• • New training from Thatcham Research empowers your business to recognise the impact of ADAS features and functionality in the repair process 
    
  • E-learning course allows for flexible and cost-effective learning
  • ADAS Aware empowers bodyshops to manage current tech and future-proof for continuing vehicle advancements
  
  

  Today, automotive risk intelligence company Thatcham Research has launched its new ADAS Aware e-learning course to support UK bodyshops and address the existing skills gap around ever-present vehicle technology.

  The course provides technicians with a comprehensive understanding of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), including how the different technologies operate and how to accurately identify and calibrate them.

  ADAS Aware was created by in-house experts from Thatcham Research’s Automotive Academy and provides bodyshops with a crucial competitive advantage by equipping their staff with the ADAS knowledge required for modern vehicle repairs.

  As the course is online only, there is flexibility in completing different units, enabling time and cost-saving efficiencies while providing the high levels of competency required to identify ADAS and conduct repairs without compromising these crucial pieces of safety equipment.

  Dean Lander, head of repair sector services at Thatcham Research, said: “ADAS technology is a pillar of modern automotive design. The importance of understanding how it factors into the repair process cannot be overstated.

  “Robust knowledge, for all, of how different repair techniques impact the functionality of ADAS features is crucial, with even the slightest sensor misalignment having a pronounced effect on the performance of safety-critical systems.

  “ADAS Aware will provide technicians with the skills needed to identify these technologies, understand requirements in advance of repair and feel empowered to carry out repairs around ADAS technology in a timely and efficient manner, reducing key to key times.

  “The training also provides an overview of how ADAS factors into the journey to autonomy, a sector of the UK car parc which is set to expand in the near future which garages must be prepared for.”

To learn more about ADAS Aware, please visit the Thatcham Research website. 

Jonathan Hewett, chief executive of automotive risk intelligence company Thatcham Research, responds to The Labour Party’s ‘Plan for Drivers’ – calling for greater focus on the root causes of rising insurance costs and inviting the party to our Gamston test site to discuss the future of the UK automotive sector:

“Labour’s ‘Plan for Drivers’ aims to address issues faced by UK motorists such as rising insurance costs, potholes, and Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure. 

“Thatcham Research supports these goals, including Labour’s focus on reducing the cost of car insurance. However, addressing this issue through an FCA-led investigation will not necessarily tackle the core factors increasing insurance rates.

“While all drivers would agree that the UK’s roads are plagued by potholes and fixing these should be a priority, there are several wider factors that play a significant role in insurance price rises. 

“The UK repair industry is in the midst of an ongoing skills crisis, resulting from an ageing workforce and a lack of investment in apprenticeships to drive the skills required to return modern, tech-enabled vehicles to the road safely and efficiently. 

“Raising apprenticeship funding caps will help to ease this ongoing crisis by enabling businesses to train the next generation of skilled workers. 

“Thatcham Research remains committed to utilising our research facilities, skilled engineers and Automotive Risk Intelligence to lower insurance costs by working with vehicle manufacturers to ensure that new vehicles are easier to repair and therefore more insurable. 

“This includes EVs as highlighted in our BEV report last June which flagged a number of repair and insurance barriers to the adoption of these vehicles.  

“Accelerating the rollout of chargepoint infrastructure is important, however many EV owners would report reduced ‘range anxiety’ – but increased anxiety when it comes to the total cost of ownership of an EV and the likelihood their vehicle will be written off following minor collision damage.  

“HV batteries sit at the heart of this challenge, and we would call upon Labour to uplift investment in repair and recycling of HV batteries so that more value can be returned from them. A standardised means of understanding battery health and subsequent repair options is also key. 

“Thatcham Research welcomes Labour’s New Road Safety Strategy, as despite the advent of crash avoidance technology, killed and seriously injured numbers, especially those relating to vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, remain stubbornly high. 

“Although rising car thefts are referenced in Labour’s plan, steps must now be taken to disrupt the organised criminal gangs and the ease at which they can profit from stolen vehicles.  

“Despite the best efforts of vehicle manufacturers to close security vulnerabilities and the fact that the UK enjoys the highest baseline security standards in the world, urgent investment to deter criminal gangs is fundamental. 

“This can be achieved through progressing the Criminal Justice Bill and introducing greater penalties and consequences for those intent on stealing cars. 

“Thatcham Research is at the forefront of addressing the safety, sustainability, and security challenges which Labour’s ‘Plan for Drivers’ seeks to resolve.  

“To support the development and delivery of these pledges, Thatcham Research invites the Labour Party to return to our Gamston test site, building upon the visit by Labour MP Bill Esterson and Bassetlaw candidate Jo White earlier this year. 

“Thatcham Research will host a day of discussions around the future of the UK automotive sector, centred on keeping society on the move, safely, securely and sustainably.”

• New report from Thatcham Research and Association of British Insurers details requirements for the adoption of Automated Vehicles (AV) in the UK
• Secondary legislation must provide guidance on who is liable if an AV is involved in a collision
• Vehicle manufacturers can no longer advertise driverless functionality unless they meet new legal specifications

Thatcham Research welcomes the introduction of the Automated Vehicles Bill 2024  which is set to receive Royal Assent.

This important automotive legislation will provide robust guidelines for the future of autonomous travel within the UK, introduce clear definitions of automated vehicles (AV)[1], safety principles[2] and demands for the transition from vehicle to driver[3].

The UK will be better placed to embrace this emergent technology, allowing for greater commercial and private use of AVs, an industry with earnings potential of up to £62bn by 2030 according to the SMMT.

To support the AV Bill’s progress through the Houses of Parliament, and the creation of subsequent secondary legislation, Thatcham Research and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) collaborated on the ‘Insurer Requirements for Automated Vehicles’ report, offering industry expertise and strategic recommendations.

It details four key asks from the UK motor insurance industry required for AVs to be safe and insurable in the UK:

• Safety First – Automated vehicles should have clearly defined capability and operational constraints so users understand their role and responsibilities when using an AV.
• Visibility – Transparency of an AV’s authorisation process when driving, its level of functionality, and software authorised for road use.
• Data Access – To ensure that consumers are protected, and insurers can fulfil their obligations as per the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 (AEVA 2018)[4], timely and unhindered access to data is required.
• Cyber security – Vehicle systems and connectivity, either by the vehicle manufacturer or other source, must be robust to detect and mitigate the risk of a cyber-induced incident.

One aspect of the UK market the bill will address is the terminology used to describe automated or self-driving automotive technology in advertising[5]. For example, Tesla currently advertises ‘full self-driving capability’ as an optional feature on their vehicles, despite this technology being classified as an assistance system.

The introduction of the AV Bill will prevent Tesla from using this terminology as it could be considered misleading because the system requires active supervision from the driver which therefore does not make the vehicle autonomous. The bill will make terms such as ‘automated’ and ‘self-driving’ protected from misuse[6].

In order for automated vehicles to be accepted and trusted by the public, clear terminology must be used. Otherwise, there is a risk of confusion, and potential danger, if the performance of a system does not match its advertised capabilities.

Despite the positive progress the AV Bill represents, some insurance questions associated with the safe adoption of AVs remain unanswered, which the Insurer Requirements report details:

 

Who is liable in the event of an Automated Vehicle collision?

There must be clarification on who is liable should an AV be involved in a collision and whether it is operating in an automated mode.

Motor insurers will be liable for accidents caused by an AV when driving autonomously, as defined by the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act (AEVA) 2018[7].

This means, if an AV causes an accident, the driver will rightfully be entitled to compensation for third-party injury. However, this introduces another potential claimant against the vehicle’s own insurer.

This is only possible if the vehicle is operating in automated mode, therefore it’s essential to identify whether it was the vehicle or the driver in charge at the time of the accident.

It is the opinion of Thatcham Research that secondary legislation includes a requirement for collision data to be immediately available on a neutral and equitable basis to the insurer to establish who was driving and what decisions were made in an automated vehicle incident.

 

What are the capabilities of an Automated Vehicle?

While the AV Bill sets out the framework for the approval and authorisation of automated vehicles[8], the real-world capabilities and limitation of such vehicles will vary enormously.

For example, one AV may be permitted to only drive at low speeds around a city, whereas another may only be able to drive at 70 mph on a motorway.

The public and insurers must have clarity over the difference between these functions.

Thatcham Research believes that the following details of authorised automated capabilities must be made freely available:

• Defined operational design domain (ODD). These are the conditions in which an automated vehicle can safely operate, e.g. only on a motorway
• The make, model, and specification of the authorised vehicle(s) to the level of Vehicle Identification Number
• Visibility of the approval requirements and tests passed by the authorised vehicle(s)
• Access to the results of any investigation by the in-use AV regulator

Thatcham Research calls for future AV legislation to enforce the creation of an accessible and dynamic record of DLVA-registered vehicles authorised (and de-authorised) in order to easily identify automated functionality.

 

What is the cybersecurity risk to Automated Vehicles?

There is currently no provision in the law for uninsured AVs, including if they are involved in cyberattacks or acts of terrorism.

The MIB (Motor Insurers Bureau) is working closely with the Department for Transport and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) to understand the risks of cyberattacks on self-driving and highly connected vehicles.

Cyberattacks on these types of vehicles present a step change in terms of risk, not least because of the theoretical possibility of multiple vehicles being hacked simultaneously.

Considering terror attacks, for example, the potential impact of an event where several vehicles are involved could exceed similar attacks involving a conventional vehicle, where typically only one vehicle is used.

Reinsurers may treat cyberattacks affecting multiple vehicles as individual incidents, rather than a cumulative event which could trigger reinsurance thresholds, further compounding the risk to solvency for an individual insurer.

Thatcham Research proposes that legislators provide clarity on the potential role, obligations, and rights of the MIB with respect to Automated Vehicles.

 

Tom Leggett, vehicle technology manager at Thatcham Research, said: “I am pleased the AV Bill will soon receive Royal Assent. Having followed its progress throughout the Houses of Parliament closely for the last six months, the UK will soon be in a better position to safely adopt automated vehicles on our roads.

“Reassuringly, the bill recognises several points raised in our joint Insurer Requirements for Automated Vehicles report. This highlights an understanding from lawmakers that working alongside insurers and other key automotive stakeholders is essential to ensuring the safe adoption of this technology.

“The AV Bill will also present an opportunity for greater clarity within the automotive sector, helping consumers to make more informed decisions when considering vehicles with automated functionality.

“However, as our report details, there is still work to be done through secondary legislation to ensure this technology is adopted sustainably.

“Challenges remain around the clarity of insurance responsibility in the event of an AV collision, the clear identification of self-driving capabilities, and the possible cybersecurity risk.

“Thatcham Research is ready to support the Government in the development of regulations and further legislation which can address and resolve these outstanding barriers to widespread adoption.

“Automated Vehicles represent an exciting future for the UK automotive sector, but only if we can ensure there is suitable legislation and guidelines to protect drivers and insurers.”

Jonathan Fong, ABI manager for general insurance policy, said: “We’re delighted the Automated Vehicles Bill will soon receive Royal Assent – putting the UK on the road to being a world leader in AV technology. UK motor insurers have long been supporting the development of automated vehicles, including by actively insuring trials to allow the technology to evolve, and by supporting the creation and progress of this Bill at every step of the journey.

“While this Bill represents a significant step forward, further consideration is needed to address concerns around safety and cyber security. It’s critical that insurers have access to relevant data in order to support the adoption of this technology.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with Government and other stakeholders on these issues so that we can all fully harness the exciting opportunities automated vehicles present.”

To access the full report, please visit the Thatcham Research website.

 

[1] Automated Vehicles Bill 2024 s78

[2] Automated Vehicles Bill 2024 s5

[3] Automated Vehicles Bill 2024 s7

[4] Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 s2

[5] Automated Vehicles Bill 2024 s79

[6] Automated Vehicles Bill 2024 s78

[7] Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 s2

 

[8] Automated Vehicles Bill 2024 s3

We are pleased to announce that Ben Townsend is taking up a new position as head of automotive.

 

Ben will spearhead our emergent ‘automotive vertical’ function, which is focused on supporting the wider sector in delivering safe, secure, and repairable mobility.

 

This is part of an ongoing process to align the business to provide improved automotive sector support, working with vehicle manufacturers, repairers, and insurers to build value at the earliest stage possible in the vehicle lifecycle.

 

As the automotive sector continues to grapple with change, from emerging Net Zero imperatives and resultant shifts in consumer buying habits, to new competitors from emerging markets challenging the established order, we are focusing on the sustainable adoption of new vehicle technology to ensure the best experience for all road users.

 

Townsend said: “Based on our unique brand of data and research-driven risk intelligence, our automotive products will draw upon more than five decades of dedicated experience as a business to ensure that the ecosystem can bring safe, secure, and sustainable product to market. Key to achieving this is anticipating risk before models are launched and uplifting ‘insurability’ as a core design attribute that keeps cars on the road.”

 

Our chief executive Jonathan Hewett said: “By supporting vehicle manufacturers through the design process, bringing automotive risk intelligence combined with unrivalled insight from our direct lines into the repair and insurance sectors, we can create more sustainable and insurable mobility solutions in this dynamic and challenging environment.

 

“We are therefore pleased to announce Ben’s appointment to lead our new automotive vertical. This role will provide focus to the organisation, encouraging a product led approach that creates real gains for our external stakeholders.”

 

 

Ben, who will report into chief commercial officer Miller Crockart, joined Thatcham Research in 2017, bringing over 20 years’ experience in the engineering industry, encompassing aerospace, defence (Martin Baker Aircraft) and automotive (Jaguar Land Rover), Ben is also a fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and a Chartered Engineer. 

·        Two-year deal signed in Wuhu, China, will see Thatcham Research delivering ‘Insurability by Design’ consultancy on all new models launched across all international markets.

·        Thatcham Research to upskill Chery teams on effective regional repair methods production.

·        ‘Insurability by Design’ programme represents comprehensive shift towards the integration of safety, security, and sustainability-focused design with the economic realities of insurance and repairability.

 

Thatcham Research has announced a pioneering strategic partnership with Chery Automobile Co., Ltd, one of China’s leading vehicle manufacturers.

 

Signed in Wuhu, China, the deal is the first of its kind, as we continue our mission to integrate repairability into early-stage vehicle design. The new partnership represents a pivotal shift towards a more sustainable and consumer-centric approach in automotive design, spearheading a movement towards vehicles that successfully balance innovation and insurability.

 

The insurability imperative is increasingly vital against a backdrop of rising insurance costs and a rapidly transforming automotive landscape. Driven by the introduction of new vehicle technology from
electric powertrains to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), the advent of greater vehicle complexity is happening at a time when the industry is already navigating a critical repair skills shortage.

 

Ben Townsend, Thatcham Research head of automotive said, “The goal is to ensure that Chery vehicles coming off the production line are as insurable as they are innovative, bridging the gap between cutting-edge design and practicality in maintenance and repair.

 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Chery to bake repairability into the DNA of vehicle design from the get-go. By doing so, Chery is signalling its intent to anticipate the needs and challenges of the
future and address them today, creating a better total cost of ownership experience for its drivers.”

 

The project will see Thatcham Research automotive risk intelligence specialists collaborating with Chery engineers to make recommendations on potential enhancements to vehicle design, based on reporting of vehicle damageability performance against international RCAR standards.

 

The partnership will also include dedicated vehicle research with a view to producing BS10125 compliant repair methods to service the most common repairs required in the UK and European market.

 

In addition, Thatcham Research will work with Chery to prepare all new vehicles to meet the requirements of the New Vehicle Security Assessment (NVSA), with virtual and physical testing to scope “theft of” and “theft from” risk, making practical vehicle design interventions where required.

 

Mr. Chen Chunqing, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO UK Ltd. said, “We consider this partnership a key factor in underlining our commitment to Europe and the UK. From the outset we wanted to make sure our customers have the best support throughout their ownership of our cars. Our work with Thatcham Research as leading industry experts has already seen tangible benefits and will now underpin all future development of models, specifically our OMODA and JAECOO brands that will be spearheading our offering in Europe and the UK.”

 

Thatcham Research’s holistic design philosophy, ‘Insurability by Design,’ ensures that from the moment a vehicle is conceived, its journey through manufacturing, repair, and insurance is seamless and sustainable. This drives greater consideration for the entire lifecycle of the vehicle, integrating repairability and parts accessibility to minimise downtime and costs, along with enabling clear sight of international safety and security requirements. ‘Insurability by Design’ therefore not only enhances the insurability of vehicles but also makes them more attractive in terms of total cost of ownership.

 

The announcement of the partnership with Chery comes as Townsend and Thatcham Research’s chief commercial officer Miller Crockart, visit China-based vehicle manufacturers and like-minded research institutions in the region, to discuss the idiosyncrasies of the UK and European market and proactive measures that can be adopted to address repair and insurance teething problems.

Crockart comments, “Chinese vehicle manufacturers are determined to cover every angle to succeed in the international market. This requires a laser focus on the total cost of ownership proposition, as well as the production of high-quality electric vehicles that appeal to the new generation of tech-savvy drivers who demand high end styling but are not wedded to an incumbent brand.”