Page 19 - Australian Paint & Panel Nov-Dec 2020

and how does that align with Volkswagen’s objectives ? What systems are in place to achieve consistently good customer out- comes? Does the business have a sound relationship with the local Volkswagen dealer? Finally, the would-be Approved Repairer must meet a stringent list of equipment that Volkswagen require for safe and efficient repairs.
Armstrong has streamlined the audit- ing processes for new shops joining the network, producing a new tooling list that stipulates the equipment required for Volkswagen Approved Repairers. Po- tentially a shop new to the network might be saved the expense of buying new equipment if it has in place author- ised alternatives.
As with other European importers (in- cluding VGA’s Czech brand SKODA), Volkswagen encourages its 100-plus dealer network to invest in repair facili- ties; but it always needs additional, in- dependent operators.
WWW.PAINTANDPANEL.COM.AU
That strong performance, coupled with an existing fleet on Australian roads of than 500,000 ensures that the Volkswagen Group
Australia Approved Repairer signage will appear on many more shops in the next few years.”
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“We have a strong focus on the re- pair network within the company ,” Amrstrong says. “We are promoting Volkswagen insurance through the dealerships to ensure more repairs are funnelled through the network. We’re doing this primarily to ensure our cus- tomers’ safety and ownership experi- ence, but also to ensure a higher vol- ume of Volkswagens through Approved Repairer workshops.”
While COVID-19 has put the brakes on face-to-face training, Volkswagen already has its 2021 training schedule in place and is further developing the
online courses which it has rolled out this year.
Despite the down turn in new car sales this year, Volkswagen has in- creased its traditional market share in some months and remains, by some distance, the only European auto brand among Australia’s top 10 best- selling. That strong performance, coupled with an existing fleet on Aus- tralian roads of than 500,000 ensures that the Volkswagen Group Australia Approved Repairer signage will ap- pear on many more shops in the next few years.
Ensure your
STEVE PEART, MD OF IRG TALKS UV CURING BENEFITS
estimate is
that the primers are fast to cure and can be sanded immediately (no need to waste time on cooling), there is no waste mixing cups or time taken to mix. Guns can be cleaned out at the end of each day or every few days, so it reduces gun cleaning time and gun wash waste. “This can also reduce your gun wash service intervals along with waste collection services. Saved time can be converted into improved efficiency
IRG was one of the first adopters of UVA technology from Sikkens and TeslaCure. As
one of the UK’s largest independent repair
aAccuersaste.
groups IRG has repair centres across Wales,
Bristol, Hereford, Newport and Whitland
with Prestige, Accident, Express and light commercial repair facilities all equipped
methodhfie
with processes.
test
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IRG works alongside the leading manufac- and therefore $$$.
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BREAKOUT HEAD
WORKSHOP: 750m2
STAFF: Five including Debono and Lewis
TYPE OF REPAIR: Minor to medium collision
turers
urer
s, a
“Clearcoats curing requires little energy
and ins
l as p
s wel
owners and fleets, carrying out repairs on all makes of cars and light commercial vehicles.
so there is significant savings to be made on energy costs when compared to baking or gas infrared curing. It also lends itself well to
rivate v
ehicle
Peart said; “We have been using the Tesla-
Cure lamps since we helped with the testing future vehicle technology, such as electric
To get the most out of your estimates
repair/paint rectification. The business has
and prototypes two years ago. We use the cars, as it avoids placing vehicles in hot envi-
put the power back in your hands, contact
Free 3 day trial
R100 hand held lights and the larger area ro- ronments.”
yard work, private/insurance work, limited
+61 488 450 666 or at www.ezimethods.com
restoration work.
GOAL: To grow the business profitably and achieve $500,000 profit in five years time.
botic lamps.” Peart explained how high speed curing has improved workshop efficiency and dramatically reduced IRG’s energy bills. He says
IRG uses Sikkens Autosurfacer UV primer in combination with Autoclear UV clearcoat which Peart says was easily accepted by his
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25/2/20 11:26 am