Daily Motor News-Wednesday 30 October

LKQ lead aftermarket in calling on Transport Secretary to support the independent workshop 

A group of the aftermarket’s leading suppliers, repairers and trade bodies has co-signed a list of policy asks sent by LKQ UK & Ireland to the Secretary of State for Transport. Under the title, ‘Fighting for the Right to Repair’, LKQ UK & Ireland CEO Kevan Wooden outlines the critical contribution of the automotive aftermarket, and of independent repairers in particular in ensuring safe and roadworthy transport is accessible to all. Full story

New report reveals that the cost of getting on the road jumped by 19% in 2024 

A new report from Go.Compare Insurance has revealed that the cost of getting on the road in 2024, including the cost of a first car, has increased by 19%, from £5,947.40 in 2023, to £7,100 in 2024. The report looks at the overall costs associated with getting on the road, including the total cost of driving lessons, the price of tax and insurance, the cost of a first car, alongside a number of other factors. Full story

SYNETIQ’s climate targets validated by Science Based Targets initiative 

SYNETIQ, an IAA company and one of the UK’s leading vehicle salvage, dismantling and recycling companies, today announced it has received validation of its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets from the Science Based initiative in line with the company’s ambition to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Full story

Commissions disclosure following Court of Appeal ruling 

It was reported on Friday that the Court of Appeal ruled on three motor finance cases relating to commission arrangements in favour of the consumer. The BVRLA says there are some key initial considerations: The decision is now law, irrespective of any leave to appeal against the judgement; this is independent of the ongoing investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority. Full story

Used EVs and hybrids achieve price parity amid rising demand, reports Aston Barclay 

Used electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars achieved price parity, according to Aston Barclay’s latest Market Insights report for the third quarter. Both categories experienced price increases, with EVs rising 3.1% (£523) to an average of £17,090, and hybrids up by 2.8% (£478) to £17,103, driven by growing consumer demand for low- and zero-emission vehicles. This marks the first price increase for used EVs in 2024. Full story

Recycled Parts Pioneers 

After acquiring the Green Parts Specialists (GPS), Copart has continued to invest in circular recycling services to the UK insurance and repair industry. The GPS Portal and App enable customers to request a part, receive a quote within 30 minutes, and order for next day delivery, but expanding the GPS transport fleet and network of storage facilities will be a major focus. Full story

Autoglass cuts ribbon on new Luton site 

Autoglass has launched a new site in Luton to enhance the support and services it offers customers in the region. Full story

Be aware of fake car parts as you prepare your vehicles for winter 

Trading Standards officers in North East Lincolnshire are warning people of the dangers of buying fake parts for vehicles as they prepare their cars, vans and motorcycles for winter. It has issued launched the warning after a survey revealed that one in six motorists has purchased counterfeit vehicle parts in the past year. Full story

Car insurance premiums fall but motorists urged to compare prices 

Car insurance prices have fallen by eight per cent or £72 for the average policy over the last year, according to data from Compare the Market. The average premium declined to £776 in September 2024, compared to £848 in September 2023, the comparison site has said. Full story

Last chance to complete CAM Supply Chain survey 

Anyone wishing to take part in the UK CAM Supply Chain survey has until 31 October to do so. The survey will provide an assessment of the CAM supply chain and help inform CCAV’s future strategic strategy and decision for the development of a UK based CAM supply chain, within a global setting. Results will be published early next year.  Full story

MotorNovo pauses motor finance offers 

MotorNovo has temporarily paused offering motor finance following the Financial Conduct Authority’s review into discretionary commission arrangements within the motor finance industry. The company said, “We’ve temporarily paused accepting new finance proposals while we make important updates to our processes. This decision allows us to ensure we continue providing the highest standard of service and support to all who finance with us.” Full story

Delphi Academy unveils expanded ‘OEM-level’ training centre 

Delphi Academy in Warwick has officially opened its doors following a major expansion project, setting a new standard in aftermarket training. With a £500,000 investment, the Academy now spans 1,430 square meters, making it one of Europe’s largest automotive training centres. Full story

AkzoNobel’s largest European solar energy plant goes live in Poland  

A major solar energy plant – AkzoNobel’s largest in Europe – has been installed at its Pilawa site in Poland, further powering the company’s efforts to transition all its production locations to renewable electricity. Full story

Suzuki and Toyota to deepen collaboration in the field of electrified vehicles 

Suzuki Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) have decided to further strengthen their collaboration in the supply to Toyota of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV model developed by Suzuki. This new model is scheduled to be manufactured at Suzuki Motor Gujarat in India from the spring 2025. Full story

Opus IVS reveals key industry survey insights 

Opus IVS, the global leader in diagnostics, ADAS calibration, programming, and on-demand remote expert support, has announced the results from its latest industry survey. It found that over 70% of respondents rated enhancing business efficiency as “very important,” while nearly 90% view advanced diagnostic tools as essential to their operations. Full story