ARC360 news round up – Friday 9 December       

ESG about more than the environment 

The automotive industry has been challenged to address all elements of its ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) responsibilities instead of focusing only on the environment. 

Dee Hylton, Head of Claims Procurement, Aviva, fears that to many business leaders ESG means carbon footprint and taking care of the planet, and while she agrees this must be an absolute priority she has encouraged a little more attention be paid to the Social side of it. 

Thatcham Research makes VR learning a reality 

Thatcham Research has long been recognised as one of the leading and most innovative training providers to the automotive repair industry. 

However, it is now pushing the boundaries even further with a new virtual training experience that combines practical learning with all the convenience and cost benefits of remote communications. 

webinARC: Business Development

Catch up on the latest on demand webinARC: Business Development featuring insights from the Gaining Ground Together event.

Seren Skills appointed to help update apprenticeship standards 

AutoRaise has appointed Seren Skills Consultancy to support trailblazer group BRIT in updating apprenticeship standards. 

BRIT has warned that the five automotive apprenticeship standards are out of date and there is risk to the future of apprenticeships until they have been properly reviewed, but this requires more time than the BRIT volunteers are able to provide. 

Five-star success in latest Euro NCAP testing 

Euro NCAP has announced that 11 of the 14 cars that underwent its latest testing achieved the maximum five-star safety rating. 

Cars tested included three Chinese models as well as superminis, family cars, off-roaders, MPVs, pick-ups and four premium vehicles. 

Audatex updates AEG with new data release 

Audatex has announced that 13 new and 61 updated model sheets have been added in the latest AudaEnterpriseGold data release. 

ARC360 Market Intelligence: Gaining Ground Together 2022 Event Special 

Catch up on this month’s Market Intelligence report.

BASF introduces biomass solution to China 

BASF has introduced it biomass balance automotive coatings solution to Asia. 

Its ColorBrite Airspace Blue ReSource basecoat was launched in Europe in May and has now been made available to customers in China.  

Motor premiums up a modest two per cent 

Average motor insurance premiums have risen two per cent to £436 in the last year, according to the ABI’s latest Motor Insurance Premium Tracker.    

However, the ABI said insurers were finding it increasingly difficult to keep premiums low in the face of rising costs. 

Gemini refreshes online presence 

Gemini Accident Repair Centres has gone live with a new website. 

The group has built a reputation for sustainability with a ‘repair over replace’ approach and a deep commitment to apprentices. It includes 31 bodyshops with more than 600 employees. 

Some insurers short-changing claimants 

The Financial Conduct Authority has warned insurers not to undervalue items when it comes to settling claims.  

It has seen evidence of consumers being offered settlements below the value of the car following a write off, with pay-outs only increasing if the policyholder complained. 

New car sales surge by 23% 

The UK new car market grew 23.5% in November to 142,889 units. 

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this represents the fourth consecutive month of growth. 

Steer continues relentless growth strategy 

Steer Automotive Group has cut the ribbon on its 57th site. 

Based in Sheffield, the new-build, 13,000 sqft bodyshop includes significant EV battery storage and a dedicated multi material booth for electric, hybrid and multi-material vehicle repairs. Further investment in ADAS calibration and skills in ongoing. 

Meanwhile, Steer Group has partnered with Axalta to make the global coatings company its preferred supplier across all its sites. 

Nutshell a new name in UK motor insurance  

BGL Insurance (BGLi) has announced nutshell, a new digital-first motor insurance brand in the UK that is being launched in partnership with Covéa. 

The move signifies an exclusive long-term joint venture combining Covéa’s underwriting and claims management expertise with BGLi’s pricing, customer service, digital distribution and tech capabilities. 

Fix Auto Braintree open for business 

Fix Auto UK has celebrated another bodyshop joining the network after Danny Ashwell opened his all-new Fix Auto Braintree repair centre. 

The site joins Danny’s existing facility in Chelmsford, making him a Fix Auto UK multi-site owner. 

Marshall rules after leadership success 

Brian Robson Coachworks Group Operations Manager Dean Marshall has successfully passed the Volvo Bodyshop Leader Course. 

Copart welcomes greater green parts adoption 

Copart has welcomed a new report that has revealed the extent the UK repair industry is adopting green parts.  

The report found that 79% of bodyshops who responded to the survey said they had used reclaimed parts for environmental, economic and supply chain reasons. 

People 

Avant Consult has appointed Heather Morris as Director of Operations & HR Lead. 

GT Motive has appointed Andy Douglas as new Senior Solutions Consultant.