ARC360 News – Friday 22 August 2025

Reframing the future: building a talent-ready sector 

In a session packed with honesty, urgency, and optimism, the ILC New Generation in Claims panel at ARC360 2025 tackled one of the industry’s most critical and complex challenges – attracting and retaining talent. Set against the conference backdrop of ‘A New Era – The Changing Dynamics of a Sector’, the panel, chaired by Sue Whyte, CEO of ILC, brought together four leading figures to examine what’s broken – and what’s fixable – in the journey to building a more dynamic, appealing, and sustainable workforce across claims, repair, and insurance. Read more

Admiral Group’s UK business, Admiral, has launched a new co-branded repair centre in Manchester in partnership with The Vella Group. This launch marks the start of a wider rollout, with plans to extend the co-branded model to other trusted partners across the UK. Read more

Matthew Davies has started a new role as Bodyshop Manager at Halo ARC Ltd.

Prestige vehicle accident repair group, Shorade UK has opened a new site on Tonbridge.

Marc Fishburn has started a new position as Chief Executive Officer at Accident Repair Hub Ltd.

Autocare Accident Repair Centre Liverpool has recently passed its BMW and MINI Approved Body & Paint Centre audit.

Shannon McLoughlin has started a new role as Customer Experience Manager at Steer Automotive Group.

Porters Bodyshop has successfully passed its latest BMW and MINI Approved Body & Paint Centre audit.​

Xiaomi plans to launch electric cars in Europe in 2027

Historically best known as a manufacturer of consumer electronics (primarily its hugely popular smartphones), Xiaomi launched the SU7 saloon as its first EV in 2023 and announced plans to become one of the world’s five biggest car makers. Read more

Plugged In: How an EV battery works and “plays”

Just like us, batteries follow their natural attractions — not to earn success or love, but to create chemical reactions. These interactions, when scaled up from a battery cell to the pack level, produce intense power – enough to deliver hundreds of miles of range across our EV portfolio. Read more

Toyota and Mazda start tests of energy storage system using electrified vehicle batteries

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) have started field tests of Toyota’s Sweep Energy Storage System* at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant in Japan. The tests involve the power system at Mazda’s headquarters campus – the only power generation system operated by an automaker in Japan – and Toyota’s system, which utilises batteries from electrified vehicles, being connected through their respective energy management systems. Read more

Proactive Care: MINI elevates customer service to a new level.

“RELAX. WE CARE.” – this is the new service promise now also at MINI, which applies in all participating markets* and qualified vehicles thanks to the innovative offering “Proactive Care.” The vehicle acts like a digital concierge, recognising existing and predictable service needs and proactively reaching out to the customer with proposed solutions. Read more

Zeekr-commissioned Europe-wide Electric Vehicle survey finds growing interest in e-mobility and acceptance of Chinese brands

Global electric mobility brand Zeekr has commissioned a pan-European survey of more than 8,000 people to further develop its understanding of consumer attitudes towards electric vehicles and electrification, including sentiments towards Chinese brands and barriers to EV ownership. Read more

Bentley introduces ‘Ombre by Mulliner’ for the ultimate paint finish 

Bentley Motors has revealed a one-off personal commission, displaying one of the most complex paint offerings to date – Ombre by Mulliner. Painted by hand at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe,  England, the new exterior finish carefully transitions between two paint colours over the length of the car, with a truly stunning result . This new technique is now available to order, in three different colour combinations, from Mulliner – the bespoke division of Bentley. Read more

Hyundai Motor Group Hosts Pleos SDV Standard Forum to Drive Software-Defined Vehicle Era through Collaboration

Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) has reinforced its leadership in the software-defined vehicle (SDV) era by sharing the latest technology standards and software development system with its key partners, strengthening the foundation for collaboration. Read more

SBTi Calls on Companies to Test Draft Automotive Sector Net-Zero Standard

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is inviting automakers and auto parts manufacturers to pilot test its draft Automotive Sector Net-Zero Standard—a unique opportunity to demonstrate credible climate leadership and a key step to help shape the industry’s pathway to net-zero emissions. Read more

Enterprise Repair Partner Event 2025: report

The 2025 Enterprise Repair Partner Event brought together more than 350 repair professionals, suppliers, work providers and colleagues from across the UK and beyond, reflecting Enterprise’s continued investment in community, collaboration, and capability. Read more

Momentum builds for Mobility Conference

More sector leading names have been added to the supporting line-up as momentum for the Mobility in Insurance Conference 2025 builds. Verisk is confirmed as Platinum Partner for the event, along Gold Sponsors Auxillis and Silver Sponsors Robertsons, Trak Global and United Rental Group. All will have a key presence throughout the event. Confirmed exhibitors include 4^th Dimension, Chief Vehicle Rentals, Lancaster Gate and Magna Accident Services. Read more

Motor premiums fall – but repair and theft costs keep revving up claims

The latest data from the ABI’s quarterly premium tracker shows that the average cost of motor insurance has fallen by £60 over the past year.¹ For the period April to June 2025, the average premium was £562 – down from £622 in the same quarter of 2024. When adjusted for inflation, the real-terms decrease is even more pronounced, amounting to an £81 drop year-on-year. Read more

ClaimsTech – The Pitch 2025: Solera Audatex – driving sustainability through smarter claims data 

In a thought-provoking showcase session at ClaimsTech – The Pitch 2025, Marco Iriarte Somolinos, Senior Director of Operations at Solera Audatex, lifted the lid on how the organisation is leveraging its data and technology to bring sustainability to the heart of the insurance claims process. Read more

RWC Training partners with Calex for new Ford apprenticeship

RWC Training has partnered with Calex to launch the Ford Body & Paint Apprentice Programme – an initiative aimed at developing skilled talent for the Ford Certified Collision Network (FCCN). The collaboration brings together one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers with RWC’s specialist training facilities. Apprentices will receive hands-on training in four-day blocks at the RWC Training centre every six to eight weeks, supported by Ford specialist e-learning and development coaching. Read more

Ireland AudaEnterpriseGold data release D4.76

Solera Audatex has announced its latest Ireland AudaEnterpriseGold data release D4.76 is now live. Added are 22 new and 64 updated model sheets to its extensive vehicle database. Read more

Shades of success: Europe’s Favourite car colours revealed

No one buys a car they don’t like. This simple premise transforms colour from aesthetic afterthought into commercial imperative. For consumers, vehicles often carry emotional value and the decision to purchase can involve entire household preferences. Approximately 60% of a car’s visible surface is exterior paint, while interior upholstery accounts for around 25%—tactile elements that directly influence the daily driving experience. Read more

DVLA backs classic car industry and driving enthusiasts with updated registration policies

DVLA has today (20 August) unveiled a major update to some of its vehicle registration policies, making it significantly easier for enthusiasts to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles. Read more

Blackthorn joins Connected Solutions supply chain

Industry Insights has announced a new partnership with Blackthorn Repair Management, strengthening its Connected Solutions supply chain offering for insurers, fleets and manufacturers. Read more

trinamiX presents health and safety solutions at IAA Mobility 2025

BASF’s trinamiX, a leading innovator in biometric imaging technology and biomarker measurement, will present its health and safety solutions at IAA Mobility 2025 tradeshow in Munich. The showcased “Invisible Biometric Sensing Display” employs trinamiX’s patented Beam Profile Analysis technology, allowing for the monitoring of vital signs and biometrics of vehicle occupants. Read more

Special guest line-up revealed for Motor Claims Networking Lunch

The special guest line-up for ILC’s Motor Claims Networking Lunch 2026 – set to take place on 16 January at the Grosvenor House, London – has been revealed. Taking the stage as Special Guest Speaker will be none other than the legendary Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, one of the most iconic newsreaders and journalists of our time. Trevor will offer a host of unforgettable insights and inspiration. Read more

Clare Bestall has been promoted to the newly created role of Head of Insurance Sales at National Windscreens. Read more

James Bolderston has started a new position as Supply Chain Performance Team Manager at Aviva.

Craig Glen has started a new role as Head of TP Motor Claims at Aviva.

Tom Rumbell, former CEO of SYNETIQ has joined Recell.Store as a Board Advisor. Simon Reid has been appointed Managing Director of the business.

Gavin Jones has started a new role as Fleet Director at Volkswagen Financial Services (UK)

Jamie Willis has joined A1 ADAS Solutions as Business Relationship Manager.