thatcham.org Press Room

VDA Success for Allianz and Thatcham

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) training, provided by Thatcham, has proved instrumental in ensuring Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) success for the entire Motor Engineering Team at one of the largest insurers, Allianz Insurance.

Recognising the modern challenges of vehicle complexity facing repairers, Allianz saw the VDA ATA programme as an opportunity to align the knowledge and skills of their Motor Engineers with those now required of the Motor Repairer industry under the vehicle repair specification PAS 125...

Diesel Key Earns Thatcham TQA®

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On the 25th November 2009 Thatcham announced certification of a device to prevent the mis-fuelling of diesel vehicles. Mis-fuelling is a growing problem in the UK and is estimated to costs British motorists over £800million per year in repair bills*. According to research from The AA, over 150,000 cars are filled with the wrong fuel every year equating to more than 400 cars a day...

Thatcham Trained Technicians Shine at WorldSkills

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The 26 members of Team UK have returned from Canada following a successful WorldSkills competition, which included a bronze medal in Autobody Repair and a Medallion for Excellence in Car Painting for two Thatcham trained vehicle technicians.

Daniel Cain, 22 from Grimsby, who works for Just Car Clinics returned victorious with a bronze medal. Daniel graduated from Thatcham’s Automotive Academy in 2007 with an Advanced Apprenticeship in Panel.

Meanwhile car painter Zak McLaughlan, aged 20 and working for the Solus Academy in Hayes is currently in the final year of an Advanced Apprenticeship in Paint...

Thatcham Crash Repair Methods Enter North America

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham, world experts in the provision of crash repair data, have announced a partnership with Mitchell Inc., a leading provider of information, workflow and performance management solutions to the Property & Casualty claims and Collision Repair industries. This groundbreaking partnership marks the first time Thatcham’s fully researched, proprietary vehicle repair methods will be offered in the North American crash repair market.

Thatchamnet, Thatcham’s global methods portal will be available to repairers and engineers via the Mitchell Information Center...

100 Alternatives for Repairers and Insurers

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham and German certification body TÜV Rheinland have announced a significant milestone in their aftermarket parts accreditation scheme this week, with the certification of the 100th part.

The 100th part – A Peugeot bumper front, right hand moulding, joins a catalogue of similar cosmetic, non structural parts that are certified under this scheme. Other examples include aftermarket bonnets and wings, with the scheme currently extending to 5 parts manufacturers throughout Europe and the world...

RSS Feeds Thatcham Followers

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have introduced new RSS functionality to their website to make receiving news alerts and press releases, from the insurers’ vehicle research centre, even easier.

The new RSS (Really Simple Syndication) News Feed will allow all visitors to Thatcham’s website (thatcham.org) an opportunity to subscribe to real time news alerts and press releases. Subscribers will then be able to find out the very latest via their internet browser or email client with one click of a mouse button...

Royal Visit Marks Thatcham's Fortieth Year

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham celebrated 40 years of setting the standards today with a royal visit and a celebration for staff and key industry figures from the Centre’s past and present.

Established by British motor insurers in 1969, Thatcham have built a global reputation as an influential research authority in the areas of automotive safety, security and repair, culminating most recently with a leading role in the introduction of the Thatcham/BSI Kitemark for Vehicle Body Repair, perhaps the most important safety and repair initiative of the last decade...

Successful Launch for ThatchaminfoView

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham launched their new infoView service last week, kicking off their first 8 session ‘webinar’ series with an intriguing panel discussion on ‘Kitemark – Right First Time’.

infoView represents a new departure for Thatcham in the way that information is delivered to customers. The format provides for a highly interactive, yet convenient and effective way of delivering up to the minute thinking and research. Customers can view presentations, PDFs, photographs or film, as well as, where appropriate, see the presenters through a web-cam facility...

Bright Future for Graduating Apprentices

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The achievements of more than 50 young crash repair vehicle technicians were recognised at Thatcham’s Automotive Academy, the automotive research centre’s latest Apprentice Graduation ceremony.

The Apprentice Graduation was one of many events that visitors were able to take in during ‘Triple Focus’, as Thatcham opened its doors to visitors from the insurance, vehicle security and vehicle repair industries.

Guests joined senior members of the crash repair industry, on the 18th June, to applaud successful apprentices from the disciplines of Panel, Paint and M.E.T. (Mechanical, Electrical and Trim)...

Expansion at Thatcham Nuneaton to Satisfy VDA Demand

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have moved to meet the increasing demand for VDA (Vehicle Damage Assessor) ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) and training, with the news of a third dedicated unit, at their regional Automotive Academy in Nuneaton.

Despite an investment in additional facilities by Thatcham, funded by UK insurers during 2008, current demand exceeds existing capacity. Thatcham now hope to address this situation with the new facility putting Thatcham’s presence on the MIRA complex up to three units - 2 solely dedicated to VDA and 1 to Panel...

Vehicle Crime Fighters Recognised

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

There was good news for vehicle manufacturers today, with Audi and Citroen celebrating after scooping ‘Best Manufacturer’ accolades in the British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards. Now incorporating van security awards, in addition to those for passenger cars, the awards ceremony recognises the continued efforts of manufacturers in making their vehicles more resilient to vehicle crime...

Kitemark Repairers Protecting Lives

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The safety of British drivers and their passengers is being protected thanks to the success of a major new BSI Kitemark initiative from Thatcham and BSI, new test results released today have shown.

The series of tests showed that poorly repaired vehicles could make their EURO NCAP safety rating null and void should they be involved in another accident - whilst cars repaired properly continued to offer optimum protection.

Expert interpretation of the results showed that the poorly repaired vehicle failed in key areas allowing over 70 per cent more intrusion in to the passenger compartment...

TQA for Windscreens

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham are announcing a new criterion for the accreditation of Windscreen Bonding systems, adding to the growing range of Thatcham’s product certifications for repair equipment and consumables.

The new criteria, established to demonstrate a windscreen bonding agent’s ability to meet safety standards within a safe drive away time, as declared by suppliers and suitable for the repair industry, will now be integrated within Thatcham’s Quality Accreditation scheme. The research centre used its annual ‘Triple Focus’ event on the 18th June 2009 Thatcham to launch the new criterion...

Thatcham Maintain Installation Standards

Wed, 13 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Further to the recent statement from the Board of the VSIB (Vehicle Systems Installation Board) that the company has gone into administration, Thatcham are moving to support the installation industry, today announcing the ‘Thatcham Recognised Installer’ scheme.

Thatcham recognise the ongoing need for competent vehicle systems installers and have decided to initiate a new scheme in order to protect the public and reduce risk to the Insurers...

Extra Methods for Thatcham escribe Subscribers

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Subscribers to Thatcham’s crash repair data product escribe are now benefitting from even more information, as the research technicians add even more vehicles to the methods library.

MethodsExtra, covers the most common repair enquiries from Thatcham’s Technical Helpline customers. The Technical Vehicle Body Repair Team research the requests and add a detailed set of methods to the monthly escribe updates...

Helpline is Lifeline for Repairers

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Nearly 17,000 crash damaged vehicles were repaired safely and returned to UK roads thanks to Thatcham, during a record breaking first quarter for the new Technical Helpline service.

Thatcham’s Technical Helpline was launched as an interactive web portal in January 2009, providing repairers with a one-stop-shop of reliable technical vehicle repair information...

Plant Seeing Stars

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham announced the next phase in their fight against vehicle crime today, with the launch of a new star rating scheme for agricultural and construction plant and machinery.

With at least 10 items of plant stolen in the UK every day the issue of plant theft is a growing and real problem. The knock–on costs to the plant industry including replacement machinery hire, equipment downtime and overrun and penalty clauses on large construction projects you get an annual figure in excess of £500 million pounds...

Miles Better for Skills Development

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham were delighted to be announced as ‘top of the class’ at this weeks IMI Annual Dinner, accepting the Platinum award for accumulation of the most number of SkillMiles in the Training Provider category, under The Institute of the Motor Industry’s new programme.

The SkillMiles programme was introduced by the IMI at the start of 2008 as a means of measuring the contribution made by organisations to the progression of skills in the motor industry. The scheme recognises not only financial contributions but also the time, knowledge, experience and resources given by an organisation in support of the IMI’s programme...

Thatcham Security Standards to be Adopted in Sweden

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s vehicle security experts are tightening the net still further on global vehicle crime with the news that insurers in Sweden have introduced a security ratings system, based on Thatcham’s New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA), a move which begins to show the acceptance of Thatcham’s security criteria in Europe.

The new rating system will rank cars based on their resistance to theft, both of and from the vehicle, providing Swedish motorists with a simple to follow guide to choosing the most secure car...

Careers in Vehicle Repair

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Come and see Thatcham on stand 87 at the National Career Guidance Show, where our Apprentice Academy team will be on hand to show the real benefits of an Apprenticeship in vehicle repair.

Top Five Safety Achievers of 2009

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In 2009 European car safety organisation Euro NCAP put more than 30 new car models through a series of crash tests, to establish an overall rating for safety. Here they reveal the top 5 safest cars of 2009.

New £2,500 Grant for Employers

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The National Apprenticeship Service has announced that it will be providing up to 5,000 apprenticeship grants for employers recruiting 16 and 17 year olds. The £2,500 grant available to employers now provides an additional incentive for vehicle repairers to take on apprentices.

Extreme Weather Conditions

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Due to the extreme weather conditions, Thatcham Research centre and Automotive Academy are only able to provide a skeleton staff from our base in Berkshire this week. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience. If you leave voicemails we will pick up and respond to all messages as soon as possible.

PAS 125 Newsletter

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The latest PAS 125 Working Group meeting took place at BSI in Hemel Hempstead on the 10th December. To find a summary of the meeting and actions, please read more for the latest PAS125 Working Group Newsletter.

Research News Issue 9 Out Now

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hot on the heels of the previous issue, Research News 9 is out now, looking at a range of new safe repair and methods viability research, as well as a piece on electric vehicles and an update on other Thatcham projects. Read More and choose Issue 9.

Research News Issue 8 Out Now

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Read More for the latest issue of Research News. This issue provides an update on Thatcham's Bumper Research as well as a look some new technologies coming to a repairer near you. Also featuring a report from the RCAR conference in Chicago.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Please enjoy our 2009 animated Christmas card, designed and performed by Thatcham's Media team. This year, just for fun, we're challenging you to take a short quiz on driving safely. Thank you for your continued support and we wish you a prosperous 2010.

New Video Gallery

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham's Media team introduce the new online video gallery. Located in the pressroom area of our website, the gallery has been designed to provide you with all the consolidated video from this site, and a bit more besides, in one simple to use player.

Diesel Key Earns Thatcham TQA®

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have announced the TQA certification of a device to prevent the misfuelling of diesel vehicles. Tullman Design’s ‘Diesel Key’ is the first product of its kind or purpose to successfully gain the Thatcham Quality Accreditation.

Euro NCAP Latest Results

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

European car safety organisation Euro NCAP, today reveal the results for the latest twelve vehicle tests. Although ten vehicles achieved the maximum award of five stars, the results also make an important point about complacency and brand loyalty.

Home Office Plant Security Guidance

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Home Office have issued a new security guidance document for agricultural and construction plant equipment. This important document had a significant input from Thatcham and includes the plant security rating scheme. Read more to download the document.

Vehicle Technology

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham recently hosted a hands on day for insurers and parliamentary advisors (PACTS) showcasing a range of new vehicle technologies and demonstrating how they might impact on motoring in the future. What vehicle technologies are coming your way?

Research News Issue 7 Out Now

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Read More for the latest issue of Research News. This issue contains an extensive report on some new technologies to reduce car crashes, aswell as a report from the Frankfurt show and a further insight into the Insurance Group Rating system.

Integrated Diagnostics

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A brand new product offering, Thatcham ID harnesses the diagnostic power of Delphi with the repair expertise of Thatcham to allow a complete end to end repair and thereby reduce the need to outsource work elsewhere.

Strengthening Ties with Korea

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s global reputation was enhanced still further this week as Thatcham welcomed the CEO from KIDI, the Korea Insurance Development Institute and put pen to paper on a symbolic Memorandum of Understanding.

New Research News

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:00:00 GMT

This latest issue features a special section on the latest ESC Dynamic testing alongside all the latest fitment ratings. Other items include a report on Damageability and Repairability and a look at new model launches.

New Dynamic ESC Ratings

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 GMT

ESC can reduce your risk of involvement in a life threatening crash by up to 25%. See the results of Thatcham's new dynamic ESC testing, alongside the latest fitment ratings in our updated Collision Avoidance section.

Thai Insurance Week

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham took part in the inaugral Thailand Insurance Week on 2nd - 6th September 2009 at Impact Exhibition Centre, Nonthaburi, Thailand. This week long event was organised to promote the importance of insurance to the public in Thailand.

Craft Awards Winners 2009

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to the winners of the Thatcham Bodyshop Craft Awards who were announced live at the Bodyshop Magazine Event on the 11th September. Winners include Thatcham trained Daniel Baker in the Young Panel Technician category.

On the Road

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham's Crash Research Manager Matthew Avery, will speak on Collision Avoidance Technology and the potential for crash reduction, at the upcoming IRCOBI (International Research Council on Biomechanics of Injury) event in York on the 11th September.

Bronze Medal for Autobody Repair

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Former Thatcham Apprentices, Daniel Cain and Zak McLaughlan can return from Worldskills immensely proud of their acheivements with a Bronze Medal in Autobody Repair and a Medallion of Excellence in Car Painting. Read more for the full UK Skills release.

Personalised Kitemark Video

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 23:00:00 GMT

You’ve achieved the Kitemark – Now let your customers know what it means with a personalised video for your business, promoting the value of the Kitemark and demonstrating your committment to safe, quality repair.

Thailand Insurance Week

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham Thailand will be found at Bangkok's Muang Thong Thani Convention Centre this week, exhibiting as part of the country's first official government backed Insurance Week. Read More for a Thai language version of Thatcham's global service offering.

Research News 2009 Issue 5

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham's latest Research News is out now. This issue features an article on the development of repair methods as well as a view on eco–friendly vehicles and a market update on how the credit crisis continues to affect vehicle manufacturers.

Thatcham Methods to the U.S

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have announced a groundbreaking partnership with Mitchell Inc. marking the first time that Thatcham’s fully researched, proprietary vehicle repair methods will be offered in the North American crash repair market.

Research News 2009 Issue 4

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham's latest Research News is out now. This issue features a special report on RCAR (the Research Council for Automobile Repairs), alongside a review of the latest model launches and a Market Update. Click through and select Issue 4.

Thatcham Apprentices at Worldskills

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham trained apprentices Daniel Cain and Zak McLaughlan have been selected to represent the UK at September's Worldskills competition in Canada. The two will compete against the world's best in Autobody Repair and Car Painting.

Craft Awards Live Finals

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The Craft Awards live finals were held on the 17th & 18th June at Thatcham. Attended by the cream of the UK's bodyshop technicians, this was an opportunity for the technicians to show off their skills in a competitive environment.

Successful Launch for infoView

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham launched their new infoView product last week, kicking off the first 8 session ‘webinar’ series with an intriguing panel discussion on ‘Kitemark – Right First Time’. Find out more about infoView.

British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Kitemark Repairers Protecting Motorists Lives

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The safety of British drivers and their passengers is being protected thanks to the success of the new Vehicle Body Repair Kitemark initiative from Thatcham and BSI. See the rest of the story with photos and video.

BSI Commitment to Repair Kitemark

Thu, 21 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT

BSI have issued wide ranging commitments to the repair and insurance industry on the implementation of PAS125 and the Inspection regime through the Kitemark. Read more for the full policy document.

Thatcham Recognised Installer

Wed, 13 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Further to the recent statement from the Board of the VSIB that the company has gone into administration, Thatcham are moving to support the installation industry, today announcing the ‘Thatcham Recognised Installer’ scheme.

New Research News

Tue, 12 May 2009 23:00:00 GMT

This latest issue features a detailed account of the recent Geneva Motor Show together with news of the latest UK model launches and an update of how the credit crisis is affecting vehicle manufacturers. Click through for the full PDF.

Research News Out Now

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:00:00 GMT

The latest issue of Research News takes an in depth look at some new driver technologies to help you stay awake and in control. There's also a look at Group Rating and information on some new model launches.

A Career in Crash Repair?

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If you are looking for a challenging career with real prospects in a highly technincal, fast moving environment, an apprenticeship in crash repair may be for you. Thatcham offers apprenticeships to NVQ Level 3 in Panel, Paint and M.E.T.

Research News 2009 Issue 1

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Read More for the latest issue of Research News where you will find an extensive article on 'The Green Challenge', plus 'Whiplash - A Pain in the Neck for Insurers' and an update on the very latest in the fight against plant theft.

Academy 360 Tour

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Now you can take a look around Thatcham's Automotive Academy from the comfort of your own chair with our new 360º Tour facility. Take a look at both the Apprentice and Adult academy before you book your place.

Miles Better for Skills

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham were delighted to be announced as ‘top of the class’ at last night’s IMI Annual Dinner event, accepting the Platinum award for accumulation of the most number of SkillMiles in the Training Provider category, under The Institute of the Motor Industry’s new programme.

Secure in Sweden

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s vehicle security experts are tightening the net still further on global vehicle crime with the news that insurers in Sweden have introduced a new security ratings system, based on Thatcham’s New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA).

Plant Security Star Rating

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Manufacturers and users of plant now have access to easy to understand security ratings, following the launch of Thatcham's Plant Security ratings scheme, which was announced at a specially arranged briefing at New Scotland Yard earlier today.