Saving Mazdas

In a bid to reduce write offs, Mazda has launched its 'Save It' programme, which includes 'discounted accident repairs'.

What's in store for next year? Economics expert looks ahead to 2012

While the 2008 recession was not as deep or prolonged as the infamous 1930s Great Depression, the UK's economy is in danger of taking far longer to recover this time round. That is the warning from the FPB's (Forum of Private Business’s) economic adviser, Professor Phillip Wyman, as he looks to 2012 and what the new year has in store for small businesses.

MyCarCheck iPhone app drives into the one million UK downloads club

An iPhone app from vehicle provenance website - MyCarCheck.com - has passed the one million UK downloads mark.

R-M PLAYS ITS PART IN DE ROOY’S IVECO ASSAULT ON THE DAKAR RALLY

R-M Automotive Refinish is taking on the challenge of one of the world’s most gruelling rallies, the Dakar, as the Technical Sponsor of the Petronas Team De Rooy Iveco. Five race trucks and four service trucks, finished in Europe with R-M’s GRAPHITE HD will start the rally in South America, which runs from January 1 to 15, 2012. The first race has already been run successfully in preparation for the Dakar with a fifth place on the Maroc Oilibya rally.

Thatcham early birds revealed

Three Thatcham customers were celebrating this week, after winning back the full price of their annual subscriptions to escribe repair methods, parts guides and Thatcham technical helpline, in the research centre’s ‘Early Bird’ prize draw.

Merry Christmas!

Today's enewsletter will be the last one this year, so we'd like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Fix Auto Annual Award Winners

Repair network announces this year's winners

Helicopters, trains and automobiles

Smart Refinishers, an accident and repair centre in Aberdeen, repairs everything from cars and commercial vehicles to helicopters and steam engine

3M vehicle wrapping film spreads the word for Richard Parks' successful 737 Challenge

Wrapped by Signs Express, an eye-catching Audi A1 has been turning heads on UK roads and is now a competition prize raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care

The half billion cost of going backwards

Travelling in reverse gear causes £409 million each year in vehicle damage, according to new research by Accident Exchange.

Golf retains lead as Europe’s new car market falls in November

According to the latest analysis from JATO Dynamics the Volkswagen Golf remains Europe’s best-selling car with sales increasing 1.0% in November compared to a year earlier but down by 1.7% year-to-date.

2011 a step-change year for UK automotive

Automotive industry experts at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have named 2011 a step-change year for the industry.

Lowest insurance group for smallest Volkswagen

The new Volkswagen up! might come with a five-star Euro NCAP test rating, but when it comes to insurance it’s as small as its 3,540 mm long body, with a class-leading 1E group rating.

Looking ahead to the year 2012!

David Lummis, CEO of the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), discusses what the year 2012 has in store for the health and safety industry.

TyreSafe celebrates five years of safety campaigning

TyreSafe is celebrating its contribution to improving road safety in the UK, having reached its fifth anniversary.

Auto News Europe: British car industry bucks gloomy economic trend

Automotive News Europe has reported on the British manufacturing of cars in the financial crisis.

UK’s pothole-proof cars revealed

Honda cars are the most resilient to pothole damage, saving drivers hundreds of pounds in repairs each year, according to new research by Potholes.co.uk.

ACF Car Finance gives valeters a chance to shine

Newly recruited valeting staff at a national used car dealership are being given the chance to buff up their CVs on a special training programme created by the company.

IGA training for RMI subscribers

From next year the IGA is to offer on-site technical training to members who currently subscribe to the RMI technical helpdesk service.

Honda approval for South Street ARC

Somerset’s South Street ARC, has been awarded the coveted Honda approval in association with Howards Group of Taunton.

IMI calls on motor industry to invest its way to a profitable future

Over half the workforce in the retail motor industry is employed by a small/medium business yet according to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), 32% of micro-businesses carried out no staff training at all last year.

New relationship attracts new customers

The Grove Group is pleased to announce a recently formed partnership with Motor Support. This partnership is already proving to be a success with both companies attracting a number of important new clients.

Take it easy in snow

The IAM has today issued advice on driving in snow and ice, as freezing conditions spread across the country.

Driving credibility to a sector not always known for consistency

The latest innovation from Revive! has been to drive credibility to the sector – a task that has taken over 2 years, but something that is nearing fruition following the successful pilot of the latest ATA module of Cosmetic repairs by Revive! at it’s Rugby head office workshop.

Fix Auto Bury St Edmunds enters administration and Fix Auto Huntingdon picks up the territory

David Calder, Fix Auto’s operations director, has issued a statement regarding one of the group’s franchisees.

Personal injury, credit hire and credit repair: ‘inefficiencies need to be addressed’

Commenting on yesterday’s report by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) following its call for evidence into the UK private motor insurance market, Nick Starling, ABI’s Director of General Insurance, welcome the report and said that insurers ‘want the best possible deal for consumers’.

Sixth monthly rise in output underpins strong long-term prospects for industry

The latest results from the SMMT show signs of recovery for the automotive manufacturing industry.

DuPont to give automotive paint unit ‘chance’ to meet financial targets, CEO says

DuPont Co chief executive officer Ellen Kullman said the US chemicals maker will give its auto-paints unit the opportunity to meet financial targets before considering its options for the business.

BBC: Pothole cash for university researchers in Nottingham

Researchers from Nottingham's two universities have been given money to look into the performance of road repairs.

OFT launches market study into private motor insurance

The OFT has today launched a market study into private motor insurance in the UK which will focus on the provision of third party vehicle repairs and credit hire replacement vehicles to claimants.

Glass’s appoints new managing director to take the business forward

Vehicle valuation specialist Glass’s today announced the appointment of a new managing director, Michael Bergmann.

The DVLA has announced it is set to close all regional offices

It was yesterday reported that the DVLA wants to close all but its Swansea head office by the end of 2013, in an attempt to provide motorists with a greater choice and flexibility when dealing with them.

London Evening Standard reports: ‘RBS — it all looked so good on paper’

The London Evening Standard has released a story about the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Bodyshops seek quality over price in accident management

Quality of service is the most important factor for bodyshops when choosing to work with an accident management company, according to research published today.

The Parts Alliance scoops the treble at industry awards

The Parts Alliance is celebrating after winning three titles at the annual Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation ‘Excellence Awards’, held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel on Thursday 8 December.

Innovators PSE crowned best automotive aftercare specialist 2012

Paintseal Europe (PSE) the brains behind G-3 has been named Best Automotive Aftercare Specialist 2012 by the Institute of Transport Management.

BBC Reports: Severe weather warnings issued for UK

The BBC has released a story, ‘Weather warnings are in place for most of the UK, as forecasters say another storm system could hit this week.

Inflation falls to 4.8%

The Office for National Statistics has this morning released news that inflation has fallen.

Just-Auto: Saab secures cash 'just hours ago' to pay taxes: IF Metall

Just-auto.com have just release this story: ‘Union sources in Sweden say payment has just been received by Saab from Chinese manufacturer Youngman to pay outstanding taxes, with a promise to settle overdue wages.

FMG support implements Audatex assessment auditing and claims settlement solution

FMG Support has announced that it is partnering with claims solutions provider Audatex UK to launch a new technology initiative which will further reduce the time clients’ vehicles spend off the road following incidents.

ADR to the rescue for Jaguar Land Rover drivers

ADR Accident Repair Centres has just completed a highly successful, first six months of a pilot with Jaguar Land Rover to host its Accident Services Helpline.

Autodata and Fleet Assist to target technical support for fleet operators

Fleet Assist, who provide network management services to many of the UK’s leading contract hire and fleet management companies and Autodata Limited, Europe’s leading provider of technical information for vehicles, have created a partnership to provide major fleet maintenance control departments with information to help those companies to improve the way that they handle and contain service and maintenance costs.

Got your eye on your neighbour’s car? Take it!

Two well-known UK business leaders have joined forces on a new venture that allows motorists to ‘rent your neighbour’s car’, rather than hiring one from a rental company.

Inside Thatcham

To mark National Apprentice Week in 2012, Thatcham is opening the doors to its Apprentice Academy on 8 February to all employers who have ever considered taking on an apprentice.

New auction website to get the best deals

A new website has been launched to allow consumers to find the best repairer deals.

Ford’s accident management app just got smarter

Good news for Ford owners who own Android-based smart phones. Ford has released its popular mi.FORD app on this platform.

Anglo Dutch Paint and Chemical Company has changed its name

From now, the company will be known as Valspar Automotive UK, just one of a few new exciting changes that have come into play this year.

ADR Macclesfield hosts open day event

ADR’s Macclesfield bodyshop opened its workshop doors to an invited industry audience for an interactive demo of Permahyd Hi-TEC 480, the new waterborne basecoat from Spies Hecker.

Inhaling the facts!

It is a sad fact that thousands of workers develop lung problems and cancer each year as a result of breathing in harmful quantities of dust, fumes or other airborne contaminants at work.

ATA is changing... are you in the danger zone?

Thatcham is reminding bodyshops that, from April 2012, the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) will adopt a modular approach. Most importantly, all ATAs will only be valid for three years.

Revive! makes pop video debut

The paintwork enhancing skills of Revive trainer Iain Wallis were called upon by the producers of Pop star Charlie Simpson’s latest video.

The overalls are off: an update from Alton Cars’ new site

Work is progressing at an incredible rate at the new Alton Cars Huddersfield site.

Stormy weather

With Scotland and the North of England truly in the grips of winter it is time to assess the damage.

Recession fear could drive UK car sales to under 1.9million, says PwC

Automotive experts at PwC say recessionary fears are likely to drive down UK car sales to below 1.9 million next year. This compares to PwC’s forecast of 1.935 million this year and 2.03 million in 2010.

£75 million new support for SMEs amongst incentives for businesses to grow through innovation

Details about incentives to spur companies to innovate and grow, including £75mn of additional funding targeted at small and medium-sized businesses have been published by the government.

IAM response to changes to the driving test

IAM's response to changes to the driving test, announced by road safety minister Mike Penning at the IAM annual lunch yesterday.

Tata Steel introduces Aurora Online to give the automotive industry access to reliable real time material data.

Offering a complete overview of the key characteristics of the automotive materials Tata Steel offers, Aurora Online presents the automotive industry with a valuable tool in the design and manufacture of new vehicles.

Be Wiser Insurance has been ranked as one of Britain’s most successful private companies by The Sunday Times.

The independent broker is delighted to be placed 13th in The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 which champions the UK’s top performing private companies based strictly on financial performance with the fastest growing sales over their latest three years.

COYS sell George Harrison's DB5

An Aston Martin ordered by George Harrison in 1965 sold at auction in London on (Wednesday) for £350,000.00 after fierce bidding from around the world.

Storm and wind damage - insurance advice from ABI

Insurers will be reacting quickly to help policyholders who have suffered damage caused by the high winds hitting Scotland and other parts of the UK, says the ABI.

The fast and the curious

Sixty-two per cent of young male novice drivers think they are more skilful than the average driver, according to the IAM’s latest report, The fast and the curious: young people’s attitudes to driver training. Only 32 per cent of young women say the same.

You’ve heard of palm reading, now what about ‘car reading’?

Confused.com explores the anatomy of a driver

BBC: How close are we to a crash-proof car?

The BBC reports: ‘Every year, 1.3 million people are killed and 50 million injured on the world's roads. Car makers are racing to create a vehicle that will never crash, but can it be done and will drivers accept a computer that overrides their driving?

First FMX snowploughs in UK for South Gloucestershire Council

The first FMX snowploughs in the UK, including the first FMX 4x4 variants, have entered service with South Gloucestershire Council.

BMW Group achieves record sales in November

The BMW Group continued on its successful course in November - sales climbed to 138,978 vehicles, an increase of 7.7% over the previous year (prev. yr. 129,001).

Marshall Motor Group reappoints iris

Marshall Motor Group is reappointing iris as its chosen supply partner as a result of the national refinish distribution network presenting an aligned, centrally managed supply strategy that will drive forward a proactive business development plan, founded on value, bodyshop profitability and mutual growth.

New ATA route for cosmetic repair technicians

Further to Thatcham’s announcement last week that it will offer the new senior level ATA in cosmetic repair, the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) has revealed details of the new ATA and a pilot scheme with AutoRestore.

November new car market down but good news for fuel efficiency (and Fiestas)

The SMMT’s new car sales figures, (released yesterday, Monday), show month on month sales were down 4.2% compared to November last year. However, this is around 5,000 units above forecast and diesel and alternatively fuelled cars both took record market shares in the November market. The average new car fuel efficiency has improved 29.3% in last 10 years, giving the highest ever mpg.

Bodyshop wealth health: 20% of repairers see a decrease in turnover but over half expect to make a profit this year

A recent snapshot survey of UK bodyshops has revealed – as expected – bodyshops have endured tough trading conditions in 2011.

BBC maps road deaths

Using official data recorded by police in Great Britain between 1999 and 2010, the BBC has plotted every road collision in which someone died.

Eco Express Body Repair Centres Training and Assessment Academy achieves ATA accreditation

As part of the on-going development of the Eco Express Body Repair Centre’s training and assessment programme, we are delighted to announce that following a recent approval visit from IMI Awards Limited, the leading awarding body for the retail motor industry, Eco Express Body Repair Centres’ Welwyn Garden City Training and Assessment Academy is now an officially approved ATA assessment centre, initially approved to deliver ATA Paint Technician and ATA Senior Paint Technician assessments.

Fix Auto sign five more

Fix Auto UK has officially announced the latest five strategic signings to the Fix Auto network.

IWA helps call for entries for 2012 UK Master Fitter competition

At the 2011 Worldskills event at London’s ExCel last month, IWA Director, Maria Charlton, was a guest speaker and addressed more than 400 VIPs from across the educational sector about the importance of skills competitions and their importance to business.

Audatex pricing update

Audatex has issued the following message regarding next year’s 4.5% price increase:

Court of appeal result lifts the lid on potentially the largest ever fraud on the British civil justice system

Prestige replacement vehicle specialist, Accident Exchange (AEL), first alerted the markets to concerns over the legitimacy and accuracy of reports produced by Autofocus in September 2009. Nobody listened and both insurers and solicitors acting for those insurers argued that, even if their evidence was suspect, the answer Autofocus got to was probably right.

Cosmetic ATA to benefit multi-skilled repairers

Thatcham Automotive Academy is leading the field again, as one of the first IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) accredited training centres to offer a new senior level ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) in cosmetic repair.

Imperial purchases Hadrian Car Panels assets

Imperial Automotive are pleased to announce that they have purchased the assets of Hadrian Car Panels.

Early birds lay down their markers for Top Technician 2012

Technicians from all corners of the UK have been quick to complete the preliminary on-line test paper for ‘Top Technician 2012’. The first wave of entrants to the aftermarket’s competition for skilled fault-finders-and-fixers has already demonstrated their keenness to be among the highest scorers and progress to the semi-final heats at Delphi’s Warwick training facility in the new year.

Save Our Sue receives donation thanks to Easi-Drive local bodyshop

Leading accident management company, Easi-Drive, has donated £1,000 from its wheelsforgood national community giving fund to a charity nominated by a Wirral bodyshop, Hoylake Crash Repair Centre.

Beyond SMART

SMART repair is the market of the moment for the majority of repairers, but what's the next big thing? Paul Dalton - a 'master detailer' - has caught the media's attention before, so his latest move to offer a 'Miracle Paintshop' is an interesting one.

Christmas party month kicks off with safety message

As the festive party season approaches, the charity Brake welcomes a police crackdown on drink and drug drivers by new ACPO lead on road safety DCC Suzette Davenport.

Search the archives!

As most of you know, we hit the big 25 next year and what better way to kick off the celebrations of our silver anniversary than with a competition.

Two million strike

How did it impact your business?