ARC360 News – Friday 21 August 2026

iRG has introduced iDirect driven by iRG – a new mobile repair service to provide customers with a more convenient solution without compromising on its high standards. Read more

XL Motors in Coventry has announced a partnership with Tractable. It enables customers to submit photos of vehicle damage directly through the XL Motors website with Tractable’s AI reviewing the photos to produce an initial assessment. Read more

Fastech Dunstable has achieved BSI10125 Kitemark accreditation.

IRG Cardiff has passed its first VWG audit – just four months after going live.

Rob Wallace has joined Essex smart Repairs Ltd as its new Business Development Manager.

Activate Group has continued its Bodyshop Spotlight series by taking a closer look at one of its flagship repair centres: Activate Accident Repair Warrington. Read more

Allianz UK has launched a vehicle repair project designed to support apprentice skills development while demonstrating the use of recycled parts in accident repair. Read more

Chinese car giant to set up UK research centre 

The Chinese car giant Chery Automobile will open a new research centre in Bedfordshire later this year, as it builds up its presence in the UK. The Research and Development (R&D) Centre of Excellence will be based at UTAC Millbrook, a large testing facility widely used by the motor industry and the Ministry of Defence. Read more

MG ZS is August’s fastest-selling used car as EVs dominate and Minis struggle 

The MG ZS has been August’s fastest-selling used car with the Chinese model flying off the forecourts this month. That is according to fresh data from Autotrader, which has revealed that the hybrid version of the car is currently taking an average of just 13.5 days to sell. Read more

Farizon selects Europcar 

Farizon has selected Europcar Mobility Group UK to provide a vehicle replacement service designed to minimise downtime for customers when their electric vans require repair. Read more

Geely Auto Reports Record H1 2026

Geely Automobile Holdings Limited has announced its financial results for the first half of 2026, reporting record sales of more than 1.42 million vehicles. Read more

Exclusive book launch set for ILC motor conference 

A new book examining the relationship between the insurance claims experience and customer retention will launch at ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference (EMCC) on 10 September 2026. Read more

RAC expands cosmetic cover as used car parc ages

RAC Warranty has expanded its dealer-sold scratch-and-dent insurance after reporting increased demand from buyers seeking to protect older used cars. The enhanced policy covers larger scratches and deeper dents, extends paintless dent repairs to more panels and adds windscreen, glass and motor insurance excess benefits. Read more

Repairify expands workshop support 

Repairify has strengthened its support for independent workshops through an enhanced collaboration with Launch Tech UK and Ireland, extending access to remote diagnostics, dealer-level tooling and technical expertise. Read more

Ayvens and FMG extend 20-year partnership 

Ayvens has signed a new multi-year incident management contract with FMG, further extending the companies’ 20-year partnership.  Read more

ALA launches specialist pothole insurance policy 

Yorkshire-based GAP insurance provider ALA Insurance has expanded its product offering with the launch of a specialist Pothole Insurance policy. The policy provides up to £2,000 of cover each year for eligible pothole-related damage, including tyres, alloy wheels, wheel alignment and balancing, suspension, bodywork and paintwork, and headlights. Read more

Why a more sustainable aftermarket is also a more cost efficient one

The working assumption in most conversations about sustainable vehicle repair is that doing the right thing environmentally comes at a cost. That circular economy goals and commercial pressures pull against each other, and that workshops, insurers and motorists will end up paying a premium for greener outcomes. I want to make the opposite argument. Read more

Investing in the Future of Green Parts 

There’s growing interest in using recycled parts in vehicle repairs. For insurers, fleets and repairers, they can offer a practical way to manage costs, reduce waste and keep more original components in use. Read more

TyreSafe reminds drivers of ongoing risks around part-worn tyres and the importance of vigilance 

TyreSafe is reminding UK drivers of the continued risks associated with part-worn tyres, following a series of enforcement operations and investigations carried out with Trading Standards, police teams and local authorities. Read more