Thatcham Research

18/06/2026

12/06/2026

It’s encouraging to see BYD take on liability when its 'God's Eye' assisted driving feature is active – that shows they have real confidence in the technology.

What matters next is being able to clearly establish what happened in any incident. That relies on a culture of transparency and willingness to share relevant vehicle data, so it’s clear how the system performed and how the driver responded.

That’s something we discussed this week at Automated LIVE, where there was strong agreement across the industry on the need for clearer data and greater transparency to build trust in technology - whether it be assisted or automated.

Crucially, as Steve Fowler points out in his piece (check the link below) this is not full autonomy, it's an assisted driving feature, so the driver is required to stay engaged and is legally responsible at all times.

https://www.independent.co.uk/cars/electric-vehicles/self-driving-car-crashes-byd-insurance-damage-cover-b2993100.html

11/06/2026

We’ve officially kicked off Automated LIVE at our track testing facility in Gamston today 👏

What’s already clear is the strength of collaboration in the room.

We’ve brought together leaders from across the ecosystem, including the Department for Transport (DfT), Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), CCAV, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), global colleagues from State Farm and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, alongside our insurer members and vehicle manufacturers such as Nissan.


Progress in automated mobility doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when the right people come together sharing insight, challenging perspectives, and learning from real-world experience.


We’re proud to play that role as a facilitator, creating the space for those conversations, grounded in testing and evidence.

Automated LIVE is about being part of that wider conversation helping shape what comes next, together.

08/06/2026

EV battery design is already reshaping repair, cost and risk and the impact is only growing.

We’re heading to Engineering Circularity in Vienna, where Dan Harrowell and Jacq Paris will be discussing how battery design is influencing damageability, repairability and total loss rates.

From the challenges of high‑voltage battery serviceability to the shift from repair to replacement, these changes are starting to redefine how risk is understood across the industry.

We’re continuing this conversation across the industry, working together to better understand and respond to these emerging challenges.

02/06/2026

We’re heading to IBIS Global Summit in Vienna!

Dean Lander, Jonathan Hewett and Enrique Rodriguez will be representing Thatcham Research, bringing insight from across the industry.

Jonathan joins the Leaders of change keynote, sharing his perspective on what’s next.
Enrique explores the impact of megacasting and what it means for repair and evolving repair economics.

You’ll also hear from us in the lightning sessions, where we’ll be adding to the global conversation.

If you’re attending, come and say hello!

27/05/2026

Lights. Camera. Crash. 🎬💥
It looks impressive… but there’s a serious purpose behind every impact.

Each impact helps us understand how vehicles respond in a crash - how they protect people, how damage occurs, and what it means for repairers.

Every data point feeds into insight that helps shape safer vehicles and more sustainable repair..

21/05/2026

NEW from our Automotive Academy: Accident Repair Technician Apprenticeship

Build capability across your team with expert-led training. Our ART Apprenticeship develops multi-skilled technicians who can work across the full repair process, helping keep jobs moving and improving efficiency.

Ideal for smaller teams where technicians need to cover end-to-end repairs.

With our autumn 2026 intake now open, we’re also offering a range of other apprenticeships designed to support the next generation of repair talent.

✅ Funding available
✅ Industry-leading facilities
✅ Dedicated apprentice welfare support
✅ Accommodation arranged

To find out more, register your details below
👉 https://loom.ly/S5NTzZs

20/05/2026

New look. Same purpose.

Our uniform pop‑up shop brought colleagues together across three days to try on our updated range and place their orders as part of our organisation‑wide rollout.

To us, it’s more than just a uniform - It’s about showing up feeling confident in who we are, what we do, and the brand we represent every day.

A big thank you to everyone who made it happen! 👏

19/05/2026

We've introduced a new course to our Academy... Aluminum Welding Certification.

As aluminum and megacastings become increasingly common in modern vehicle design, keeping repair skills up to date is essential.

Our Aluminum Welding Certification, designed by Thatcham Research specialists, helps technicians strengthen their repair and bodyshop skill set through hands‑on training focused on safe, high‑quality aluminum repair.

The course supports workshops in becoming future‑ready, building confidence in working with evolving materials and vehicle construction as designs continue to change.

Find out more about the course and upcoming Academy dates via the link below.
🔗 https://loom.ly/_7j61j4

18/05/2026

Something exciting is landing in our members’ inboxes…

We’re pleased to be partnering with AION Auto UK, a new entrant to the UK market, for an upcoming product showcase at our Thatcham site this June.

The day will give insurers and repairers an early look at the AION brand and its UK strategy, alongside the opportunity to get up close with the new AION V electric SUV and hear directly from the teams behind it.

It’s also a chance to explore how we’re working together to support repairability, insurability and customer confidence from day one.

If you’re a member, keep an eye on your inbox for your invitation and full details 👀