THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY

Middle East conflict has exposed the fragility of globally concentrated supply chains, particularly those reliant on Dubai as a logistics hub. Industry leaders warn businesses must prioritise staff safety, diversify operations and strengthen resilience through adaptable, decentralised networks capable of responding quickly to disruption.

Automotive colour refinishing increasingly blends science, sustainability and digital precision. Advanced paint systems, spectrophotometers and AI-driven colour matching improve repair accuracy, reduce waste and ensure durability, while evolving environmental standards and innovative technologies continue reshaping modern collision repair and refinishing practices globally.

Santam aims to introduce a new repair blueprint to improve the motor insurance repair process. The current model has evolved insufficiently and Santam’s strategy is part of its long-term vision for excellent in the automotive insurance sector to create a more customer friendly experience.

The CRA has improved South Africa’s vehicle repairs, ensuring over 50% market share through skilled members and accountability. Challenges include insurer practices, labour rates, parts availability, and training needs. The CRA is dedicated to evolving with industry standards and technology.

Eazy Paint acquired Autoboys Group’s paint division, expanding operations with strong distribution, expert staff, and Axalta brands like Spies Hecker and Duxone. With nationwide delivery, technical expertise, and a full product range, the company aims to provide value, innovation, and reliable support.

Collision Repairers Association urges members to support escalating labour rate negotiations to the Competition Commission, citing insurer dominance, unsustainable repair rates, shop closures, and skills shortages while promoting consumer awareness about insurance repair conditions.

Santam is renewing its approach to improve post-accident repair processes, focusing on transparency, specialised training, and fair outcomes to reduce friction. They are looking to adapt to evolving vehicle technology, and strengthen relationships with policyholders as well as repair partners in SA’s changing market.

The AutoMX Conference at Sun City gathered the collision repair industry for two days of insight and connection. Well organised and strongly attended, it brought together OEMs, body shops, insurers, and suppliers, reflecting a clear industry appetite for alignment and collaboration.

Global Auto Coatings celebrates 20 years with PPG, providing advanced coatings, technical support, and innovative digital tools. With multiple brands, accurate colour matching, and customer loyalty, the company continues to expand in South Africa’s automotive refinishing market.

Luxor Paints’ Firefly polishing range offers advanced systems like M3 with fast-acting abrasives for high-gloss finishes. With sanding tools, polishing pads, and protective wax options, it delivers efficient, cost-effective solutions for body shops seeking consistent, high-quality paint correction and finishing results.

Ayanda Mtetwa’s 23-year automotive career spans operations, business ownership, and training. Overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry, she now empowers women through mentorship and training, aiming to create lasting structural change and greater inclusion within the evolving automotive sector.

baslac® marks 20 years of delivering reliable, cost-effective refinishing solutions trusted by body shops worldwide. Its 30 Line basecoat and 35 Line topcoat offer efficiency, durability, accurate colour matching, and consistent high-quality results, supporting productivity and long-term performance.

The spotlight fell on the Chief Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre (DICC), where South Africa’s finest young artisans converge for the WorldSkills South Africa (WSZA) National Competition 2026.

Cleaning a spray gun promptly after use is the difference between a tool that lasts years and one that ruins your next project. Whether using HVLP or conventional spray guns, the process revolves around flushing, disassembling, and soaking key components to present hardened paint residue.

DeBeer Refinish helps technicians tackle common car refinish coating defects like lifting, orange peel, and sanding marks to name just a few. By understanding causes, prevention, and remedies, refinishers can improve efficiency, reduce rework, and consistently deliver high-quality, defect-free automotive finishes.

AkzoNobel and Axalta announced a £19 billion all-stock merger of equals, creating a global coatings giant. The combined firm expects £456 million in synergies and will operate 173 manufacturing sites and 91 R&D facilities worldwide.

A future narrative mourns the collapse of the independent vehicle repair industry, blaming insurers, regulators, and repairers’ inaction. Lack of unity, political pressure, and resistance allowed consolidation, reduced choice, and shifting power dynamics, ultimately destroying small businesses despite warnings and opportunities to act.

Chris Rea, who died in 2025, was a passionate motorsport enthusiast who raced classic cars and attended events like Goodwood Revival. Despite health struggles, he supported charities and remained deeply involved in racing and automotive culture.

The Automechanika CEO Breakfast in Johannesburg gathered automotive leaders to discuss aftermarket growth, skills shortages, EV technology, shifting vehicle sales trends, and the need for stronger public-private collaboration to support South Africa’s automotive industry transformation.

Rapid mergers, evolving markets, and global turmoil create chaos in automotive refinish. Staying connected through industry events and focusing on what adds value is vital to navigate uncertainty and rise above the fast-changing landscape with clarity and control.

Accurate paint repair planning is vital as OEM film thickness requirements affect ADAS and radar performance. Technicians must follow guidelines, use correct formulas and tools, and ensure compliance to avoid calibration failures, safety risks and costly rework or liability issues.

PaintWizz hosted a webinar for industry leaders, showcasing its advanced paint quote calculator. With real-world data, it delivers precise, transparent, and profitable vehicle paint repair estimates, saving time, increasing approvals, and helping body shops manage costs effectively.

IBIS Global Summit 2026 will debut in Vienna from 16–18 June, gathering automotive collision repair leaders under the theme Connecting Changemakers. The event promotes collaboration, insight and strategy, with early bird registration and partnership opportunities now available across global markets.

Robotic painting technology like the PaintGo PG-90E is transforming body shops by improving efficiency, consistency, and productivity. Using AI and automation, it reduces waste, enhances safety, and addresses labour shortages while delivering high-quality, OEM-standard vehicle finishes faster than human painters.

Transport & Environment estimates electric vehicles could reach 85% of EU car sales by 2035 despite relaxed emissions rules. The European Commission’s revised target allows some combustion vehicles, drawing criticism for potentially increasing emissions and slowing the transition to fully electric mobility.

The 25th Passion for Speed at Zwartkops celebrated South African motorsport legends with thrilling races, international drivers, fiery incidents, and a tribute lunch by the Chequered Flag Museum. Fans enjoyed classic cars, fierce competition, and rich racing heritage.

Mercedes-Benz has created a 5-micrometer transparent solar film that turns a vehicle’s painted exterior into a hidden energy-generating surface, boosting driving range, cutting environmental impact, adapting to complex shapes, enabling color options, and promising scalable, cost-effective integration in future EVs.

ADAS calibration involves static (stationary) and dynamic (on-road) methods. Static uses precise targets indoors; dynamic self-adjusts while driving. Proper calibration ensures accurate sensor function, critical for vehicle safety. Some vehicles require both methods, with OEM tools essential for accuracy.

Body filler failures stem from misuse, not materials. Fillers are products with strict limits on thickness, substrates, mixing and curing. Common mistakes include masking damage, poor surface preparation, incorrect hardener ratios, thick applications and sanding, causing cracking and adhesion loss.

The EU automotive sector faces collapse due to high EV component costs, ICE phase-outs, and reliance on Chinese supply. MHEVs, HEVs, PHEVs, REEVs, and BEVs dominate until 2035, but manufacturing losses, plant closures, and job cuts continue amid technology and regulatory challenges.

A study by Thatcham Research and CEBR highlights a growing skills shortage in the vehicle repair sector as rising technology complexity, EV adoption, and higher repair costs pressure insurers and body shops, emphasizing the need for training, apprenticeships, and stronger collaboration across the automotive industry.

Ruvann Brink earned a world-first by achieving the Vehicle Damage Qualification (VDQ), a high-standard certification enhancing skills in vehicle repair, safety systems, and technology. He was supported by TIH and IT-C, setting a new benchmark for South Africa’s collision repair industry.

The AutoMX Industry Conference, to be held at Sun City, will bring together body shops, insurers, OEMs, and suppliers to explore repair standards, approval programmes, innovation, and industry trends. With OEM engagement, expert speakers, exhibitions, and networking, it offers critical insight into the future of collision repair.

Santam is reviewing its national repair network to meet rapid automotive change. It is prioritising right-first-time repairs, customer experience and technology readiness as EVs, autonomy and complex vehicle systems reshape South Africa’s collision repair ecosystem.

Hurricane Equipment upgraded Putzmeister Sub-Saharan Africa’s paint facility with two advanced spray booths, a dedicated paint room, and reorganised workflow, boosting finish quality, corrosion protection, efficiency, and safety for heavy-duty machinery across construction, mining, and industrial applications.

The automotive industry faces unprecedented global disruption from rapid EV, SDV, and Chinese market growth. Stock, repair complexity, ADAS, and software challenges strain body shops, while African aftermarket growth offers opportunity if skills, planning, and adaptation keep pace with technology.

City Sightseeing SA has switched to MIPA PUR-HS, Germany’s advanced 2K commercial paint system. They now achieve faster drying and significant cost savings across its iconic red buses and boats in the Cape Town operation and fleet.

South African panel shops must move from survival to strategy in 2026 by assessing financial performance, operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and adaptability. Engaging staff, improving communication, and reinforcing core values ensures sustainable growth amid complex technologies and insurer demands.

The Spray Painters Club Cape Town closed 2025 with record attendance, celebrating industry resilience, innovation, and people. The event marked the club’s tenth anniversary, featured automotive excitement at Killarney Raceway, and reinforced PPG’s commitment to expanding events nationally in 2026.

Kaño Kristal is Luxor Paints’ new aerosol range, offering innovative 1K and 2K pre-fill systems enabling 2K performance without hardener. The range includes body, bumper, primer, filler, texture, underbody, and lens clear aerosols for professional automotive refinishing convenience and versatility.

Efficiency is key for body shops to meet rising customer expectations and tight margins. Discipline, workshop layout, thorough assessments, customer focus, and the right partners like Sherwin-Williams can reduce errors, save time, and drive growth in modern automotive repair.

BASF Glasurit has partnered with SVR Toyota Gazoo Racing to deliver premium paint technology, training, and support. This will enhance vehicle finishes under extreme rally conditions while showcasing innovation, brand presence, and customer engagement through motorsport and digital storytelling.

Modern vehicles are increasingly complex, with multiple integrated systems and powertrain variations complicating collision repair. Adjusting repair rates based on vehicle age, value, and complexity could ensure fair compensation, reduce write-offs, and sustain a profitable, long-term collision repair industry.

Automechanika Dubai 2025 concluded with record global participation, welcoming over 50 000 visitors and 2 273 exhibitors. The event highlighted innovation, mobility transformation, trade integration, and knowledge leadership, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global aftermarket gateway before its 2026 move to Expo.

After 43 years in the automotive paint industry, Carol Lonsdale retired at the end of 2025. Her career spanned quality control, formulation, and leadership roles, leaving a lasting legacy of professionalism, innovation, and mentorship within the industry.

The South African body shop industry faces slow growth, inadequate insurer rate increases, and rising repair complexity from new Chinese/Indian vehicles, ADAS, and EVs. Shops need skills upgrading and planning to manage evolving technology, repair costs, and future market disruptions.

Tim Kelly highlights that insurers frequently total-loss vehicles that could be repaired. Legally, total loss occurs only when repair costs exceed market value. Policyholders are entitled to full indemnity, and repair decisions should remain with the owner, not dictated by insurers.

Paint technicians face high risk of occupational asthma from isocyanates. Properly fitted respiratory equipment is essential; facial hair compromises masks, reducing protection. Employers must ensure training, fit testing, and regular health checks to safeguard workers in spraybooths.

Tork Craft has launched its second-generation 1500W constant speed polisher. It offers six speed settings, soft start and complete accessories, delivering professional polishing, sanding and finishing performance at a cost-effective price across Southern Africa.

Historic and Youngtimer vehicles in the UK are increasing in number, value, and economic impact. This supports £7.3 billion annually,
34 000 jobs, and thousands of specialist businesses, while younger enthusiasts drive growth in Youngtimer ownership and female participation slowly rises.