Repairing is becoming a complex task
Sensors, cameras, high-voltage technology, and artificial intelligence are fundamentally changing the way work is done in body shops and paint shops. Ultimately, this is expected to benefit both drivers and the environment, thanks to increased sustainability.
In the past, minor body damage wasn't a big deal for body repairers and painters, but today even a seemingly simple repair can turn into a high-tech job. Modern vehicles are packed with cameras, sensors, and driver-assistance systems that must be recalibrated after an accident or bodywork repair. Chris Raus, Director of Group Aftersales at Amag Import AG, made it clear to the more than 100 participants at the Totalrepair event that these changes also present opportunities. This is because customers will continue to expect safety, transparency, and a straightforward solution from the industry and Totalrepair network partners following an accident or damage.
Nationwide Network
The Totalrepair bodywork and paint expertise network has grown significantly over the past three years. What began as 36 accident repair specialists has expanded to 139 partner shops throughout Switzerland. The network provides training support and also helps individual shops meet rising quality and sustainability standards. Since 2019, claims costs have risen by 21 percent, creating a conflict of interest: Customers and insurance companies want body and paint repairs that are as affordable as possible, yet at the same time, the complexity of repairs and the cost of parts are rising. It is important not to cut corners in the wrong places and to ensure repairs are in line with the vehicle’s current market value, so that older vehicles do not end up as economic total losses.
Repair Instead of Unnecessarily Replacing
In addition to costs, sustainability is also becoming increasingly important for auto body shops. Insurance companies and fleet operators are paying closer attention to how resource-efficiently damage is repaired. Roger Allenspach, Senior Market Manager ADM at Amag Import AG, believes that with a long-term strategic approach, it is entirely possible to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and sustainability: «That’s exactly where we come in with our waste disposal and recycling concepts, as well as the »Way 2 Zero’ initiative. It also helps companies better comply with all regulatory requirements.”
Already, 89 of the Totalrepair shops have established a concrete database for CO₂ accounting and, thanks to «Way 2 Zero,» know exactly where they can take action within their own operations to reduce CO₂ emissions. In addition, the new label gives them a way to demonstrate to drivers that they operate sustainably. «It takes a lot of effort and commitment—we’re well aware of that,» Allenspach reveals. «But it also helps us meet the CO₂ targets set by the federal government and gives our Totalrepair shops even more momentum in their sustainability efforts!»
AI Is Expected to Speed Up Repairs
Another major topic in the K+L industry is, of course, artificial intelligence. AI makes it possible to plan workflows more effectively and avoid bottlenecks. «No one drives today without predictive navigation. In the event of traffic congestion or roadwork, the system constantly recalculates the best and most efficient route,» explained Alexander Grimm, CEO and co-founder of Aspaara AG. «Nevertheless, far too few K+L companies use predictive navigation for their operations.» Without AI in planning, however, turnaround times are 20 percent longer, and one in four delivery deadlines cannot be met, Grimm estimates. «With AI, we can clearly make better use of the paint booth, which is usually the bottleneck of an operation.»
24/7 Online Claims Reporting Tool
Through such process optimizations, modern auto body shops can achieve significant time and cost savings without needing additional skilled workers and using their existing infrastructure—a benefit that extends to both the shops and their customers, who can count on expert and timely repairs —a win-win situation. Digital solutions are also being used for damage reporting: Through the 24/7 online damage reporting tool, damage can be reported around the clock, allowing the repair shop to order the necessary replacement parts and get the required work underway early on, even before the accident-damaged vehicle arrives at the Total Repair facility.
The event in Sursee showed that the future of auto body and paint repair is becoming significantly more digital and technical. However, drivers’ expectations remain the same as ever: After an accident, they want their car back on the road as easily, professionally, safely, and—above all—quickly as possible.
