Page 14 - Australasian Paint & Panel Nov-Dec 2022

NEWS
14
PAINT&PANEL
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022
WWW.PAINTANDPANEL.COM.AU
GOLDEN DUO
BRIEFS
ALLIANCE AUTO BODY IN NSW AND MI-
cra Accident Repair Centre in Tasmania have been awarded I-CAR Gold Class status.
“I believe knowledge is power and an important tool in order to perform ex- ceptionally well. Therefore, I believe the Road to Gold training program is a ben- eficial achievement of training in order to convert knowledge gained into skill. It is a great convenience for our team that I-CAR offered simple registration, training, and examination processes." said Sal Sabbagh, owner of Alliance Auto Body.
“It was rewarding that Micra Accident Repair Centre Breadalbane is the first AMA Group site in Tasmania to gain the Gold Class status, which also lifts the mo- rale of the facility,” said John Davidson, Area Manager Tasmania and South Aus- tralia of the AMA Group. “Our face-to-face training was disrupted by COVID-19, but luckily the ability to access online and vir- tual classroom courses kept us ticking along with I-CAR’s recommended role-rel- evant training plan. The online delivery options allowed the techs and estimators to complete some of the training at their own pace and convenience.”
AMA GROUP REPORTS
AMA GROUP HAS RELEASED ITS QUAR-
terly cash flow and activities report.
In its report if refers to recent updates such as its network optimization which leaves it with 129 vehicle collision sites, plus 9 heavy motor sites operational and its divestment of FluidDrive for a
gross consideration of $2.45 million.. The report states that all Capital S.M.A.R.T valet locations now offer pri- vate work to insured customers for dam-
age not covered by the claim. It also reports an
upward trend in underlying operating cash flow. It's closing cash balance at 30 September was $44.4 million including a $15.3 million corporate tax refund with unused facilities of approximately $1.8 million.
The report states that 1Q23 repair vol- umes were similar to 4Q22. Early in the quarter, repair volumes were impacted during pricing negotiations and further im- pact is noted in September due to the un-
scheduled public holi- day to mourn the Queen.
HOLLARD IN TOP FIVE
Hollard has completed the acquisition of 100% of the general insurance business of CommInsure from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA).
The transaction includes an exclusive 15-year strategic alliance between CBA and Hollard to distribute home and motor lines of business to CBA’s customers. The acquisition further strengthens Hollard’s market share in Australia, solidifying its position as one of the country’s top five general insurers.
Hollard acquired the unit from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) for a cash consideration of $468m (A$625m) along with deferred payments.
PORSCHE RENEWS WITH I-CAR
Porsche Cars Australia has renewed its position as an I-CAR Australia member and Industry Alliance Partner for a further three years.
I-CAR Australia’s specialist OEM programs has been comprehensively curated and reviewed to ensure the delivery of high quality, advanced collision repair training.
Following the ongoing success of the training programs, the continuation of the partnership will see delegates receive I-CAR training credits upon the completion of select accredited courses, indicating the technician’s level of skill and knowledge.
ALLIANZ TO BUY INNOVATION GROUP
Allianz X the digital investments arm of the Allianz Group is to buy Innovation Group a leading global provider of claims and technology solutions to the insurance and automotive industry.
Innovation Group provides services has over 1200 clients across Australia, Germany, Poland, South Africa, Spain, the UK, and the USA.
“Allianz X’s support will accelerate the roll-out of our industry-leading platform, Gateway, open up new opportunities for growth and enable us to deliver market- leading services for our clients,” said Tim Griffiths, CEO of Innovation Group