The feedback from the CRA Conference, recently held at Automechanika Johannesburg, was that it held great content and was well worth attending. With an all-new format and a theme to enhance body shop business immediately, there was plenty to learn and handy tips to adopt.

With eight presentations, there was much to take in. The social networking was definitely a further highlight as there was a lot of catching up to do after a two-year gap of not being able to gather. Long may this continue and at an even greater pace.

There were 10 pop-up tables within the venue highlighting new products and opportunities for the repair shops, insurance industry members and suppliers. These included Ceramic Pro, Henkel, Axalta, Fender Bender Finance, Dr Smash, RSB, YES Equipment, Excel group and BIC Tools SA. “We know that times are tough in the industry at present and with the aid of these ‘pop-up’ shops we wanted our members to see new business opportunities that could help them now, as well as looking at their existing systems but saving money by using products correctly or changing some components,” said Steve Kessel, Operations Director of CRA.

Michael Mogashoa of NF Apprentices was a capable MC and he also shared that his organisation has helped more than 70 candidates achieve their RPL (Recognition of Prior Training) or qualification in the collision repair industry and this number continues to grow.

Lucien Jantjies was on hand to look at the digitalisation and technology options available from Axalta that reduce times and energy consumption by 5-20% annually. Fast curing, low energy products were highlighted where 70% is saved on energy. With electricity and diesel costs skyrocketing, guests certainly listened with renewed interest. With these products also comes a 50% cost reduction on process times and time is money.

Andrew Marsh’s presentation was sponsored by Automotive Refinisher. He explained why there is such chaos for the public as there are now so many vehicle models available. He likened the vehicle to that of a fridge-freezer as there really aren’t many exciting models and just too many to choose from and that car has lost its emotional appeal. He said that the discontinuation of internal combustion engines could provide South Africa and Africa with great opportunity to be manufacturing these engines and part components for the rest of the globe who are not ready for electric vehicles solely.

Dwayne Roux, Stellantis’s head of auto body repair network highlighted the fact that the pre-scanning in today’s vehicle is absolutely essential so as not to miss out any extra costs for the job. You definitely must pre-scan after an accident scan on the job is capture to make sure everything is calibrated to optimum OEM standard.

Jason Jurams featured his unique Profit Control System. He’s a repair shop owner and has been in the business his whole life in supply as well. His view is to always consider repair over replace, within reason obviously but this allows the body shop area to make more profit. With parts shortages being experienced at present, this is definitely a viable option. Just focus on repair versus replace to upsell labour.

Lightstone took a look at the overall sustainable environment we operate in and Eben Jansen highlighted gaps in the models where overlooked components are often under-recovered.

Steve Kessel closed proceedings highlighting the recently developed Sealers App to the industry to help recover costs on each job that needs sealer. “It’s free of charge and definitely well worth using,” he said.

Steve and his team’s passion for this business is relevant and tangible which is what the CRA mandate is on member benefit extension. Overall the CRA members are happy and this group is growing well.

By Claire Macfie

Pics by Jay Groat