Daily Motor News – Thursday 07 May 2026 

‘Operational disruption is feeding into broader supply chain pressure. Increased freight rates, surcharges and energy costs are making cargo movement more expensive. The real question is who bears those additional costs. The supply chain is already considerably strained and it is questionable as to whether the supply chain has the resilience to withstand any further disruption.’ Shaan Burton, Partner, Kennedys Law. Read more

Credit hire dispute resolution to launch this Summer after successful pilot 

Online resolution for disputed credit hire claims becoming ‘normal industry practice’ has taken a significant step forward with plans to launch an online process, open to all insurers and credit hire companies (CHCs) who subscribe to the GTA, during the Summer of 2026. Read more

Activate launches collision brand 

Activate Group has launched a new insurer-focused collision management brand following the integration of its Motor Repair Network and Avant Repair Network businesses. The new business, Activate Collision Solutions, has been created after Activate Group’s acquisition of Avant in 2025 and is designed to provide insurers and brokers with a more integrated approach to motor claims and repair management. Read more

Inflation pressures mount amid geopolitical instability 

The UK economy is facing renewed inflationary pressure, with geopolitical developments and rising energy costs contributing to growing uncertainty, according to the latest Inflation Update April 2026 from DAC Beachcroft’s Strategic Advisory team. Read more

Uninsured drivers: 2.9 million admit they’ve been fined for driving without cover 

One in 20 adults have received a fine for driving without insurance, and 3.2 million admitted that they have lost their policy details once before. A new study has estimated that approximately 2.9 million motorists have been fined for driving without insurance at least once in the past. Read more

Beyond the lock: the changing landscape of vehicle theft 

As automotive technology advances, so too do the methods used by car thieves. Today’s thieves aren’t just relying on traditional methods; they’re using more advanced techniques and actively working to block tracking and recovery efforts.  Read more

Covéa names Stephen Long COO 

Covéa Insurance has appointed Stephen Long as Chief Operating Officer (COO), following unanimous support from the company’s Board. The move formally recognises the strategic importance of his role within the business as the insurer continues to focus on operational efficiency, customer service and Consumer Duty outcomes. Read more

Ford is in ‘very advanced’ talks to sell part of EU plant to China’s Geely, but there’s more 

According to a report from the Spanish media outlet La Tribuna de Automoción, Volvo’s parent company, Geely, has agreed to buy the Body 3 vehicle assembly lines at its Valencia factory in Spain. Read more

More cars than ever on UK roads… so why does the market feel tougher than ever? 

Britain now has 42.5 million vehicles on the road! On paper, that sounds like a strong, growing UK automotive market. But if you work in the motor trade, it probably doesn’t feel like that right now writes Peter Smyth, Director at Swansway Motor Group. Read more

Living with a Volkswagen Tayron 

There is a lot of noise across Europe currently about EVs, both in terms of number of sales and general press coverage, and there is no doubt that recent events may well drive sales up further. Thatcham Research’s Head of Automotive, Ben Townsend reports. Read more

Best-selling cars in April: UK favourite beats Jaecoo 7 to top spot 

New car sales rose 24% in April and the two millionth UK-registered electric car hit the road, according to the latest industry data, while a popular SUV reclaimed the top spot from a Chinese model. Read more

Middle East crisis: impacts on the supply chain 

Recent escalation in the conflict continues to place pressure on global supply chains. Commercial container shipping has been targeted and, in response, several shipping lines are adjusting operations by terminating transits early, diverting cargo to alternative “safe” ports and applying additional charges for onward transit. These operational responses are contributing to congestion, delay, increased insurance costs, and growing pressure on contractual performance across supply chains.  Read more

AI, strategy, and the future of work: Oxford economist Jean-Paul Carvalho 

Professor Jean-Paul Carvalho explores how AI is reshaping cognitive work, organisations, and where business leaders can capture value at scale. Read more

Solera accelerates innovation with Hollander Powerlink new embedded integrations  

Solera, a global leader in data-driven vehicle lifecycle solutions, today announced the expansion of Hollander Powerlink with two new embedded integrations, Direct-Hit by Identifix repair intelligence and InsightsConnect analytics, along with a preview of the upcoming Powerlink 4.0 release. Read more

Uber Announces Results for First Quarter 2026 

“As we highlighted at GO-GET, from innovative travel integrations to new ways to shop, we’re continuing to deepen the role Uber plays in daily life,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO. “Reaching 50 million Uber One members is an exciting milestone as we execute against our platform strategy, with members now driving half of our Gross Bookings across Mobility and Delivery.” Read more

Peter Simmons has joined Winn Group as its new Head of Insurance Strategy. 

ITAS – International Technical Automotive Systems is pleased to announce its partnership with smart Europe GmbH and D&T DRIVE & TRAINING AG to research, develop and deliver three brand specific training modules to its UK and European network of repairers. Read more

Vines Group, the Surrey and West Sussex-based BMW and MINI dealer, has agreed a new remarketing partnership with BCA. The two-year exclusive deal is expected to see BCA remarket around 1,200 vehicles annually, with stock based at BCA Crawley. Read more