Page 12 - Australasian Paint & Panel Jul-Aug 2020

NEWS
12
PAINT&PANEL
JULY / AUGUST 2020
WWW.PAINTANDPANEL.COM.AU
BMW TRAINING
ABOVE: The all-new BMW 4 Series Coupé – M Carbon Exterior package
BMW AUSTRALIA IS EMBARKING ON A
rapid expansion of its accredited nation- al vehicle repair program that is ena- bling repair of BMWs to a structural in- tegrity and quality that matches or exceeds the levels of the factories where the vehicles were manufactured.
A new globally-certified training pro- gram for BMW body and paint repair will give its network the ability to repair advanced components including car- bon-fibre and the sophisticated space- age structural elements involved in the construction of electric vehicles.
The new multi-step training program covers :
• Carbon-fibre repair
• Insurance assessor training
• Structural repair
• Panel replacement
• Electric vehicle overview
• Model technology updates
• Painter training
• Glass replacement
The training program allies with a bolstered technical infrastructure for national BMW bodyshops that provides greater coverage and convenience for BMW customers.
BMW paint and panel repair profes- sionals trained in the global program work with cutting-edge techniques in all bodyshops. These include aviation- standard methodologies to ensure the
vehicle performs to its highest standard and also carries a superior finish follow- ing an accident or repair work.
“BMW Australia and its partnered bodyshop network employs the most pro- gressive techniques for vehicle repair, in- cluding for the very latest BMW models,” said Dr Reiner Meierbeck, BMW Group Australia head of Aftersales.
“Our aim is not to repair BMW vehicles to OEM standards, but actually repair to a much higher level so they can capably withstand another impact, ensuring supe- rior cabin integrity for all occupants.
“As we transition into more main- stream adoption of electric vehicles and autonomous technologies, we are seeing an increased requirement for chassis and bodies to balance strength, weight, flex and rigidity,” Dr Meierbeck said.
“BMW vehicles now include increased levels of high strength steel, aluminium, aluminium steel composites, carbon, plas- tics and thermal plastics, and we therefore need to ensure our people are educated and fully informed of every detail.
“This is where such a high quality training program plays such an impor- tant role and, when combined with our technical capability, further differenti- ates a BMW Bodyshop from a conven- tional bodyshop,” he said.
BMW Australia has 45 Accredited BMW Bodyshops.
BRIEFS
BENTLEY’S SYMBOL OF HOPE
Bentley has defined two versions of the symbol of hope during the Covid-19 crisis
– the rainbow – through seven of its own vibrant paint colours available as part of the Bentley spectrum, and a unique Bentley Mulliner Bacalar.
A recent online competition for Bentley colleagues and their families to design their own Bentley Mulliner Bacalar resulted in a rainbow-themed winner – as a symbol of hope in the midst of the pandemic.
From rich reds to vibrant mid-tones through to energetic blues and purples, these are the seven colours that make up the Bentley rainbow:
Bentley’s rainbow came at a time of cautious optimism as production in Crewe resumed.
TWO NEW CAPRICORN SEMINARS
Capricorn has added two new online seminars to The Workshop that have been produced specifically for its members across Australia and New Zealand.
These online seminars provide specialised business support information presented by people who know and understand the intricacies of the automotive aftermarket industry.
“Your Business Reboot Kit” presented by Capricorn Group CEO, David Fraser, business coach Rachael Sheldrick (The Workshop Whisperer) and Capricorn Automotive CEO Bradley Gannon.
The second seminar “Delivering Amazing Customer Experience” brings the outstanding experience of international customer service guru Shep Hyken directly to your desktop. Hyken details how life-long customers
can be created during times of crisis. Members should visit The Workshop at:
theworkshop.capricorn.coop.