High insurance premiums keeping people unemployed

Increasing motor insurance premiums for young unemployed drivers will stop them being able to find work according to Young Marmalade - the specialist insurer of young people.

The Oxford Times: A major moment for Mini factory

Bosses at the Cowley Mini plant joined Oxford East MP Andrew Smith to celebrate a milestone at the factory’s new bodyshop.

‘Peter Pan’ cars – the vehicles that don’t age

They say fine wines get better with age and it appears that some cars feature the same quality, according to new research.

Never mind referral fees... catch the insurance fraudsters

A recent survey commissioned by Insurance Times reveals the public’s views on motor insurance are – at best – lukewarm, with almost three quarters of respondents unaware or uninfluenced by the issue of referral fees.

Talented techs wanted

There’s still time to enter the Institute of the Motor Industry’s (IMI’s) SkillAuto panel and paint competitions.

Nationwide Windscreen Services has been awarded a three year contract with Lex Autolease

Automotive glazing repair and replacement specialist Nationwide Windscreen Services will supply automotive glass repair and replacement services to Lex Autolease customers under a three year agreement which commenced on 1 January 2012.

Building a bodyshop

Ipswich Accident Repair Centre is moving along well with completion just round the corner.

RAC: UK set for showers, hail and snow

The UK is due to be hit by wintry showers and hail, possibly with snow in some areas, as cooler weather is predicted.

Anger and outrage as RBS boss receives £963k bonus

The public, opposition MPs and unions have reacted with fury after Stephen Hester, the group chief executive of taxpayer-funded bank RBS, was awarded a bonus worth nearly £1m.

Gaskell Motor Bodies add Fiat to existing vehicle manufacturer approvals

Gaskell Motor Bodies, based in Great Harwood in Lancashire, have added Fiat approval to their ever growing list of vehicle manufacturer approvals.

Government urged to re-think decision not to offer creditors more legal protection from ‘phoenix’ companies

The Forum of Private Business is responding with dismay to a government announcement that legislation to improve the pre-pack insolvency sales process, designed to clamp down on ‘phoenix’ companies starting again while leaving their creditors unpaid, will now not go ahead as planned.

BBC: Coryton refinery shipments start as deal signed

Fears of fuel shortages have been eased after shipments were restarted at Coryton oil refinery in Essex.

MPs call for urgent action over scrap metal sales

MPs have called on the government to reform regulation of the scrap metal industry as part of wider measures to tackle the increase in metal theft.

New powers for councils to control road works

New powers to help councils cut the disruption caused by road works were announced today by Transport Minister Norman Baker.

2011 CO2 data released: The 2012 CO2 target is still out of reach but car companies will escape fines, nonetheless

As we go into 2012, the year when the 130 g/km limit on CO2 comes into force, only nine manufacturers have got below that figure, yet almost no manufacturer is worried. Many will miss the target this year, but the range of loopholes means that fines are unlikely.

Anti-motor fraud unit stalls ‘crash for cash’ conmen

A unique investigation team is fighting back against ‘crash for cash’ fraudsters and other bogus claimants, having completed its most productive period to date, with more than £5 million worth of bogus claims thwarted in 2011.

Refinishing in winter

Cold winter mornings or late afternoons are potentially times when refinishers can have problems with paint products. Low temperatures increase viscosity.

Audatex 2012 Paint material price reviews

Audatex have release the following: ‘As you may be aware, many of the leading paint brands have announced that they are revising their prices.

BBC: Davos 2012 starts with worries about eurozone crisis

The BBC reports: The eurozone crisis and its global impact are set to dominate as the World Economic Forum (WEF) gets under way.

BBC: UK economy shrinks by 0.2% in last three months of 2011

UK economic activity shrank by 0.2% in the last three months of last year according to official figures.

Larger cars becoming more popular

Be Wiser Insurance thinks that many parents feel more like a taxi service than a loved family member these days with children often having a busier social life than adults; all the birthday parties and after school clubs can mean driving the little cherubs and their friends all over town.

Forum response to UK economy’s 0.2% contraction

Forum of Private Business says double dip recession not a racing certainty and says confidence a big problem.

R.P.M Welding consultants achieves IMI awards centre approval

Times are changing throughout the industry especially at the moment with the new ATA format. R.P.M. Welding is leading the way by achieving IMI Awards centre status. R.P.M. has been working extremely hard alongside the IMI Awards in gaining centre approval.

Back to work scheme

The Department for Work and Pensions and providers have made assumptions about how many people the Work Programme will get back into work but there is a significant risk that they are over-optimistic.

Road train approaching: SARTRE project enters final phase

The SARTRE project (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) has successfully completed the first test demonstrations of a multiple vehicle platoon.

The Telegraph reports: London and South East face petrol shortage after refinery closure as Petroplus files for bankruptcy

Forecourts in London and the South East could face a fuel shortage after Petroplus, Europe's largest independent oil refiner filed for bankrupcy on Tuesday.

Motorists look retro to save fuel and money

Over three quarters of motorists (78%) would consider retro-fitting their car in some way to improve economy and save money.

The year of hope (in the land with 100,000 bodyshops)

Today marks the start of the Chinese New Year. 2012 is the Year of the Dragon.

Young drivers in big insurance claims

Nick Starling of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) told the House of Commons Transport Committee that young drivers were involved in an increasing number of £20 million insurance claims.

Better testing for better drivers

From today the driving theory test will no longer use pre-published questions in a move to stop candidates from learning answers by rote.

BBC reports: Economic gap between UK cities 'widening'

BBC: The gap between the relative economic performances of towns and cities across the UK is widening, a report has said.

DWS reorganisation

DWS has announced the formation of a new company, DWS Automotive Repair Solutions Ltd (DWS ARSL). DWS Bodyworks (Holdings) Ltd was placed into administration on Friday.

Small firms urged to grab last £50m of Olympics contracts

About £50million of contracts for the London Olympics are still up for grabs and small firms are being urged to act quickly, says financial website www.thisismoney.co.uk.

Write-offs undervalued, says ombudsman

Complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service about motor insurance rose by 29% last year. One of the top ‘gripes’ is the valuations of written-off vehicles, says the BBC.

Two years on and 75 bodyshops later… Selsia grows across all sectors

More new clients are signing up with Selsia from a diverse range of industries, including water utilities, construction, leasing and government departments.

Fix Auto awarded

Fix Auto Stevenage has been awarded Category ‘A’ Aston Martin body repair approval.

Dynolicious named best car app

The Sunday Times Apps List 2012 (first section published Sunday January 22) has named Dynolicious as the best car app currently available.

bodyshop launches b200 initiative

b200 is the latest initiative from Plenham, publishers of bodyshop. b200 is a means of giving the future generation of bodyshop readers a series of networking events that are of real value to their business.

MyCarCheck is The Mail on Sunday’s No.1 cash-saving App

MyCarCheck.com has saved millions of people from making an expensive used car mistake. Giving a prestigious independent endorsement, The Mail on Sunday’s Live magazine on 1 January 2012 named MyCarCheck as its No.1 cash-saving app.

BASF and Philips first to develop OLED lighting for use as a transparent car roof

BASF and Philips have achieved a practical breakthrough in the development of OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology that allows it to be integrated in car roofs.

Road vehicles run on ISO standards

ISO has just published a new brochure giving a concise overview of its substantial portfolio of International Standards that share state-of-the-art technology and good practice with the automotive sector worldwide.

New broker platform underpins broadened Aim

Stockport’s Aim Group has launched an online portal set to transform the support it is able to offer the UK’s intermediary market.

Wiltshire Police provide vehicles to help students at Swindon College

Yesterday, Swindon College was the recipient of a rather unusual gift from Wiltshire Police - a Peugeot 206 car.

NAB welcome ADR Accident Repair Centres

ADR Accident Repair Centres have become members of the RMI’s National Association of Bodyshops (NAB), the leading trade body for vehicle body repairers.

UK Summer Traffic Predictions: INRIX Traffic Congestion Report

Congestion levels expected to soar 33% reducing traffic speeds on core network routes reduced to just 12mph as over 5 million visitors head to London.

Government and industry map path to hydrogen vehicle future

Plans for a nationwide roll-out of hydrogen vehicles and refuelling infrastructure have today been welcomed by SMMT as a major step in securing the UK’s position as a global leader in the development and manufacture of ultra-low carbon vehicles.

East meets west at IBIS CEE, IBIS Central and Eastern Europe

The addition of Dane Loosley from Allianz Insurance completes a strong line-up of speakers for IBIS Central & Eastern Europe (CEE).

Record production for Kia cars and engines in Europe

Kia Motors produced a record 252,000 cars at its Zilina, Slovakia factory last year - a 10% increase over 2010. The plant also achieved a 12 per cent year-on-year increase in engine production, with more than 359,000 petrol and diesel engines rolling off the production lines in 2011.

Revive! leads the way in securing industry accreditation

Two smart repair specialists from Revive! have become amongst the first in the country to compete the newly launched ATA for cosmetic repair.

Automotive human machine interface solutions poised to tap synergies between driver and car, projects Frost & Sullivan

To deal with the issue of driver distraction, the automotive industry is turning to a multi-modal human machine interface (HMI) approach, wherein all the interfaces play an equal role. The main aim here is to prioritise information and reduce driver workload.

Direct Line and Churchill fined for file tampering

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has imposed a fine of £2,170,000 for Direct Line and Churchill for file tampering.

Fix Auto appointment

Fix Auto UK are delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Churcher to the position of client relationship manager.

R-M and Petronas Team DeRooy Iveco celebrate victory in the Dakar Rally

With 8,500 kilometers of the world’s toughest terrain behind them, Petronas Team DeRooy Iveco, together with technical sponsor R-M Automotive Refinish Paints are celebrating an outright win in the Truck class in the 2012 Dakar Rally with first and second places going to Petronas Team De Rooy Iveco. Third place went to Team Astana, which came in 1 hour 47 minutes after the winning time.

Government commits to ultra-low carbon cars and vans

Government’s renewed commitment to ultra-low carbon vehicles was welcomed today by SMMT following the announcement that the Plug-In Car Grant will be retained, with a new Plug-In Van Grant created – reducing the cost of eligible vans by 20% up to the value of £8,000.

Select few grabbing all the growth in the UK bodyshop industry

A new study by industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing has identified a group of 84 emerging companies in the UK accident repair centres industry. In the last year these companies have increased sales by an average 23% and are taking further control of the market as we start 2012.

Insurance Times reports: 'Referral fee ban will benefit motor insurers'

Insurance Times: Fitch says a full ban on referral fees would be good news for the industry

Mazda quality and top customer satisfaction confirmed once again

Mazda began 2012 on a high note with great results from four independent automotive sources that focus on quality and customer satisfaction in Europe.

2012, the year of...

Over the next year we’re going to see the Olympics in London (if you have tickets/ if we can still afford to run it/ if the buildings are completed on schedule), The Queen’s Jubilee (If you have tickets/ if we can still afford it) and the world is supposedly going to end (just before Christmas).

Volvo appoints new campaigns manager for business sales

Volvo has appointed a new campaigns manager for business sales, Kay Saunders, to build on the growing interest in the brand from UK fleets.

Arco launches expert guide to safety signs in the workplace

Hazard warning signs, prohibition signs, mandatory signs and safe condition signs– the regulations could be changing so how can businesses ensure they are compliant? Arco has launched a comprehensive Safety Signs catalogue complete with over 3,000 signs that meet current BS and potential future EN standards plus expert advice to help businesses prepare for any changes.

New Fix Auto bodyshops

Fix Auto UK are delighted to announce the latest addition to the Fix Auto UK network, Isolda Repairs, Fix Auto Broxbourne.

BASF invests $50 million to acquire equity ownership position in Sion Power

BASF announced that it has invested $50 million to acquire an equity ownership position in privately held Sion Power, the global leader in the development of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, based in Tucson, Arizona.

Andrew Page continues national expansion with opening of Ellesmere Port branch

One of the UK’s fastest growing motor factors, Andrew Page, marks the start of the New Year with the opening of its 62nd branch at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire. The Ellesmere Port branch fills an important gap in the company’s national network and the branch will be managed by Mike Jones.

Smart R-M: Color Explorer Online now available on Smartphone

The R-M Color Explorer Online mobile application is now available and aims to make the job of painters in car repair shops easier, in particular bodyshop’s productivity and performance in colour research.

Family opens new vehicle hire centre in Andover

Abacus, the Dorset based vehicle hire and repair specialist, has launched its new Vehicle hire centre in Andover.

Bid to build Bloodhound

Yesterday, at the Autosport show, Andy Green and the BLOODHOUND Engineers launched the Design and Manufacture work packages for their 1,000 mph /1,600 kph World Land Speed Record car.

Henkel-sponsored freestyle snowmobiler Levi LaVallee shatters world record for distance jumping

Henkel-sponsored freestyle snowmobiler Levi LaVallee just shattered his standing world record for distance jumping on a snowmobile by soaring 412 feet, 6 inches over San Diego harbor.

MPs’ report into the cost of motor insurance

A committee of MPs has today released a report into the cost of motor insurance. This follows the government’s response to the Transport Select Committee’s original March findings.

Up, up and away at the 1st BEN Blades Summer Ball 2012

The inaugural BEN Blades Summer Ball will take place on Thursday 21 June 2012 at Sywell Aerodrome in the Northamptonshire.

Mazda to launch MyMazda app in Europe

Mazda Motor Europe is introducing the handy new MyMazda smartphone application (MyMazda App) free of charge to Mazda customers in Europe.

BBC Reports: RBS to cut 3,500 jobs in investment bank shake-up

The BBC has today reported: The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has said it is planning to cut 3,500 jobs, with most of them to happen this year.

Insurance Times reports: Groupama confirms UK sale

Insurance Times: Peter Cullum and Andy Homer could help potential bidder Advent buy Groupama’s UK broking assets.

The IMI aims to make 2012 count for your business!

With the New Year ahead the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is determined to make 2012 count for you and your business.

Emerging refinish markets seek ‘competitive edge’

With four months to go IBIS 2012 is already 70% full, with a significant number of delegates from emerging refinish markets booked to attend the three-day event in Barcelona.

FIA’s Action for Road Safety

December’s FIA Annual General Assembly and Gala Prize-Giving in New Delhi saw FIA Action for Road Safety establish a strong presence, with a dedicated information display at which delegates from around the world were invited to sign a commemorative book pledging support for the campaign’s aspirations and goals.

HonestJohn.co.uk announces partnership with AROnline.co.uk

HonestJohn.co.uk has cemented its ambitions for growth by announcing that it has acquired AROnline, the UK’s leading website for British-built cars.

Frost & Sullivan projects nearly 40% of compact vehicles in Europe to have low-cost driver assistance systems technologies by 2018

Providing sophisticated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like driver monitoring system, lane departure warning, intelligent headlamp control and traffic sign recognition to compact cars such as the Ford Focus or Citroen C4 has helped to bring down driver assistance systems from high-end cars to mass-volume compact cars.

Call for cheaper insurance for well-trained young drivers

The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) is calling on the government to work with insurers to offer discounts on premiums for young drivers who take further driver training, ahead of the Transport Select Committee's report on the cost of motor insurance, published tomorrow (Thursday).

New centre is vital part of Foray Group’s efficiency

A new parts distribution warehouse will be central to driving forward efficiency and profitability for the Foray Motor Group in 2012.

BBC Reports: HS2: Phase one of high-speed rail line gets go-ahead

The BBC has reported that: A controversial new high-speed rail line between London and Birmingham has been approved by the government.

Dance the night away at the BEN Scotland Ball 2012

The 14th BEN Scotland Ball will take place on Saturday 3 March 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow.

FTA backs London’s Clean Air Fund

Leading trade body the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has backed the Mayor of London’s Clean Air Fund to improve air quality in the capital.

VRA conference on 9 February will shape the future of remarketing

The Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) has announced its final speaker line up and key topics for discussion at its 9 February conference to be held at the brand new Silverstone Wing, Silverstone Circuit.

Students challenged to create the 2020 Ampera in social media design competition

Paid internships on offer to winners

FSA appoints new Board Chairman for Financial Services Compensation Scheme

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has appointed Lawrence Churchill CBE as the new Chairman of the Board of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for three years. He will take up his appointment on 1 April 2012, succeeding David Hall CBE.

Industry leaders gather next week for international motorsport business week 2012

Key international industry figures will congregate in the UK for a series of events and networking opportunities during International Motorsport Business Week on 9-15 January 2012.

PAAS winter price freeze

PAAS are pleased to announce that they have frozen the price of all their courses for 2012, this means that their training starts at just £100+VAT per person per day.

New car market remains fragile

‘The decline in the retail market highlights an unchanging lack of consumer confidence’, said Sue Robinson, director of the RMI National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers across the UK, commenting on the SMMT’s new car registration figures.

Inter-est announces price freeze for 2012

Inter-est has announced that it will not be putting up its prices this year. This is the second consecutive year that Inter-est has held its prices.

Nationwide Windscreen Services achieves ISO 9001 accreditation

Nationwide Windscreen Services is proud to announce that they have achieved ISO 9001:2008 accreditation.

BMW Group posts highest sales ever in 2011

The BMW Group concluded 2011 with its best sales result ever. Worldwide sales of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce automobiles rose 14.2% last year to reach a total of 1,668,982 vehicles (prev. yr. 1,461,166).

Dangers of buying counterfeit software highlighted yet again by Trading Standards

The potential dangers posed by garages and workshops buying and using counterfeit automotive technical software has once again been highlighted following raids by Stoke-on-Trent Trading Standards officials in recent weeks.

Motorcycle sales down 2.2% in 2011

The latest new motorcycle and scooter figures show sales overall were down 2.2% in 2011 compared to 2010. Overall the market has moved away from large motorcycles towards smaller motorcycles and scooters, often used for commuting. This trend is reflected with the biggest sales growth of the year coming from the 51-125cc sector.

Morelli visits BASF

Morelli Group has celebrated its 30th anniversary working in partnership with Glasurit in the UK, with the directors and senior sales staff visiting the BASF global headquarters based in Ludwigshafen Germany.

The SkillAuto search for the best automotive technicians begins

Outstanding automotive technicians who wish to showcase their skills can now put themselves to the test by entering the 2012 SkillAuto competition which is now open.

Ex-RBS man joins Fix Auto

Fix Auto UK has announced the appointment of Andy Higgs as northern regional operations manager.

Mondial Assistance UK urges motorists to think safety above cost when it comes to winter tyres

Pan-European roadside assistance expert, Mondial Assistance, reveals that UK motorists are ignoring the safety and performance benefits of winter tyres, despite continuing news of a big freeze creeping across Britain.

HPI launches mobile enabled browser for dealers

The launch of a new mobile enabled browser for HPI, is delivering its market leading vehicle history and mileage checks, as well as valuations, to dealers on the move.

Forum slams HMRC’s ‘harassment and mistreatment’ of small businesses as large companies get away with billions in unpaid taxes

The Forum of Private Business is warning firms to pay their tax bills on time or face large fines, amid criticisms that HMRC’s paperwork spot checks regime is targeting them at the expense of large companies.

Norman Baker calls Satnav Summit to help motorists find way

Norman Baker, Local Transport Minister, will host the government's first Satnav Summit to thrash out solutions to end the misery caused when lorry and car drivers follow out of date directions from their satnavs.

Academy extends reach overseas with first foreign students

With the doors to its brand new £1million training centre officially open, Bedminster based S&B Automotive Academy is showcasing its world-class facilities by launching a series of foreign student exchanges for the first time in its 41-year history.

BBC reports: Scrap metal industry faces crackdown

The BBC this morning released a story: Britain's £5bn-a-year scrap industry is facing tougher regulation as part of a government crackdown on metal theft.

BBC: 'Car usership': Motor industry adjusts to future demands

BBC reports on the KPMG: ‘The world is moving from car ownership to car usership.’

The Telegraph reports: Motorists with heavy colds 'as bad as drink drivers'

The Telegraph: Drivers have been urged not to take to the road with heavy colds as tests show their reaction speeds are worse than people who have downed four large whiskies.

New PAS 125 Team Appointed At BSI

BSI today announces the new BSI PAS 125 team to provide a more structured and customer-centric service to all bodyshops awarded the Kitemark licence and those wishing to obtain it.

Autoglass introduces superior new repair resin

Company develops durable HPX3 resin to last the lifetime of a vehicle

Citroën DS3 – the stylish solution for bodytechnics

Bodytechnics, one of the most prestigious body repair shops in the UK, has just added 15 Citroën DS3 DStyle Plus cars to its loan fleet.

Total Accident Management secures diagnostics deal with Audatex for improved bodyshop efficiency

Total Accident Management, the repair and claims management subsidiary of Helphire Group, has announced that it is working with claims solutions provider Audatex UK to bring the benefits of the latest generation vehicle diagnostics system to its Repair Network.

Government must act now to tackle horrifying levels of drug driving among young people

Road safety charity Brake and Direct Line Car Insurance are calling for the government to push through proposals on tackling drug driving, as a survey reveals one in nine young drivers (11%) has driven on illegal drugs in the past year.

Job opportunities are 17% up year on year

Reed Job Index ends 2011 at 121

MyCarCheck.com stats

New MyCarCheck.com consumer stats reveal that 21% would consider a write-off, 63% are going private and 64% are spending under £5k.

Ally is first female to gain the BMW QAA Vehicle Damage Assessor

Devonshire Motors Accident Repair Centre is delighted that Allison Harding has been announced as the first female in England to gain the BMW Quality Assurance Award in the Vehicle Damage Assessor qualification.

Easi-Drive extends opening hours due to high demand

Accident-management company, Easi-Drive, has extended its business hours to accommodate increased demand and improve its customer service.

A hive of activity!

BeeBee Garage Equipment are the latest recruits to the expanding Trade Garage Equipment Group. BeeBee aims to become a key player in the garage and MOT equipment market in the Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex areas.

New year and a new addition to the Tonbridge Coachworks Group

The business expansion of Tonbridge Coachworks Vehicle Repair Group continues with the acquisition of the Wayside Bodyshop in Milton Keynes.

Crunch time as potholes bump up repair costs

More than 60 percent of cars on the road are likely to show evidence of damage consistent with driving over potholes, a national used car retailer reports.

New range of Flextraction vehicle exhaust extraction systems launched

Flextraction, suppliers and manufacturers of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products, is launching a new range of Flextraction vehicle exhaust extraction systems designed to provide environmental protection to operatives in garage repair and vehicle body shops working on motorbikes, cars and commercial vehicles.

The IMI’s industry achievements for 2011

Looking back over 2011 the Institute of the Motor Industry has had a productive and successful year on behalf of its members and the automotive retail industry.

WNS Assistance launch rapid repair service

WNS Assistance have launched an innovative new Rapid Repair service in partnership with members of their Approved Repairer Network. This service will enable WNSA to further help their fleet clients ensure that vehicle downtime is kept to an absolute minimum. Vehicles entered under the scheme will be collected, repaired and returned to the driver within a single day.