TRADE associations from Belgium, France, Italy, Holland, Germany, Spain and the UK have formed a new Europe-wide bodyshop group.

It will operate under the banner of le Conseil Européen du Commerce et de la Réparation Automobiles (CECRA), the European car industry lobbying body, which hosted the meeting at its Brussels headquarters.

Commenting on the new body, Jeff Mack, head of bodyshop and vehicle recovery services in the UK at the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI), said: 'Other European countries share many of the issues that affect the UK market. However, until now, there has been no way to share information.

'As insurers and vehicle manufacturers are operating on a pan-European basis, the working party will share best practice from each market place and lobby insurers for change at a European level.' The group will examine bodyshop profitability, Audatex manufacturer times, customer choice of repairer, standards and vehicle technology.

The next meeting of this European body and paint-working group will take place in March.