thatcham.org Press Room

Thatcham Unveil Automechanika Plans

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The British motors insurers’ vehicle research centre – Thatcham, have this week confirmed their presence as an exhibitor at Automechanika in Frankfurt – the world’s leading trade fair for the automotive industry.

Thatcham will focus on three main areas – Material Damage, Vehicle Security and Personal Injury and will present a range of unique solutions to mitigate vehicle repairer and insurer risk, as well as reducing insurer claims costs.

Attendance at the show confirms Thatcham as an organisation whose vehicle research data and innovative claims solutions tools are having a real impact on the global motor insurance and vehicle repair sectors...

Thatcham Recognise Vehicle Security Installers

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham launched their new Thatcham Recognised Installer (TRI) scheme this week in front of an audience of insurers, installers, press and interested vehicle security personnel, at a specially arranged briefing in London’s Lloyds Building.

Following the demise of the VSIB (Vehicle Systems Installation Board) in 2009, Thatcham stepped in as a national insurance accreditation body to provide a simple assessment and monitoring scheme for vehicle system installers. In the short term, this interim solution provided insurers with the imperative requirement of proof of equipment installation, so that the appropriate reductions in insurance premium could be sensibly offered...

Automotive Academy Graduates

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Nearly 40 young crash repair vehicle technicians graduated from Thatcham’s Automotive 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 Thatcham opened its doors to visitors from the motor insurance, vehicle security and vehicle repair industries at their annual Triple Focus event.

Guests joined senior members of the crash repair industry at Thatcham’s Research Centre, on the 17th June, to applaud successful apprentices from the 3 disciplines of Panel, Paint and M.E.T. (Mechanical, Electrical and Trim)...

PAS 125 - Vehicle Body Repair Standard - Review Announced

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT

BSI has announced a full review of the PAS 125:2007 Vehicle Body Repair Standard. Announcing the review at the recent PAS 125 Working Group David Ford, Executive Director, Healthcare and Testing Services at BSI said the aim was to complete the review by the end of 2010.

Thatcham, the insurer funded research centre remains the sponsor of the standard; the members of the review team will be announced shortly. The standard which was published in 2007 covers the repair process associated with accident damaged vehicles...

Reducing the Risk of Vehicle Key Crime

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham, the insurer funded research centre, in conjunction with the Auto Locksmith Association and the Master Locksmiths Association has established a new service to provide a database of Thatcham Recognised Locksmiths to assist owners and minimise the risks associated with missing and replacement vehicle keys.

This new scheme will cover cars, vans, motorcycles, light commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles, agricultural and construction plant and machinery...

Innovation, Crime Prevention

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The winning vehicle manufacturers in the 2010 British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards (BIVSA) were announced today, with Volkswagen and Nissan revealed as first time winners of the Manufacturer award for cars and vans respectively, at this the seventh annual awards ceremony. The Innovation award, was won by Iveco for their use of component marking, with the new Green Car & Van categories, won by Toyota and Ford.

Since 2004 these highly regarded awards have recognised all that’s best in vehicle security, on the newest cars and vans on the market, applauding the work of vehicle manufacturers and raising consumer awareness...

5,000 Up for Thatcham Integrated Methods

Sun, 23 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT

A week on from launch last Monday (17th May), Thatcham’s new vehicle repair methods delivery solution Thatcham.I.M. (Thatcham Integrated Methods) has already provided access to methods for repairers on over 5,000 individual estimate enquiries.

Thatcham.I.M. enables escribe customers fast and seamless access to methods via their estimating system, with AudaEnterpriseGold, Audatex UK’s estimating and claims management solution, being the first system to provide this service...

Thatcham Integrated Methods

Tue, 11 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham, the premier provider of crash repair methods, has launched a new methods delivery solution Thatcham.I.M. (Thatcham Integrated Methods), enabling escribe customers to access methods via their estimating system. AudaEnterpriseGold, Audatex UK’s estimating and claims management solution will be the first system to provide access to Thatcham.I.M.

Thatcham.I.M. users will have access to detailed technical information to guide their assessment of vehicles, which are becoming ever more challenging to repair. Thatcham.I.M...

Thatcham Drives Euro NCAP Forward in ESC

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For the very first time, Euro NCAP can now release data on ESC (Electronic Stability Control) performance, thanks to the investigation and research work of Thatcham. The Berkshire based research centre evaluated over 40 new vehicles on the track, based on the internationally recognised GTR (Global Technical Regulation) procedure. The programme funded by Euro NCAP, tested those vehicle makes and models which were originally crash-tested by the European safety organisation in 2009. Data received will assist the efforts of Euro NCAP, Thatcham and other safety experts in establishing an ESC performance rating in the future...

New Thatcham TQA for MIG Brazing Equipment

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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

The new criteria, established to demonstrate a machine’s ability to generate a consistent and effective braze, will now be integrated within Thatcham’s Quality Accreditation scheme. The Thatcham Quality Accreditation program (TQA®) is a robust verification programme for the assessment and recognition of automotive aftermarket devices. TQA concentrates on building and verifying quality in the manufacture, design and performance of a product...

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...

New Website

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:00:00 GMT

We are currently working on a brand new version of our website and this is your opportunity to have your say. Please leave your feedback on the current site and, in the ‘Overall Comments’ section, let us know what you would like to see on the new site.

Launch for TRI

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham revealed the details of their new Thatcham Recognised Installer scheme at a launch event in London today. The scheme provides a database of quality installers for the benefit of insurers and motorists.

Apprentice Graduation

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Nearly 40 young crash repair vehicle technicians graduated from Thatcham’s Automotive Academy last week as guests joined senior members of the crash repair industry to applaud successful apprentices at the latest Apprentice Graduation ceremony.

Refurbished Academy Opened

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The Town Mayor of Thatcham, Councillor Lee Dillon, visited Thatcham during the Triple Focus event and cut the ribbon on Thatcham's newly refurbished Automotive Acacdemy, following its £750,000 refit.

British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards (BIVSA)

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The winners of the 2010 BIVSA were announced today with the Innovation award, won by Iveco, and the new Green Car & Van categories, won by Toyota and Ford, amongst the highlights, whilst Volkswagen scooped the Manufacturer award for the first time.

Locksmiths Scheme

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The new Thatcham Recognised Auto Locksmiths (TRAL) scheme was launched recently providing a database of officially recognisd locksmiths to assist vehicle owners minimise the risks associated with missing and replacement vehicle keys.

Research News 2010 Issue 3

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The latest issue of Research News is now available. With a focus on repair, this issue includes an article on Paint Challenges aswell as the growing use of aluminium in cars. There is also a look at how Thatcham manage vehicle data for Group Rating.

New Multilingual Website for Euro NCAP

Mon, 31 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Euro NCAP's new website is launched today and with its new and extended multilingual capabilities is now providing vital vehicle safety information to millions more motorists. The new site also features the test results for three new cars.

Thatcham at BIBA

Tue, 18 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham are at the BIBA event in London's Excel this week. Come and see us on stand C25 to find out more about our Vehicle Security and Personal Injury claims solutions.

Thatcham launches T.I.M

Tue, 11 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have launched a brand new product enabling escribe customers to access methods via their estimating system.

Research News 2010 Issue 2

Mon, 10 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The latest issue of Research News is out now. As well as reporting on a range of new vehicle technologies, we also take a look at some new tools in the continuing fight against vehicle crime and feature a report from the Geneva show.

PAS 125 March Newsletter

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 23:00:00 GMT

The latest PAS 125 Working Group meeting took place at BSI in Hemel Hempstead on the 18th March. To find a summary of the meeting and actions, please read more for the latest PAS125 Working Group Newsletter.

One to Watch

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have been officially identified as 'One to Watch' in The Sunday Times 'Best Companies to Work For' list, providing a fitting accolade for Thatcham's commitment to its most important assets - its workforce.

Triple Focus 2010

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Triple Focus, Thatcham's action packed show for insurers, vehicle security personnel and vehicle repairers is back. The all important 2010 dates for your diary are 16th and 17th June. Click for more details and to book your FREE visitors place.

Cheque Mates

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Representatives from five different charities were at Thatcham Research Centre on Wednesday 17th March to accept donations totaling £2,200, from Thatcham’s Chief Executive, Peter Roberts.

TQA for MIG Brazing

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

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

Research News 2010 : Issue 1

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham's first Research News of 2010 is out now. This Special Edition reveals the latest Whiplash results and the trends behind safe seat and head restraint design. Also featuring New Model Launches and a look at Thatcham's other work in controlling Claims Control costs.

Special Recognition for Skillmiles

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have been recognised by the IMI in the presence of the HRH Prince Michael of Kent, with a Special Recognition Award for their contribution in aiding skills development across the automotive sector and making a positive difference to the industry.

Podcast : Grow Your Own Technician

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Featuring an expert panel from Thatcham's Automtoive Academy as well as Tony and Shane from A & J Lawrence, Thatcham's recent free webinar on 'Growing Your Own Apprentice' is available as a Podcast here.

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.