Daily Motor News – Thursday 13 February 2025

ILC ARTICLE

13th February 2025

Natalie Larnder, Head of Market Affairs, Keoghs said: “As e-scooter-related claims, especially involving head, continue to rise, insurers are increasingly focused on safety measures. The tightening of e-scooter safety standards – particularly around speed, braking systems, and lighting – could lead to a reduction in accidents stemming from equipment failure and improve visibility, which in turn may lower claim frequency. However, insurers must remain agile as the regulatory framework develops, particularly with regard to the complexities introduced by a two-tier licensing system if this was adopted by government.” Full story

Nearly half of police forces record speeds of over 90mph on 30mph roads

Almost half of UK police forces (48%) have caught motorists driving over 90mph on 30mph roads – more than three times the speed limit, new data analysed by the RAC reveals. A Freedom of Information request to the UK’s 45 police forces also found that, of the 40 with data, almost all (90%) had clocked people driving at 60mph – more than twice the limit – on these roads. Full story

The rise of the Automotive cybersecurity gap

The Automotive and Smart Mobility ecosystem experienced a sharp increase in cyber threats throughout 2024, with large-scale ransomware attacks causing unprecedented disruption. As cyber risks outpace regulation-driven measures, the growing gap between the risk landscape and organizational resilience has become increasingly evident. Full story

Which driver safety features have actually helped us?

A recent study by the SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research in the Netherlands has shed light on which ADAS genuinely improve safety and which might even hinder it. The study examined 28 different ADAS, drawing on data from scientific literature, technical reports, and large datasets from government and insurance institutions. Full story

Turns out AI is more empathetic than Allstate’s insurance reps

Allstate is discovering soul-less generative AI models, made up of entirely data and code, are more empathetic than a lot of its human representatives. The insurer said that during the often frustrating back and forth between customers and claims reps after a claim is filed, nearly all of the Allstate emails are now generated by AI – and that as a result they are less accusatory and jargony and more empathetic. Full story

What might the recent research into e-scooters mean for future regulation?

A recent technical report by TRL outlines the potential requirements for regulating theconstruction of e-scooters, focusing on safety and design aspects. However, this report does not address other areas of potential regulation, such as helmet mandates. Keoghs has considered some of the key findings from the 164-page TRL report, together with the potential implications for the regulation of private e-scooters in the UK. Full story

Honda-Nissan multi-billion dollar merger collapses

Merger talks between Honda and Nissan have collapsed after the firms failed to agree on a multi-billion-dollar tie-up. The Japanese carmakers, along with junior partner Mitsubishi, had aimed to combine their businesses to fight back against competition from rival firms, especially in China. Full story

BYD expands ‘God’s Eye’ intelligent driving into its entry level cars, sending other China EV shares tumbling

BYD threw a bombshell into China’s EV sector with its announcement that its advanced driver assistance system—known as “God’s Eye”—is now available in over 20 models, with the cheapest model, the Seagull, priced at under £8,000. Full story

TikTok, tech & first cars: how Gen Z is redefining the ride

The era of flashy spoilers and booming subwoofers is giving way to seamless smartphone connectivity and built-in tech, as Gen Z car buyers prioritise gadgets over exterior style. According to research from the UK’s largest automotive marketplace Auto Trader, nearly two thirds (63%) of drivers aged between 17-25 stated that the car’s technology features are more important than what it looks like when looking to buy a car. Full story

XPENG announces official launch in the UK

XPENG, a Chinese-born global-orientated high-tech automotive company, has announced its official entry to the UK. It will unveil the ultra-smart all-electric mid-size coupe SUV, XPENG G6 in March, with launch price from £39,990. XPENG is partnering with International Motors to open 20 dealerships in the UK this year. Full story

Fixing the EV confidence crisis; A view of the UK and Europe’s electric future

Philip Nothard, Insight Director at Cox Automotive, said, “Breaking the two million mark in new car registrations in 2025 will be a pivotal milestone for the UK’s automotive recovery. Achieving this target will be heavily dependent on the ability of new market entrants to establish their brands and build trust with UK drivers. The confidence of the fleet and leasing sectors will also play a critical role in sustaining growth and driving the transition toward alternative fuel vehicles.” Full story

The importance of motor repair and third-party intervention

Innovation Group’s Gary De Groot will host an educational discussion with a panel of experts. This briefing will highlight the critical role of effective repair management and third-party intervention in delivering cost efficiency, improving customer satisfaction, and minimising claim cycle times in the insurance industry. Full story

Why S&G is everybody’s first choice partner

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of insurance claims, managing a repair network, or supporting customers through challenging situations, finding the right partner to stand by your side is critical, and it needs to be one that completely understands you and your business’ needs, every time. S&Gs unwavering commitment to collaboration, innovation and exceptional service has made it the first choice for a wide range of stakeholders across the industry. Full story

IMI response to government’s new Apprenticeship Reforms and Skills Strategy

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) cautiously welcomes the government’s announcement on apprenticeship reforms as a step in the right direction. However, it urges that short-term flexibility does not come at the expense of high-quality training and future-proof skills development. Full story

Drive My Career launches new campaign during National Apprenticeship Week

The National Franchised Dealer Association’s (NFDA) has launched a new employment campaign to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week. The NFDA’s Drive My Career (DMC) initiative has its #DriveMyApprenticeship campaign that aims to debunk common misconceptions about apprenticeships while highlighting the wide range of opportunities available within the automotive sector. Full story

Close Brothers sets aside £165m for potential motor finance redress

Close Brothers Group has set out £165m for the first half of 2025 for potential payouts related to motor finance commission. The business said the fund has been set aside for potential operational and legal costs, as well as estimates for potential remediation for affected customers. The firm said the estimated provision is based on “probability weighted scenarios using various assumptions”. Full story

Apprenticeship Central breaks down apprenticeship reforms

In the middle of National Apprentice Week the government announced a wide ranging package of reforms to boost growth of apprenticeship placements. Cutting through the jargon Apprenticeship Central has set out what the announcement means. Full story

Industry Insights is delighted to welcome Alan Cottrill to the motor claims business consultancy team.

S&B Academy has announced it is opening its doors early to employers wishing to engage with an apprentice for the coming academic year.

Chris Weeks is heading up Solution Repair Group, a community of non-competing repairers established to support one another by sharing knowledge and resources.

ACG has appointed Neil Thomas as its latest Business Development Manager