A familiar face within the industry and a recent addition to SYNETIQ, an IAA company, Nick Farrell, Client Director, puts his thoughts on paper on how the world of vehicle recycling has changed and what the future holds for our industry.
Vehicle salvage is fast paced, there’s no denying that and in recent years, we’ve experienced a huge amount of change.
There’s been code of practice changes, shortage of new vehicles, an ageing car parc, highs and lows of vehicle values – not to mention the knock-on effect from Brexit and COVID-19 on the supply of parts. It’s been a whirlwind, but one thing has remained a constant, our ability to be agile and adapt quickly to still deliver a quality service to our clients.
The decarbonisation of our industry is now firmly cemented in all our minds and is creating a pathway to further change. The ban of petrol and diesel vehicles brings with it the challenge of recycling batteries. We’re taking a collaborative approach to providing a solution to this industry-wide issue.
Every day we’re seeing more consumers opting for a more sustainable vehicle – the SMMT recently reported battery electric vehicle registrations were up by 39.4%, and 31,700 buyers are choosing to get behind the wheel of a zero-emission car.
We all need to prepare ourselves for the impact this will have on our industry. The value of vehicles and availability of parts will change as less ICE vehicles come through our doors for dismantling. We’ve expanded our dismantling and storage capabilities in preparation for a continued increase in demand for green parts.
I have seen such a difference in the perception and use of green parts, with more insurers providing them as a cost-effective and sustainable option to their policyholders. There’s also the increase in uptake from bodyshops and repairers. I still feel there is some way to go with building a sense of trust with consumers on the value of green parts, but this will happen – we will continue to educate and build awareness of the importance of green replacement parts. The appetite is growing, and eventually, I see them becoming the norm in vehicle repairs.
For now, I see our collaboration as an industry continue to progress. We need to work together, to share best practices and provide a salvage solution for what is going to be an electrified future.
About SYNETIQ
SYNETIQ Ltd., the UK-based business unit of IAA Holdings, LLC (IAA), an RB Global, Inc. company, is the leading integrated salvage, dismantling and vehicle recycling company in the UK, formed to become the most innovative and trusted business in the industry. An integrated, data-driven and innovative business, SYNETIQ has led the way in raising industry standards and continually innovates ways of working to deliver great value, ensure complete compliance and provide a positive experience. SYNETIQ is proud to have major household names in its portfolio, including insurers, accident management companies, fleets, police forces, logistics companies, vehicle repair body shops, and remanufacturers. With cutting-edge data and software solutions, multiple sites, a specialist vehicle recovery fleet and over 800 dedicated UK-based employees, customers and clients trust SYNETIQ to create bespoke solutions to deliver the maximum benefit for their business.
For more information about SYNETIQ, visit SYNETIQ.co.uk
