Aug. 19, 2013—Thatcham Research has signed a $3.13 million, five-year deal with Australian insurer Suncorp Group to provide repair methods and times to vehicle repairers and insurance assessors across Australia and New Zealand.
Thatcham’s escribe product is the UK industry’s primary source of vehicle repair data that is currently in use by 89 percent of the insurer’s approved repair network. This deal will mark the first time Thatcham has provided international services.
“With increasing vehicle complexity, it is imperative that technicians are able to access fully researched methods and times to perform repairs at the highest levels of quality and efficiency,” said Rob Bartlett, Suncorp national industry relations manager. “Thatcham has delivered high quality and relevant repair information to the industry for more than 40 years, and Suncorp is proud to be able to bring the escribe product to our market.”
Thatcham and Suncorp will make the escribe product available to all repairers, assessors and training organizations across Australia and New Zealand, including those who are not aligned with the group.
“The Australian vehicle market remains among the most diverse in the world and our escribe product will reduce repair method complexity and bring a higher, more consistent standard of repair,” said Lesley Upham, Thatcham’s Commercial Director. “It fills a critical gap in technical information for the Australian market and brings benefits to both the repair industry and ultimately, the consumer.”
