ABP Club Car Body Repair News - May 2020

Below is a news headline summary. The full bodyshop news stories appear on the ABP Club members' forum.

31/5/20 - 23:25		3M - Mike Roman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, publishes his response to the "senseless death of George Floyd"

31/5/20 - 23:13		Formula 1 - Government give go ahead for 2 races at Silverstone in early Aug plus exemption from 2-week quarantine; no spectators at races

30/5/20 - 17:16		MIMS Automechanika Moscow - postponed from August 2020 to 3 - 5 November 2020

30/5/20 - 16:53		Germany: ZF - car parts supplier to cut up to 15,000 jobs (10% of its workforce) by 2025 as a result of a demand freeze on the customer side

29/5/20 - 20:30		Ipswich Accident Repair Centre – praise for “superb” Suffolk-based bodyshop team

29/5/20 - 17:49		HSE - remind businesses they must provide suitable toilet and hand washing facilities to drivers visiting their premises even under COVID-19

29/5/20 - 15:23		Pendragon - sale and leaseback of property at Porsche Centre Stockport raises £10.5 million "for general corporate purposes"

29/5/20 - 14:44		Williams Grand Prix Holdings - 2019 results; strategic review and formal sale process of F1 team have both started;

29/5/20 - 14:07		Renault - despite 15,000 job cuts announced today, CEO says "We confirm that we intend to stay in F1. We are here and we stay."

29/5/20 - 14:05		NFDA - NI Exec announces car dealers can open from Monday 8 June

29/5/20 - 14:00		Ferrari - second phase of the 'back on track' programme is underway with serological tests for employees' families

29/5/20 - 13:54		Autovista Group - survey reveals industry’s COVID-19 response

29/5/20 - 13:54		Renault - publishes transformation plan; reduces fixed costs by 2 BILLION euros over next 3 years; lays foundation for a new competitiveness

29/5/20 - 13:38		UK motorists are driving less each year according to new MOT data - lockdown expected to push average for 2020 down by 16%

29/5/20 - 12:24		Mazda - appointment booking process in place for each dealership to help limit the number of people in the showroom

29/5/20 - 12:11		Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) & National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) - dealers open "a welcome move"

29/5/20 - 12:04		PPG - MoonWalk demonstration video to show how paint technicians can safely mix paint whilst social distancing

29/5/20 - 11:38		Alfa Romeo - 12-month job loss protection with new car finance or leasing agreements

29/5/20 - 11:20		SMMT - British commercial vehicle output drops -99.3% in April; JUST 15 vehicles left production lines

29/5/20 - 10:41		Tracker - helps police recover £20,000 caravan stolen from secure site

29/5/20 - 10:28		SYNETIQ - how the company has kept business CSR on the agenda amidst Covid-19

29/5/20 - 08:53		SMMT - UK made just 197 cars in April, down 99.7% from the 71,000 cars made in April last year; 700,000 pieces of PPE for NHS made instead

28/5/20 - 14:09		Nissan - unveils 4-year transformation plan to prioritize sustainable growth and profitability

28/5/20 - 12:45		IMI - 1 in 5 automotive businesses temporarily closed or paused trading - will 1st June bring respite?

28/5/20 - 12:36		Ford - awards £13k to support student-led projects tackling the impact of COVID-19 in 9 countries

28/5/20 - 12:32		ŠKODA - first stage of retailer re-opening programme to start on 1 June

28/5/20 - 12:29		Motorpoint - is set to re-open all branches in England on Monday, June 1

28/5/20 - 12:27		The IMI - LIVE webinar TODAY at 2pm - “Preparing your business for the new normal”

28/5/20 - 12:21		79% of businesses in the UK had applied for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - 42% of businesses had less than 6 months of cash

28/5/20 - 12:19		Government - issue updated 29-page booklet "Working safely during COVID-19 in or from a vehicle"; covers delivery drivers and sales reps

28/5/20 - 12:16		Lightfoot - launches FNOL service to fleet managers; notification within 10-minutes of incidents

28/5/20 - 12:09		CBI Service Sector Survey - service sector sentiment "plummets at record pace"

28/5/20 - 11:41		BSI - publishes UK Safe Working Guidelines

28/5/20 - 11:41		ABI - announce annual motor insurance conference will be on 4 Nov and titled "The end of the road? Motor insurance in the 2020s and beyond"

28/5/20 - 11:29		MOT test - new guidance that the MOT extension will no longer apply if you take your vehicle for its MOT and it fails

28/5/20 - 11:13		ABP Club Recommended Business Service Provider: ECA Business Energy - support available for ABP Club Members during the COVID-19 recovery

28/5/20 - 10:56		Kia - dealers in England back in business from Monday 1 June

28/5/20 - 10:32		Auto-Motivate - 1-hour 'Return to Work' course to help bodyshop staff

28/5/20 - 00:31		Government - new Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill will support business with the challenges resulting from the impact of coronavirus

27/5/20 - 23:56		FMG - baptism of fire for new managing director Claire Owens who succeeded Harvey Stead now promoted to MD of Redde

27/5/20 - 21:00		Thatcham Research - bid a fond farewell and happy retirement to Andy Hutchins after 40 years of service

27/5/20 - 14:08		France - launches £7.1bn rescue plan for their car industry including scrappage scheme worth up to £10,700 towards an electric vehicle

27/5/20 - 14:04		COVID-19 - furlough scheme covers 8.4 million workers at cost of £15 bn; self-employed scheme covers 2.3 million people at cost of £6.8bn

27/5/20 - 14:03		RWC - resumes bodyshop training on Monday, 1 June, in Milton Keynes

27/5/20 - 13:57		73% increase in haggling as lockdown eases

27/5/20 - 13:53		Renault - Nissan - Mitsubishi Alliance - announce new development agreement to take advantage of each companies strengths

27/5/20 - 13:41		Geneva Motor Show - cancelled 4 days before 2020 show; now "very uncertain" for 2021 as organisers reject loan; exhibitors want show in 2022

27/5/20 - 13:40		GRM Bodycraft in Edinburgh - audited remotely by BSI auditor via video call and email (and they passed!)

27/5/20 - 12:43		What Car? - Britain’s best brands for servicing and mechanical repairs revealed

27/5/20 - 12:35		Insure the Box - 1,060 accidents prevented with "innovative" communication

27/5/20 - 12:20		Copart - 90% 76-strong engineering team either fully qualified or studying towards AQP standard, ATA VDA or IMI NVQ VDA 3/4

27/5/20 - 12:02		Tracker - reduces cost of vehicle protection to help dealers safeguard their assets

27/5/20 - 11:55		Old Mill (financial advice firm) - the five key risks COVID-19 has brought to your business and what to do about them

27/5/20 - 11:23		Vertu - sell 215 retail cars on Tuesday, passing the 200 sales mark for the first time since lockdown

27/5/20 - 11:09		Hertz Global Holdings - paid $16.2 million in cash bonuses to 340 senior managers, including new chief executive, 3 days before bankruptcy

27/5/20 - 10:55		National road safety campaign kicks off with advice for drivers and business owners

27/5/20 - 09:51		IMI - how to network digitally

27/5/20 - 09:19		Caffyns plc - trading update: aftersales operations at all its sites have re-started; showrooms will re-open on 1 June

27/5/20 - 02:08		Daily Mail - insurance industry's £1bn excuse as it refuses to pay out over Covid claiming policies were 'never intended' to cover pandemics

26/5/20 - 17:53		McLaren Group - official press release on the corporate restructure process to ensure their long-term future success

26/5/20 - 15:14		Glasurit (BASF’s premium paint brand) - renews its 2-year partnership with WorldSkills International in car painting category

26/5/20 - 14:00		Thatcham Research - webinar Monday 1 June: 'Repair and ADAS: challenge or opportunity?'

26/5/20 - 13:59		McLaren Group - to cut 30% of its workforce; 1,200 of its 4,000 staff to lose their jobs reports Sky News

26/5/20 - 13:57		EU trade unions and auto sector call for an ambitious recovery plan

26/5/20 - 13:47		Europcar - demand for vans and trucks growth during Covid pandemic

26/5/20 - 13:43		Fix Auto UK - acquires Fix and Go site in Paignton (part of Rodgman and Williams) and will turn it into a structural repair centre

26/5/20 - 13:40		ABI - responds to open letter from small business owners and representatives

26/5/20 - 13:31		APD Insight - are we going to be driven back to using our cars?

26/5/20 - 13:06		Peugeot, Citroën, DS & Vauxhall - roadside assistance plan on new full electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) to 8 years

26/5/20 - 12:11		FTA - NI Infrastructure Minister announcements provide "vital support" for logistics

26/5/20 - 12:03		AB Dynamics - new global testing service division to meet shortage of resources after "significant increase" in vehicle complexity

26/5/20 - 11:57		CPP Group UK - to handle new claims for keys that are lost, broken, stolen, or locked inside a vehicle under RAC’s breakdown membership

26/5/20 - 11:33		ARAG Group - provider of legal expenses insurance warns drivers should take care as lockdown lifts

26/5/20 - 11:13		Investors in People - 5 tips for motivating your team during uncertain times

26/5/20 - 11:00		Consumers spend nearly 60% less on fuel in April

26/5/20 - 10:57		Employers (<250 staff) who have paid SSP to staff taking coronavirus-related leave will be able to claim back the money from today

26/5/20 - 09:42		Marshall Motor Holdings - welcome the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday and confirm their car showrooms will reopen from 1 June

26/5/20 - 09:27		CAPS - latest data shows motor claim numbers increased substantially during w/e Fri 22 May from 39% of normal to 52% of normal

26/5/20 - 09:05		Volvo Cars - launches its new Volvo Valet maintenance pick-up and delivery service across selected European markets, including the UK

26/5/20 - 09:02		Aston Martin - confirm the appointment of a new CEO, Tobias Moers (currently CEO of Mercedes-AMG) on 1 Aug to replace Andy Palmer

26/5/20 - 02:15		Drive Vauxhall - close Haverhill dealership, which includes a bodyshop, with immediate effect

26/5/20 - 01:38		Volkswagen - Germany's highest court rules that German car owners who bought VW cars fitted with the diesel cheat device must be reimbursed

26/5/20 - 00:31		Australia - largest bodyshop group - AMA Group (CEO Andy Hopkins) - updates market on its response to the COVID-19 pandemic

26/5/20 - 00:00		SMMT and NFDA - welcome government announcement that car showrooms can re-open on Monday 1 June

25/5/20 - 21:22		Australia - AMA Group and Suncorp Insurance agree revised terms with "increased average repair pricing"

25/5/20 - 20:08		Government - the official wording on re-opening of car showrooms from Monday 1 June; other retail can open from 15 June but not hairdressers

25/5/20 - 01:53		Hertx - official statement; our "principal international operating regions including Europe are not included in the Chapter 11 proceedings"

24/5/20 - 23:31		Aston Martin - CEO, Andy Palmer, to leave company; to be replaced by Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG who supply engines to Aston Martin

23/5/20 - 15:58		Jaguar Land Rover - seeks temporary UK government funding of well over £1 billion to overcome coronavirus crisis reports Sky News

23/5/20 - 15:27		USA: Hertz - files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; continues to trade as it restructures £15.6 billion of debt; European operations not included

22/5/20 - 14:08		TRL - interesting article on "COVID-19 Lessons" and how changing attitudes will impact car use

22/5/20 - 13:47		Direct Line Group - 13 million Brits to request permanent flexible working once lockdown is lifted

22/5/20 - 13:43		BLM - recent court decision "a useful tool in the armory of credit hire practitioners"

22/5/20 - 13:38		By Miles - the PAYG car insurer for people who drive less than 7k miles per year raises £1.5 million

22/5/20 - 13:28		FCA - to strengthen protection for customers using payment firms

22/5/20 - 11:52		NFU Mutual - gives over 600,000 customers RAC home breakdown cover during lockdown

22/5/20 - 11:51		Ford - "creating an early-payment program for a small group of our key component suppliers" to help them with cash flow and working capital

22/5/20 - 11:49		Physical distancing "affecting sectors differently"

22/5/20 - 11:38		Plan Insurance - discussion guide to help employees understand post-COVID return to Work Action Plan

22/5/20 - 11:34		Euro Car Parts (ECP) is launching a new solution to help customers with essential maintenance, that supports the independent aftermarket

22/5/20 - 11:17		Ford Special Vehicle Projects (SVP) - keeping emergency blue-light fleets on the road

22/5/20 - 11:09		RAC - quietest Spring bank holiday on the roads in at least seven years expected - half the number compared to last year

22/5/20 - 11:00		McKinsey - hardest-hit European export industries bounced back fastest from last recession

22/5/20 - 10:33		Synetiq - click and collect service for vehicle parts

22/5/20 - 10:17		Spies Hecker - Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team’s new livery and new colour ahead of potential summer F1 start

22/5/20 - 09:05		SMMT - call for car showrooms to re-open, as new calculations reveal £61 million daily cost of closure

22/5/20 - 01:30		BMW Group - applies AI solutions of dust particle analysis to increase the quality of paint finish in their Munich factory

21/5/20 - 20:48		Vauxhall - UK boss says "reopening of car showrooms is vital for our industry.....we can't wait until June" reports Sky News

21/5/20 - 14:14		Hertz - "wants to keep European business solvent as it eyes US bankruptcy" says New York Post

21/5/20 - 14:08		IBIS Africa - event in Johannesburg cancelled as it becomes a live online simulcast called IBISConnect Africa for 3 hours on 23 July

21/5/20 - 13:58		The Claims Bridge International - Chris Ashworth, Enterprise Holdings, & Peter McAninch, AGL, join online panel discussion

21/5/20 - 13:56		Tractable - article in Wired mag on Tractable's AI solution for the motor insurance industry (as used by Ageas); next is buildings damage

21/5/20 - 13:48		Coronavirus - Scotland details 4-phase plan out of lockdown beginning on 28 May; phase 4 allows "mass gatherings to resume"

21/5/20 - 13:43		JTAPE - run competition for children to create a unique design to go on Disposable Face Shields

21/5/20 - 13:33		JMK Solicitors - recent appointments brings NI-based team of Legal Advisors to more than 30

21/5/20 - 13:08		Global car sales - the FT says "health concerns are driving sales as consumers shun public transport"

21/5/20 - 12:52		IMI - asks government to pause Apprenticeship Levy clawback; only 9% of employers say they will keep apprentice numbers at pre-COVID level

21/5/20 - 12:47		By Miles - the new pay-by-the-mile car insurer has secured £15m funding from investors led by CommerzVentures says Sky News

21/5/20 - 12:22		Hendy Group - has now opened all of its aftersales departments

21/5/20 - 11:57		National Windscreens - Leicester contact centre team say thanks to their management

21/5/20 - 11:41		ABI - responds to open letter from beer and pub industry coalition

21/5/20 - 11:31		Admiral - drivers hitting parked cars now the most common road accidents

21/5/20 - 11:22		AX Webinar - webinar on how businesses will offer test drives, post-lockdown

21/5/20 - 11:14		Inchcape - trading update: open for business in 25 countries, remain closed in 8 countries; company is well placed for the future

21/5/20 - 11:05		Pendragon - Q1 trading update: 125 out of 145 service departments now open, but only 20% of technicians working; dealerships reopen 1 June

21/5/20 - 11:02		Peugeot, Citroën, DS & Vauxhall - new Complete Anti-Bacterial Refresh service across dealer networks to minimise spread of Covid-19

21/5/20 - 10:58		Aviva - Q1 trading update: "solid first quarter"; estimated "£160 million net of COVID-19 related claims"

21/5/20 - 10:49		What Car? - extends free access for dealers and manufacturers to New Car Buying platform until September

21/5/20 - 10:37		insurethebox - resumes black box fitting service

21/5/20 - 09:20		Sabre Insurance - Q1 trading update: "we introduced price decreases....to reflect significantly lower claims frequency"

20/5/20 - 14:12		Inflation rate - falls to lowest level since April 2016; CPI down to 0.8% for the 12 months to Apr 2020; RPI also down sharply to 1.5%

20/5/20 - 14:09		Audatex - free live 30-minute webinar at 11.00am TOMORROW (Thursday 21 May) - on how to get the best out of AudaIntel

20/5/20 - 13:58		Drivers lack confidence in government EV ownership advice - as consumer appetite to reduce emissions grows, EV ownership doubts prevail

20/5/20 - 13:50		Thatcham - say that updated crash tests are "the biggest change to Euro NCAP’s impact testing protocols in a decade"

20/5/20 - 13:47		Thatcham Research - webinar Monday 1 June: 'Repair and ADAS: challenge or opportunity?'

20/5/20 - 12:50		Revive! - two women from Revive! recognised in top franchise industry awards

20/5/20 - 12:17		Bodyshop Solutions – now selling the 'AIR2 SAN' Automatic Vehicle Sanitiser from TEXA; eliminates all viruses and bacteria

20/5/20 - 11:49		H&L Motors - Twickenham-based bodyshop using Power-Clean AC; "tested and proven to eliminate 99.99% of viruses, including Covid-19"

20/5/20 - 10:24		Euro NCAP - overhauls safety ratings and toughens test protocols

20/5/20 - 10:23		Euro NCAP - latest overhaul of its Safety Rating test protocols

20/5/20 - 10:06		Goldman & Fine Group - offer ABP Club members recruitment support and discount on temporary staffing solutions

20/5/20 - 10:03		Volvo - every new Volvo is now limited to a 112mph top speed

20/5/20 - 09:39		Jaguar Land Rover - first Range Rover manufactured under new social distancing measures rolls off production line in Solihull

19/5/20 - 19:24		Midlands Future Mobility - work begins on the 300km test environment, spanning from Coventry to Birmingham

19/5/20 - 14:24		Audatex - free live 30 minute webinar at 11.00am on Thursday 21 May - on how to get the most from AudaIntel

19/5/20 - 13:56		Chaplane Accident Repair Centre - VM-approved bodyshop share tutorial video they've made to help customers provide vehicle damage images

19/5/20 - 13:39		Aviva - appoints George Culmer (also NED at Rolls Royce) as Chairman

19/5/20 - 13:35		BVRLA - "surge" in battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations

19/5/20 - 13:28		HM Treasury - £22 billion provided to half a million businesses through Covid-19 lending schemes

19/5/20 - 13:19		Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme - employers will be able to make claims from Tues 26 May

19/5/20 - 13:02		National Accident Repair Group (NARG) - Paul Wrigglesworth (ex Smart Fleet Solutions, Nationwide & JCC) joins NARG as Operations Director

19/5/20 - 12:41		HELLA - launches its first work lamp with plastic housing; PS1000 work lamp from the VALUEFIT range

19/5/20 - 11:51		Coronavirus - excellent easy to understand 7 minute video showing what face masks actually do against COVID-19

19/5/20 - 11:43		Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) - HMRC now say you must "keep a copy of all records for 6 years" of your claim

19/5/20 - 11:17		Government - cars made in the EU will be subject to 10% import tax (currently 0%) from 1 Jan 2021; cars made outside EU already pay 10% tax

19/5/20 - 10:33		Mercedes-Benz Vans UK - welcomes Andrew Lawson back to UK as Sales Director after 4 years with MBUSA

19/5/20 - 10:27		The IMI - on managing the IMI’s awarding activities: "we're making progress to keep you developing"

19/5/20 - 10:15		USA: PPG - listed in Fortune Magazine's Fortune 500 for the 26th consecutive year

19/5/20 - 10:01		IFB - as more cars return to the road, motorists are urged to watch out for 'Crash for Cash' attempts

19/5/20 - 09:54		Admiral - insurer has seen a 46% increase in bicycle theft in the last 7 weeks

19/5/20 - 09:19		Government - UK unemployment soared by 856,000 in April to 2.1 million

19/5/20 - 09:07		Redde Nortgate - trading update; "accidents and incidents remained low during April..we expect them to increase as traffic volume increases"

18/5/20 - 14:13		CAPS - data shows claims numbers fell 75% to a low of 25% of 'normal' in w/e 17 April, climbing since to '39%' of normal in w/e 8 May

18/5/20 - 14:03		SMMT - British HGV market down -22.5% in Q1 2020

18/5/20 - 14:01		The Parts Alliance - ‘Colour for Hope’ competition for children

18/5/20 - 13:55		HMRC Self-Employment Income Support Scheme - 1.1 million claims made in two days

18/5/20 - 13:45		ABI - insurance industry launches £100 million fund to support people worst affected by Covid-19

18/5/20 - 13:40		Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – to receive a payment by the end of May, you need to apply by Weds 20 May

18/5/20 - 13:40		Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – to receive a payment by the end of May, you need to apply by Weds 20‌‌ May

18/5/20 - 13:30		Aviva - update on senior manager remuneration

18/5/20 - 12:08		Novares - advanced automotive plastics injection tech firm resuming operations in Europe following a "major liquidity injection"

18/5/20 - 12:04		CDL Vehicle Information Services (VIS) - used car sales 89% down in April compared to March – similar to the impact on new cars

18/5/20 - 11:26		The FCA - calls for examples of business interruption insurance during the coronavirus pandemic for High Court test case

18/5/20 - 10:46		Business Cost Reduction Associates - useful cost management advice to fellow ABP Club members

18/5/20 - 10:21		The IMI - more than half of automotive retail apprentices have been furloughed

18/5/20 - 01:13		Dyson electric car - project cancelled in October 2019 cost James Dyson £500m of his own money; lithium-ion batteries gave it 600ml range

15/5/20 - 20:16		Rodgman and Williams (Fix Auto Plymouth and Paignton) - notice of creditors meeting on 29 May

15/5/20 - 14:15		Formula 1 - deal reached to hold British GP but quarantine questions remain

15/5/20 - 14:09		Motofix Group - all eight sites remain open and fully functional; working closely with BSI to ensure continued compliance to BS10125

15/5/20 - 14:07		Motofix Group - update: all 8 sites remain open and fully functional

15/5/20 - 12:33		The Floow - UPLIFT, a 21-month project designed to strengthen the UK’s position in the motor insurance sector

15/5/20 - 12:25		Scrap Car Comparison - fuel prices hit an all-time low for the first time since 2016

15/5/20 - 12:05		Pirelli UK - to recommence production at its plants in Carlisle and Burton-on-Trent from Monday (May 18)

15/5/20 - 12:02		AX - Dealers "rushing" to provide unaccompanied test drives after latest official reopening guidance

15/5/20 - 11:49		London - congestion charge returns early on Mon 18 May; on 22 June it goes up 30% to £15 a day and will apply 7 days a week from 7am to 10pm

15/5/20 - 11:35		Snoop - consumer spending app warns insurers to "step up to the plate and reimburse customers for worthless policies – now!"

15/5/20 - 11:30		Ageas - Q1 trading update: Gross revenue £365m (down 1.5%) with reduced loss of £2.7m; motor GWP down 6.6% to £181m

15/5/20 - 11:24		JMK Solicitors - "pioneering approach" helped when COVID-19 hit

15/5/20 - 11:18		Hats on 4 Ben next week (18-24 May) - fundraising during Mental Health Awareness week

15/5/20 - 10:40		Castle Coachworks - first bodyshop in the UK with Sanity System

15/5/20 - 10:39		Castle Coachworks - first bodyshop in the UK with Sanity System

15/5/20 - 10:07		BCA Valuations - near total accuracy during lock down period; pre-sale valuations averaging 100.2% of the final sold price

15/5/20 - 02:31		Audatex and Willis Towers Watson - fascinating detailed analysis of motor accident damage claim costs and volume in the UK during lockdown

15/5/20 - 00:18		Vauxhall - production at its Luton van factory will resume on Mon 18 May

15/5/20 - 00:11		Government - lay out their vision for the rapid chargepoint network in England; 2,500 high powered chargepoints on motorways by 2030

15/5/20 - 00:02		Jaguar Land Rover - production at Solihull and Wolverhampton engine plant to restart on Mon 18 May

14/5/20 - 21:46		Ford - production at its Dagenham Engine Plant and Bridgend Engine Plant to resume on Mon 18 May; all Ford of Europe will be back at work

14/5/20 - 21:11		Honda - production at its Swindon factory will resume on 1 June

14/5/20 - 21:03		Nissan - in talks to build Renault Kadjar and Captur models in Sunderland says FT report

14/5/20 - 18:16		CarFest 2020 - rescheduled to 2021; CarFest North Bolesworth Estate 23 - 25 July 2021; CarFest South Laverstoke Park 27 - 29 Aug 2021

14/5/20 - 17:39		Formula 1 - for the many ABP Club members who are F1 fans, "potential" calendar starts in Austria on 5 July and ends in Abu Dhabi on 13 Dec

14/5/20 - 15:30		Insurance Age - 45% of brokers rate the service from insurers on claims logged in relation to Covid-19 as "poor or very poor"

14/5/20 - 14:41		Fix Auto Plymouth and Fix & Go Paignton (Rodgman and Williams) - goes into a creditors voluntary liquidation

14/5/20 - 14:07		Direct Line Group - appoint Danuta Gray as Chair (formerly CEO of Telefónica O2 Ireland), to replace Mike Biggs

14/5/20 - 13:58		New study shows an increasing number of people are more likely to drive in the future

14/5/20 - 13:57		Allianz - appoints John Berry as chief risk officer for Allianz Holdings and Allianz Insurance

14/5/20 - 11:57		IMI - joins automotive trade bodies to provide the Aftermarket with COVID-19 Protective Measures Best Practice Guide

14/5/20 - 11:54		KVF - return to work with COVID 19 policy and risk assessment packs

14/5/20 - 11:50		44% of businesses who had not permanently ceased trading (20 April - 3 May) reported that cash reserves would last less than 6 months

14/5/20 - 11:30		Ford - quick to transform warehouse operation to manufacture ventilators for NHS

14/5/20 - 11:17		FCA - confirms measures to help insurance customers who may be suffering financial difficulties as a result of coronavirus

14/5/20 - 11:08		SMMT - sector-specific COVID-19 guidance for automotive aftermarket

14/5/20 - 10:51		McKinsey & Co - 'Beyond coronavirus: the road ahead for the automotive aftermarket'; automotive aftermarket "fundamentally changed"

14/5/20 - 10:19		Goodwood - Members Meeting (due to take place in March 2020) now rearranged to April 2021

14/5/20 - 09:48		Solera Audatex - 'Accelerating Digital Transformation for the Future of Automotive Claims' white paper

13/5/20 - 14:00		NFDA and SMMT - NFDA and SMMT publish safe restart guidance for dealers

13/5/20 - 13:44		3M - free webinar on PPE: Wednesday 20 May @ 10am

13/5/20 - 13:34		PwC's weekly UK Economic Update

13/5/20 - 13:22		CRASH Services - accident management company's "pioneering approach" helped when COVID-19 hit

13/5/20 - 13:09		GDP fell 5.8% in March

13/5/20 - 11:43		new British Motor Show - planned for 20-23 Aug 2020 is postponed to August 2021

13/5/20 - 11:08		Ducati - extends the warranty for three months free of charge on both new motorcycles and those incorporating the “Factory Ever Red” warrant

13/5/20 - 10:52		JMK Solicitors - ‘call for action’ to protect children involved in accidents successfully leads to proposed legislative intervention

13/5/20 - 10:44		Aston Martin - Q1 results: sales revenue down 60% to £79m with pre-tax loss of £119m; 2020 is the year in which the business is being reset

13/5/20 - 10:36		Compare the Market - motor insurance premiums plummet to lowest level in four years: av. in April £679, down 6% Y-O-Y

13/5/20 - 10:24		Highways England - tells motorists the check their vehicles before driving

13/5/20 - 10:17		Audtex - launches free of charge online product overview programme for repairer customers

13/5/20 - 10:07		CarGurus UK - searches for used cars increase by 17.5% after government guidance recommends avoiding public transport

13/5/20 - 01:45		Vertu - CEO Robert Forrester says "our Aftersales Departments are now welcoming customers back for servicing, MOTs and accident repairs"

13/5/20 - 00:51		Enterprise - named as a Which? Recommended Provider for the 7th year year running

12/5/20 - 14:20		Autovista Group - impact of Covid-19 on residual values

12/5/20 - 13:19		Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - furloughing extended to end October; from August will allow part-time work and employers share cost

12/5/20 - 12:57		IMI - 'Motivation, Mental Health and the Motor Industry' webinar at 2pm on Thursday (14 May)

12/5/20 - 12:20		SMMT - UK used car market falls -8.3% in Q1 2020; -30.7% decline in March as dealers close

12/5/20 - 12:16		Enterprise - car rental brands implement Complete Clean Pledge

12/5/20 - 12:07		Allianz Holdings Group (Allianz + LV) - Q1 trading update: now second largest general insurer in the UK; no staff have been furloughed

12/5/20 - 10:38		Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) - driver distraction levels higher when using touch screen technologies vs voice activated systems

12/5/20 - 09:58		National Windscreens - appoints Nigel Paling as commercial and service director

12/5/20 - 09:51		Copart - awarded ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management Standard

12/5/20 - 02:18		Government - publishes new guidance for employers to help them get their businesses back up and running and workplaces operating safely

11/5/20 - 21:36		Coronavirus - Chancellor Rishi Sunak set to announce extension of Furloughing scheme to September but at reduced level of 60% of salaries

11/5/20 - 21:25		Coronavirus - new Government guidance document issued today (Monday) called "Staying alert and safe (social distancing)"

11/5/20 - 17:08		Car dealers - government's COVID-19 recovery strategy appears to suggest that car dealers can re-open from 1 June: NFDA seeking clarity

11/5/20 - 14:56		Government - "OUR PLAN TO REBUILD: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy"; link to full document

11/5/20 - 14:24		Government - 50-page plan for lifting lockdown is revealed; "Our Plan to Rebuild: The UK Government's Covid 19 recovery strategy"

11/5/20 - 14:15		Fix Auto UK - Ian Pugh calls for Government ‘Cobra’ style cross-sector emergency committee for vehicle repair industry

11/5/20 - 14:09		ABP Club Training Hub & Improve Online - employee training during COVID-19 webinar: Tues 12 May @ 10am

11/5/20 - 13:51		AXA and Brightmile - offer safe driving app for fleets providing essential services

11/5/20 - 13:44		Insure The Box - 11,000 new drivers lost their driving licence last year

11/5/20 - 13:43		PSA merger with Fiat Chrysler - EU antitrust regulators will decide by Wed 17 June whether to allow the merger to go ahead

11/5/20 - 13:39		Supermarkets cut price of unleaded petrol to less than £1 per litre

11/5/20 - 13:30		Government - Boris Johnson to hold news conference tonight (Monday) at 7.00pm; 50-page "lockdown guidance document" to be issued later today

11/5/20 - 12:49		Lotus and Centrica (parent company of British Gas) - develop new model of integrating connected vehicles

11/5/20 - 11:37		LV= Insurance - to pay "all Audatex assessment, Auda VIN+ and AudaInvoice fees" for our repair network as part of package of assistance

11/5/20 - 11:22		Daily Mail group - launches £3m scheme to give £3,000 of free advertising in its newspapers to each of 1,000 small local businesses

11/5/20 - 11:20		MoT extension "confusion" and vehicle neglect could cause chaos for businesses and their drivers as lockdown is eased

11/5/20 - 11:04		Tracker - 43% of Caravan Guard claim payouts in 2019 were for when vehicles were not in use

11/5/20 - 10:49		Audatex - Bodyshop Image Capture solution is free-of-charge to new and existing customers from May – September 2020

11/5/20 - 10:44		Audatex - offers its Bodyshop Image Capture solution free-of-charge to repairers until September

11/5/20 - 10:43		Which occupations have the highest potential exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

11/5/20 - 10:30		Arlington Automotive Group - major tier-1 supplier to Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Daimler and Renault Nissan goes into administration

11/5/20 - 10:19		Thatcham Research - webinar on Thurs to share short, medium and long-term plans in the 1+2 Business Plan

11/5/20 - 09:41		SmartDriverClub Insurance - customer journeys have jumped over 100% in lockdown (data from w/c 23 March and w/c 27 April)

11/5/20 - 09:36		The Parts Alliance - encouraging garages to proactively offer a battery testing service to their customers

11/5/20 - 09:30		Government tells councils to reallocate roadspace for significantly-increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians

10/5/20 - 20:03		Government - encourage people back to work this week "if possible by car" - avoid public transport; you can drive to take unlimited exercise

10/5/20 - 11:23		USA - major car rental companies, including Hertz and Avis, working with car manufacturers to cancel their purchases of new cars

10/5/20 - 11:15		China - could the roll-out of self-driving 'robotaxis' ease fears of using public transport due to coronavirus?

10/5/20 - 11:13		RAC - 23% more miles were driven last week compared to week two of lockdown with 11% more cars on the road

10/5/20 - 00:12		ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) - produce app for emergency services showing the fastest and safest way to cut open cars

09/5/20 - 16:51		Volvo - wants autonomous vehicles (only on particular areas of motorway) to make up one-third of its deliveries by 2025

09/5/20 - 16:42		Government - latest figures show motor vehicle traffic on Thursday 7 May was at highest level since lock-down began - 50% down on normal

07/5/20 - 17:47		Hertz - receives lifeline from its lenders until 22 May; failure could mean worldwide 568,000 used vehicles flooding the used car market

07/5/20 - 17:01		Irish Auto Trade EXPO - postponed from October 2020 to October 2021; one month after Automechanika Frankfurt; will overlap with Equip Auto

07/5/20 - 15:06		MG Cannon - On The Road to Reopening: How We’re Preparing to Welcome You Back and Key Steps We're Taking to Keep You Safe.

07/5/20 - 14:12		Tokio Marine - to use Tractable’s AI to analyse auto damage across Japan

07/5/20 - 14:06		AA - results for y/e 31 Jan 2020: pre-tax profits double to £107m on £995m turnover; 19% growth in motor policies to 869,000

07/5/20 - 12:24		Fix Auto UK - offer ALL bodyshops a template to apply for the Government’s Small Business Grant for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure

07/5/20 - 11:54		EDT Automotive - emerges from April troubles for opportunities ahead

07/5/20 - 11:43		Industry Insights - Connected Solutions Partners shortlisted for this year’s British Insurance Industry Awards (BIA2020)

07/5/20 - 11:38		KVF - 5 things to consider before opening your motor trade business

07/5/20 - 11:27		insurethebox - telematics insurer celebrates 10th anniversary

07/5/20 - 11:21		GlobalData - despite car usage being substantially reduced due to coronavirus, UK motor insurance GWP to witness marginal increase in 2020

07/5/20 - 11:13		GlobalData - despite cars rarely being used, UK motor insurance GWP to witness marginal increase in 2020

07/5/20 - 10:55		ONS - 75% motor trade & repair businesses continue to trade; 34.7% said turnover decreased by more than 50%

07/5/20 - 10:32		Aston Martin - phased return to work for manufacturing staff: St Athan factory went back 5 May; Production workers at global HQ to follow

07/5/20 - 10:24		SMMT - Paul Heard appointed CEO of SMMT Industry Forum

07/5/20 - 10:17		The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) - 298 VM factories operating across Europe, new data shows

07/5/20 - 10:10		RSA - Q1 trading update: "strong results"; "sustaining supply chains through prompt and interim payments";

07/5/20 - 09:46		Vertu - trading update: 98 of the Group's 133 dealership aftersales operations reopened end March; showrooms ready and waiting to open

06/5/20 - 16:29		Automechanika Frankfurt - knock-on effect of its postponement to Sept 2021 for other 2021 trade shows; Automechanika Birmingham, Equip Auto

06/5/20 - 16:15		Germany - announce further easing of their lockdown; social distancing (1.5m) remains until 5 June; Bundesliga football to restart 16 May

06/5/20 - 13:59		ERS (formerly Equity Red Star) - Francois-Xavier Boisseau (CEO of Ageas UK 2013 - 2018) appointed as non-executive director

06/5/20 - 13:46		Hanover Motors in Craigavon and JMK - increase in ‘hit and run’ accident damage repaiduring COVID-19 Lockdown

06/5/20 - 11:56		ACEA - VAT on vehicle sales, servicing, repair & parts in the UK contributes £12.29 billion in tax contributions

06/5/20 - 11:44		PwC's weekly UK Economic Update - COVID-19 crisis will lead to a sharp fall in GDP in Q2 2020 by around 12% to 16%

06/5/20 - 11:28		Audatex webinar: Thursday 7 May @4pm - digital transformation & "the touch-less claims journey of the future"

06/5/20 - 11:17		Axalta Refinish - online bodyshop training videos a "perfect resource" for refinishers while they stay at home

06/5/20 - 11:00		PPG - short video on how the refinish paint company is protecting "our people, customers, and communities"

06/5/20 - 10:48		RAC - cost of refuelling a car at lowest level in four years after oil price plummets

06/5/20 - 10:45		Tracker - London followed by Essex top list of 10 regions where cars were most stolen and recovered in 2019

06/5/20 - 10:40		AX - ‘digital dealership’ services inc 'electronic signature’ facility to validate insurance for courtesy car loans

06/5/20 - 10:17		GT Motive and Service Certainty imageproof - develop integration to simplify processes for bodyshops

06/5/20 - 09:55		IAA Commercial Vehicle show - due to take place in Hannover (24-30 Sept 2020) has been cancelled; next show will be September 2022

06/5/20 - 09:04		Automechanika Frankfurt - postponed from September 2020 to September 2021; will then take place in odd-numbered years

06/5/20 - 08:58		AXA Group - Q1 trading update: "Group performed well in the first quarter of 2020"; UK motor revenue up 4.4%

06/5/20 - 08:14		Cambria Automobiles - results for 6 months to 29 Feb 2020: "Group performed ahead of the prior year and marginally ahead of expectations"

06/5/20 - 08:04		Direct Line - Q1 trading update: motor premiums up 6.2%; motor claims notifications down 70% in April;

06/5/20 - 00:03		Mitsubishi Motors - appoint Toby Marshall as Director of After Sales; Toby takes over from Richard Weller who has retired

05/5/20 - 20:23		Coys of Kensington Automobiles - one of London's oldest auction houses specialising in classic car sales, has gone into administration

05/5/20 - 14:00		British Bodyshop Awards (BBA) due to take place today in London - instead we look ahead to celebrating together in Jan 2021

05/5/20 - 13:42		Kwif Fit - little use of cars during lockdown has led to car battery sales doubling in last four weeks, to levels normally seen in January

05/5/20 - 13:36		Nissan - update on European operations

05/5/20 - 13:15		SMMT - new van market in UK down 86.2% in April

05/5/20 - 13:11		Auto Trader - respond to this morning's news of a 97.3% fall in new car sales in UK in April

05/5/20 - 13:06		MiX Telematics - renews 268-vehicle fleet telematics contract for the Post Office

05/5/20 - 12:54		REPOST from the Forum: PPE - "non compliant and ineffective"

05/5/20 - 12:49		A message from Ben, the automotive industry charity - #HatsOn4Ben

05/5/20 - 11:16		67% of road accidents happen on urban roads

05/5/20 - 11:13		The Credit Hire Organisation (CHO) - "public need their cars"

05/5/20 - 11:02		CarGurus - nearly half of taxi & ride sharing users plan to decrease or cease use post-lockdown; 53% say they'll use their own car more

05/5/20 - 09:38		SMMT - new car sales crashed 97.3% in April to just 4,321; top two sellers both battery powered: Tesla 3 and Jaguar i-Pace

04/5/20 - 16:28		Which?- why aren’t car manufacturers doing more about keyless car thefts? Only 2 VMs have implemented fixes across their entire range

04/5/20 - 13:17		IMI - launches new programme of webinars to help individuals and businesses

04/5/20 - 11:28		ABP Club Recommended Business Service Provider, InAutomotive - recruiters: offering the right salary for a role

04/5/20 - 11:20		Jaguar Land Rover UK - 3.3 million people have used JLR's online sales service since May 2019; higher proportion of female buyers

04/5/20 - 11:08		Synetiq - Team BRIT acquires new racing car through SYNETIQs auction

04/5/20 - 10:42		GoCompare - urges drivers to contact their insurer now if they are worried about paying premiums

04/5/20 - 10:28		WorldSkills UK - five-point action plan in response to COVID-19: supporting schools, online role models & assessment, & digital outreach

04/5/20 - 10:01		Coronavirus - BBC see draft of post-lockdown workplace rules in government document: PM to reveal "roadmap" out of lockdown on Sunday 10 May

04/5/20 - 08:51		Inchcape - announce Duncan Tait to join as Group Chief Executive Officer to replace Stefan Bomhard on 1 July 2020

04/5/20 - 08:47		Pendragon - "confirms that it held outline discussions with Lookers" on a possible merger; "these early discussions have now ceased"

04/5/20 - 08:44		Lookers - "snubbed a tentative merger approach from rival Pendragon" says SKY News report

02/5/20 - 02:34		Autocar - reports that car industry executives were in discussion with government on Friday about opening car showrooms from Mon 11 May

02/5/20 - 02:22		LV - make £30m available to to direct car insurance customers (giving between £20 - £50 to a customer) to those hit hardest by coronavirus

02/5/20 - 01:37		Morelli - provide great advice with a "Back to Work Checklist" containing a number of items to consider for your business

01/5/20 - 22:55		Fix Auto Slough - managing director, Ranjit Gill, receives apology from local council for delay with his coronavirus business loan

01/5/20 - 21:42		Formula E - cancels the season finale at the London ExCeL Centre on 25/26 July 2020 as it is now a temporary Nightingale Hospital

01/5/20 - 15:14		A message to bodyshops regarding BS10125 compliance from Dean Lander, chair of the SVS/20 committee

01/5/20 - 14:08		The Floow - Covid19 traffic: sudden 25% drop around 24 March but this has subsequently increased to 20%

01/5/20 - 14:08		How to EASILY and QUICKLY find what government help (grants, loans etc) is available for your business

01/5/20 - 13:53		FE Week - expose impact of coronavirus on apprenticeship starts as 304 providers saw an 80% drop in April; 2,693 starts v planned 13,732

01/5/20 - 13:41		Ford - manufacturing face masks in the UK and face shields at Ford in Europe sites

01/5/20 - 13:27		ABI: SMEs and business interruption - "welcome step from the FCA and insurers will look to work closely with the regulator"

01/5/20 - 13:23		Average new car driven 28 miles per day - new Teslas clocking up most mileage

01/5/20 - 13:01		IMI - Government needs to act now to avoid window of lost talent in five years time

01/5/20 - 12:02		Hertz - prepares for potential bankruptcy as it misses lease payment reports the Wall Street Journal; company has $17 billion of debt

01/5/20 - 11:52		insurethebox - records 24% increase in speeding between February and March 2020

01/5/20 - 11:27		RAC - pothole-related breakdowns jump in first three months of 2020

01/5/20 - 11:21		Number of diesel cars in Britain drops - first annual reduction in quarter of a century

01/5/20 - 11:08		FCA - seeks legal clarity on business interruption insurance alongside package of measures to help consumers and small businesses

01/5/20 - 10:55		Pinetree (ACTIVEWEB Claims Management System and ADVANCE Bodyshop Management System) - supporting customers through Covid-19 crisis

01/5/20 - 09:55		Allianz - launches digital claims hub and App with end-to-end claims notification and tracking