Several game-changing trends in the collision repair industry will be happening this year. The body shops that can adapt and embrace these changes will excel, and that’s why all of us at Painter Collision Centers are ready do exactly that.
To thrive in 2022 and into 2023, we must take steps now to prepare ourselves for a future that will be transformative in many ways. It will require the acquisition of more technologically advanced tools, equipment, and processes. In addition, many collision repair technicians will have to be retrained to ensure they have the right skillset to handle the changing auto repair needs in 2022 and beyond.
5 Major Collision Repair Industry Trends
New technology-driven trends are going to disrupt and transform the collision repair industry. These trends will undoubtedly revolutionize the way automobiles are designed, built, powered, and repaired.
As a collision repair company, the key question is how can we effectively respond to the ever-changing consumer needs for specific types of automobile repair, the technology required to deliver it, and the ability to develop new types of partnerships?
Here are the five main trends that will affect us at PCC now and for many years to come:
1. Reduced Demand for Replacement Auto Parts:
A reduction in the demand for replacement auto parts is a trend anticipated to hurt the auto repair industry going into 2022 and 2023. With the major advancements in automotive technology, car owners are finding it increasingly problematic to repair and maintain their autos themselves. As a result, stock shares in major auto parts stores such as O’Reilly Automotive have fallen roughly 22%. Auto repair experts say the higher quality components being produced today last much longer, and warrantless frequent need for automobile repairs and industry demand may continue to be soft in 2022 and into the next decade. Solution: At PCC, we have great relationships with our parts suppliers and that’s why we are not encountering supply chain issues. By continually keeping all of our customers updated when it comes to parts availability, we are completing repairs on time.
2. Digitization, Increasing Automation, And Electrification:
The increasing use of these features in modern automobiles has revolutionized the collision repair industry. It puts pressure on shops to upgrade their technology to provide maintenance and repair services for digitized, automated, and electric automobiles in 2022 and 2023 Owners of these cutting-edge vehicles must be confident that local body shops have the trained technicians and technology to repair these technologically advanced vehicles properly. Solution: At PCC, we always embrace the most cutting-edge tools, equipment, training, and processes available. Today’s cars demand it, so we will always pursue the finest ‘best in class” solutions in the collision repair world now.
3. Enhanced Telematics and Connectivity:
Newer cars increasingly have telematics embedded in them, and that’s why training in telematics is becoming more and more critical. We make certain that our customers know that we can handle these new technologically advanced vehicles and have the correct parts to do the repairs the cars will need. Solution: It all comes down to training and education and that’s why we stress things like I-CAR, OE repair procedures, manufacturer certifications, and car diagnostics.
4. Hiring and Retaining the Right People:
Another trend the collision repair industry is currently facing involves the retirement of millions of body technicians, painters, estimators, and front office personnel. The concern is that there are not enough properly trained collision technicians to fill the millions of jobs that are now available since the pandemic began. The Auto Care Association’s job board is part of their proactive approach to addressing the auto repair tech shortage they will face within the next decade. They are currently working with universities in order to teach STEM courses to aspiring automotive technicians and automobile manufacturers in order to fill the job creation pipeline with millions of well-prepared collision repair technicians. Solution: Collision repair professionals know that we have created a positive and supportive work environment at PCC where everyone here is valuable and an integral part of our team.
5. Aluminum, Self-Drivers, and New Innovations:
New business models driven by connectivity services, shared mobility, and feature upgrades are a new trend that will expand the automotive revenue pool by more than 25%. In addition, it can dramatically increase the demand for aftermarket products and services by as much as 55%. The auto repair industry in general must update and upgrade the autonomous technology platforms through the use of software-based systems on-demand in privately used vehicles to meet the personal needs of car owners as technology advances. Solution: By adapting on the fly and pivoting when required, PCC will be ready for any changes within the industry. Anticipating tomorrow means that we’re stronger today.
About Painters Collision Centers
Today’s vehicles are essentially large computers on wheels, so you need a collision repair company with the right tools, equipment, and training to diagnose and fix these sophisticated machines at a high level. At Painters Collision Centers, with two locations in Chandler and Queen Creek, AZ, we stress quality, transparency, and complete accountability. People praise us for being thorough and providing over-the-top customer service on every repair. When you hire us at Painters Collision Centers, you tap into our 35 years of cumulative experience in the collision repair industry. Owners Jim and Kelly Huard aren’t just in it to win it. They’re in it to be the best!
Sources: Autobody News & CollisionWeek