January 2020 Independent Repairer Survey Webinar
The number of true independent repairers (IR) has been relatively stable over the last couple of years. The less successful businesses are being replaced by former dealers or OEM-branded authorised repairers who have left the OEM network. They will face many challenges.
Across the major European markets, aftermarket volumes will decrease over the next couple of years and the IAM’s market share will decrease slightly as well due to a variety of changes in technology, mileage driven, service interval policies, etc. Additional factors, such as the technical content of cars (electronics and software, 48 Volt electrical systems, new powertrains) and thus regulation (technician skills, safety issues…) will force independent repairers to invest even more in equipment and human resources. At the same time, parts distribution is changing, with blurred lines between the OEM and IAM channels, and pressure from online operators.
Typically, the IRs rely on regular technical support from their parts distributors, diagnostic specialists and parts manufacturers in order to be able to repair the cars. i.e. technical information, diagnostics and assistance with choosing from the variety of parts available (quality and price). Further challenges will arise as the uptake of electric cars increases, calibration of advanced driving assistant systems as well as telematic services.
In this context ICDP has investigated the current situation and attitudes of independent repairers and how they will need to prepare for the future.
This webinar highlighted the results of ICDP's recent independent repairer survey which was conducted across France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain and the UK in Q4 2019:
The profile of a typical repairer
Attitudes towards membership of a franchise concept
How they choose a brand and where they source from
Their perception of a parts distributors' own branded parts
How are they preparing for the future?