People, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith helped celebrate the best apprentices in the country as the winners of WorldSkills UK were revealed last week after three days of intense competition.
Young people from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland competed in Greater Manchester in over 40 different skills to be named the ‘best in the UK’ and earn a place on Team GB.
In Automotive Body Repair, Jordan Lingham, Sinclair Group, won Gold, with Silver going to Aaran Cooper, Steer Automotive Group, and Owen Thomas, BP Rolls Newport, taking Bronze. Joe Wilton of SDM Paintworks was highly commended.
Meanwhile, Gold winner in Automotive Refinishing was Victoria Steele, also of Sinclair Bodyshop, with Ben Robertson, G&H Body Repair, taking Silver. Bronze went to Teagan Whiteman, Fix Auto Newport, while Ben Williams, TJ Trade Body Repairs, was Highly Commended.
Underscoring what these achievements mean to the apprentices and their employers, Ian Pugh, Managing Director for Fix Auto UK, said, “Teagan is a credit to all within the group. This is an ambitious and clearly hugely talented young lady who literally walked straight out of school and into our Newport centre two years ago and simply asked for a job.
“Since that day she has excelled. Credit must be given to John Bowler, who manages the site, and our head painter Alex Braddon who has mentored Teagan from day one. To have an apprentice from the network on the precipice of competing on the WorldSkills international stage is yet another incredible chapter for us.”
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith added, “Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s magnificent competition. Competitions like WorldSkills UK are so important in nurturing talent, providing a vital platform for young people to develop the skills they need to seize opportunities and achieve growth.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words
Bodyshop News
Gemini Accident Repair Centres has earned Platinum accredited membership in The 5% Club’s 2024-25 Employer Audit Scheme for the second consecutive year, building on three successful years at Gold status.
Irv’s Auto Body Repairs & VW Restorations in Barrow In Furness has successfully completed its stage two BS10125:2022 assessment, supported by ECS.
Smart Automotive Bodyshop has passed its BS10125 audit with zero non-conformities for the first time.
Thatcham Research has welcomed its second group of apprentices, with 34 new starters joining from Solus and ABL 1 Touch Group. It has now welcomed around 130 apprentices this year.
Stellantis has concluded the final session of its 2024 training series at the Eyebox Training & Conference Centre in Coventry. The programme was delivered by Business Success Global.
Adam Murray will start a new position as Head of Policy, Standards & Accreditation at Solus – an Aviva company.
Page Automotive Group has announced that Declan McCluskey has joined as Managing Director.
GMC Autos is now part of the Volkswagen Paint & Body Network, accredited for Audi, Cupra, SEAT, ŠKODA, Volkswagen, and VW Commercial vehicles.
Autocraft is mourning the loss of Colin Fielding, one of the founders of Autocraft Telford, who sadly passed away last week.
VM News
Stellantis launches third all-new, multi-energy platform
Stellantis has unveiled the STLA Frame platform, a BEV-native, multi-energy platform engineered for full-size body-on-frame pickup trucks and SUVs. Full story
XPENG announces strategic UK distributor partnership with International Motors
XPENG has announced a strategic partnership with International Motors as its official distributor in the UK. This partnership marks a significant step in XPENG’s global expansion and underscores its commitment to delivering AI-driven, sustainable mobility solutions worldwide. Full story
BMW Group Plant Debrecen picks up the pace
BMW Group Plant Debrecen in Hungary is shifting into first gear with the first near-series fully-electric X models for the Neue Klasse now leaving the production line. Full story
How GM uses AI to improve vehicle software – and safety
Modern cars and trucks are powered by software. That’s true for gas-powered vehicles, EVs, and hybrids. In any current model, software will play an important role in driver safety, navigation, entertainment and operations. Full story
Ford announces measures to achieve long-term competitiveness in Europe
Ford Motor Company today announced restructuring plans to create a more cost-competitive structure and ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of its business in Europe. The company is planning to further reduce its European workforce by 4,000 positions by the end of 2027. Full story
Nissan calls for urgent action on UK Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate
Nissan has called for urgent action to avoid carmakers being penalised for the slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) sales in the UK resulting from outdated targets in the UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicles Mandate. Full story
Hyundai redefines EV mobility with IONIQ 9 Electric SUV
Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled IONIQ 9, a three-row, all-electric SUV with expansive interior space that fuses cutting-edge design and innovative electric vehicle (EV) technology. Full story
NIO announces its third brand: firefly
NIO has officially unveiled its third brand, firefly, along with its first product sharing the same name. Positioned in the boutique compact car market, firefly aims to further expand NIO’s product portfolio and leverage existing sales channels to drive growth efficiently. Full story
Michael Lohscheller: Keep the faith
It’s 2024 and greenhouse gas emissions are still increasing. Despite all the discussions. Despite all the ambitions and, sadly, despite all the investments that are being made by private sector companies and public bodies. What’s missing? Full story
Copy nothing: A new era for Jaguar
A new era for Jaguar has begun with the reveal of a completely reimagined brand. Full story
Industry News
Trend Tracker values repair market at more than £9bn
Trend Tracker’s ‘UK Motor Claims and Body Repair Report 2024-2025’ has valued the vehicle repair market at more than £9bn this year despite volumes falling in the insurance repair sector. Full story
Euro NCAP releases latest safety ratings
The Cupra Tavascan and MH HS have both achieved top safety ratings in the latest Euro NCAP tests. However, the Ford Tourneo Courier only received three stars. Full story
IMI reveals stagnating skills gap
The latest IMI Automotive Vacancies Report has revealed that the automotive sector continues to struggle to tackle the skills gap. Its analysis of the September 2024 data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows motor trades vacancies at 20,000 with 3.5 vacancies for every 100 employees. Full story
Industry bodies collaborate to tackle EV confusion
Auto Trader, ChargeUK and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have joined forces to combat misinformation surrounding electric cars. Full story
WorldSkills UK competition-based learning playbook launches
WorldSkills UK is proud to launch its brand-new competition-based learning playbook, which for the first time brings together the full range of its training and development resources, to support educators in embedding world-class training programmes into the curriculum. Full story
EV breakdowns ‘out of charge’ lowest ever this year
The proportion of electric vehicles running out of charge this year in the UK has dropped to the lowest ever, according to new AA statistical analysis. The figures show ‘out of charge’ EV breakdowns, which are calculated as a percentage of all EV breakdowns, are at a record low in 2024 of less than 2% (1.85%). The rolling 12-month figure for 2023 was 2.26%. Full story
Automotive charity Ben brings back Christmas families project
Automotive industry charity Ben is launching its ‘Christmas families project’ for another year, supporting families who might otherwise have to make impossible choices about heating or eating and whether they can afford Christmas gifts. Full story
People
Steve Plunkett has joined Volkswagen Group UK as Body Repair Channel Manager.
Andy Caine has been appointed Business Development Manager at Autoglass.
Gallagher Bassett Chief Operating Officer John Fearn has presented the 20 Years of Service Award to our Motor and Property Fulfilment Director, Mark Garnham.
GYS has appointed Grace Hodges as North West Area Sales Manager.
Sara Smith has been named Head of Vehicle Supply and Funding at Fleet Assist.
Anthony McAteer has been appointed Senior European Sales Director at LKQ Europe.
Matthew Simpkins has been appointed Global Head – Industry Strategist – Automotive at Salesforce.
Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words
Auto Trader, ChargeUK and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have joined forces to combat misinformation surrounding electric cars.
The group has created a collection of user-friendly, simplified facts that offers a more balanced and data-backed view of the reality of owning and driving electric cars.
These facts clarify points such as how electric cars are greener, are no more likely to catch fire than an ICE car, and that the electric range and charging point availability is better than some might think.
The information will be regularly reviewed and updated, and endorsed by the Department for Transport.
This comes after the House of Lords’ Environment and Climate Change Committee published a Report – ‘EV strategy: rapid recharge needed’ – highlighting the confusing messages that exist in the media towards EVs and called for “a ‘go-to’ source of comprehensive, clear and balanced information.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said, “Zero emission vehicles will drive our journey to net zero, which is why this government is committed to accelerating the transition. Ensuring consumers have clear, accurate information when deciding what kind of car to buy is essential. This work by industry is absolutely vital to boosting drivers’ confidence in zero emission vehicles, and I’m pleased to back it.”
Automotive industry charity Ben is launching its ‘Christmas families project’ for another year, supporting families who might otherwise have to make impossible choices about heating or eating and whether they can afford Christmas gifts.
Now in its fifth year, Ben’s Christmas families project keeps roofs over heads, lights on, food on tables, as well as putting gifts under trees for those feeling cost-of-living pressures.
Last year, it supported 265 automotive families through the project, including 120 children. It’s expected that the charity will help even more people this year.
Rachel Clift, Chief Executive Officer at Ben, said, “We recognise that times are still really tough for many. No one in our automotive family should face homelessness or have to make impossible decisions about whether they can afford to put food on the table or heat their homes. We’re here for those struggling or in crisis. We provide life-changing and, often life-saving, support to many families and individuals who can’t afford the basics and we urge people to contact our helpline. We want everyone in the automotive industry to know that Ben is here for them.”
Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
The latest IMI Automotive Vacancies Report has revealed that the automotive sector continues to struggle to tackle the skills gap.
Its analysis of the September 2024 data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows motor trades vacancies at 20,000 with 3.5 vacancies for every 100 employees.
However, despite the continued high level of vacancies, separate IMI analysis of job postings suggests employers have retracted recruitment plans over the last year, which is a serious concern for motorists requiring vehicle repairs and servicing.
Overall job postings reported in the IMI’s Labour Market Report decreased by 38% year on year (July 2024) with 51% of these positions for Vehicle Technicians, Mechanics, and Electricians. A complicated mix of factors are likely to be behind this decline including employer apathy and recruitment fatigue after failed hiring attempts, combined with caution due to economic uncertainty.
Azlina Bulmer, Managing Director of the IMI, said, “The proposed increase in employers NI contributions announced in the Autumn Budget Statement has the potential to impact recruitment as well as salaries, and this raises serious concerns that the already significant skills gap is only likely to be further exacerbated.
“Lack of access to qualified and continuously trained automotive experts presents a serious risk to road safety and social mobility, which we will raise in our response on behalf of our members to the government’s Industrial Strategy green paper: Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words
The Cupra Tavascan and MH HS have both achieved top safety ratings in the latest Euro NCAP tests.
However, the Ford Tourneo Courier only received three stars.
Testing found that the Cupra offers good protection to all vehicle occupants including children, with an active bonnet to protect pedestrians and good reactive response to cyclists and motorcyclists.
The car also has an indirect driver status monitoring system as standard, detecting driver fatigue although not distraction, as well as a lane support system and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control.
Meanwhile, the MG backed up its five-star rating in 2019 with another top score. It has good protection for pedestrians and cyclists as well as an effective autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system that responds well to a range of vulnerable road users.
However, Euro NCAP found that the Ford Tourneo Courier fell short of top safety standards. It revealed that in the full-width rigid barrier frontal impact, protection of the head was rated as poor for the small female sitting in the rear seat.Ford has committed to address this before the updated passenger car version will be re-assessed in 2025.
Dr. Michiel van Ratingen, Secretary General Euro NCAP, said, “It may seem that Euro NCAP is setting a tough task for manufacturers, yet we work closely together with industry, encouraging changes in car design that ultimately save lives. As Euro NCAP upgrades its protocols to be more stringent, with new guidelines for safety technologies and in relation to vulnerable users, we are ensuring that as a consumer, you have the best safety equipment available as standard on your new car to make your journey as safe as it can possibly be.”
In other results, the Ford Capri, Renault Rafale and Chery Omoda 5 all received five-star ratings and the Mitsubishi ASX received four stars.
Bodyshop, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Trend Tracker’s ‘UK Motor Claims and Body Repair Report 2024-2025’ has valued the vehicle repair market at more than £9bn this year despite volumes falling in the insurance repair sector.
The comprehensive report provides up-to-the-minute and essential commentary on the latest market position, and economic and market developments.
Trend Tracker Director and author of the Report, Paul Sell, said, “Amidst sweeping changes—societal, economic, technological, and environmental—the vehicle repair market continues to evolve rapidly. Success in this space depends on adapting to these shifts while balancing the need for investment in repair sector and managing insurance costs for consumers – by accessing our reports businesses can stay ahead of market change and not be surprised by changes in volumes or costs.
“However, along with the report being available to purchase, now readers can choose to subscribe to access monthly market updates, keeping their finger on the pulse.”
Hot topics include electric vehicles, the repair market size/share and trends, motor insurance and claims trends including average repair costs, repair volumes, cycle time trends, exclusive consumer survey results delivered by Consumer Intelligence as well as dedicated space for both sustainability and growing claims trends such as the use of AI.
The wide-ranging Report includes:
Economic insights and industry-relevant data on the impact of recent budget decisions, and staff retention
The expert view from ECA Business on what impact the Russia Ukraine war and conflict in the Middle East is having on energy costs
The impact of ZEV mandate for automotive in terms of new car sales and EV discounting
The detail behind the numbers: such as an ageing car parc (now at an average nine years old); the ADAS penetration in 2015-2023 models, and what the largest bodyshop group market share really means for the independent repair sector.
Macro data – including the fact there are more cars on the road, increased licence holders and the average trips being taken has increased too, drilling down to industry-relevant questions, such as why are claims still low when most macro factors suggest increases?
Essential data on EV vs ICE repair costs
Comprehensive GWP focuses on top five motor insurers showing growth in GWP (premium drivers) explored in detail alongside latest Confused.com data showing premium falls.
Ensuring repairability: the newly launched Thatcham Research vehicle rating system.
Paul continued, “Our approach at Trend Tracker is to make our data and insight accessible and affordable for the whole market, we can do this through the fantastic support of our sponsors – thank you to Advantage Parts Solutions, The CAPS Consortium, Chartwell Derby – (Powered by Steer), Entegral, Fix Auto UK, LKQ Europe and U-POL Global.
“There are so many people who have contributed enormously to add richness and value to this Report, including Dean Lander from Thatcham Research; Wayne Mason-Drust from NBRA / VBRA; Jade Edwards at Zapmap, Chris Wright from Solera|Audatex, Donna Scully at Carpenters Group; Mark Hadaway from ARC360 and I Love Claims; David Cresswell and Kelly Dalwood at ABP Club, Derren Martin at cap hpi, and Steve Thompson at Trend Tracker’s sister company, Industry Insights.”
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words
Bodyshop News
The Vella Group has announced that it has set emissions reduction targets that have been approved against the Science Based Targets initiative net zero criteria.Full story
SMART Bodyshop Solutions has announced the addition of former JC Accident Repairs to its group. The Scunthorpe-based site is the ninth repair site to join the network.
The NBRA/VBRA has announced that Fix Auto Sittingbourne has become its latest member.
Managers at Drive Motor Retail met to recap the successes of the year, including a Stellantis award for its Darlington site and Bury St Edmunds winning an Enterprise Customer award.
Prestige and supercar repairer Chartwell Derby (powered by Steer) has celebrated its 20th anniversary at its Pride Park location.
H&L Motors has achieved a100% pass rate in this year’s rigorous Volkswagen Group Audit, reflecting the company’s dedication to high repair and customer services standards and the use of genuine VWG parts.
Carlac hosted a Spies Hecker training day, showcasing new products, methods and systems. The day was attended by Exclusive Repair Network.
Silverster Crash Repair is now hiring for a new site due to open in February. It is seeking drivers, technicians, and front of house colleagues.
Autocraft Group has achieved a positive recommendation for BS 10125:2022 certification at its Shrewsbury site while Irvs Auto Body Restorations has completeda successful stage 2 BS10125:2022 assessment.
Avant Group has launched a new website promoting its repair network and innovative solutions for all vehicle types.
Revive! East Anglia has won the Trailblazer category in the 2024 BFA/HSBC Franchisee of the Year awards. Last year the business saw turnover rise from £1.2m to £1.7m and is on target to break the £2m barrier later this year.
Chesterfield Car Clinic has announced its sponsorship of Chesterfield Junior Blues U10s, which plays in the NDYFL.
Drive Group Australia has unveiled Drive Group Dandenong, which is its 20th site across Australia and New Zealand.
VM News
Euro NCAP’s results highlight safety as a priority in new car design
This month, three new cars went through Euro NCAP’s rigorous testing: the sporty electric SUV Cupra Tavascan, the SUV MG HS and the MPV Ford Tourneo Courier. The two SUVs achieve Euro NCAP’s top rating of five stars. Ford’s new MPV achieves a disappointing three stars but also comes with a commitment from the company to improve. Full story
Rivian and VWG announce joint venture
Rivian Automotive and Volkswagen Group will create a new joint venture, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, to develop next-generation electrical architecture. The deal is worth £4.6bn. Full story
UK Uber Drivers Race to Toyota’s All-Electric bZ4X
More than 1,000 of Britain’s Uber drivers have ordered Toyota’s all-electric bZ4X SUV following the launch of a new partnership between the manufacturer and the leading transportation and ride-hailing business. Full story
Volvo Cars sells 30% stake in Lynk & Co to Zeekr
Volvo Cars has announced the divestment of its 30% stake in Lynk & Co to Zeekr in a transaction representing a consideration of about £576m. Full story
NIO delivers at COP29
As a member of Green Car Park of COP29, NIO provided premium mobility services for heads of state and government at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Full story
XPENG achieves MSCI’s ESG highest AAA rating for second year
XPENG Motors has announced it has again secured MSCI’s highest ESG rating of ‘AAA’ for 2024. This prestigious rating highlights XPENG’s leadership in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. Full story
Industry News
Automotive Vacancy Rate Tracker: Sector stuck in neutral as vacancies remain at 20,000 while job postings decrease year on year
The latest IMI Automotive Vacancies Report reveals the sector continues to struggle to tackle the skills gap. The IMI’s analysis of the September 2024 data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) shows motor trades vacancies at 20,000 with 3.5 vacancies for every 100 employees. Full story
Updated uninsured driving hotspots revealed, as police launch week of action to keep roads safe
New hotspots data has uncovered the worst offending areas for uninsured driving across the UK, with Birmingham leading the pack. The data has been released by Motor Insurers’ Bureau to coincide with their annual ‘Operation Drive Insured’ campaign. Full story
One in five cars damaged by potholes has to be written off
Data from leading insurer Allianz reveals that one in five (21%) insurance claims where a vehicle hit a pothole leads to the vehicle being declared an insurance write-off. Since the start of 2023, Allianz has paid out more than £4.6m for 1,266 pothole claims. Full story
New evidence of worsening outlook for electric vehicle market reinforces need for urgent action
S&P Global data reveals a substantial downward revision in BEV market share forecasts for 2025, from 27% in the first half of the year to 21% today. This recalibration signals a major compliance setback for the EU’s 2025 CO2 emission targets, linked directly to the reduced BEV market penetration, stoking concern across EU capitals. Full story
Average motor premiums fall again
Average motor premiums fell two per cent between July and September, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). It found premiums fell to £612 after a similar two per cent fall in the second quarter of the year. Full story
Solera and CARSTAR have highlighted the benefits of Qaptar Mobile Inspection, an innovative AI-powered solution which can reduce non-drive estimates from over 90 minutes to 20 minutes or less. Full story
Glasurit solution lowers emissions
Glasurit is promoting the A-C-24 solution which can help bodyshops reduce environmental impact when handling electric vehicles. A-C-24 offers rapid drying in just 20 minutes at 40oC or 10 minutes at 60oC. This can lower CO2 emissions by up to 40%. Full story
Charity challenge
Thatcham Research Group Product Manager Karen Jakes is joining NBRA Director Martyn Rowley to raise money for Ben Automotive Chairity by running 60 miles across the Sahara in four days. They hope to raise upwards of £2,000 for the charity. Full story
People
Damien O’Sullivan has been appointed Managing Director of Volkswagen Group UK, succeeding Alex Smith.
Activate Accident Repair has appointed Lee Johnson as Regional Operations Manager.
Accident Credit Group has appointed Steve Daley as its third Business Development Manager.
Lee Berridge has celebrated 10 years at LKQ Coatings and announced the company is looking to expand its technical team.
Stellantis has announced the appointment of Davide Grasso as Chief Heritage Officer reporting to Carlos Tavares, Chief Executive Officer.
Bodyshop, Environment, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
The Vella Group has announced that it has set emissions reduction targets that have been approved against the Science Based Targets initiative net zero criteria.
The targets, covering greenhouse gas emissions from business operations, are consistent with the latest climate science advice to prevent the most damaging effects of climate change.
Joining the SBTi net zero criteria reflects The Vella Group’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility.
Marc Holding, Managing Director, said, “We are proud to commit to science-based targets as part of our journey towards a more sustainable future. By aligning with the Science Based Targets initiative, we are reinforcing our dedication to responsible business practices that benefit our communities, customers, and employees.
“The commitment marks an important step in our efforts to drive positive change across the repair industry. We understand that setting these targets is the beginning of this journey, and over coming months we will be rolling out changes to our repair process to ensure that we hit our emissions reduction targets for 2024 and 2025.”
The Science Based Targets initiative is a global organisation that helps companies set specific, measurable, and time-bound targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Training, Vehicle Repair, wellbeing and Words
Apprenticeship Central is relaunching to deliver tailormade recruitment and retention solutions for UK bodyshops.
Following the passing of Apprenticeship Central Founder, Bob Linwood in early 2024 and a pause in activity, the business now makes a return led by Director Eleanor Baker-Barnes. She will be supported by existing team members Mandy Gibson and Jake Watson in operational roles, and Morag Linwood in HR.
Also returning to support the business is industry apprentice pioneer, Chris Oliver.
Eleanor said, “I am delighted to be heading-up the new look Apprenticeship Central. Bob and Morag [Linwood] set the benchmark for recruitment and retention of apprentices. I have spoken to bodyshops across the UK and seen the value their work added to bodyshop businesses. I am extremely excited about building on that legacy.”
Chris added, “Having begun this journey over a decade ago I am over the moon to be invited back by Eleanor and her team. Not to say a little surprised too. Thankfully, we all now know the value of apprentices. Many of us are aware that the work Bob did was immeasurable. It is privilege to continue that work. The responsibility for continuing that legacy does not escape me either.”
