THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY

MG Auto Paint, founded by Mikale Gungaram in 2000, has now grown from a family shop in Alrode South to two branches. Partnering with Kay Gungaram, they focus on technical knowledge and dependable service. They have enhanced their presence in Gauteng with the new Wadeville branch.

The Auto Body Partner Industry Roadshow concluded a major South African tour, addressing rapid technological shifts and tightening commercial margins. The event brought the repair sector together to highlight advanced ADAS diagnostics, AI data analytics, digital claims acceleration, and OEM repair standards.

Akira Nakai of RAUH-Welt Begriff completed his first RWB Porsche build in Africa at Idle Auto Expo. Supported by Adendorff Machinery Mart, crowds witnessed Nakai’s hands-on craftsmanship transforming Porsches into unique masterpieces amidst a vibrant exhibition of automotive culture.

The rapid growth of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in South Africa necessitates enhanced safety and training protocols for technicians. Essential safety equipment includes insulated safety gear and lithium-ion extinguishers. Infrastructure development and investment in specialized tools are critical to support this evolving industry.

Luxor Paints has captured over 40% of South Africa’s automotive refinish market through long-term growth leading into 2026. Their competitive advantage relies on strong customer service, robust distribution, personal relationships, and the agility of local manufacturing over large multinational brands.

The collision repair industry faces a challenging market driven by rapid electric vehicle adoption and influxes of complex Chinese cars. To survive, repair businesses must heavily invest in advanced equipment, specialised high-voltage safety training, and diagnostics while still servicing older internal combustion vehicles.

Deidre Toerien’s journey from family business receptionist to owner of Silverton Spray Painters & Panelbeaters exemplifies resilience and relationship-building in a male-dominated industry. She emphasises the importance of honesty, continuous learning, and earning respect while inspiring women in automotive careers.

Andile Khumalo transitioned from electrical engineering to automotive repair after joining C3 Academy. She has developed high-precision panel beating skills, emphasising that modern body shops demand extreme attention to detail for safety calibrations and flawless vehicle alignment.

Ubuntu offers a powerful business principle: success depends on the health of the entire value chain. Repairers, suppliers, OEMs, dealerships and insurers are interconnected, making fair dealings, timely payment and commercial empathy essential to sustaining strong, resilient collision repair businesses.

Eazy Paint, a Midrand-based collision repair supplier, distributes premium Spies Hecker and value-driven Duxone coatings nationwide. Operating a massive 1 800sqm warehouse with 25 staff members, the business provides technical support, logistics solutions, and consumables to optimise workshop productivity and costs.

Body shops optimise workflows by using versatile, multi-purpose products rather than relying on numerous specialised items. DeBeer’s 8-867 Allround Surfacer reduces inventory pressure and simplifies decisions, helping technicians handle everything from spot repairs to large panel jobs efficiently and consistently.

Winclo has opened a dedicated training centre in Ballito, reinforcing its commitment to South African collision repair skills. Aided by partner Celette South Africa, the facility features user-friendly GYS welders and offers specialised courses to upskill provincial technicians and apprentices.

Essential tools like hoses, gauges, and lubricators ensure precision in body shop operations. Proper maintenance decreases defects, enhances safety, and boosts productivity while ensuring high-quality finishes and extending the life of air-powered equipment.

Isuzu’s CEO calls for State help as soaring electricity costs push up steel prices, while Porsche backs the Black Mambas, Mercedes-Benz celebrates its 150 000th SA-built truck, Shell sells its downstream business, and Chinese car exports surge past five million.

Coating imperfections in automotive refinishing stem from contamination, improper application, or poor materials. Examples include dirt inclusions, environmental contamination, and fish eyes, each with specific causes, remedies, and prevention techniques to ensure high-quality results and customer satisfaction.

Duxone provides cost-effective refinish solutions backed by Axalta’s global expertise to balance quality and profitability. Using their advanced digital spectrophotometer and real-time color formulas, body shops can easily match complex modern vehicle finishes, including challenging new shades from Chinese manufacturers.

Tim Kelly highlights shifting financial trends within the UK body repair sector as global investment moves away from unpredictable AI ventures. Instead, major private equity capital is flooding into stable repair networks like The Vella, Precision, and Steer Automotive groups.

Automechanika Frankfurt 2026 attracted over 112 000 visitors from 173 countries and 4 400 exhibitors, highlighting automotive aftermarket growth. Despite economic and supply chain challenges, the trade fair successfully showcased AI, electric vehicles, and advanced technical training to address the industry’s significant skills gap.

Santam is reviewing its motor insurance book to navigate a complex automotive market defined by rapid electric vehicle adoption and intricate paint variations. Partnering with MAGALS Training Academy, they aim to upskill claims assessors, optimise repair communications, and improve turnaround times.

Sagola has opened a new warehouse in Johannesburg to improve the availability of its automotive refinishing equipment across South Africa. The facility will stock an expanded product range, including the flagship 4600 HEX spray gun, optimising local distribution and customer support.

Automechanika Dubai 2026 (10-12 November) will unite global automotive aftermarket stakeholders at Dubai Exhibition Centre, focusing on emerging technologies, diverse vehicle needs, and industry networking opportunities while addressing crucial issues such as electrification and digitalisation in the sector.

Roger Houghton recounts two recent motoring museum disappointments. First, a private Austrian collection near Vienna was unexpectedly closed due to river flooding. Second, the author’s request to preview the upcoming, highly anticipated Milestones Motor Museum in Mauritius was firmly rejected.

Accurate digital data is now as critical as physical infrastructure for electric vehicle growth. Incorrect location, availability, and speed data for thousands of chargers fuel driver anxiety. Consequently, providers must prioritise real-time updates and standardised data to ensure a reliable user experience.

Rising repair costs, vehicle complexity and EV battery concerns are driving more UK cars into total loss. Borderline repair programmes, recycled parts and improved technical assessment can preserve vehicles, protect repair volumes and improve customer outcomes while reducing unnecessary salvage.

The 2026 Festival of Motoring emphasised new brands and electric vehicles, with a notable presence from Chinese manufacturers. Repairers face challenges and opportunities, necessitating access to repair information, tools, and training to manage the evolving landscape of automotive technology.

The Kinsey Report resumes after two years, modernizing its approach to accurately reflect South Africa’s vehicle market trends. Lightstone emphasizes meaningful comparisons of vehicle parts and aims to deliver relevant insights while honouring Malcolm Kinsey’s legacy.

Panelbeaters Directory has upgraded its digital platform and Owner’s Portal to help auto body repair shops manage online reputations. The overhaul introduces a formal review dispute system, instant feedback requests, AI-powered reply drafts, and free physical Tap-to-Review NFC stands.

Google is expanding Android Automotive OS beyond infotainment to run deeper car systems and fix software fragmentation. While avoiding critical safety functions, this open architecture streamlines development and updates, aiming to establish Google as the core platform for modern connected vehicles.

Under the Skin delves deeper into the Jetour T2, including i-DM. It was first launched in China in 2023 and has had several changes along the way. The T2 is set to be built in Rosslyn in 2027.

Automechanika Dubai 2026 is set for significant growth, with 2,400 exhibitors and strong international participation. The event will spotlight Africa’s rapidly expanding automotive sector, addressing key trends including Chinese brands, electrification, mobility solutions and aftersales opportunities across the region.

Autorobot and Hurricane Equipment have expanded EzCalipre’s vehicle measurement database with data from 60 new models, including Chinese brands. The partnership strengthens South Africa’s collision repair capabilities, helping body shops keep pace with evolving vehicle technologies, ADAS requirements and repair standards.

Edge Automotive Marketplace is digitising South Africa’s fragmented parts supply chain by creating a secure platform where suppliers can catalogue and sell stock. The system improves parts visibility and unlocks value from redundant inventory while delivering greater efficiency and trust.

PPG introduced the fast-drying Deltron D8178 Rapid Low Energy clearcoat. It optimises refinish processes with flexible drying options, significant energy savings, enhanced productivity, and consistent high-quality finishes, empowering body shops and painters.

The South African Competition Commission accuses Audatex of discriminatory pricing against historically disadvantaged repairers. The firm allegedly charges smaller businesses higher fees for software services. Recent vehicle model influx and repair challenges further complicate the industry, demanding upskilling for technicians.

In a few years, Luxor Paints, partnering with Zheijang Refine, has strengthened its market presence with advanced spray guns and pneumatic sanders. Their products, featuring innovative designs, ensure efficiency and longevity, supported by extensive training for technicians and a diverse distributor network.

As electric vehicles become more complex, consumers must ensure their insurance covers manufacturer-approved repairs. Rising repair costs, advanced technology and high write-off rates make choosing qualified repairers essential to protect vehicle safety, performance and long-term value after a collision.

Preea Singh’s four-decade automotive career has taken her from family vehicle trading and drag racing to leading Nissan South Africa’s aftersales and approved body repair programmes. Passionate about the industry, she continues to champion network growth, technical excellence and greater opportunities for women.

Roger Houghton takes us through some snap shots of what is happening in motoring around South Africa. Some highlights are Volkswagen’s celebration of the one-millionth current-generation Polo in Kariega as global manufacturers face mounting challenges from Chinese competition as well as South African driver Sheldon van der Linde achieving a historic Le Mans podium placement.

Dust in body shops causes health risks and paint defects, necessitating extensive rework. It contains harmful metals leading to respiratory issues. Preventive measures like at-source extraction, proper PPE, and effective ventilation help protect technicians and ensure quality finishes.

Karabo Senyane, inspired by a friend’s encouragement, pursued a spray painting learnership at C3 Autobody Repair Academy after her mother’s passing. She developed her skills, became a trusted professional, and aspires to become an operations manager and own her workshop.

Axalta’s Fast Cure Low Energy (FCLE) technology enhances body shop productivity with reduced environmental impact. The Spies Hecker Speed-TEC System optimises workflows and cuts drying times. It ensures OEM-compliant finishes, all while minimising energy consumption and emissions, supporting sustainable operations.

Thatcham Research is urging automakers to design electric vehicles that are easier and cheaper to repair. Improved battery serviceability, standardised diagnostics and repair-friendly components could reduce unnecessary write-offs, lower insurance costs and make EV ownership more sustainable and affordable.

AutoMX’s Save-A-Car option allows customers to repair vehicles instead of writing them off, reducing costs in collaboration with insurance companies and dealerships. A 24-hour response time improves customer satisfaction, alongside the Parts Hotline for quicker parts sourcing.

After Western brands exited Russia due to sanctions, Chinese automakers filled the void. However, vehicles struggled with durability in harsh climates, leading to corrosion issues and high maintenance costs. Increased initial prices remain, fuelled by cultural perceptions of status.

Consumers and vehicle repairers view insurers negatively due to transparency issues, unfair claims handling, and profit concerns. Insurers need to rebuild trust through greater openness, fairer treatment of repairers, improved customer engagement, and commitment to policyholders’ best interests.

Santam enhances policyholder experiences through modernisation, focusing on technological integration, client indemnity, and specialised EV training for future readiness. Their focus is on fair treatment and industry transformation, including electric vehicle safety and repair processes through specialised training and collaboration.

Andrew Marsh argues that Europe’s automotive industry faces a profound shift as Chinese manufacturers expand rapidly and legacy business models falter. Collision repair businesses must anticipate changing supply chains, vehicle ownership and recycling trends, adapting now rather than waiting for disruption to arrive.

Spray painting, refinish paint, technology and techniques have changed a lot over the years, and as such, it’s always good to get back to basics. Take a closer look at 2k basecoat and clearcoat applications, traits and understand solids better in their utilisation.

The 2026 UK Garage & Bodyshop Event reflected the aftermarket’s growing focus on diagnostics, electrification and repair technology. While body shop representation declined, innovative products, technical discussions and creative vehicle projects highlighted the industry’s continued evolution ahead of Automechanika Frankfurt.

IBIS Global Summit in Vienna gathered leaders to discuss AI, sustainability, and industry collaboration. The event promoted networking and interaction, culminating in plans for future IBIS events in 2027.

At a recent Porsche driving event, potholes on the route were surprisingly repaired, likely due to a tip-off that high-profile cars would be involved. Porsche introduced new service plans to improve competitiveness and enhance the ownership experience for new and pre-owned vehicles.

Thatcham Research’s EV Blueprint outlines eight essential recommendations to enhance electric vehicle insurability and repairability. This focusses on safety, sustainability, and affordability, to address challenges in managing battery damages and improve post-collision processes for the growing EV market.

A California traffic stop exposed a flaw in regulating autonomous cars after an illegal U-turn. With no legal framework to cite machines, enforcement gaps persist. Experts warn countries like South Africa must address infrastructure, liability, and accountability before adopting self-driving vehicles.