The trends shaping collision repair
Predicting what might come next has become a fool’s game, particularly as Covid appears to be the insidious, shape-shifting gift that just keeps on giving. However, despite the uncertainty, there are some industry and economic trends that are expected to track well into 2022. Influenced by a perfect storm of the pandemic, Brexit, and inflation, the collision repair market can expect to see changes in costs, recruitment, technology, and sustainability.
Costs
The price of the average repair has risen 27% in the past four years and a steeper inflationary curve is expected in the coming months. This is being driven by a number of factors, including greater technology within vehicles, a mixed car parc and escalating wages.
The most significant cost factor however is that of replacement parts. Disruptions to the supply chain have caused huge delays and equally substantial shortages in parts and raw materials. While Covid-19 continues to be a factor, this is not a situation likely to be redressed any time soon.
To read more, visit bodyshop‘s January issue.
