Daily Motor News – Monday 23 March 2026

ILC ARTICLE

23rd March 2026

This week’s Daily Motor News reflects a sector continuing to adapt to mounting cost pressures, evolving technology and changing operational demands.

The National Body Repair Association has highlighted increasing financial strain across the repair network, with rising operational costs creating ongoing challenges for businesses across the UK vehicle repair sector. These pressures are echoed more widely in ILC partner content, including analysis on the future of total loss, which points to the growing impact of labour, parts, materials and ADAS calibration costs.

Against this backdrop, innovation remains a clear priority. HDI Global UK & Ireland has launched a new Motor Fleet Portal, designed to streamline processes for fleet operators and brokers through a centralised digital platform. Preparations are also continuing for ARC360 2026, where insurers, vehicle manufacturers and supply chain partners are expected to come together to explore the future of repair, technology and talent.

Elsewhere, automotive change continues at pace, from consumer car finance trends to sustainability across the sector and DVSA training requirements for MOT testers.

Taken together, these developments underline a market balancing cost pressures with ongoing transformation.

NBRA highlights repair cost pressures

The National Body Repair Association (NBRA) has issued an update addressing growing financial pressures across the vehicle repair sector, following feedback from repairers experiencing rising operational costs. Read more

HDI Global UK & Ireland launches new Motor Fleet Portal

Corporate & Specialty insurer HDI Global UK & Ireland (HDI) has today launched a new sophisticated centralised Motor Fleet Portal, providing a one-stop digital platform for fleet operators and brokers. Read more

e2e: The future of total loss belongs to the few who choose differently

‘Labour, parts, materials, and ADAS calibration have pushed repair costs up nearly 25% since 2019. More borderline cases now cross the economic threshold. EVs and hybrids are written off at unprecedented rates – in some cases 75–80% of the time – because battery uncertainty and OEM repair protocols make moderate damage uneconomic.’ Read more

Insurers and VMs rally for ARC360 2026

With over 400 delegates expected, ARC360 2026 will deliver a packed programme of keynote sessions, expert panels, technical showcases and vehicle demonstrations. The New Generation Hub, delivered in partnership with AutoRaise, also makes its debut, highlighting future talent in the sector. Read more

Transport innovation in Greenwich: a borough shaping the future of mobility

Following the passage of the UK Government’s Automated Vehicles Act in 2024, we’re expecting to see the first commercial self-driving taxis launched in London by the end of next year. To better understand what’s happening now, Nick Reed takes us back to the deck of an automated shuttle on the Greenwich Peninsula on a cold morning in 2015. Read more

Volvo Cars recognised as a world leader in software-defined cars

Volvo Cars has achieved the highest possible ranking on carmakers’ software defined capabilities by S&P Global Mobility. It is the only legacy carmaker globally to reach Level 5 SDV (software-defined vehicle) capability. Read more

Consumer car finance new business volumes fell by 1% in January 2026

New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer car finance new business volumes fell 1% in January 2026 compared with the same month in 2025. The corresponding value of new business was 3% higher over the same period. In the twelve months to January 2026, new business volumes grew by 2% compared with the same period in 2025. Read more

Copart: Driving Progress in Sustainability Across Our Sector 

It was a pleasure to be part of the panel for Admiral-hosted event ‘Creating a Circular Economy for Good’ at Wales Week/London in February. Alongside Autoglass and Steer Automotive Group, we explored how more circular approaches can deliver solutions that work for people, planet, and business, and shared our experience in vehicle recycling and green parts. Read more

MOT testers risk suspension over missed training deadline

MOT testers could be suspended from carrying out tests if they fail to complete mandatory annual training and assessment by 31 March, according to guidance from the DVSA. Read more

Work from home and drive more slowly to save energy, global body urges

With energy prices still high due to the conflict in the Gulf, governments around the world are being urged to reduce driving speed limits and encourage more working from home. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has suggested 10 measures to reduce the amount of energy being consumed across the world, covering travel, homes and work habits. Read more

Woodgate & Clark has become an associate of the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA). BIBA is the UK’s leading general insurance intermediary organisation representing the interests of insurance brokers, intermediaries and their customers.

One of the UK’s biggest car park companies collapsed into administration this week, leaving almost 700 jobs at risk. For many, their first reaction to the news was bafflement. How could a company that charged as much as £65 for a day’s parking fail to turn a profit? So where did it all go wrong for National Car Parks, and what could its future look like? Read more

Forvis Mazars, a leading global professional services network, has reported its FY25 results in the UK, with revenue growing over 8% in the year ending 31 August 2025. The revenue growth: to £391.9m, from £362.4m in the prior year, reflects a period of ongoing growth for the firm as it maintains its investment in quality, people and technology. Read more