thatcham.org Press Room

Thatcham Training Associates

Sun, 15 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Today, Tuesday 17th May, at the 2011 International Bodyshop Industry Symposium, Thatcham Automotive Academy announced the launch of Thatcham Training Associates (TTA). A new initiative from the world renowned research centre, TTA will provide Thatcham training on a global scale, delivered by local providers.

All Thatcham Academy courses benefit from the unique knowledge transfer from Thatcham’s Repair Research Centre, with the resulting latest vehicle repair processes delivered to delegates and included in all course content...

Thatcham Unveils Giant Step Forward for Pedestrian Safety

Mon, 23 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT

New safety systems being fitted to British cars are set to save thousands of pedestrian injuries and dozens of lives each year, it has been revealed.

The ‘giant step forward’ for pedestrian safety is the culmination of years of intensive research undertaken and commissioned by Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre. AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) systems incorporate a raft of cutting edge initiatives tested by Thatcham, utilise a variety technologies to automatically stop a car before it hits a pedestrian, including radar, camera and lasers...

Insurers and Vehicle Manufacturers Work Together to Beat Car Crime

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The winning vehicle manufacturers in the 2011 British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards (BIVSA) were announced today, with Volkswagen UK scooping the overall manufacturer award for cars for the second year in succession with every variant in 11 separate model ranges satisfying the manufacturer awards selection criteria. Vauxhall Motors UK won best overall van manufacturer for the first time, fully compliant with five separate model ranges.

BIVSA is supported by UK insurers, the UK government through the Home Office and the Department for Transport as well as other organisations including What Car? magazine and the AA...

International Appreciation for Research conducted at Thatcham

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s Crash & Safety Manager, Matthew Avery was this week honoured with a special appreciation award by NHTSA, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The US based organisation is one of the world’s leading authorities on safety performance standards for motor vehicles, traffic safety and driver behaviour.

The award, which was presented at the 22nd ‘International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles’ in Washington DC, is recognition for the research in road safety and collision avoidance that Avery has led, on behalf of Thatcham - the British insurers’ automotive research centre...

Graduation Day for Apprentice Vehicle Repairers

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

More than 70 young crash repair vehicle technicians graduated from Thatcham’s Apprentice Academy last week in the vehicle research centre’s latest Apprentice Graduation ceremony. The Apprentice Graduation was one of many events that visitors were able to take in as the automotive research centre opened its doors to visitors from the motor insurance, vehicle security and vehicle repair industries at their annual Triple Focus event.

Guests including friends, family and supporters of the successful apprentices joined senior members of the crash repair industry to applaud apprentices from the 3 crash repair disciplines of Panel, Paint and M.E.T...

New Strategy Director for Thatcham

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham has announced the appointment of Neale Phillips to a new position of Strategy Director on the Thatcham Management Board. Phillips, who joins with a wealth of previous Director level experience at both AA Insurance and Centrica, will play a key role in developing the future business strategy of the automotive research centre under the stewardship of new Chief Executive Peter Shaw...

It's Official - Thatcham Training is Excellent

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s Automotive Academy has become one of the first training organisations, in the region and automotive sector, to receive the ‘Training Excellence’ stamp. Training Excellence recognises those organisations that are not only committed to delivering the highest quality training, but those that achieve a measurable impact against their customers’ business needs.

‘Training Excellence’ is an independent scheme run by research and consulting specialists in education, employment and skills, CFE...

Partnership Drives Automotive Opportunities for Young People

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

A unique partnership between Newbury College and Thatcham Automotive Academy is set to accelerate the careers of young people who are looking for a foothold in the automotive industry.

Thatcham have joined with Newbury College to offer school leavers and those looking for a full time practical course, a Level 1 Diploma in Automotive Body Repair, which will be delivered jointly by these two highly respected West Berkshire based organisations...

Thatcham Reveals Three Year Strategic Plan

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham, the Research centre funded by UK insurers, is launching a fresh, vehicle based research strategy, with a clear focus on mitigating rising motor insurance claims costs.

Following an extensive 4 month review of Thatcham’s future strategy, Chairman Bill Paton and CEO Peter Shaw have announced a significant investment in new resources which will put Thatcham at the forefront of research and testing of emerging technologies such as Autonomous Emergency Braking systems (AEB)...

Thatcham Training Saves Lives

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham recently welcomed members of the London Fire Brigade to the automotive research centre in West Berkshire, as part of an ongoing professional development programme for Emergency Services personnel.

Thatcham’s expertise in automotive research and training has helped establish a long standing relationship with the emergency services including the Fire Service, Police and HM Revenue &Customs. All of these groups require a good knowledge of the latest developments in vehicle design and construction to help them carry out their work efficiently and safely - often in highly pressurised situations...

Thatcham Automotive Academy - Bringing Training to You

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham Automotive Academy is taking a new approach to skills development in the UK collision repair sector. Responding to customer demand for more flexible training delivery, 2012 will see a new Mobile Training Unit and innovative e-learning package available to UK insurance engineers and repairers. These two new initiatives, combined with state of the art facilities in Berkshire, will give the crash repair sector unprecedented access to Thatcham’s high quality training and accreditation programmes...

Cosmetic ATA to Benefit Multi-Skilled Repairers

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham Automotive Academy is leading the field again, as one of the first IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) accredited training centres to offer a new senior level ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) in Cosmetic Repair.

Comprising elements from established ATA specialisms, the new Cosmetic Repair ATA also includes a module on basic vehicle appraisal. This combination provides the ideal multi-skilled accreditation for repair technicians who are regularly involved in cosmetic repair...

New Apprentice Programme for Vehicle Damage Assessors

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s Automotive Academy has teamed up with the IAEA (Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors) to launch the first recognised apprenticeship scheme for Vehicle Damage Assessors (VDA) in the UK.

The move comes following unprecedented demand from the industry for this kind of apprentice programme and combines the reputation of Thatcham as the UK’s premier provider of body and paint apprenticeships, with the IAEA, who are solely dedicated to representing the interests of over 1,500 automotive engineer assessors...

Nationwide Launches New Apprenticeship Scheme with Thatcham

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Nationwide, the UK’s largest dedicated automotive repair group, has today announced the launch of its brand new apprenticeship scheme in conjunction with Thatcham, the industry leading vehicle research and data provider, as part of a group wide initiative to ensure that Nationwide remains at the forefront of technical innovation and excellence in the automotive repair industry.

Nationwide, which currently has 144 apprentices across the UK, has completely remodelled the scheme after carrying out a thorough review of the existing programme which included looking at ways of increasing support for apprenticeship and improving retention throughout and after their training...

Repairers Guide Thatcham to the Right TRAC

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The first meeting of the newly formed Thatcham Repair Advisory Council (TRAC) has taken place at Thatcham’s Automotive Academy in Berkshire.

The council’s role is to provide the technical direction and practical experiences, which will influence and guide Thatcham’s future accident damage research activities, products and services.

Bringing together key personnel from across the collision repair community, the twelve Council members draw representation from mobile, insurer, independent, affinity, multi-site and franchised bodyshops, with Thatcham specialists providing additional expertise...

Repair Focus at Thatcham

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Insurers’ Research Centre, Thatcham, has announced details of its 2012 Repair Focus event.

Held at the Centre’s Automotive Academy in Berkshire, on the 14th June, ‘Repair Focus’ will highlight the very latest in vehicle design and associated repair challenges for the vehicle body repair industry.

Complemented by a trade show featuring innovative repair tools and equipment from a selection of the UK’s leading suppliers, Repair Focus will provide an ideal opportunity to network with fellow professionals in the world leading repair research environment...

Whiplash - Prevention Better Than Cure

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham Research reiterated their approach to addressing the UK’s whiplash epidemic at the Lyons Davidson International Whiplash Conference held today.

Speaking alongside some of the world leading experts on the topic, Head of Research at the insurers’ research centre, Matthew Avery, told delegates that engineering holds the key, through the continued introduction and availability of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to prevent and mitigate accidents...

Repair Focus at Thatcham

Wed, 02 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The crash repair industry is gearing up for Thatcham’s Repair Focus on 14th June, as the insurers’ automotive research centre announce further details of their annual extravaganza.

Thatcham’s Automotive Academy will this year host the event, where Thatcham experts will be highlighting the unique repair challenges posed by some of the very latest top selling vehicles, including the range extending Vauxhall Ampera, the innovatively constructed Hyundai Veloster and the ultra lightweight Mazda CX5...

Bodyshops get Ready2Repair

Wed, 02 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Repairers striving to improve their efficiency and maximise profits are being urged to repair, not replace, under a new scheme being championed by insurers’ research centre, Thatcham.

Ready2Repair has been designed to maximise repairers’ profits, strip out delays, improve key to key time and delight customers, by encouraging the practice of sustainable repair.

During a typical repair, the first step is damage assessment following which, parts are ordered and the vehicle sits idle in the workshop with nothing being done to it and potentially preventing other cars being repaired...

New Faces at Thatcham

Wed, 09 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham Research has confirmed high calibre appointments in two key roles, in support of the centre’s new strategy to increase the availability of effective collision avoidance technology in the UK car parc and to develop Thatcham Academy’s lead position in automotive training.

Underpinning a collaborative approach with vehicle manufacturers, Nick Clay has been appointed to the new role of Vehicle Manufacturer Sector Development Manager. Nick has extensive experience in the automotive industry working with major manufacturers across the globe as a type approval engineer and Vehicle Certifications Manager for the VCA...

Training Without Travel

Thu, 10 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s Automotive Academy is gearing up to deliver local training and accreditation as the centre takes a new approach to skills development in the UK collision repair sector.

Responding to customer demand for more flexible training delivery, Thatcham are taking their own brand of high quality training and ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) direct to UK insurance engineers and repairers, using satellite training facilities to ensure unprecedented local access...

New Look Site

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT

We hope you enjoy our new look website following a significant facelilft to ensure improved design and navigation. Bear with us as the changes take effect, which may result in some small anomalies as cached pages are refreshed. In the meantime, please let us know what you think.

Thatcham Training Associates

Sun, 15 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham announced the launch of Thatcham Training Associates (TTA) at the 2011 International Bodyshop Industry Symposium. A new initiative from the world renowned research centre, TTA will provide Thatcham training on a global scale, delivered by local providers.

AEB Research News

Mon, 23 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT

This special edition of Thatcham's Research News reports the latest findings on Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Avoidance, showcasing a number of new technologies and highlighting the potential in saving lives and serious injuries.

2011 Winners Revealed

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The winners of the 2011 BIVSA were announced today with Volkswagen scooping the car Manufacturer award for the second year in succession and Vauxhall taking the van Manufacturer award for the first time. Read More for the full set of results.

International Appreciation

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s Matthew Avery has been honoured with a special appreciation award by NHTSA, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in recognition of the vehicle safety research he has led on behalf of Thatcham.

Graduation Day for Apprentices

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Over 70 young crash repair technicians graduated from the Thatcham Apprentice Academy last week in the vehicle research centre’s latest Apprentice Graduation ceremony, which took place as part of the Triple Focus event.

New Strategy Director for Thatcham

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham has announced the appointment of Neale Phillips to a new position of Strategy Director on the Thatcham Management Board. Phillips will play a key role in developing the future business strategy of the research centre.

Thatcham Training is Excellent

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s Automotive Academy has become one of the first training organisations to receive ‘Training Excellence’ demonstrating a commitment to delivering the highest quality training and understanding customers' needs.

Research News 2011 Issue 3

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT

This issue of Research News reports on Thatcham’s safe repair validation project, which looks at whether vehicles that have undergone structural repair are as safe as the original vehicle. You'll also find an update on the continuing fight to reduce vehicle crime.

More 5 Stars but Tougher Standards Upcoming

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The latest set of Euro NCAP crash test results brings an additional reward and more 5 stars, but not everyone is ready for tougher requirements in 2012.

New Diploma Drives Careers

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

A unique training partnership between Newbury College and Thatcham is set to accelerate the careers of young people in the region, who are looking for a foothold in the automotive industry.

Don't Hang Around

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

An NVQ only lasts for 3 years and from early 2012 the same will apply to ATA. There's no better time to upgrade to ATA - right now NVQ holders can get a 25% discount on preparation training and accreditation and gain a 5 year card.

Research News 2011 Issue 4

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Inside the latest Research News you'll find an in depth report on AEB and its impact on real world casualty reduction. Other highlights this issue include a report on the Japanese tsunami and its ongoing impact on automotive production.

Thatcham Reveal Three Year Strategic Plan

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Following an extensive 4 month review, Thatcham CEO Peter Shaw has announced the launch of a fresh vehicle based research strategy, with a clear focus on mitigating rising motor insurance claims costs.

Ready2Repair

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

A new approach to crash repair, developed in partnership with RBS Insurance, designed to maximise repairers' profits, strip out delays, improve key to key time and reduce insurance total losses by adopting the practice of sustainable or optimised repair.

First 5 star Rating for
Pick-Up

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT

Euro NCAP has announced the results for twelve new vehicles, with the most impressive result this month being the Ford Ranger – the first pick–up to achieve five stars, with impressive scores in all areas.

Thatcham Training Saves Lives

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham recently welcomed members of the London Fire Brigade to the research centre, as part of an ongoing professional development programme for Emergency Services personnel.

Bringing Training to You

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham Automotive Academy will bring training to you in 2012 with a new Mobile Training Unit and innovative e-learning package. These innovations in course delivery will supersede the need for our satellite academy in Nuneaton, which will close by the end of 2011.

Cosmetic ATA Benefits Multi-Skilled Repair

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham Automotive Academy is leading the field again, as one of the first training centres to offer the new senior level ATA in Cosmetic Repair, which is set to benefit multi-slkilled cosmetic repairers.

Season's Greetings from Thatcham

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Please enjoy our 2011 e-Christmas card, which is a light hearted take on a key aspect of our new 3 year strategy. Thatcham will be closing for Christmas at end of business on the 23rd December and reopening on Tuesday 3rd January.

Thatcham Early Birds Revealed

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Three Thatcham customers were celebrating this week, after winning back the full price of their annual subscriptions to escribe repair methods, parts guides and Thatcham technical helpline, in the research centre’s ‘Early Bird’ prize draw.

New VDA Apprentice Programme

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s Automotive Academy has teamed up with The IAEA (Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors) to launch the UK's first recognised apprenticeship scheme for Vehicle Assessors.

Euro NCAP Best in Class

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks to ever evolving technology, consumers now have an array of new safety features and sophisticated systems available to them. Euro NCAP’s 'Best in Class' for 2011 highlights the very best from last year.

Apprentice Academy Open Day

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If you are interested in apprenticeships in crash repair and would like to attend Thatcham's Apprentice Academy Open day on the 8th February, please call 01635 294 844 to arrange your entry.

Employers Wishes Granted

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The National Apprenticeship Service is set to offfer wage grants to employers of up to £1,500 for those taking on their first apprentice from April. This is in addition to the funding available on Thatcham apprenticeships.

Nationwide Apprenticeships

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Nationwide, the UK’s largest dedicated automotive repair group, has today announced the launch of its brand new apprenticeship scheme in conjunction with Thatcham, who will manage all onsite and block release training.

New Crash Test Results

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Euro NCAP starts 2012 with the latest test results from two new vehicles which highlight the step forwards made in the market place by some car manufacturers and the lack of progress by others.

On the Right TRAC

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The first meeting of the newly formed Thatcham Repair Advisory Council (TRAC) brought together key personnel from across the collision repair community to discuss the real world issues that may influence Thatcham's work.

Repair Focus 14th June

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham's Repair Focus is all set to give automotive and repair professionals the low down on the very latest repair challenges. What's coming next to your bodyshop and how can you deal with these complex repairs safely and profitably?

Whiplash - Prevention Better Than Cure

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Speaking alongside some of the world leading experts at the Lyons Davidson International Whiplash conference, Thatcham's Matthew Avery told delegates that AEB systems hold the key to addressing the UK's whiplash epidemic.

Bodyshops Get Ready2Repair

Thu, 03 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Repairers striving to improve their efficiency and maximise profits are being urged to repair, not replace in order to strip out delays, save on parts, improve key to key time and delight customers.

Key Appointments

Fri, 11 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have confirmed high calibre appointments in two key roles. Clare Ballard (pictured) joins as Academy Business Manager and Nick Clay as Vehicle Manufacturer Sector Development Manager. Both will have an integral role in supporting our 3 year strategy.

Training Without Travel

Thu, 10 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

thatcham.org Press Room

Thatcham Training Associates

Thatcham Unveils Giant Step Forward for Pedestrian Safety

Insurers and Vehicle Manufacturers Work Together to Beat Car Crime

International Appreciation for Research conducted at Thatcham

Graduation Day for Apprentice Vehicle Repairers

New Strategy Director for Thatcham

It's Official - Thatcham Training is Excellent

Partnership Drives Automotive Opportunities for Young People

Thatcham Reveals Three Year Strategic Plan

Thatcham Training Saves Lives

Thatcham Automotive Academy - Bringing Training to You

Cosmetic ATA to Benefit Multi-Skilled Repairers

New Apprentice Programme for Vehicle Damage Assessors

Nationwide Launches New Apprenticeship Scheme with Thatcham

Repairers Guide Thatcham to the Right TRAC

Repair Focus at Thatcham

Whiplash - Prevention Better Than Cure

Repair Focus at Thatcham

Bodyshops get Ready2Repair

New Faces at Thatcham

Training Without Travel

New Look Site

Thatcham Training Associates

AEB Research News

2011 Winners Revealed

International Appreciation

Graduation Day for Apprentices

New Strategy Director for Thatcham

Thatcham Training is Excellent

Research News 2011 Issue 3

More 5 Stars but Tougher Standards Upcoming

New Diploma Drives Careers

Don't Hang Around

Research News 2011 Issue 4

Thatcham Reveal Three Year Strategic Plan

Ready2Repair

First 5 star Rating forPick-Up

Thatcham Training Saves Lives

Bringing Training to You

Cosmetic ATA Benefits Multi-Skilled Repair

Season's Greetings from Thatcham

Thatcham Early Birds Revealed

New VDA Apprentice Programme

Euro NCAP Best in Class

Apprentice Academy Open Day

Employers Wishes Granted

Nationwide Apprenticeships

New Crash Test Results

On the Right TRAC

Repair Focus 14th June

Whiplash - Prevention Better Than Cure

Bodyshops Get Ready2Repair

Key Appointments

Training Without Travel

First 5 star Rating for
Pick-Up