Repairs in the spotlight as ARC360 goes live
ARC360 will shine a light on the future of vehicle repair when it returns with its first physical event in two years.
Taking place under the ARC360 banner of Gaining Ground Together, ‘Back to the Future’ will be held at the British Motor Museum on Thursday, 25 November.
IMI welcomes Budget training pledge
The Institute of the Motor Industry has welcomed the government’s Budget commitment to invest £3.8bn in training during the course of the current parliament.
However, it has asked for clarity around how the £2.7bn set aside for apprenticeships will be spent, arguing that priority must be given to updating existing apprenticeship models to ensure they are fit for purpose.
The IMI is also urging the government to commit part of the investment to upskilling the existing automotive workforce.
Car production slumps in September
Car production in the UK fell by 41.5% in September, representing the third consecutive month of decline. According to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, just 67,169 cars were manufactured in the month, making it the worst performing September since 1982.
Despite these figures, production of the latest battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and hybrid (HEV) cars continues to grow, with 21,679 units manufactured in the month, or 32.3% of all cars made.
Thatcham Research welcomes Tesla OTA pause
Thatcham Research has welcomed the news that Tesla is rolling back the latest Over the Air update to its ‘Full Self Driving’ software.
Director or research Matthew Avery said the decision to delay was the right one because drivers might be confused by the term, ‘Full Self Driving’, and not realise that they are still responsible for the vehicle and need to remain constantly engaged.
Furthermore, he said there were real risks of testing new updates in a real-world environment, warning there were ‘significant risks’ that the system would not perform as anticipated.
Copart EV-ready
Copart has announced it is prepared for the surge in electric vehicles, with more than a decade’s worth of experience in handling and dismantling EVs.
Its fleet of over 200 transporters all carry specific chemical and battery neutralisers for leaks or spills, while all drivers have been trained and equipped to identify and neutralise potential fire risks.
Meanwhile, all its 15 Operation Centres have been issued with specialised safety equipment as well as high voltage emergency carbon fibre ‘hook’ boom in case of emergencies.
Euro NCAP safety scores announced
Four out of the five vehicles that have just undergone the penultimate round of Euro NCAP testing received five-star safety ratings.
Among them was Ford’s first all-electric SUV, the Mustang Mach. Also securing five stars were the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Hyundai Tucson, and the Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid. The Hyundai Bayon achieved four stars.
NBRA calls for business rate clarity
The National Body Repair Association (NBRA) is urging the government to confirm that the 50% discount in business rates for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will also apply to bodyshops.
Bodyshops struggled to secure business rate relief during Covid-19, with some local authorities approving the relief and others arguing that repairers were not included on the list of eligible businesses.
NBRA executive director Chris Weeks said: “It is crucial that bodyshops can claim this new discount to help them to stay afloat and retain their staff.”
Audatex names new Business Development Manager
Audatex has announced that Steve Warwick has been appointed Business Development Manager responsible for Audatex sales within the UK bodyshop industry.
He steps up from his position as Regional Trainer, having first joined the Audatex training department in 2008.
ElectriX established to smooth EV switch
A new service has been launched to help drivers switch to electric vehicles. Powered by LV= General Insurance, ElectriX gathers all the information new drivers need about EVs in a single site, providing both an overview and detailed insight into the basics of electric vehicle ownership, charging, and cost implications.
Apart from helping drivers identify the EV that’s right for them, Electrix will also address issues such as leasing and charge point installations in the future.
Car reliance at a 15-year high
A new survey has found that reliance on cars is at a 15-year high despite the average work commute dropping from five days to three. The RAC questioned 2,652 UK motorists and found that 82% said they would now struggle without access to a car, up from 79% last year and 74% in 2019.
It found that 53% said there was no public transport alternative, while 46% said they wouldn’t use it even if it was available.
£864m in fines predicted from ULEZ expansion
The London Ultra Low Emission Zone has expanded to cover almost the entire region between the North and South Circular Roads. The expansion on Monday means ULEZ is now about 18 times larger than it was previously.
Drivers in uncompliant vehicles will have to pay £12.50 to enter the zone or pay a fine of £160. However, with awareness of the expansion understood to be under 50%, vehicle management app Caura is predicting fines in excess of £864m in the first six months alone.
Morelli secures PAS2060 status
Morelli Group has secured PAS2060 status across all its branches, including Slim’s Detailing, its online detailing chemicals and associated products website.
It has achieved carbon neutrality with the support of ECA Energy.
