SMR - Page 12

Mercedes-Benz dealer Sparshatt Truck & Van has refurbished its Sittingbourne workshop to deliver enhanced levels of aftersales support to Kent-based operators.

Endsleigh has announced Auto Windscreens as its preferred vehicle glass repair and replacement provider.

RAC patrols attended fewer pothole-related breakdowns in the first three months of 2019 than they have in any first quarter for three years.

Network Rail has awarded a £136 million, four-year fleet management contract to Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions.

The RAC is predicting the busiest May Day bank holiday traffic since 2016, with 13 million leisure trips expected to be made from Friday (May 3).

The contract will allow BT Fleet Solutions to better service both internal and external customers’ vehicles with on-vehicle power systems.

The RAC has started using smartphone video technology to fix issues remotely, meaning that stranded motorists may not have to wait for a patrol to arrive.

An increase in the number of company cars fitted with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) means fleets need to reassess repair strategies, says Epyx.

The auto industry is facing a skills shortage, with a quarter of Brits (26%) and less than one in five women (19%) saying they would consider a job in a garage.

Sub-standard repair work to used cars is becoming a bigger problem thanks to the rise of personal leasing, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA).

Fix Auto Stevenage has announced its manufacturer approval status from Ford UK, following its recent supercar manufacturer approval.

BT Fleet Solutions and the AA have celebrated almost three decades working together, and the signing of a new five-year contract, with a mini conference in Oldbury.

Following the announcement of Axis Fleet Management’s new mobile maintenance division, the company has implemented Assetminder to manage maintenance and repair.

Wholelife costs for new cars are set to increase as manufacturers reduce the service intervals for the latest WLTP-approved diesel models.

DAF Trucks has embarked upon a career awareness campaign to bring new technicians into the DAF Dealer Network.

Ford will introduce bespoke light commercial vehicle service and maintenance scheduling via its FordPass Connect app later this year.

Fleet Service GB has helped deliver fleet maintenance costs of almost £280,000 across the car and van fleet, despite a 19% increase in fleet vehicles.

Fix Auto Dagenham has been named Best Newcomer by Volvo Car UK at the company’s Annual High Achiever Awards Ceremony, last week.

The fleet industry and garage network faces no shake-up in competition law governing vehicle distribution and maintenance as a result of Brexit, according to Fleet Assist.

Fleet Assist will be relocating to offices in Huntingdon as it seeks to drive forward with further growth.

ADESA has deployed what it believes to be the “UK’s first” Artificial Intelligence (AI) solution for the remarketing of vehicles.

City West Commercials has revealed growth plans for its Exeter depot, including a new MOT bay and an additional five recruits.

Aston Barclay has rolled out its enhanced refurbishment service to buyers across its UK network.

The partnership will position Autoglass as the first point of call for all vehicle glass repair and replacement services to the entire Hertz UK fleet

By Antonio Avenoso, executive director of the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC)

The RAC has joined forces with Autofirst in a partnership set to create the biggest independent garage network in the country.

National Windscreens has expanded its network of 108 fitting and calibration centres, with the opening of a purpose-designed facility in Kilmarnock, Scotland.

Autoglass has launched a new integrated online tool with insurance partner Aviva, enabling Aviva customers to make a windscreen insurance claim.

Fleets, contract hire and leasing companies and franchise dealers have been warned of ‘losing’ money at end-of-contract due to lack of protective mats.

The AA has secured a new five-year roadside assistance contract with Lloyds Banking Group to service some 2.4 million of its customers.

The AA says the acquisition provides an opportunity to strengthen its presence in the service, maintenance and repair (SMR) market.

Auto Windscreens has again highlighted the importance of correct recalibration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to ensure driver safety.

The total market value for UK primary car body repairs is expected to grow by 14% from £4.75 billion in 2018 to £5.43bn in 2023, a new report suggests.

Autoglass announced that Andy MacGregor has become the “first UK technician” to achieve the new IMI ADAS calibration accreditation.

Cartwright Conversions head of manufacturing Jason Barker has won a customer service award from Lex Autolease for outstanding levels of service provided to Lloyds Banking Group

R2c Online has launched a new digital workload management tool with the aim to maximise revenue and optimise resources.

Branding specialist Mediafleet has secured platinum partner status from vinyl wrap supplier Arlon Graphics.

Fleet Assist has announced that one million vehicles have received maintenance from its service outlets, as the company now targets further growth in 2019.

Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres has “strengthened” its operations team with the appointment of Ruth Lane to the position of operations controller.

Autoglass has launched a new voice assistant skill using Amazon’s Alexa enabling the technology to book appointments and make enquiries.