ARC360 News – Friday 15 December 2023

ILC releases 2024 events schedule

ILC has released its 2024 event schedule highlighting the dates of its annual key events set for the coming 12 months which includes 27 June as the date for 2024’s ARC360 technology focussed conference with other activity dates to follow. Further details to follow early in 2024.

LV= Sole Site Repairer forum sets the pace

LV= General Insurance hosted the latest annual edition of its Sole Site Repairer forum in late November with the key message to attendees: ‘keep doing what you are doing’.

Tesla tops list of most expensive EV repairs

New figures have revealed that Teslas are the most expensive EVs to repair. According to data released by Activate Group and Gecko Risk, who have formed a new partnership to deliver deeper insights into EVs, the average repair cost for an EV over the last four years is just under £2,600.

Eco Balance delivered to commercial vehicles

Glasurit has released its Eco Balance product range for commercial vehicles. Eco Balance enables faster processes and less material consumption, cutting CO2 emissions without compromising on quality.

Storms cause £53m of vehicle damage

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) predicts that insurers will pay out about £53m for vehicles damaged by Storms Babet, Ciaran and Debi.

Its data found that 7,210 vehicle damage claims were made following the bad weather in the UK during October and November.

Lexus tops charts of rising vehicle thefts

LV= has revealed that car thefts increased by 59% from 2021 to 2022 and predicts further rises this year.

Its data identified that Lexus thefts rose 513% from 2021-2023, Toyota thefts were up 103% and Hyundai thefts were up 81%, while theft hotspots included Birmingham, London, Sheffield, Manchester, and Liverpool.

Strategy summary

Wayne Mason-Drust, Managing Director at Accident Express Group, has presented his views on the five unique business models for bodyshops at the latest Trend Track meeting.

They included the Network Dominator, which operates a vast network; the Flex Master, which is more adaptable; the Efficiency Expert, which focuses on streamlined operations; the Independent Maverick; and the Mobile Maestro.

Ofgem launches consultation around services and costs

Energy regulator Ofgem has launched a statutory consultation on proposals to ensure businesses get reliable service. It is also seeking more clarity on the costs being paid to third party energy brokers.

Citroën and BASF unveil new sustainable concept car

Citroën has worked with BASF to create a concept car that pushes back the boundaries for sustainable production.

JLR announces digital deal with Tata

JLR has announced a new partnership with Tata Communications to support the efficient development of its next-generation vehicles.

It will deploy Tata’s cloud-based technology to connect all its 128 global sites, providing AI-powered and real-time data capturing, monitoring and analysis to improve production line performance.

Stellantis supports start-ups

Stellantis has recognised 11 new technology start-ups as part of its second annual Stellantis Venture Awards. The awards identify and then support the continued development of innovations in customer-focused technology.

Fisker opens Milton Keynes site

American EV company Fisker has opened a new site in Milton Keynes and is now inviting customers to book a test drive.

ARC360 Podcast 32: Mental Health Matters

In this episode we speak with Carl Norton, Regional Business Manager at Fix Auto UK and, perhaps more relevant to this conversation, the man behind the network’s Mental Health First Aid programme.

Catch up on podcasts

For the full back catalogue of ARC360 podcasts including conversations with Thatcham Research’s Dean Lander, Chartwell’s Chris Brightmore, and Martin Brown of Repairify click here.

People

• Tom Hart has been appointed Claims Sales Director UK and Ireland at Solera Audatex.
• Direct Line Group has named Jamie Brown as Senior External Automotive Engineer.
• Komoo has appointed James Duffin as Northern Territory Manager.