initiative recognises a commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly operations.

Thatcham Research showcases safety

Thatcham Research hosted senior leaders from Allianz and LV= recently to showcase the value of its research into safe, secure and sustainable mobility.  

All the fours

Four colleagues from S&G Response are embarking on a four-day bike ride across four counties in an effort to raise upwards of £10,000 for the East Cheshire Hospice.

Jonathon, Sean, Tom, and Nick will take on the 444km challenge from Calais in France to Cologne in Germany from 1-4 July.

Synetiq service tackles slow repair times

Vehicle recycling company Synetiq has unveiled a new supply and fit service to support insurance customers facing a sharp rise in catalytic convertor theft claims.

The service aims to overcome the supply chain delays that have increased repair and claim times.

Harvey earns UK call-up

Steer Automotive Group’s Miguel Harvey will represent Team UK at EuroSkills, which takes place in Gdansk, Poland from 5-9 September.

He is part of a 20-strong team taking part in the prestigious skills event and will compete in the car painting category.

HGVs deliver the goods

UK registrations of HGV vehicles are just 2.9% below pre-pandemic levels after sales grew 17.1% in the first quarter of 2023. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this is the fourth consecutive quarter of growth.

Meanwhile, the UK’s new bus and coach market fell by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2023.

Right-hand drivers left out

Tesla has announced it will suspend the production of right-hand drive Model S and Model X vehicles for the foreseeable future.

Used EV values plummet

The average price of a used electric vehicle has fallen £4,000 since January and £9,000 since last July, according to new figures from Auto Trader. However, the overall used car market reported a 3.6% year-on-year increase in May, with average prices now £17,946.

Rare Rover to be auctioned by Ben

Automotive charity Ben will auction a unique 1993 Rover 216 Honda cabriolet at Automechanika Birmingham on 7 June.

Just one of 207 in existence, the car was restored by Louise Baker, Company Director of Womanic, and Rachel Murray and travelled over 1,500 miles as part of renowned car rally challenge, Bangers4Ben.

Meanwhile, Ben has responded to the rise in mental health issues by compiling a check-list of warning signs that employers can look out for.

People

Mark Pearce has been named MET Team Leader at Thatcham Research.

Thatcham Research has announced that Matthew Avery will leave Thatcham Research after 35 years. He is joining Euro NCAP, For Safer Cars.

BASF will launch new Automotive OEM Coatings Solutions and Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions businesses in August, led by Patrick Zheng Yu Zhao and Chris Titmarsh respectively.

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Rare Rover to be auctioned by Ben

Automotive charity Ben will auction a unique 1993 Rover 216 Honda cabriolet at Automechanika Birmingham on 7 June.

Just one of 207 in existence, the car was restored by Louise Baker, Company Director of Womanic, and Rachel Murray and travelled over 1,500 miles as part of renowned car rally challenge, Bangers4Ben.

Louise said, “Not many people know, but automotive can be a stressful profession. Ben is there for anyone in the industry who are struggling with their health and wellbeing, whether that’s mentally, financially or physically. So come along to the Ben stand at Automechanika and have your chance to take this one-of-a-kind car home.”

Ellen Plumer, Head of Marketing and Outreach at Ben, said, “We can’t thank Louise and Rachel enough for all their hard work fundraising for Ben with this brilliant banger. We hope to see many of our automotive family there at our Automechanika stand and we’re looking forward to seeing who takes the car home!”

Ben will be at stand F114 at Automechanika Birmingham, which takes place at the NEC from 6-8 June.

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ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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Known-unknowns of EVs set to test sector

ARC360’s specialist electric vehicle (EV) event is set to discuss the known-unknowns for the vehicle incident repair sector as the vehicle parc transitions to an electric future.

FNOL, repair capabilities, cost inflation, skillset requirements, health & safety, repairability and end-of-life vehicle management will be just some of the key topics to come under the spotlight on Tuesday 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.

The event – which features experts from across the vehicle incident repair supply chain and beyond including data providers, engineers, insurers, repairers, recovery operators, recyclers, training providers and VMs – bids to join the dots and understand just what implications EVs will have on the well-established operations across the sector and, ultimately, the customer.

Not only will the event provide an up-to-the minute insight into the growing pool of evidence and experience gleaned within the sector – including input from all in attendance via audience interaction – but so too will it touch upon the future to understand just where the industry might be in five to 10 years’ time.

Mark Hadaway, co-founder of ARC360 and Managing Director of ILC, said, “Although EV repair volumes are still relatively low, everyone is only too aware of the direction of travel and with this comes an array of challenges and opportunities for the sector.

“Already we are seeing various moves across the sector to cater for the pending changes and sharing experiences and knowledge of learnings is very much what sits at the heart of ARC360’s core philosophy of Gaining Ground Together.”

To reserve a ticket click here or to find out more about the opportunities available to get involved in the event and place your brand at the heart of the industry’s evolution, contact nic@iloveclaims.com or mark@iloveclaims.com.

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ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 12 May 2023

Key claims topics to shape specialist EV event

Vehicle recovery, repair and recycling are just some of the topics set to be explored at ARC360’s specialist EV event.

Taking place on Tuesday 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, ARC360’s specialist electric vehicle (EV) event will provide a rounded view of how the sector is advancing towards an electric future, with attendees hearing from insurers, vehicle manufacturers, repairers and others throughout the supply chain to understand more of how and why the sector needs to prepare.

Prasco announces manufacturing step-change

Prasco Group has increased its manufacturing and distribution footprint to more than a million square metres with the acquisition of a new site in Turin.

It will now embark on a programme of accelerated investment to become Europe’s leading manufacturer of independently certified non-OEM vehicle replacement parts. 

Fix Auto UK names network winners

Fix Auto UK has announced its annual winners at its ‘Next Gen’ 2023 National Conference, held at The Vox, near Birmingham, with Fix Auto Weston-super-Mare being named as the network’s ‘Bodyshop of the Year’.

Somerset business owners Tony Atkins and Carl Prosser received the award shortly after collecting the prize for being the best performing repair centre within the network’s Region Five.

Policy premiums continue upwards trend

The ABI’s latest Motor Insurance Premium Tracker has found that the overall average premium paid for private comprehensive motor insurance was £478 in the first quarter of the year, 16% higher than the same period in 2022.

The average price paid for renewals rose by £8 to £436 while the average premium for a new policy was up £14 to £545.

Audatex enhances Bodynet integration

Audatex has enhanced its integration with Bodynet to enable seamless exchange of repair data.

Images of damaged vehicles can now be seamlessly passed between Audatex and Bodynet, improving on the existing reliable integration between Bodynet and AudaEnterpriseGold.

Used car market rallies

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported a 4.1% growth in the used car market in the first three months of 2023, with rises recorded in January (3.6%), February (4.4%) and March (4.3%) respectively.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were the fastest growing powertrain, with transactions rising 56.5% to 26,257 units, representing 1.4% of the market.

Copart expands Plan-Net-Zero strategy

Copart has invested upwards of £80m in an ongoing replacement and expansion programme as part of its Plan-Net-Zero commitment.

It has invested heavily in Euro VI compliant DAF and Volvo multi-car transporters, deployed the latest connected telematics to lower fuel consumption and emissions, and fitted its entire fleet with a fuel pick-up system which ensures that only clean fuel enters the fuel lines, reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by five per cent. 

Meanwhile, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally found that Copart’s acquisition of Hills Motors could reduce competition in the market for the supply of salvage services in the UK.

Apollo wins prestigious Culture award

Apollo Motor Group has been awarded The Solent 250 Business Culture of The Year Award.

The awards celebrate the achievements of the region’s top privately-owned businesses by sales turnover.

LV= uncovers ‘worrying’ trend

New research from LV= has found that motorists are cutting back on vehicle maintenance to help offset the cost-of-living crisis, with worn tyres among the most common issues.

Meanwhile, its breakdown providerBritannia Rescue recorded a 78% rise in vehicles without MOTs during call-outs in January 2023 compared to March 2022.

The findings were published in The Independent.

Core V2 set for ITAS release

ITAS has announced that its Core V2 software solution is due for imminent release, providing users with one place to manage, view, update and collate data.

It has been developed in the same environment as ITAS Capture which means that it functions and looks the same, offering a streamlined consistent end-user experience, making it easier to carry out daily business functions.

NCR secures Toyota certification

NCR Bodyshops has announced that it has been certified as an approved Toyota repairer, meaning repair methods, parts and facilities all meet manufacturer standards.

Park Lodge unveils new bespoke AFV training

Park Lodge International has formed a working consortium with Jeff Mack Consultancy and RWC Training to develop a comprehensive training programme around the safe assessment, recovery, transportation, storage and repair of alternatively-fueled vehicles

Tailored to specific groups, the IMI-approved courses have been developed with the support of manufacturers and dealers, and are both theoretical and practical, covering a range of topics from vehicle identification, approach, risk assessment, how to make the vehicle safe, and equipment.

People

Natalie Wong has been promoted to Marketing & Portfolio Management Lead for BASF Automotive Refinish UK & Ireland.

Vertu Motors has named Phil Wong as Vertu Accident Repair Centre Manager.

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ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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Used car market rallies

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported a 4.1% growth in the used car market in the first three months of 2023.

The upturn follows three successive quarters of decline with rises recorded in January (3.6%), February (4.4%) and March (4.3%) respectively.

In total, 1,847,149 transactions took place, a 72,798 increase on with the same period in 2022, although that number is still 8.6% below pre-pandemic levels.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were the fastest growing powertrain, with transactions rising 56.5% to 26,257 units, representing 1.4% of the market.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Easing supply chain challenges have reenergised new car registrations, unlocking availability in the used market and, importantly, delivering more zero emission capable vehicles to second and third owners. Sustaining that growth is vital for our environmental goals, which means bolstering the new car market to drive supply to the used sector. Infrastructure rollout must also improve – and at speed – with affordable and reliable charging essential if more used buyers are to switch to the latest and cleanest available vehicles.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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ARC360 news round-up – Friday 05 May 2023

Specialist EV event gearing up for July

ARC360’s specialist EV event is gearing up with new names being added to the agenda, a swell of interest from market and tickets now available via the ILC website.

Taking place on Tuesday 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, ARC360’s specialist electric vehicle (EV) event will provide a rounded view of how the sector is advancing towards an electric future, with attendees hearing from insurers, vehicle manufacturers, repairers and many others throughout the supply chain to understand more of how and why the sector needs to prepare.

ILC tackles talent conundrum with New Generation event

More than 120 HR insurance claims professionals gathered at etc.venues Manchester on 26 April for the inaugural ILC New Generation in Claims event, which addressed the lack of new talent entering the industry and discussed strategies for attracting more skills to the sector.

Industry experts shared insights during a full schedule of presentations, with panel discussions focusing on key issues such as equality, engagement and empowerment.

Feature interview: Kevern Thompson, CAPS

In this exclusive ARC360 interview, we ask Kevern Thompson, Commercial Manager, CAPS how supply chain partnerships have evolved in recent years and how the platform is helping to develop trust within the sector.

Steer announces NE expansion

Steer Automotive Group has boosted capacity in the North East by welcoming Vertu Accident Repair Centre Newcastle into the group.

Copart voice heard on national stage

Copart was a key contributor to a feature in a national newspaper considering the future of electric vehicles.

Electric cars being written off after minor bumps was published in The Telegraph, with Copart sharing insights on the viability of EV repairs and the growing use of green parts in vehicle repair.

IMI responds to Ofqual action plan

The IMI is requesting a range of information from industry training providers to meet the vocational and technical qualification action plan introduced by Ofqual.

Information required includes the name of the exams officer, a senior point of contact, and students intending to progress to higher education.

Vehicle registrations continue strong start to 2023

The UK new car market recorded its ninth successive month of growth in April, increasing 11.6% to 132,990 registrations.

Meanwhile, battery electric vehicles deliveries were up by more than half to 20,522, plug-in hybrid vehicles were up 33.3% to 8,595 units and hybrid electric vehicles increased 7.7% to 15,026 units.

Bodycare joins VBRA Elite

VBRA has awarded Vehicle Bodycare Centre Ltd with the Elite Truck & Van Body Repairer Certification for Structural classification, including Cab & Chassis Repair capability for trucks up to 44.0 tonne GVM and Panel Vans & Chassis Cabs up to 5.0 tonne capacity.

Battery repairs key to net zero goal

Colleagues from Innovate visited Thatcham Research Centre recently to discuss the challenges to the vehicle repair and motor insurance sectors posed by the uptake of electric vehicles and connectivity and autonomy.

It was suggested that roadside diagnostics and battery repair could be critical to helping the industry achieve its net zero targets.

Fix Auto conference to be the biggest yet

Fix Auto UK’s 2023 National Conference, themed ‘Next Gen’, is set to attract a record number of delegates, senior representatives from the insurance sector, exhibitors and sponsors. The event takes place next week.

MG ARC secures VM approvals

MG Accident Repair Centre is now an approved authorised Toyota and Lexus body repair centre.

Thatcham Research launches technical ‘refresher’ course

Thatcham Research has introduced a new two-day Technical Update course intended to help those in the repair sector stay up to date with new technology and innovations.

Topics covered include new vehicle models, current trends, headlamp technology, ADAS, automated driving, and hydrogen vehicles.

Passport to sustainability

EV batteries will need to be more sustainable from 2027, when the EU introduces a new battery passport that will remain in place for its entire lifecycle.

The directive will include the sourcing and recycling of materials and deliver greater transparency throughout the supply chain.

Date set for Green party

The National Body Repair Association (NBRA) has confirmed that The Greener Bodyshop Awards will take place on 14 September at Alton Towers, Staffordshire.

The awards recognise and celebrate repairers who have made great strides towards achieving greener operations.

Plunky’s charity match on target

Steve Plunkett’s Plunky’s All Stars charity football match is on target to raise upwards of £20,000 for the Norfolk Hospice.

More than £11,000 has so far been raised for the charity, with more expected on the night when a wide selection of football memorabilia will be raffled off.

People

Chris Weeks, Executive Director of the NBRA for the past five years, is set to leave the role in the summer.

Jason Lea has started a new position as Strategic Sales Manager at BASF UK & Ireland.

Bennett Assessors has appointed James Bennett as Management Director.

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ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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