Representatives from manufacturers and insurers, including DaimlerChrysler, Vauxhall and Volkswagen, Allianz Cornhill, and AXA Insurance, joined body repairers and other key industry stakeholders at the inaugural meeting of the Retail Motor Industry Federation cross-sector forum.

Jeff Mack, head of the RMI's bodyshop services division, says: "We have reached an industry watershed, seen the warning signs and collectively agreed that it is time for a complete reappraisal of the industry.

"We are delighted by the amount of support this first forum has received from all sectors. The attendance exceeded our expectations and we hope that as word spreads that this is not just another talking shop, but a real springboard for action, that support will grow."

The RMI hopes to hold three forums a year, with the next one scheduled for March 2005. The forums will be expanded to include more of the four key stakeholders: insurers, vehicle manufacturers, repairers and service providers, as interest grows.