Category: vehicle sales

Major new crackdown on insurance fraud

Insurance companies have united to step up efforts to crack down on fraudsters seeking to manipulate the UK insurance market with bogus claims and duping innocent people into buying fake insurance policies. 

The new voluntary charter is designed to identify loopholes in the insurance market, enhance collaboration and criminal justice outcomes, better understand the scale of the problem and improve victim support. Full story

Welsh Government hails road safety improvement, pointing to timing of 20mph limit introduction

The Welsh Government has released latest police recorded road collision statistics from April to June this year showing that both collisions (24%) and casualties (24%) on 20mph and 30mph roads (combined) have fallen by almost a quarter compared to the same period of 2023 – the lowest recorded outside of the pandemic. Full story

IAM RoadSmart urges the Chancellor to take radical steps to save lives on the roads

The UK’s leading road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, is calling on the Chancellor to take steps to both saves lives and reduce the impact of road traffic collisions in her Autumn Budget. By incentivising the take-up of additional road safety courses through the tax system, it will also help save motorists money as the UK emerges from a cost-of-living crisis. Full story

Half of UK truck drivers switch off safety assistance systems

As part of this year’s 12th Allianz Motor Day, road users across five countries were surveyed regarding the safety of vulnerable road users in urban areas. The key finding of the survey showed that 54% percent of UK heavy vehicle drivers, such as trucks and vans, ‘often’ or ‘sometimes’ switch off the driver assistance systems in their vehicles. Full story

‘Why are headlights allowed to be that bright?’

The AA has warned motorists to drive carefully as the shorter days and worsening weather create more difficult driving conditions. Managing director Tim Rankin said drivers should ensure their headlights were set up appropriately after the company found an 11% rise in crashes after the clocks change, meaning it gets dark an hour earlier. Full story

Enterprise Flex-E-Rent welcomes new cohort

Enterprise Flex-E-Rent has recruited a new cohort of 15 apprentices in the UK and Ireland to join its two-year HGV mechanic or panel beater apprentice programme. Full story

IPO campaign highlights dangers of counterfeit vehicle parts

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has launched its latest national awareness campaign, warning consumers of the dangers of purchasing counterfeit vehicle parts. Driving home a clear message that ‘Fake Always Breaks’, the IPO’s new campaign alerts drivers to the life-threatening dangers such counterfeits pose. These include  items such as brakes, headlights and air bags. Full story

UK Electric Vehicle buying intent rises despite challenges, EY report reveals

UK consumer sentiment towards Electric Vehicles (EVs) is gathering significant momentum while buying intent for petrol and diesel vehicles continues to decline, according to EY’s latest Mobility Consumer Index. Full story

Graduated Driver Licences could save 58 lives annually

At least 58 lives could be saved annually by graduated driver licensing (GDL), estimates The AA as it steps up its calls for the system to be introduced. Introducing such a system could also see at least 260 serious injuries avoided on UK roads. Full story

AA unveils car wellness app

The AA has unveiled its new car wellness app, Vixa, a new AI-powered solution that connects to cars and monitors them in real-time in order to alert drivers at the first sign of trouble. The app also provides detailed driving insights and maintenance solutions. Full story

The hidden threat to independent garages in the age of cybercrime

The UK’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024 revealed that half of all businesses experienced a cyberattack or breach in the past year. According to reports, 60% of SMEs cease trading within six months of a cyber attack. Full story

LKQ Corporation announces results for third quarter

LKQ Corporation has reported third quarter revenues of £2.8bn. This is a 0.5% increase on the same period in 2023. Full story

How we’re updating the Autocar road test

Autocar has announced it will move its road tests from Millbrook to the Horiba MIRA proving ground as part of a wider update to ensure tests are suitable for modern EV and ADAS-equipped cars. Full story

High mileage heroes – increased mileage doesn’t equal increased costs

Even the most frugal of general consumers are often turned off by a car with seemingly increased mileage. The common thinking is that as a car ages not only does the number of issues increase, but the cost of said issues also increases. Full story

Klarius Group of Companies announces acquisition by CorpAcq

The Klarius Group of Companies, which includes Klarius, Emissco, KMT, Autologistiks and TIMEC, has been acquired by the private investment company CorpAcq. This acquisition represents a positive new chapter for the company, with no disruption to daily operations or the team’s existing management structure. Full story

Stellantis and Factorial take next step to accelerate the future of EVs

Stellantis and Factorial unveiled the next chapter in their partnership to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation electric vehicles, powered by Factorial’s solid-state battery technology. This initiative builds upon the £58m investment Stellantis made in Factorial in 2021. Full story

Mixed results in latest Euro NCAP testing

Euro NCAP has assessed the assisted highway driving features of five new models, with one Chinese model receiving a rating of ‘not recommended’. Ratings are based on two key areas: assistance competence – the balance between automation and ensuring driver engagement; and safety backup – measures taken in an emergency to avoid a collision. Full story

JLR expands global innovation network with hub in India

JLR has announced the launch of its latest Open Innovation Hub in India to identify and work closely with startups to develop the next generation of products and services that will help to define JLR’s future client experiences. Full story

Green steel for sustainable mobility

Volkswagen Group and Thyssenkrupp Steel have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the planned supply to Volkswagen Group of low-carbon steel from Thyssenkrupp Steel’s future direct reduction plant. This agreement underscores the two companies’ joint commitment to sustainability and climate protection. Full story

Corolla makes history as Toyota’s five millionth UK-built car

Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) is celebrating the five millionth car to be built at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire. Parked nose-to-tail, the UK-built Toyotas would form a line almost 14,000 miles long – more than half way around the world. Full story

Bodyshop Briefs

• South Street Motors ARC has passed it latest ITAS compliance audit for Suzuki and Mazda.
• D. Gawthrope ACR has passed its Toyota & Lexus audit with a 100% pass rate.
• ABL 1 Touch Group has achieved BS 10125 certification.
• HB Accident Repair Network, which has named Richard Manson as Branch Manager of the Year, has unveiled plans to open more sites in the north west.
• Page Automotive Group’s Operations Director Shane Lawrence will take part in the Great North Run to raise funds for DEBRA UK. Read more
• DCR Systems has delivered and installed two wheel refurbishment solutions for approved Kia, Mazda, and Toyota dealership Burrows Motor Company.

Repairify celebrates European Patent

The European Patent Office has granted Repairify a patent relating to a Remote Vehicle Programming System and Method. This latest award aligns with Repairify’s global patents which it holds in the US and Australia as well as other markets, strengthening its position in Europe. Full story

Eurorepar expands Stellantis parts range

Eurorepar has extended its range of bumpers and grilles to include 66 front wings for popular models across the Stellantis passenger car and commercial vehicle brands. The expansion brings the total number of Eurorepar Body Parts available to 220. Full story

Volumes down again in September – Trend Tracker

The latest Trend Tracker monthly report has revealed that repair volumes in September were six per cent down on the same month last year and 11% below 2019 levels. Although slightly up on August volumes, there were still more than 8,000 fewer repair jobs carried out in the month compared to 12 months ago. Full story

Solera extends partnership with F&P

Solera has extended its strategic partnership with F&P, the Danish trade association for insurance companies and pension funds, by integrating its Sustainable Estimatics tool into the Autotaks platform. Full story

Government announces taskforce to tackle spiralling insurance costs

The government has created a new taskforce to identify the reasons driving up high car insurance costs and ensure drivers are getting a fair deal. Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, and Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq, will bring together industry groups and consumer champions such as the Association of British Insurers, Citizens Advice, Which? and Compare the Market, as well as insurance regulators, to tackle spiralling costs of car insurance. Full story

Industry bodies question government taskforce

Industry bodies have questioned the government’s decision to include representatives of the insurance sector on a taskforce established to tackle soaring premiums. The government taskforce, established to identify the reason for rising insurance and deliver fairer outcomes for drivers, comprises insurers and the Association of British Insurers, with some suggesting this will sway any outcomes. Full story

ROUTING – the theme of BASF’s 2024-2025 Automotive Color Trends collection

Every year, designers from BASF’s Coatings division create a new collection of colours to inspire automotive designers around the globe. ROUTING, the title of the 2024-2025 Automotive Color Trends, features new reds with intense purple shades, signifying a shift from darker and blueish reds. Full story

Team UK honoured at Houses of Parliament

WorldSkills UK celebrated Team UK’s remarkable achievements at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 at the Houses of Parliament in London. During the ceremony, 12 Medallions of Excellence were awarded to the Team UK members. Full story

Is the 2035 ICE sale ban target still realistic?

The European Union’s plans to phase out the sale of internal-combustion cars and trucks are drawing renewed skepticism from some industry groups and automakers, just as other automakers are urging the bloc to keep the planned target date. Full story

Martec Training Poised to Demonstrate Revolutionary AR Tech at Open Event

Martec Training is revolutionising its motor vehicle courses through the integration of Assisted Reality (AR) headsets; significantly enhancing the learning experience for students with varying levels of Special Educational Needs (SEN). Full story

Charity football match raises £20,000 for Debra in memory of Bob Linwood

NWVA’s charity football match held in honour of Bob Linwood, who passed away on January 17, 2024, successfully raised £20,000 for the charity Debra, which supports individuals and families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). Full story

Tiny number of drivers paid compensation for pothole damage

New research from Halfords has suggested that fewer than one in five compensation claims for damage to vehicles caused by potholes are successful. It has now launched a completely free ‘Pothole Damage Check’ for all UK motorists to help drivers check if their vehicle has been damaged by one of the estimated 11m potholes currently plaguing UK roads. Full story

Stellantis brings winning global portfolio to Paris Motor Show

Stellantis brands Citroën, Peugeot and Alfa Romeo presented new and upgraded electrified vehicles in their line-ups at the Paris Motor Show 2024. Meanwhile, the event also saw the debut of Leapmotor International, the Stellantis/Leapmotor joint venture focused on brining affordable, high-tech focused vehicles to global markets outside China. Full story

XPENG’s AI-defined mobility vision take centre stage

XPENG, a leading Chinese hi-tech car company, has unveiled XPENG P7+, the world’s first AI-defined vehicle, at the Paris Motor Show. The P7+ integrates advanced AI technology across the chassis, powertrain, driving system, smart cockpit, enabling the vehicle to learn from individual users’ behaviors and preferences. Full story

BMW to launch its first hydrogen-powered production model in 2028

After successfully testing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide, the BMW Group is now preparing for series production of vehicles with hydrogen drive systems in 2028. The series production models will be integrated into BMW’s existing portfolio. Full story

VW Emergency Assist video goes viral

A Volkswagen video showing how its Emergency Assist brings a vehicle to a stop after the driver is no longer responding has been viewed more than 50 million times on TikTok in less than a week. Full story

People

• The industry is mourning the sad loss of Andy Sargent, a Volkswagen Group UK Paint and Body Technical and Quality manager from 1986-2010, who passed away at the weekend.
• Winn Group has appointed Lorna Turner to its Business Development team.
• Direct Line Group has announced that Jane Poole has joined the Group as Chief Financial Officer
• David Vella has been appointed as GT Motive UK Managing Director.
• Thatcham Research has announced that Richard Billyeald, Chief Research & Operations Officer, has been appointed as the Chairman of the RCAR Steering Committee.
• Ian Mooney has started a new position as Commercial Network & Supply Chain Manager at sopp+sopp.
• Thatcham Research has partnered with Nurole, the leading board-level search specialist, to find an inaugural Independent Chair.
• Anthony Griffiths has been appointed Fleet Business Development Manager for CUPRA SEAT.
• JLR has announced new appointments to its Executive Leadership Team, with Steve Marsh appointed Executive Director, Vehicle Programmes, Swarna Ramanathan stepping up as Chief Strategy Officer, and John Beswick named Chief Transformation and Performance Officer.

Unprecedented EV discounting shores up September new car market

The UK new car market rose 1.0% in the key ‘74’ plate change month of September, to 275,239 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). In what is traditionally a bumper month for new car registrations, second only to March, the performance was the best since 2020, but still -19.8% off pre-Covid September 2019. Read more

Silverlake supports emergency services’ ‘Festival of Rescue’

Silverlake Automotive Recycling was a main supporter of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) when they hosted the UK’s biggest and most prestigious rescue competition on 27, 28 September. Expert teams of firefighters from 28 UK fire services and three international teams came to Portsmouth and Eastleigh to take part in the United Kingdom Rescue Organisation (UKRO) ‘Festival of Rescue’. Read more

Taking the partnership approach

Repairify Australia’s Global Director of Innovations Martin Brown has explained how partnering with Repairify gives collision repair workshops access to a comprehensive suite of OE tools, without the need for significant upfront investments. Read more

DCR Systems unveils PaintMatic

DCR Systems has introduced the PaintMatic, another cutting-edge machine crafted by its talented team in Portsmouth. It joins existing products H2O Blaster and DCR Pro. Read more

Nottingham College hosts ADAS course

Notttingham College recently hosted the IMI AOM230 accreditation course, designed for technicians working with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) at Emtec College. The event was supported by Gemini ARC. Read more

Wales to host WorldSkills UK National Finals 2025

Venues across South Wales will host the annual WorldSkills UK Competition Finals from the 25 – 28 November, 2025.  This marks the first time the event has been held in Wales. Read more

Leasys UK launches Accident Management and Fleet Safety services

Leasys UK has partnered with FMG to provide accident management and fleet safety services to its corporate customers. Available either as a combined service or separately, the new offerings will be available to corporate fleet customers with 25 vehicles or more, enhancing Leasys’ comprehensive fleet management solution. Read more

Leapmotor International opens orders in Europe

Designated Stellantis brand vehicle dealers throughout Europe are now playing a greater role in offering consumers clean, safe and affordable mobility by taking orders for Leapmotor fully electric vehicles, with deliveries set for later this year. The launch of dealer orders is a milestone for Leapmotor International, the 51:49 joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor. Read more

First images of Renault 4 E-Tech 100% Electric revealed

Renault has unveiled details of the Renault 4 E-Tech 100% electric’s exterior, in the buildup to its reveal during the Paris Motor Show on 14 October. Read more

Hyundai Motor hits major milestone with 100 million vehicles produced globally

Hyundai Motor Company celebrated a significant milestone, marking 100 million units of global cumulative production. This achievement was accomplished in just 57 years since the company’s foundation. Read more

BMW M Mixed Reality: New features to enhance the digital driving experience

The BMW Group is expanding its revolutionary driving experience with BMW M Mixed Reality, which breaks down the boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds through state-of-the-art VR/MR technologies. The vehicle itself becomes the controller – a unique 3D interaction between driver, vehicle and environment. Read more

New Vehicle Risk Rating model launching to help insurers keep pace with new and emerging vehicle risks 

Thatcham Research, the insurer funded global leader in automotive risk intelligence, announces the launch of the new Vehicle Risk Rating (VRR) system to improve the accuracy of vehicle insurability assessments. Developed with the motor insurance industry, this new model introduces a more comprehensive and dynamic framework for evaluating vehicle risks, evolving the longstanding Group Rating system. Read more

Sharing vehicle data: let’s not reinvent the wheel 

There are over 20 existing EU regulations governing the sharing of data from connected vehicles. These rules already allow consumers full control over their data while providing a fair and balanced system for third-party access. Despite the current load of regulations, the EU is gearing up to introduce yet another one. Read more

Copart Recognised for Setting the Standard for Roadside Safety 

Copart has received the IVR Roadside Safety Award 2024 in recognition of our commitment and innovative approach to training, setting standards, and leading by example when it comes to roadside safety. Read more

BSI launches Flex 1886 v2.0 

BSI has introduced the second version of BSI Flex 1886 System aspects for remote operation of vehicles – Guide. This updated guide offers practical insights on developing and managing remote operation systems for automated vehicles on public roads and in public spaces. Read more

NWVA welcomes more charity sponsors

AirPro Diagnostics, Campana Gardens and RH Bodyworks are the latest sponsors of the Bob Linwood Memorial Trophy Football Match taking place at The London Stadium on Tuesday 15 October 2024. The latest names join sponsors including: Copart, Entegral, JR Revell, RH Prestige Cars, Expedient Security, Boniface Engineering, AUGGIE, Vision Vehicles and Orbital Repair Solutions. The event is raising funds for DEBRA. Read more

Prime Minister overhauls apprenticeships to support opportunity 

The government is boosting opportunities for young people through ambitious apprenticeship reforms in England. 

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson have announced a new growth and skills levy which will replace the existing apprenticeship levy and include new foundation apprenticeships. Read more

316 stolen vehicles recovered in intensification week 

The first intensification week as part of national policing’s Operation Alliances to tackle serious organised vehicle crime has concluded with 316 stolen vehicles recovered with an estimated value of over £4m. 

The stolen vehicles included cars, motorcycles, lorries, scrap vehicles and various vehicle parts linked to thefts were also recovered. Read more

RAC and Continental Automotive launch exclusive telematics partnership for fleet and business vehicle operators 

The RAC’s dedicated telematics division, RAC Connected, is offering business vehicle operators a safer and more efficient method of fleet management through a new partnership with Continental Automotive. 

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Continental Automotive customers can choose from the RAC’s suite of telematics products, all of which help fleet managers reduce vehicle running costs. Read more

New figures reveal that more than a fifth of MOTs were failed last year 

According to analysis of Government figures by motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, more than one in five vehicle MOT tests in Britain ended in failure last year. 

The data revealed that more than 9.9 million out of the 43.7 million MOT tests carried out by mechanics in 2023 were unsuccessful. Read more

Annual increases in quoted car insurance premiums slow to 9.8% 

Price rises for car insurance are continuing to slow, but motorists still face an annual rise of 9.8% in average quoted premiums, according to the latest Consumer Intelligence Car Insurance Price Index. 

However, most of the increase occurred between August last year and December, with average quoted premiums remaining unchanged over the past three months. Read more

Insurance industry detects £1bn worth of fraudulent claims 

Cracking down on insurance fraud remains a top priority for the industry according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) as its latest figures reveal £1.1bn worth of fraudulent claims were detected last year, up four per cent on 2022. Read more

Hyundai Motor, Kia and Samsung Electronics Join Forces to Advance SDV User Experience 

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation announced a strategic technology partnership with Samsung Electronics to enhance the integration between software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and smartphones, aiming to secure a leading position in the mobility service ecosystem. Read more

High Mobility integrates Volkswagen Group vehicle data 

High Mobility is an authorised data marketplace partner for Volkswagen Group Info Services. This partnership provides access to a wide range of live vehicle data, including mileage, consumption, geolocation, and vehicle maintenance information, supporting various use cases. With all major European brands available, the High Mobility platform is the ideal access point for next-generation fleet operations and advanced fleet management solutions. Read more

Canoo launches commercial operations and activation centre in UK 

Canoo Inc, a high-tech advanced mobility company, has announced the company’s official launch into the United Kingdom market by establishing Canoo Technologies UK Limited, a new legal entity in the UK, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy. Canoo has selected Bicester Motion, an iconic automotive campus, as a key location that reflects the company’s spirit of innovation and commitment to sustainability. Read more

Hyundai Motor Company and Škoda Group to Collaborate on Hydrogen Advancement and Energy Efficient Solutions for Mobility 

Hyundai Motor Company and Škoda Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to commence collaboration on establishing a hydrogen mobility ecosystem. 

Ken Ramírez, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Hydrogen Business at Hyundai Motor Company, and Petr Novotný, CEO of Škoda Group, signed the MOU during the Korea-Czech Republic Business Summit in Prague. Read more