Page 8 - Australasian Paint & Panel Magazine Sep-Oct 2018

NEWS
IN BRIEF
SCOOTER SURGE
Scooters are undergoing a sales resurgence despite the overall national motorcycle market recording a 5.9 per cent decline for the first six months of 2018 according to VFACTS.
Scooters were the only segment to show improvement with a 10.9 per cent increase. The overall market leader was Honda, selling 11,655 new bikes (down 7.6 per cent), but still commanding 24.3 per cent of the overall market. The largest segment of the market was road bikes, 39.8 per cent of all sales. Honda leads the scooter sales race, followed by Piaggio and in third spot, Vespa.
QBE TRUCK RFP
QBE launched an RFP for heavy vehicle repairers to join its dedicated heavy vehicle repair network of preferred suppliers. QBE executive general manager - claims, Jon Fox, said “In line with our commitment to providing the best possible customer experience we have made the decision to launch a heavy vehicle repairer network of preferred suppliers.
“This supply chain will help us to ensure our customers receive exceptional customer service, high quality and cost-effective repairs from suppliers. We are confident we can meet evolving customer expectations.
“We’ll choose the most suitable network of repairers through a comprehensive tender process based on their ability to provide repairs to heavy vehicles, their capacity to support all QBE’s distribution partners and their capability to provide exceptional customer service.”
IAG TRIALLING DROP AND GO CENTRES
IAG IS TRIALLING a series of innovative initiatives within its Partner Repairer network to test cutting edge technologies and streamlined processes to further improve quality, provide greater customer experience and return cars back on the road quicker.
An industry source close to the trial told Paint & Panel testing commenced in Sydney in July in Marrickville, with a further trial planned for Western Sydney over the next six months.
It is understood the trial will be extended to Victoria and Queensland prior to the end of the year.
The focus of the trial is to use technology and enhanced process and system design within the trial autobody shops to deliver greater results for the customer and the repairer.
Paint & Panel understands the trial involves a customer management centre where customers ‘drop and go’ with their car which is then sent on to the repairer.
IAG staff will meet and look after customers when they arrive at the management centre and manage the entire repair process for them. Mobility options including hire cars on site and a taxi service will be available.
IAG has previously stated that the major challenges in the autobody industry are consistent quality of repairs and in-shop service for customers. Under the trial, IAG will control the communication to the customer throughout the repair, leaving the repairers to do what they do best.
VACC’s John Guest commented on the Paint & Panel website: “Victorian collision repairers who are either IAG partner repairer or non-partner repairers are concerned that the ‘drop and go’ centres amount to a carefully staged catchment and distribution hub designed to attract more vehicles and then have them steered away from non-partner and traditional partner repair shops to an emerging network of ‘smash’ shops.
“The timing of the trial coincides with the priming of the choice of repairer NRMA and RACV policies to which most will be an any repairer policy after September 24, 2018.”
8 PAINT&PANEL September / October 2018
LEAD WITH AXALTA
AXALTA COATING SYSTEMS is offering an I-CAR-approved leadership course designed for bodyshop owners, managers and team leaders to develop the skill set to become successful leaders within a team and business.
Participants will walk away with an in-depth understanding of how to differentiate leadership from management, motivate and develop staff, build a positive working culture and create the next generation of leaders that will ultimately translate into happier more effective staff and a strong business model.
The program will show attendees how to effectively communicate, build and sustain better teams, create a positive culture in
the business and keep staff engaged for the long term. Axalta’s Training Alliance with I-CAR means that upon completion of this nationally-available leadership course, an attendee will be awarded credit hours that can be applied towards the I-CAR Gold Class professionals, Platinum individual designations, or be used to meet role- relevant annual training requirements. Head to Axalta’s website for more details.
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