ILC Motor Repair News – Friday 2 October 2026

Fix Auto UK has set out its detailed programme of activity behind its critically acclaimed EmpowHER programme – its industry-leading nationwide strategy to attract more women into the automotive repair sector. Read more

After 19 years, Mike Oliver has stepped down as Managing Director of KC Autos. Read more

Castle Coachworks has secured manufacturer approvals from Chery, OMODA, JAECOO and BYD.

Rob Wood has started a new role with ITAS World as Renault Regional Manager.

Scott Sutcliffe starting a new position as Body Shop Manager at HB Panelcraft Ltd.

Tracey Logan has started a new role as Head of Customer Experience at XL Motors.

Ellie Barlow has started a new role as Client FNOL Lead at Steer Automotive Group.

CRS Accident Repair Centre Group has appointed Mark Blackwell as VDA.

NBRA has been contacted by members regarding outstanding payments associated with work undertaken for VMS (Fleet Management) Limited. The association is calling for members to contact bodyshops@rmif.co.uk with further information.

Volvo Cars removes forward looking statement on volume and cash flow

An increasingly challenging market situation and deteriorating near term market outlook has resulted in lower-than-expected sales and a weaker full year outlook for Volvo Cars. Therefore, Volvo Cars will not fulfill the previous full year 2026 outlook statements on volume and cash flow. Read more

NIO Inc. Delivers a Record High of 300,301 Vehicles in the First Three Quarters, Up 49.2% YoY

In September 2026, NIO Inc. delivered 37,408 vehicles, representing an increase of 7.7% year-over-year. Read more

Revision talks underway – Volkswagen AG to terminate several collective agreements at year-end

The automotive industry is currently undergoing the most profound transformation in its history. Geopolitical tensions, trade barriers and increasing competition, primarily from China, are impacting the entire sector and have significantly exacerbated the financial situation of Volkswagen AG in recent years. Read more

Toyota to start carbon-neutral production at its UK engine plant

Toyota Motor Europe (TME), today marks the start of carbon-neutral production at its UK engine plant, in Deeside, North Wales. It is a pioneering milestone for the site, marking Toyota’s first transition to carbon-neutral manufacturing operations outside Japan. Read more

Nissan launches Autonomous Drive Research Project to bring future mobility service to UK streets

Nissan will bring self-driving cars to Cambridge to serve real life people in real life communities. Read more

Record electric car market powers bumper September 

The UK new car market accelerated in September, with registrations up 12.1% to 350,518 units, according to preliminary figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Read more

Thatcham calls for repairable design

Thatcham Research has joined motor insurance research institutes from around the world in calling for repairability to be incorporated into vehicle design from the earliest stages of development. Read more

Copart achieves DVSA recognition

Copart UK has become the first UK salvage operator to achieve Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Earned Recognition Vehicle Operator status. Read more

LKQ launches Apprentice+ programme 

LKQ UK and Ireland has launched its new Apprentice+ programme, with the first two cohorts completing the opening learning pathway at LKQ Academy. Read more

DAC Beachcroft explores AV cyber risks 

DAC Beachcroft has released the third episode of its Reading the Road: The Role of Data in Automated Vehicle Deployment podcast series, focusing on cyber security and data protection risks associated with automated vehicles (AVs). Read more

Toyota Insurance opens Affinity Hub 

Toyota Insurance Services has opened a new operating hub in Shrewsbury to support its insurance products and services for Toyota and Lexus customers. Read more

Annex X: a major step forward for independent repair – if we get the implementation right 

One development at the heart of that debate is the latest changes to Annex X of the EU Type Approval Regulation. Put simply, Annex X sets the rules around the access independent repairers should have to the information and systems they need to repair a vehicle. Read more

IMI Skills Competitions Alumni Strike Medal Glory for Team UK at WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai 

Two automotive apprentices, and former IMI Skills Competitions finalists, have returned from WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 with medals, as Team UK recorded its strongest performance at the global skills competition since 2017. Read more

Drivers expect rapid replacement vehicles 

More than half of drivers expect a replacement vehicle to be delivered to their home within 24 hours following an accident, according to new research from Europcar Mobility Group UK. Read more