ARC360 news round up – Friday 29 July  

Listen up… 

ARC360 Podcast with Matthew Stansfield, Davies Group 

In this episode, we speak with Matthew Stansfield, operations director – claims solutions, Davies Group who provides a fascinating insight into how the world of engineering is evolving – from day-to-day value add processes and procedures, to more involved investigative work and specialist requirements. 

All systems go for the ACE agenda 

Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services, Thatcham Research, has urged the industry to prepare for what he calls the ACE agenda – autonomy, connectivity, and electrification. 

Speaking to delegates from the main stage and the ARC360/ILC Motor Claims Showcase event, held at the CBS Arena, Coventry on 29 June, he said that all three technologies are coming to a car near you and must be incorporated into strategy by every business active in the sector. 

AW celebrates first apprenticeship graduations 

AW Repair Group has announced that the apprentices who joined its first Apprentice Showcase Event in 2018 have now passed their IMI-approved end point assessments and are fully qualified Multi-Skilled Accident Repair Technicians. 

All apprentices have also undertaken EV awareness training and achieved Level 3 ADAS qualifications. 

Fix Auto Slough investment reveals network confidence 

Investment and confidence within the Fix Auto UK network continues to grow with Fix Auto Slough unveiling a new state-of-the-art site. 

Fitted with the latest equipment and tooling, including a dedicated ‘tech bay’ designed to service modern vehicles, the centre is the result of years of work from owner Ranjit Gill. 

Premier Group to host open day 

Cannock-based Premier Group is teaming up with School of Thought to host an open day on Saturday, 15 October. 

Students aged 14-20 from local schools and colleges are invited to attend the event, which will promote the career opportunities within the industry and explain the benefits of apprenticeships and internships. 

Coming soon 

The Vella Group’s new Coventry site is in its final stages of development. The state-of-the-art repair centre has been fitted out with scissor lifts in each technician bay, a two-post lift, geometry machine and an in-floor jig. The site also includes EV charging points and will open its doors once signage and washrooms are completed.

Tusker renews FMG contract 

Salary sacrifice provider Tusker has extended its long-standing incident management partnership with FMG. 

As part of the contract, FMG will provide continuous driver support and repair management for over 19,000 vehicles, including more than 10,000 EVs, as well as access to live data, repair updates and claims tracking through an online portal. 

Copart continues net zero commitment 

Copart has taken a number of steps to support its Plan-Net-Zero commitment of achieving the ‘Greenest Fleet on the Street’. 

Apart from providing Euro VI and DVS compliancy across its transporter fleet, it is also investing significantly into JCB loaders with lower fuel consumption and emissions and single and three-car transporters to enhance fleet efficiency. 

Trend Tracker highlights risks on EV journey 

Trend Tracker has published a report warning of the inherent dangers or progressing towards Net Zero without the appropriate training and equipment. 

The report, ‘Electric Vehicles (EV), What Happens When Things Go Wrong,’ has been released following a group discussion addressing the potential risks of EVs hosted by Chris Weeks, Executive Director of the National Body Repair Association, and Kirsty McKno, Managing Director of Cogent Hire. 

Industry continues to evolve amid supply challenges 

A poll during the recent ARC360 supply chain webinARC revealed that 57% of the sector had broadened its supply networks and sources, 52% are implementing different working practices, while 48% are now trying to provide their customers with alternative choices. 

New service to support financial struggles 

Automotive charity Ben has responded to the growing cost-of-living crisis with a free Life Coaching service available to anyone who is working or has worked in the sector. 

Staffed by specially-trained Life Coaches, the service helps individuals to plan and budget, while working on a one-to-one basis to devise workable financial strategies.   

Supply disruption still dampening production 

UK car production fell 19.2% in the first six months of the year, although June marked a second consecutive month of growth. 

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 403,131 units were built in the first half of the year, down 95,792 on the same period in 2021. 

Connected services under-sold by car makers 

LexisNexis has urged car manufacturers to engage more proactively with consumers if they want to make the most of new technologies within vehicles. 

Its latest survey, ‘The Driver’s Mindset: Connectivity and Connectedness’, based on responses from more than 2,000 US-based drivers, found that car manufacturers are missing out on new revenue streams that could be generated by connected technologies, while also failing to make the most of opportunities to develop brand loyalty.