ARC360 News – Friday 14 August 2026

Steer Automotive Group has called for greater recognition of skilled automotive careers as the repair sector continues to face significant workforce shortages and growing demand for new technical capabilities. Read more

Repairify has begun rolling out its latest diagnostic technology across Belron’s UK network as the increasing complexity of vehicle electronics and software places greater emphasis on diagnostic and recalibration capabilities. Read more

As part of its ongoing commitment to helping its network meet Volkswagen Group standards, Volkswagen Group UK Accident Repair has launched Avantell IQ in partnership with Avant Consult Ltd – designed to simplify and streamline compliance management.

The average cost of repairing a battery electric vehicle (BEV) reached £3,479 over the past 12 months, according to the latest data from Gecko Risk. Read more

CARS of Grimsby has announced the launch of a dedicated used car and van sales department, beginning an important new chapter for the established local business. Read more

M&M Group X Fix Auto Stoke has extended its longstanding support for Stoke City by becoming official Diamond Partners until 2028. Read more

Fix Auto Oswestry has completed a £500,000 redevelopment programme, becoming the second Fix Auto UK repairer in as many weeks to unveil a major investment in its business

Paul Sewell has joined VBRA Commercial as its Northern Business Development Manager.

AION launches UK parts operation

AION has established a dedicated UK parts operation with DHL Supply Chain, offering next-day distribution to support vehicle repairers, workshops and retailers as the electrified brand enters the UK market. Read more

JLR delivers profitable quarter despite supply and market challenges

“JLR delivered first quarter profits of £109m and an adjusted EBIT margin of 2.8%. Despite the near‑term industry challenges, we continue to see strong demand for our brands, and look forward to the launch of four sensational new products in the coming months: Range Rover Electric, Range Rover Sport Electric, Range Rover GT and Jaguar Type 01.” PB Balaji, Chief Executive Officer, JLR. Read more

Used car market returns to growth as EV sales accelerate 

The UK’s used car market returned to growth in the second quarter, up 0.7% as 2,009,318 vehicles changed hands, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Read more

£130 million for cutting-edge next generation vehicles securing over 1,800 jobs

Britain’s automotive sector is set to benefit from nearly £130m of investment to ramp up cutting-edge new zero emission vehicle technologies and support skilled jobs nationwide as the government focuses on delivering good growth in every postcode. Read more

Omoda, Jaecoo top 100,000 UK sales in under two years

Omoda and Jaecoo have passed 100,000 UK vehicle sales less than two years after the first of the two Chery-owned brands entered the market. The milestone comes just ahead of Omoda’s second UK anniversary on August 31 and little more than 18 months after Jaecoo followed into the market in January 2025. Read more

New Safety Coach app helps Volvo drivers build safer habits and lower insurance rates

Imagine being empowered to drive more safely while lowering your car insurance premium at the same time. This is the concept behind Safety Coach, a new app that Volvo Cars is introducing this month. Read more

Volteras adds Hyundai data

Volteras has partnered with Hyundai Connected Mobility to make connected vehicle data from eligible Hyundai models available through its platform, extending its coverage to 36 vehicle manufacturers. Read more

Euro 7 set to reshape fleets

Fleet operators are being urged to prepare for Euro 7 as new emissions requirements introduce changes to vehicle monitoring, durability and maintenance that could influence future fleet replacement strategies. Read more

EV cost concerns rise

Cost uncertainty remains the biggest barrier to businesses switching to electric vehicles (EVs), with concerns reaching their highest level of 2026 in June, according to the latest Europcar Mobility Group UK EV Barometer. Read more

Mobility event adds new formats

ILC’s Mobility in Insurance Conference 2026 is set to combine a high-profile speaker line-up with two new interactive features designed to give delegates greater access to specialist expertise, industry discussion and collaborative problem-solving. Read more

90 vehicles including supercars worth millions seized in crackdown on antisocial driving

Officers from the Met, supported by MIB, seized a total of 90 vehicles worth more than £8 million between Friday, 7 August and Sunday, 9 August in an operation targeting uninsured drivers, anti-social and dangerous driving across Hyde Park, Kensington and Chelsea. This is the highest number and value of vehicles seized in the operation’s five-year history. Read more

Surventis and NST strengthen strategic collaboration to advance automated painting solutions

Surventis and NST have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to support the development of automated painting applications in the automotive refinish industry. The agreement formalizes a collaboration that has already been established through joint testing, technical exchange and customer projects. Read more

Allianz supports apprentices with car repair charity project

Allianz UK is launching a vehicle-repair project to support apprenticeships and highlight the benefits of using recycled parts when repairing damaged cars. The project – which underscores Allianz’s commitment to skills development and sustainability initiatives – will see motorshop apprentices repair a damaged vehicle that will be sold at auction with proceeds donated to charity. Read more

Inside the dismantling pipeline: how stolen vehicles are stripped for profit

When a vehicle is stolen, it doesn’t always remain a complete vehicle for long. Organised criminal groups often dismantle stolen cars within hours, breaking them down into valuable components that can be sold individually for significant profit. Read more

Leading with people: how S&G Response’s team leaders are developing the next generation of talent

To find out what leadership really looks like at S&G Response, Team Leaders Rachel Hardy and Maddy Spencer talk about their experiences, the lessons they’ve learned, and what motivates them to help others succeed. Read more

Solera Launches Qapter Direct Dispatch, the First Solution to Deliver Nationwide Estimating Access for Insurers

Solera, the global leader in vehicle lifecycle management solutions, today announced the launch of Qapter Direct Dispatch, a transformative enhancement to its AI-powered collision estimating platform, Qapter. Read more

Copart: Why supply chain transparency matters in the journey to Net Zero

When we talk about reducing emissions, it’s easy to focus on what happens within our own operations. But other huge opportunities for change sit within our external supply chain. Read more