Daily Motor News – Wednesday 01 July 2026 

With Chinese manufacturers continuing to establish themselves in the UK market, discussions around repairability, parts availability and claims performance remain firmly in focus. For Ben Townsend, Head of Automotive at Thatcham Research, the arrival of Aion presents another opportunity for the industry to work together from the outset rather than reacting once challenges emerge. Read more

Auxillis becomes Northgate Insurance Services 

Auxillis has rebranded as Northgate Insurance Services (NIS), marking the next stage in the evolution of the business and strengthening its alignment with Northgate Mobility and parent company ZIGUP plc. Read more

Claims service drives decisions 

Claims handling quality is becoming an increasingly important factor in commercial motor insurance, with new research suggesting brokers are placing greater emphasis on service and support than on price alone. Read more

Latest ombudsman data suggests promising signs despite increase in motor insurance complaints 

Motor insurance continues to generate more complaints than any other insurance product, according to Insurance DataLab’s latest analysis of Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) data, with complaints rising by almost 12% during the first quarter of 2026. Read more

Rewilding consortium launches 

QBE Europe and seven organisations from its insurance claims supply chain have joined forces to create what is believed to be the UK’s first formal supply-chain-led nature restoration consortium. Read more

ISA performance questioned 

Thatcham Research has called for changes to the way Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) systems are assessed, following testing which suggests current regulatory standards do not always reflect real-world performance. Read more

Dacia Spring gets massive price drop: EV now £4k cheaper than before 

The Dacia Spring is now the cheapest car on sale in the UK, thanks to a massive £4,000 price cut that has reduced the electric model’s starting price to just £11,990. Read more

AGE expands AI partnership 

Automotive Glass Experts (AGE) has expanded its AI Partner Supplier category after signing a formal supplier agreement with DriveX Technologies, providing members across its international network with access to AI-powered automotive glass damage assessment technology. Read more

Crushwatch protects £243m assets 

More than £243m worth of vehicles were recovered from UK police compounds and disposal yards over the past year through the Crushwatch scheme, according to new figures released by Solera cap hpi. Read more 

Vella Group acquires RGM 

The Vella Group has expanded its accident repair network following the acquisition of RGM Vehicle Body Repairs, a long-established family business serving motorists across South Wales. Read more

Ben launches summer support 

Automotive industry charity Ben has launched its annual summer families project to provide practical, emotional and financial support to current and former automotive workers facing increased household costs during the school holidays. Read more

Thomas Williams has started a new role as Head Of Claims Oversight at Admiral Insurance (Gibraltar) Ltd. 

Laura Bottomley has started a new role as Motor Major Loss Manager at Zego. 

Simon Cutmore has started a new role at QBE Re as a senior claims adjuster.  

Tabatha Johnson has taken up the role of UK Motor Claims Manager at Reserv. 

Ellie Soden has joined Storm Autoservices Ltd as its new National Client Growth & Partnership Manager. 

Stefanie Kovatchev has started a new role as Head of Claims Performance at Tokio Marine HCC International. 

Canan Seda Çelik has taken on a new role as Group Head of Claims Transformation & Operations at HDI.