Page 35 - Australasian Paint & Panel July-August 2019

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WHAT IMPACT/INFLUENCE IS NEW VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY HAVING ON THE SECTOR?
As far as understanding the intricacies of the latest joining techniques be it mixed materials, UHSS, aluminium welding or riveting or bonding I-CAR also reports a fraction of the industry's technicians have undertaken the necessary training.
Then throw ADAS into the mix and there's a whole slew of problems that exist and will emerge. The industry has been slow to embrace digital technology which includes diagnostics. At the moment re- pairers send cars to dealerships to be re- calibrated when they realise that this is necessary. While there are subtle repair issues that customers would not notice, malfunctioning sensors such as parking sensors are obvious, especially if the mal- function results in another accident. The need for recalibration on a growing num- ber of vehicles is pushing up repair costs and increasing cycle times and will al-
The industry has been slow to embrace
digital technology which includes diagnostics”
ready be having an adverse affect on both independent and group repairers who spe- cialise in light repairs and had perfected a fast, streamlined workflow.
Electric vehicle sales have been dismal in Australia and the infrastructure need- ed to support drivers is being rolled out very slowly. In the recent election cam- paign one of Labour leader Bill Shorten’s campaign promises was that 50 per cent of new car sales would be electric by 2030. This is despite the higher purchase cost of the cars, the infrastructure issues and that 79% of Australian electricity is derived from fossil fuels. However ambi- tious this might be electric and hybrid car sales will increase. The Tesla appoint-
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ed repairers will have received training on how to safely repair electric cars, how- ever this is a challenge ahead for the vast majority of repairers.
LIKELY TRENDS/DEVELOPMENTS
TO IMPACT THE SECTOR OVER
THE NEXT THREE TO FIVE YEARS?
It's possible in the next couple of years that 60 percent of repairs will take place in a very limited number of MSOs (perhaps five) and the Car Craft Group. Smaller MSOs are likely to emerge as independents find it harder to ensure a steady workflow. AMA is likely to grow in the heavy repair vehi- cle sector and to establish a national truck repair solutions.
OEMs will need to be more involved with repairers to help protect their brands by en- suring correct repairs are carried out.
Parts supply and controlling parts supply will become another major is- sue for insurers to keep a handle on repair costs.
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