BMW approval for ADR in Cannock

ADR Accident Repair Centres’ Cannock bodyshop has been granted ‘BMW Dealer Approved Bodyshop’ status. Nominated by Knights Group BMW, the site at Norton Cannes now conforms to BMW standards.

What's your Klout? Part 4

Finally we've reached the end of our Klout adventure and the remaining categories are...

Parts scheme to help BEN

The National Clearance Centre (part of Foray Motor Group) has set up a new scheme to collect, market and sell obsolete parts from dealers and other suppliers throughout the UK, with a percentage of the proceeds being donated to BEN.

Spies Hecker goes smart

Spies Hecker has introduced a new website that links to smartphones, www.spieshecker.co.uk/mobile

What's your Klout? Part 3

We continue our journey with one of the biggest categories, 'Manufacturers and Suppliers' and also look at VMs.

RoSPA cautions mixed DfT results

RoSPA has welcomed the significant drops in death and injury but cautions that the success is partly due to unusual economic and weather factors which may not continue in coming years.

Defective tyres contribute to more than 1,200 road casualties

Figures released today by the Department for Transport (DfT) reveal that illegal, defective and under-inflated tyres were responsible for more than 1,210 road casualties in Great Britain during 2010.

Jordan Fearn hailed as the youngest ever panel beater to enter bodyshop/Thatcham Panel Beater of the year Award

Last Friday Jordan Fearn, 20, of Clayton le Moors, was praised as being one of the top Panel Beaters, in the country. He competed against others, twice his age; they were tested on conventional repair methods, such as welding, and also new methods, such as riveting and bonding. He was successful in getting into the top 4 and was a runner up.

BEN and guests cycled to success!

BEN, the automotive industry charity, teamed up with Fiat, Toyota and Autologic to cycle the route of the Tarka Trail in North Devon on Saturday 17th September through to Sunday 18th September. This event was staged to raise funds for the charity as each team sought sponsorship from colleagues, industry contacts, friends and families.

Auto Windscreens ranked 2nd in Top 50 Call Centres for Customer Service

Auto Windscreens is celebrating after its call centre was ranked second in the UK at the Top 50 Call Centres for Customer Service gala dinner last night (Wednesday).

SC Body & Paints Skills joins the Motor Industry Skills Consortium

The Motor Industry Skills Consortium (MISC) recently welcomed SC Body & Paint Skills as a full member of its network of training centres.

Racing legend Nigel Mansell made a quick pit-stop in Blackpool to meet some local fundraisers.

Nigel Ernest James Mansell OBE, is a British racing driver who won both the Formula One World Championship (1992) and the CART Indy Car World Series (1993). Mansell was the reigning F1 champion when he moved over to CART, being the first person to win the CART title in his debut season, making him the only person to hold both titles simultaneously.

What’s your Klout? Part 2

As promised we’re continuing our journey through the world of influence and ‘Klout’ via people’s twitter feeds.

WorldSkills tickets up for grabs

bodyshop has 40 tickets to giveaway, on a first come, first served basis, for daytime competition entry to WorldSkills 2011, to be held at the ExCeL centre in London, on Saturday October 8th.

SMMT innovation finalists announced

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has today revealed the six shortlisted entries for its Award for Automotive Innovation 2011, showcasing the R&D work currently taking place in the UK automotive industry.

Lotus bolsters DuPont relations

Team Lotus has asked DuPont Refinish to increase its involvement with the team after an 18 month relationship.

One in four text and drive

28 per cent of drivers text at the wheel and eight per cent do this at least once a week, according to a survey conducted by Brake, the road safety charity, and Direct Line.

What’s your Klout?

It is difficult to deny the increasing prevalence of social networking in today’s society. With more and more businesses looking to reach out through the likes of Twitter and Facebook, whether to consumers or for networking purposes, bodyshop thought it was time to measure the industry’s tweeters and discover their clout, using Klout.

RMI comment on higher speed limit speculation

Responding to recent speculation that the Government are considering raising the speed limit to 80 miles per hour (mph) on motorways, John Ball, RMI MOT chairman commented “If cars are allowed to go faster there will be an increased need for a rigorous MOT test.”

New car market ‘flat’

Stagnant new car market puts pressure on used sales The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders predicts a flat new car market in the UK for the next three to five years. In response, car sales website CarEnquiry warns that potential customers need to be on their guard.

Selsia success at Bodyshop Event 2011

Bodyshop Event 2011 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole proved to be a successful exercise for Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres.

2011 bodyshop awards winners… congratulations!

The winners of the 2011 bodyshop awards were revealed at a sell-out ceremony, to an audience of 840 guests, at this year’s be2011.

be2011… in 831 words!

After a successful two-day bodyshop event, here’s a brief overview of some of the highlights.

The £437 million cost of ‘blind-spots’

More than six per cent of accidents on UK roads are the result of ‘lane change’ manoeuvres, causing vehicle damage in excess of £437 million each year, according to new research by Accident Exchange.

DuPont Refinish updates Lifetime Warranty to increase bodyshop benefits

DuPont Refinish has launched a revamp of its Lifetime Warranty programme, offering a new visual identity and increased benefits to member bodyshops.

AUDATEX LAUNCHES VEHICLE HEALTH CHECK AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTICS AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM FOR BODYSHOPS

The 2011 bodyshop event (be2011) is the launch platform for an exciting new addition to the Audatex UK portfolio of services for bodyshops.  Vehicle Health Check is an automotive diagnostics and analysis system designed for the accident repair industry in support of the drive to increase efficiency, improve cycle times and reduce costs.

NEW PAINT AND BODY BUSINESS MANAGER FOR VOLKSWAGEN GROUP UK

Volkswagen Group UK’s paint and body business manager, Andy Lawlor, has left the role after six years, to take up an overseas assignment. He is succeeded by Michael Embleton, who takes over following a secondment as the learning & development manager for commercial training in Volkswagen Group.

Optima launch Optimize

Optima have announced the launch of their news service, Optimize, at this year's stunning be2011

BIG numbers at be2011

be2011 is well underway and (as of 12pm) with about 550 delegates already joining industry colleagues for a day of tutorials and debates, networking and exhibitions, it's a busy day here in Birmingham.

Surviving the event

With the bodyshop event kicking off today we thought it prudent to compile a survival guide as a last minute reminder for all those returnees and as introduction guidelines for all the newbies. Whilst the event is famously stupendous, the following is just a little list of what bodyshop staff consider essentials.

NAB to assist OFT insurance review

The National Association of Bodyshops (NAB’s) members have been asked to participate in the Office of Fair Trading review into the private motor insurance industry.

Child seat safety campaign launched

The Observer has launched a campaign to highlight the problem of badly fitted child car seats and to encourage retailers and parents to ensure they are using seats properly.

Ford innovation reduces dents

Ford is introducing a new feature, Door Edge Protector, designed to prevent dents and scratches, which have become a costly fact of life in the UK, home to some of the world’s narrowest streets and tightest parking spaces.

Steve Wright to leave BSI

Steve Wright has announced that he is leaving BSI on the 31 October 2011.

Panel-beater downs tools after 50 years

A Shropshire panel-beater has celebrated his retirement after 50 years of working at the same company.

David Murby appointed director for Glass’s

Glass’s announced today that David Murby has been appointed as director, Bodyshop and Insurance Sector, for the UK and Ireland, on an interim basis.

IBIS goes back to Barcelona

The International Bodyshop Industry Symposium – IBIS – will be returning to the Hotel Arts Barcelona, Spain on the 21-23 May 2012.

BEN to hold boot sale

BEN will be holding a car boot sale at Gaydon on Sunday 25 September in conjunction with the Heritage Motor Centre to raise funds to support the vital welfare services the charity provides to people connected to the automotive industry.

Gadgets offer fleet distraction

Company car and van drivers need to be protected by their employers from the distractions of mobile office technology while they are behind the wheel, according to CFC Solutions.

Aston Martin Racing select DPC

DuPont Performance Coatings has been named Official Supplier to Aston Martin Racing with immediate effect on a one year, rolling partnership agreement.

Big freeze, coming to a road near you

Britain is on the cusp of winter and it is forecasted to be full of snow. The first fall could be seen as early as October, with lower than average temperatures expected over the next three months we’re set for cold mornings and icy roads.

RBSI name new company secretary

Royal Bank of Scotland Insurance (RBSI) has named Humphrey Tomlinson general counsel and company secretary.

Disco fever hits Be Wiser

Be Wiser Insurance, the independent motor insurance broker, has launched its new all singing, all dancing TV advertising campaign.

IWA up for Proskills award

Proskills has announced that its 2011 Awards will be held at Alton Towers on 3 November, celebrating the achievements of people working in the process and manufacturing sector and highlighting its wider commercial importance.

RSA accused of inflating repair costs to ‘boost profits’ (source: BBC)

A judge has strongly criticised the way a major motor insurer recovers the costs of repairing vehicles.

JLR to build new factory

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is to build a new factory near Wolverhampton, creating up to 750 jobs and costing £355m.

Toyota select Akzo as supplier

AkzoNobel Automotive and Aerospace Coatings (A&AC) has been selected as a preferred supplier by Toyota Motor Europe.

Waregrain Group acquire CJ Supplies, Plymouth

Waregrain Group have confirmed they purchased CJ Supplies, Plymouth on Wednesday 14th September.

Automotive market to play major role in economy

The UK economy can be driven by automotive manufacturing, which can also produce a low carbon future if targeted incentives are put in place, according to the SMMT.

Urgent call to all bodyshops

Following recent communication from the RMI’s National Association of Bodyshops (NAB) urging bodyshops to respond to the European Commission Questionnaire on unfair commercial business practices, here’s a reminder to all bodyshop owners to take part and complete the questionnaire.

Financial Times delves into the future

The Financial Times recently released a special report looking at future technology and its effect on the automotive industry. Future technology is inevitable and will affect the industry at all levels.

Trainer backing WorldSkills competitor

RPM Welding has wish its best to Ross Varnam, who is competing at London WorldSkills 2011 next month, after it was involved in the training of the panel technician candidates.

Duo point to ABSs to revamp claims

Alternative business structures (ABSs) could be used by the sector to revolutionise motor claims processes, yielding savings for insurers, brokers and their customers according to Tim Roberts, senior partner of Parabis and Eddie Longworth, managing director of Gemini Vehicles Solutions.

Shop signs up for diploma scheme

Fix Auto Loughborough has been selected to participate in a £6m joint investment programme, a funded initiative administered by the Social Funding Agency and Proskills UK and developed by Muradi, for staff to attain a Level 3 Diploma.

New look for CAA

Ipswich-based claims company, CAA, has undergone a complete rebrand of the seven year old business.

Thatcham offer ATA upgrade discount

Thatcham’s is kicking off a new season with another offer on Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) preparation training and assessment.

Road safety on Committee agenda

The Transport Committee is to undertake an inquiry into the government’s strategic framework for road safety, which was published in May 2011.

Are you fit to drive?

RSA have launched a campaign that calls for regular eye tests when drivers renew their licence, all learner drivers to have a full eye test before their test and the current number plate check to be scrapped. The research that went into the campaign aimed to discover the dangers of driving with poor eyesight and was headed up by Dr Mark Young of Brunel University.

Mondial renews BMW contract

Mondial Assistance has confirmed a new three year contract to continue providing the BMW/MINI insured warranty programme.

UK automotive industry facts and figures

The UK automotive industry is Europe’s fourth largest producer of cars and a major international producer of engines and components, according to the SMMT.

Trade Group open new warehouse

The Trade Group has opened a new warehouse and headquarters building at Shepshed near Loughborough. A new Trade Garage Equipment sales, technical, administration and warehouse team will be in employes from the 1 October to meet the increase in demand.

Abarth 500 won by UK garage

Ferodo’s 'Ready to Race’ promotion has been won by Tim Hawkins, owner of Tim Hawkins Motor Repairs, Newent, who took delivery of a Abarth 500 worth £15,000.

Nationwide examines fleet market

Nationwide’s second fleet day, held at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone, saw a range of industry representatives discuss a wide variety of issues surrounding the fleet market, including road pricing, green technology and driver training.

A future without referral fees

With be2011 just over a week away, here is another tasty teaser about one of our sessions.

Fleetlink reassure customers over referral fees

Fleetlink has issued a statement regarding the company’s position on referral fees.

Public encouraged to film driver behaviour

An ex police chief is encouraging the public to install cameras into in private cars, vans, lorries, buses, coaches and taxis to capture dangerous driving and report the incident via a website, policewitness.com.

Nationwide technician scoops second

Christopher Offer, a 22 year old apprentice from the Nationwide Repair Centre in Pontypridd, has come second in the UK finals of the WorldSkills Autobody Repair competition after competing against 1160 students who entered from across the country.

Verex boss to run marathon blindfolded

Verex Group’s business manager Steve Plunkett is to run the Norwich half marathon on 27th November with ex-Norwich City footballer Jeremy Goss to raise money for the Norwich Association for the Blind.

MP backs CV wheel safety

Labour MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East Paul Goggins (pictured left) has reiterated his full support for Motor Wheel Service’s commercial vehicle wheel safety campaign and promised to maintain pressure on the Department for Transport.

Suzuki looks to end VW partnership

Yesterday it was announced that Suzuki was looking to end their partnership with VW by mutually selling their shares.

Last chance to be there!

This year’s bodyshop event is (almost) a sell-out.

Bodyshop teams up with Easi-Drive for charity

Easi-Drive has donated £1,000 from its wheelsforgood national community giving fund to a charity nominated by Perfect Finish Bodyshop, based in Coventry.

NAB backs referral fee ban

The NAB have reacted positively to the news that the government is planning to ban referral fees for personal injury claims.

S&B announces rise in apprentices

S&B Automotive Academy has announced its best performance from its apprentices in its 41 year history.

Winn bolster sales team

Nationwide Accident Management Specialist Winn Assist, part of Winn Solicitors, has announced several new appointments to its sales team.

UK's uninsured driving hotspots identified

Bordesley in Birmingham is top of the uninsured hotspots list; 17 of 20 worst postcodes are in the West Midlands and West Yorkshire; uninsured driving figure drops by 25% in five years.

Vehicle technology- what’s coming and what should your business do about it?

New vehicle technology comes at repairers at an ever increasing rate. New construction materials and techniques used to be the norm; now there is an increasing complexity in electronics and emerging new power trains based on hybrid and electric vehicles.

JCC launch website

Just Car Clinics has launched its new website www.justcarclinics.co.uk.

RMI confirm Lord speaker

Lord John Reid of Cardowan has been confirmed as a speaker for the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) Annual Dinner 2011, taking place on Thursday 20 October at the Dorchester Hotel, London.

New industry website launched to advertise bodyshops for sale

Byteback Group is pleased to announce the launch of a new website, BuyMyBodyshop.com which went live today, Monday, September 12, 2011. Buymybodyshop.com provides a low cost, secure, confidential, and convenient way for repairers to advertise and sell their bodyshops.

The business of body repair

The body repair industry is highly technical, with a number of new challenges facing the repair of vehicles.

MPs back anti-steering report

The House of Commons’ Transport Committee has recommended that insurers inform policyholders that they do not have to use the vehicle repairer that has been recommended by an insurer.

fnol launches web marketing choice

A new service designed to provide a modern marketing function for bodyshops which comes with the chance for bodyshops to sign up to free web hosting immediately is being launched this month by fnol.

The silent motor show

Yesterday the inaugural UK eco motor show, EcoVelocity, started and will run until Sunday 11th September.

Referral fees for injury claims to be banned

The government has announced plans to ban referral fees for personal claims, in its aim to tackle the compensation culture.

IMI welcomes apprentice package

The Institute of the Motor Industry has welcomed the government’s announcement new measures to make it easier for employers to take on large numbers of apprentices.

Date set for BEN Ball

BEN has announced that its annual Ball will take place on 14 December 2011 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

PAAS offer hybrid course

PAAS has announced that it will shortly be offering a one day course on hybrid electric vehicles.

TyreSafe launch winter warning

TyreSafe has relaunched its website in the run-up to its TyreSafe month campaign in October at a press briefing held at the Ardenctoe Manor Hotel, based in Warwick.

Vehicle wrapping goes mobile

Nicoll Industries has teamed up with vehicle wrappers Hexis UK to supply a specialist range of pop-up canopies.

3M launches wrapping alternative

3M has relaunched its vehicle wrapping website, which features a ‘find a wrapper’ search function as well as a range of 3M wrapping products.

Consumer behavior drives trend for lighter vehicles

A new report from Supplier Business explores the drivers behind lightweighting in automotive design and manufacturing, including consumer behavior, government legislation and advances in technology.

New car sales up for first time in 14 months

New car sales figures show month on month sales were up 7.3% compared to August last year. This is the first rise since July 2010.

86% of consumers are comfortable with buying car insurance online

People need to pay close attention to policy features when insuring a new car without advice, specifically cost of repair and write-off policies, says Defaqto.

A message from the Trade Group

The Trade Group has issued a press release sending best wishes for the future to the Hecks family and all the staff of Hex Holdings Limited, following the recent decision to place the company into administration.

From Land’s End of John O’Groats: Steve’s 874-mile charity cycle ride

Thatcham’s Steve Norman is taking part in a grueling cycle ride later this month to raise funds for the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right

Once the bodyshop awards are over it is time for this year’s afterparty, which is once again sponsored by R-M, and themed on the hit film Reservoir Dogs.

Automotive entrepreneur secures £50k investment

Sunday night’s Dragons’ Den programme saw ex-fireman and motorsports entrepreneur, Andy Bates, successful pitch for a £50,000 investment in his automotive manufacturing, servicing and repair business.

Unfair commercial practices in the bodyshop industry - have your say

The European Commission is investigating unfair commercial practices in business to business relationships across all sectors of industry, including automotive. The RMI’s National Association of Bodyshop (NAB) is calling for all repairers to have a say and provide ‘tangible’ examples of ‘unfair business to business commercial practices’.

Adminstrators appointed to Hex Holdings

Matt Ingram and John Whitfield, Partners at corporate restructuring firm MCR have been appointed as joint administrators of Hex Holdings today (6th September 2011).

Tonbridge buys Bodywork Solihull

Bodywork Solihull has been acquired by the Tonbridge Coachworks Vehicle Repair Group.

VW welding course reaps rewards

Volkswagen Group UK has been delighted by the response of its authorised paint and body network to the Volkswagen welding accreditation programme, launched in conjunction with Stanners last November.

More vehicles, fewer crashes: green model launches and technology on display at Frankfurt show

Europe’s largest biennial automotive show kicks off next week in Frankfurt, with a string of high profile new model launches from VMs around the globe.

Bankruptcy looms for Saab

Saab’s parent company, Swedish Automobile (formerly Spyker Cars) reported a net loss of €224m (£198m) in the six months to 30 June, compared with last year’s €56m loss. This left the company with a €397m negative equity and first half sales of only €359m.

Audatex relaunches Charter

Audatex UK has relaunched its Advisory Boards Charter, drawing upon its independent, cross industry knowledge to identify and define key industry issues.

Calverton offers financial alternative

Calverton Factors has launched Bodyshop Finance, which charges a flat rate of between 1.0% and 2.0% of the gross invoice value per month, to meet the finance needs of the UK’s vehicle body repair and building industry.

Tesco: learning market approaches

An exciting session at this year’s be2011 will be lead by Tesco’s home services director, Rod Brown.

New Board for Trade Group

The Trade Group has appointed a new of Board of directors.

Ford Transit heads LCV theft list

HPI’s latest league table of the most commonly stolen light commercial vehicles (LCV) confirms that the Ford Transit is top of the thieves’ shopping list, but close behind is the Land Rover, Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Transporter. HPI data also shows that the Ford Transit is the most likely van to have been in an accident or be on outstanding finance.

Warranty change forced by IAAF

BER rules enforced through IAAF action

Bodyline approved by Ford

PPG Industries UK is delighted to announce that its Bodyline dry good product range has been approved by Ford to join their central billing programme. This makes PPG the only supplier that has a combined paint and dry goods offer to the Ford Accident Repair Centre (FARC) network.

Thatcham team up with Newbury College

Thatcham have joined with Newbury College to offer school leavers and those looking for a full time practical course, a Level 1 Diploma in Automotive Body Repair, which will be delivered jointly.

Daimler and BASF combine know-how in pioneering vehicle project

Daimler and BASF have developed a new concept vehicle. The smart forvision will have its world premiere at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt.

Toyota and Nissan highlight OEM support at ASRW

Toyota Wholesale Parts and Nissan Collision Repair Network will each have an expanded presence at Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW), including show floor presence and innovative, interactive support programs.

New appointment for Markerstudy Group

Former Nationwide Autocentre man Mark Taylor has been appointed as group commercial director for insurance group, Markerstudy. Mark joins the group with strong credentials, following a career spanning 16 years’ in the retail and leisure sector.

BCC cuts its forecast for UK economic growth in 2011 (source: BBC)

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has downgraded its forecast for UK economic growth this year for the third time, reports the BBC.

Industry Forum announces new chief exec

Dr Chris Owen has been appointed chief executive of SMMT Industry Forum.

ADR adds Warwick centre to expanding portfolio

ADR Accident Repair Group has agreed to purchase the business of GPS Body Repairs in Warwick from Northgate Vehicle Hire Ltd (‘Northgate’), taking its total number of sites to 12. It will retain existing workshop staff.