Page 40 - Australasian Paint & Panel Magazine Sep-Oct 2018

IBIS GLOBAL FOCUS UK
“Upwards of 80% of all models introduced to the UK market today include ADAS technology. Some models have 12 or more ADAS solutions embedded.”
INSURER INFLUENCE
Insurers continue to dominate the claims market but are increasingly coming under pressure, driven by a variety of influences including consumer behaviour, vehicle technology and cost controls.
Some continue to drive down costs or focus on average repair costs in return for agreed volumes, while others are showing a willingness to partner with OEMs and utilise the skills of their approved networks.
ADAS has created challenges for insurers with pre- and post- systems scans now necessary on certain vehicles, this has been another contributing factor in market segmentation. Some insurers are also using artificial intelligence as a means of automating and speeding the claims process. Aviva’s Solus operation has been using Intelligent Vehicle Inspection (IVI) software and Ageas now runs all its claims through the system. Both report positive results.
The introduction of an updated Salvage Code of Practice in mid-2017 was significant. The new code redefines the categories as A – scrap; B – break; S – structural; and N non-structural. Categorisation now requires an appropriately qualified person (AQP) to determine the appropriate course of action.
OEM INVOLVEMENT
The vehicle manufacturers continue to adjust, reshuffle or tweak their approved networks. New vehicle models continually give rise to new aftercare challenges and brand
management and this has seen the vehicle
manufacturers increase their influence in
managing vehicle repair through their
networks. It’s a focus that is seeing
increasing volumes of repairs, across
the board, return to brand approved
repair facilities – a trend likely to
only increase.
STANDARDS
BS10125 continues as the industry standard, but
under scrutiny by the industry at large for its perceived lack of clout and some suggest it needs a major overhaul. For some
40 PAINT&PANEL September / October 2018
bodyshops, the standards that matter equally, if not more so, are those set by the OEMs themselves. While these are independent of BS10125 (although many use it as the ‘foundation’), bodyshops need to comply to remain part of their approved networks. Countering this argument though, are those bodyshops who are giving up their pursuit of badges, claiming it’s no longer financially viable. Ultimately, equipment, processes and training all require investment and regardless of which standard a bodyshop wishes to attain, there must be a business case for it.
IMPACT OF NEW VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
Research would indicate ADAS is having an impact on accident avoidance. However, much of the anecdotal evidence shared within the industry points at how the ‘mixed’ technological fleet will potentially give rise to repair opportunities in the short term. Upwards of 80% of all models introduced to the UK market today
include ADAS technology. Some models have 12 and more ADAS solutions embedded, which has raised the complexity of repairs. This has sometimes left bodyshops in an awkward position, trying to satisfy the manufacturers while justifying additional costs to insurers. ADAS, and the subsequent need for correct recalibration, has also exacerbated the gap in knowledge in the industry.
Some are investing in equipment and specialist skill sets whilst others are developing strong bonds with dealer partners – at present, it very much is an individual, ‘best fit’ approach.
REPAIR TECHNOLOGY INFLUENCE
New solutions around first notification of loss are also enabling the quicker, more accurate job triage, identifying the right solution for the right repair, while integrated technology and new ‘consumer-based’ job costing platforms have emerged to streamline the process. In short, connectivity and integration has been the key and seen as the way to improve efficiencies across the board. The industry is already looking for ways to use artificial intelligence successfully as part of a continued drive on efficiencies.
In terms of products, paint technology continues to evolve and become ever more connected/digitalised; drying systems become increasingly efficient; and consumables ie abrasives, bonding etc have a continuous focus on system efficiency.
As the electric vehicle park grows the IMI is lobbying parliament to introduce standards for technicians.
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