Copart launches new vehicle grading system to boost buyer confidence
Leading online vehicle remarketing business Copart UK has launched its own stringent grading system to give buyers a clear and definable indication of a vehicle’s condition.
The move is designed to boost transparency of vehicle condition and to help Copart - whose customers include motor traders, fleets, rental car firms, finance companies and the insurance industry - to provide even more comprehensive vehicle information for its buyers. The new process involves a rigorous 50-point inspection by Copart’s AQP qualified engineers. They then apply a grade that reflects the condition of the external bodywork of the vehicle, ranging from Grade 1 for minor ‘wear and tear’ repairs, to Grade 5 where more substantial structural repairs are required.
Copart’s UK’s automotive sales director, Michael Stewart, said they had introduced the new grading to add value to the wide range of vehicles sold via their online auctions.
“This simple and transparent grading gives our buyers a clear, definable indication of the condition of the vehicle, so that they can buy with trust and confidence and we can achieve higher sales returns for our sellers,” he said.
“It also enables us to show the condition of these vehicles in-line with the wider used vehicle industry.” The new grading will only be applied to vehicles that are classified as “run and drive” – i.e. those where Copart has verified that the vehicle started, could be put into gear and was capable of moving forward under its own power – as well as having no previous damage category.
Copart’s grading system is based on the same principals and rating structure as the other leading industry standards for physical motor auctions but is tailored to fit their 100% online auctions.
The new system is designed to strengthen and complement Copart’s existing range of end-to-end engineering services, which includes physical on-site vehicle assessment, reports by ATA/VDA-qualified engineer using industry-recognised accident damaged estimating systems, valuation guides and the latest manufacture repair technology.
Copart’s strategy and automotive division director, Mark Godfrey, said: “The introduction of Vehicle Grading is part of our overall strategy to continually improve the information we provide on vehicles. This is just one of a comprehensive suite of changes that we are implementing to give our buyers complete transparency and provenance on the purchases they make in our online auctions.”
SYNETIQ secures contract with Stocalfe Response
The UK’s largest salvage and vehicle recycling company has announced a new partnership with Stocalfe Response, a provider of accident and fleet management services.
As part of the relationship, SYNETIQ will exclusively handle salvage vehicles involved in motor claims on behalf of Stocalfe Response. This agreement will provide Stocalfe Response with unrivalled returns for its total loss vehicles.
Steve Dodson, Client Relationship & Business Development Director, said: “I’m pleased to welcome Stocalfe Response as our newest client. We’ve worked closely with their team to make sure the transition was a smooth one and I’m delighted to report that everything’s working really well.”
Stocalfe Response is based in Warrington and offers a full management service, including credit hire and intervention hire. It works with a wide range of clients and customers; handling claims on vehicles ranging from small cars to HGVs.
June 2020
Tyre Recovery Association Limited
TRA alarmed at proposed Europe-wide ban on rubber infill
A proposal by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) to ban the use of tyre-derived rubber infill in sports surfaces has been deemed incomprehensible and counter-intuitive by members of Britain’s Tyre Recovery Association.
The ECHA is pushing for a ban on the reuse of materials containing ‘intentionally added’ microplastics such as tyres from 2028 even though new tyres themselves do not appear to be captured by this initiative. The TRA estimates that in the course of their service lives, car tyres alone shed some half a million tonnes of micronized rubber annually across the continent of Europe.
Commented TRA Secretary General, Peter Taylor, “This proposal is not only disproportionate but flies in the face of reason, if implemented it would set back our recycling efforts by a generation. Rubber infill is not only largely site-contained but can also be further recycled.” He went on, “Tyre-derived granulate is not just used in this particular application but also in a range of other products used by the automotive industry, belting and very many others so minimizing the wider use of primary resources, furthermore it is not a micro-particulate.
This ECHA proposal if implemented is contrary to the ideals and objectives of the circular economy as well as undermining the values of the waste hierarchy. It would not only hobble the progress made in developing innovative uses for tyre-derived material but would cause us to fall back on incineration as one of the few available disposal options for our post-consumer tyres. As such it is economically and environmentally illiterate and we must, as an industry, unite to fight it.
For press enquiries please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Useful links
www.tyrerecovery.org.uk
About the TRA
A cornerstone of the body is its unique Responsible Recycler Scheme. All TRA members are fully accredited by the scheme, which ensures that all tyres collected, recycled or reprocessed by them are disposed of or reused in environmentally friendly and acceptable methods. The Tyre Recovery Association has the independent ability to pursue these objectives at both industry and government levels, generate performance data specific to its member’s interests as well as develop stronger links across the tyre recycling world. See more at: http://www.tyrerecovery.org.uk
SYNETIQ has announced its intention to expand its Gloucester site after sharing the news with its clients and colleagues last week.
A multi-million-pound investment is already underway that will deliver new concrete works, large-scale racking systems, more purpose-built depollution facilities, and remodelled premium breaking and parts storage facilities.
The changes will mean the closure of the long established Cinderford site by the end of September, with the migration of most of its employees, capabilities and processes transferring to the new flagship SYNETIQ site.
This announcement of SYNETIQs commitment to expansion in the South West follows shortly behind a similar strategy and show of commitment to expanding its operations in Scotland to provide national coverage for clients and customers.
Jason Cross, Client Director of SYNETIQ said:
“The investment in the expansion of our Gloucester site is exciting, driven by our aspiration to lead the industry whilst delivering an exceptional, compliant and innovative service to our clients. This move is testament to our confidence in our business and our people, who will have the chance to develop and grow within our ambitious and scalable organisation.”
As Coronavirus caused unprecedented disruption to businesses across the UK, SYNETIQ, as a DEFRA-classified key service, continued to support its key worker clients, including Insurers, Ambulance services, Police forces and supermarket delivery vehicles, providing salvage and dismantling services, green parts and Mechanical Solutions and this investment is continued evidence of that commitment.
Page 3 of 4
- You are here:
-
Home
- Industry News