ARC360 News – Friday 26 June 2026

Fix Auto UK has expanded its repair network in Bristol with the appointment of Phoenix Accident Repair Centre, which will now operate as Fix Auto Bristol East. Read more

More than half of automotive workers are experiencing stress, while almost one in three have experienced loneliness, according to new figures highlighted by Ben, the automotive industry charity, and Steer Automotive Group. Read more

All nine Motofix Accident Repair Centres audited this year have achieved a clear BS10125 result, with no non-conformances identified across the Group.

Activate Accident Repair has announced that all 13 of its sites are now fully compliant with Level 4 of the new Accident Repair Industry Environmental Standard (ARIES). Read more

Ogilvie Fleet and FMG have marked the 10-year anniversary of their partnership with the signing of another multi-year contract. Read more

Kamil Ciosek has started a new position as Bodyshop Manager at iRG Repair Group.

US: As vehicle safety systems become increasingly sophisticated, collision repair facilities face a growing threat that extends beyond proper repair procedures and calibration requirements: counterfeit airbags. Read more

New entrant brands drive UK new car market growth as consumers eye Chinese models

Chinese car brands are driving a 9% rise in UK new car market sales so far this year, but new entrants hoping to break the UK market at scale will need to offer significant value to win over would-be buyers, according to new research from Autotrader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace. Read more

Nissan-led research project changes the game on EV charging, lowering energy bills and improving access to renewable energy for owners

Engineers at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (Cranfield, UK) will lead an innovative £10 million Government-backed research project that will fundamentally change how electric vehicles are charged, powered and experienced – accelerating the shift to smarter, more sustainable mobility and putting innovative, research-led solutions directly into the hands of customers. Read more

Xiaomi EV sets world’s first official autonomous driving lap at Nürburgring Nordschleife

Xiaomi EV has achieved a world first in autonomous driving at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. A Xiaomi YU7 GT, fitted with the Track Package, completed the full 20.8 km circuit entirely without a human driver, recording a lap time of 10:29.483. Read more

BMW Group extends holistic sustainability approach to new BMW X5

With the new BMW X5, the BMW Group is systematically extending its holistic approach to sustainability to additional vehicle derivatives. The aim is to further optimise the entire vehicle lifecycle and minimise its carbon footprint – from the supply chain and production, through to the use phase and, ultimately, recycling. Read more

Volkswagen Group enters into exclusive arrangement with Bain Capital for sale of majority stake in Everllence

The Volkswagen Group has entered into an exclusive arrangement with Bain Capital for the sale of its majority stake in Everllence – 51 per cent of the shares are to be transferred. With this envisaged transaction, Volkswagen wants to significantly strengthen its own financial position as its transformation moves forward. Read more

JLR co-develops unique new circular concept vehicle

JLR has unveiled a new concept demonstrator vehicle showcasing the company’s latest progress in circular design, low‑carbon engineering and next‑generation material innovation. Read more

China’s EV maker Nio moves into new R&D centre in Oxfordshire 

Nio, the Chinese electric car group which recently celebrated producing more than one million vehicles, has officially opened its new research and development facility at Witney, Oxfordshire. Read more

Toyota Mobility Foundation launches European Hydrogen Regions Initiative

Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) has launched a new initiative in its commitment to supporting the development of sustainable, low-carbon and inclusive mobility and energy ecosystems across Europe. Read more

Thatcham Research highlights regulatory gap affecting Intelligent Speed Assist performance 

Thatcham Research has published findings from its real-world testing that highlight a gap in how Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA) systems are currently evaluated for approval in the UK and Europe. While ISA has the potential to play a significant role in improving road safety, the findings suggest that the current regulatory framework does not always reflect how the technology performs in real-world driving conditions. Read more

New credit hire rates for GTA 

New maximum daily rates for credit hire claims will come into effect from 1 July following the completion of the latest independent rate review under the General Terms of Agreement (GTA). Read more

S&G: how customer service has evolved in modern claims management

Customer expectations have changed dramatically over the last decade, particularly within the insurance claims management sector. Where customers once accepted long waiting times, limited communication and infrequent updates, today’s consumers expect real-time information, transparent communication and a seamless customer experience throughout every stage of the claims journey. Read more

Partly closes historic Series B raise at $500m valuation and announces immediate US market expansion 

Partly, creators of the Interpreter AI model for the automotive repair supply chain, today announced its DST Global Partners-led $50M Series B raise, as well as the brand’s US market launch – positioning Partly as the leading AI infrastructure company for the automotive repair sector. Read more

Copart expands Gloucester site 

Copart UK is expanding its Gloucester Operation Centre as part of a redevelopment programme designed to increase vehicle storage capacity ahead of the winter season. Read more

EV battery data boosts trust 

Volteras has reported that battery State of Health (SOH) certificates can improve buyer engagement when used electric vehicles are sold at auction, following a six-month trial involving Tesla Model 3 vehicles. Read more

Protector Insurance renews strategic partnership with AA Business Services 

Under the agreement, the AA’s accident management division will continue to support Protector’s commercial motor policyholders. Read more

Repairify has promoted Satty Nanuwa to Head of Sales UK as the business continues to expand its remote diagnostics and mobile calibration services across the automotive repair sector. Read more

Paul Llewellyn, Head of Claims (Motor) at Ageas UK has spent his last week with the business following 30 years of service.

Matthew Hume, UK Sales Manager at Dunns Automotive has officially become an IMI Accredited ADAS Assessor.

Dominic Monks has started a new position as FNOL Manager at Cogent Hire. 

Oliver Howes has started a new role as Technical Operations Manager at Wayve.