Page 28 - Australasian Paint & Panel Magazine
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IBIS GLOBAL FOCUS
have a significant impact on the repair industry. In the event of a crash, sensors will calculate the damage and could call
a tow truck if necessary and tow the car to a manufacturer approved repairer. Being able to direct repairs within the approved network is likely to impact the non-approved repairer who might otherwise have received these cars for assessment.
WHAT ‘STANDARDS’ ARE CURRENTLY IN OPERATION WITHIN THE SECTOR?
AMBRA shop grading has been slow to roll out but its adoption by the Car Craft group will boost the scheme. The system inspects bodyshops and grades them for the type of
repairs they are equipped to carry out based on
equipment levels and training. Holden is basing its
selection criteria on AMBRA shop grading which will
also boost uptake.
I-CAR has filled what was almost a total void in post apprenticeship training for independents and also delivers some manufacturer training too. Several of the major insurance companies have also upskilled their assessors to become I-CAR Gold insurers. Accordingly I-CAR Gold has become an industry standard. Currently there are only around 10 independents that hold Gold status but there as many as 50 who have nearly completed the training and the IAG directive that all of its network is Gold will boost the scheme further.
WHAT IMPACT/INFLUENCE IS NEW VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY HAVING ON THE SECTOR?
In terms of diagnostics and sensor resetting most bodyshops are happy to take cars to the dealership. There has been an increase in shops investing in diagnostic training and equipment but on the whole most shops use contracters for non-panel and paint requirement in a repair such as mechanical, wheel alignment and auto electrical.
WHAT INFLUENCE IS REPAIR TECHNOLOGY HAVING WITHIN YOUR MARKET?
There is great concern from trainers and manufacturers about the welding skills in the market place. I-Car offers
a welding recertification course and the fail rate is high. Older panel technicians who haven’t undertaken any training since their apprenticeship are unlikely to have the knowledge to correctly weld different steels and materials used in body construction.
At the luxury end of the market where manufacturers provide training, investment in equipment is on the increase. Mixed material body contruction demands specialised dust and fume extraction and dedicated areas to undertake these repairs.
CURRENT STATUS OF SKILLS MARKET
Apprenticeship numbers are still dismal as is the drop out rate. However, there are many organsations that are undertaking programs to promote the industry to schools and to run accelerated apprentice schemes or ensure that apprentices
are mentored and supported through their training.
In 2017, the 457 visa system was scrapped and another put in its place making it both harder for the bodyshop industry
to bring workers over and less attractive for those workers. Spray painters were taken off skilled migrant list, campaigns are underway to have them reinstated.
28 PAINT&PANEL July / August 2018
LIKELY TRENDS TO IMPACT THE SECTOR IN THE NEXT THREE TO FIVE YEARS?
Consolidation is far from mature in Australia. With the majority of shop owners circling retirement age, selling to the AMA Group instead of competing with them is an attractive option both as an exit strategy and a way of looking after their staff.
The continuing need for investment in training and new equipment and the stiff price competition in the market will see the demise of more small, one site bodyshops. In the meantime, those with good relationships with insurers are likely to open
more sites encouraged by up front five year contracts. The insurers are likely to continue to direct the
industry while repairers compete against each other for approved status and keep offering cheaper repairs.
AUSTRALIA KEY FACTS Population: 24.13 million
GDP: $1.69 trillion
Total vehicle PARC: 18.8 million (ABS) (Passenger vehicles
75.4% of this)
Average vehicle age: 10.1 years Total new road vehicle sales: 2015 - 1.115 million
2016 - 1.178 million
2017 - 1.189 million
Number of reported road collisions per annum:
Approx 1.51 million
Number of collision repairs per annum: Approx 1.39 million
MANUFACTURERS
Top three manufacturer brands by volume sold:
1. Toyota 2. Mazda
3. Hyundai
Top three models sold:
1. Toyota Hilux 2. Ford Ranger 3. Toyota Corolla
INSURANCE
Number of motor insurers: Approx 50
Top three motor insurers by number of vehicles insured:
1. IAG
2. Suncorp
3. QBE/Allianz
Average motor insurance premium and excess/deductible: $990 approx varies from state to state.
Total number of collision repair operators: Approx 3,000
Largest operators by number of sites:
1. AMA Group
2. Car Craft Group (buying and networking group)
3. Capital SMART
Average cost of repair: Approx $2,800 AUD (Will vary from state to state)
Average cycle time of repair (Key-to-Key): 7 days and falling Total Accident Repair Market Value: Approx $3.5 billion Accident management company approved collision repair networks in operation: No
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