Salvage Wire

Salvage Wire
Helping Automotive recyclers become leaders in their industry

Wednesday 14 May 2014

Beat the Blues!

Spent most of yesterday calling auto recyclers to promote my Safe Handling of Electric and Hybrid training course.
As usual, many of them were not interested and didn’t book a place - now I am used to that and accept these rejections as a normal part of business life, but I ended the day really depressed because of the attitude of so many.

What really depressed me was the amount of wingeing and whining about the auto recycling industry, how it is no good, and they wanted to just shut the doors and get out. 
I admit that there are some issues that need addressing, but I see a vibrant business that is moving forward, raising standards and becoming more professional.

This can be seen next month at the CARS Show, held at a working automotive recycling facility this show brings the best in the industry together for 2 days of seminars, demonstrations, teaching, learning and networking. June 5th and 6th are the dates, Motorhog Doncaster is the location tickets for the 2 days cover food and drinks at the show and delegates are coming from all over the world.


The show web site (www.cars-expo.com) has full details of the show, including seminar timetable, booking tickets and hotels. Join the cream of the auto recycling industry at this prestigious event, be enthused about the future, to be the best that you can and secure your future.

Friday 9 May 2014

Back to Basics?

Do you look back to the ‘good old days’ and wish that life now was as easy as it used to be? You cannot deny that the advance of technology has made a difference, vehicles are much cleaner and less polluting than they used to be, transfer of data and news is easy and quick, we could not work without computers and phones, the list goes on….

Was it better 20 years ago? When the first Code of Practice for Motor Salvage was introduced it was designed to prevent unsafe vehicles coming back into use, it targeted those who stole vehicles to change the identity to a written off vehicle, and it raised professional standards in vehicle salvage and car breaking operations. It did exactly what was required at the time and has proved to be a valuable document since.



The Code of Practice is still operating today, but it is being undermined by a number of factors.
  • It is voluntary - companies can choose not to use the code and stand behind the fact that it is voluntary so not enforceable on the industry.
  • It is being ignored by self-insured fleets - so damaged vehicles can be sold with no history of the damage sustained to the vehicle, potentially dangerous to subsequent vehicle owners.
  • Companies interpret the code in their own way - there have been lots of reports of mis-categorisation over the recent months and speculation about the reasons for these categorisation decisions normally focus on the increase in salvage revenue for motor insurers.


Is it time to go back to basics? A slightly amended code that reflects current vehicle design and manufacturing processes, supports green recycled parts, and complements government policy could be adequately enforced by the ABI and provide consistent vehicle categorisation; this simple action would restore full credibility to the code, continue to advance the auto recycling and salvage industry, raise professional standards and continue to protect consumers from lack of categorisation or poor categorisation decisions.