THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY

Growing demand for skills training is revitalising the automotive repair sector, with educators and students exposed to hands-on careers. Reputable training centres and Recognition of Prior Learning pathways are key to addressing global skills shortages, adapting to rapid technological change, and ensuring future-ready technicians.

South Africa’s MBR sector risks losing talent by treating grants as goals rather than tools. Strategic, production-focused training develops competent artisans, boosts productivity, and strengthens retention, proving that sustainable skills and long-term business growth outweigh mere compliance.

Repairing electrified vehicles requires strict safety procedures, training, and respect for electricity’s risks. With varying vehicle technologies and evolving standards, repairers and insurers must prioritize knowledge, preparation, and safe practices to prevent harm. Awareness of battery systems like BMS is vital for safety.

With cars now built from aluminium, carbon fibre, alloys, and plastics, repairers must follow manufacturer methods, invest in proper equipment, and understand bonding techniques. The EV Bodyshops highlights safety risks, evolving repair technologies like Glue Pull Repair, and the growing importance of material-specific expertise.

The University of Texas study finds some ADAS warnings, like lane departure alerts, may worsen driving by triggering reactive behaviour, while blind spot detection improves safety. Findings suggest automakers should design signals that encourage deliberate, reflective responses to reduce risky driving over time.

Thatcham Research finds Tesla’s mega cast chassis cheaper to repair than traditional steel structures when manufacturers provide repair guidelines and replacement parts. Lower repair costs reduce write-offs, enhance sustainability, and provide essential benchmarking as other automakers adopt mega cast technology.

The CRA Conference held at Automechanika Johannesburg gathered 160 plus industry delegates to discuss collision repair trends, vehicle complexity, productivity, and training. Key presentations highlighted innovations, ADAS, body shop challenges, workforce shortages, and collaboration, with exhibitors, sponsors, and networking creating a highly successful event.

Santam’s review of its motor book aims to boost customer satisfaction and compliance, demanding collaboration with technically capable collision repairers. Rising ADAS complexity, OEM standards, and regulatory changes are reshaping the repair ecosystem, requiring fairness, quality, and speed.

The eleventh Automechanika Johannesburg at Gallagher Convention Centre featured a lively, well-attended show with Chinese aftermarket suppliers, Autoboys’ award-winning displays, DAZE Technologies’ products, and multiple conferences. Networking and demonstrations highlighted innovations, with next year’s event scheduled for 27–29 October 2026.

Tony’s Colours, celebrating 38 years in coatings, has rebranded with a modern identity, enhanced services, and strong local and international partnerships. Known for high-quality paints, expert colour matching, abrasives, and customer-focused solutions, they support body shops and industrial refinishers efficiently.

MAGALS Training Academy addresses South Africa’s artisan shortage by offering accredited, practical, and theoretical automotive training. Students gain mentorship, industry-standard skills, and workplace readiness across collision repair, refinishing, alignment, and management.

Summer can present automotive refinishing challenges with the added heat and humidity. Sherwin-Williams have some top tips to help get the best in your coating’s performance.

Alvinah Matlala discovered her passion for spray painting after shifting from an initial interest in science. Supported through training, she’s now a qualified spray painter, mentors three apprentices, and encourages women to enter the trade with confidence.

The collision repair industry faces rapid technological change, oversupply, and rising costs, challenging shop owners. Yet opportunities exist in Africa’s aging car parc and local parts production. Resilience, innovation, integrity, and a “can-do” attitude are key to thriving amid disruption.

M&P Bodies, a family-run Johannesburg manufacturer of custom load bodies and trailers, now uses MIPA’s advanced PUR-HS paint system for superior coverage, faster drying, and lasting gloss. With advanced colour-matching, they lead South Africa’s shift toward next-generation commercial refinishing.

In today’s automotive repair industry, transparency and ethics are essential. Internal leaks, social media, and connected customers heighten reputational risk. Strong confidentiality policies, staff training, and ethical culture protect businesses and turn integrity into a competitive advantage.

Qingdao Daze Technology’s masking film is a semi-transparent, multi-layer, printable plastic that protects surfaces from overspray. Statically charged and Corona treated, it speeds masking, is recyclable, versatile for painting or industrial use, and available in 8–13µm thicknesses.

Selecting proper masking tape is crucial for clean paint edges, adhesion, and removal in auto body work. Factors like temperature, surface type, paint chemistry, and job duration influence results. Using the right tape improves efficiency, prevents costly rework, and safeguards repair quality.

China’s automotive industry has matured, exporting high-volume, low-cost vehicles to Europe as EU27 struggles with BEV mandates, incomplete infrastructure, and complex emissions laws. European manufacturers face rising costs, residual-value risks, and accelerated write-offs, creating opportunities for collision repairers and direct-to-consumer sales.

Auto Week 2025 highlighted growing concern in South Africa’s auto industry over delayed government policy support, stagnant local sales, and rising import competition. Industry players seek urgent clarity on the Automotive Masterplan as global and domestic pressures mount on manufacturers and suppliers.

GAV’s 60 Series tyre-inflating guns offer workshops reliable, durable, and fast tyre pressure checks. From simple rugged models to digital precision, they enhance safety, reduce rework, fit various workflows, and improve efficiency in refinish and fleet operations.

ESG and DEI scoring systems largely failed and can be manipulated. True governance and fairness matter, but dogma wastes resources. BEVs remain limited, internal combustion engines will dominate in Africa, and clear thinking with integrity is essential for navigating complex markets.

The 2025 SEMA Show delivered a week of groundbreaking reveals, from innovative products to major concept vehicles by Ford, Stellantis, and Nissan. The event also crowned Troy Trepanier’s scratch-built ‘36 Ford roadster “Fenderless” as the Battle of the Builders overall winner.

AWS is using generative AI to redefine in-vehicle experiences with predictive, voice-driven features. This shift challenges UK repairers to adopt interoperable tools, enhance diagnostics, and integrate with OEM systems—transforming maintenance, claims, and customer engagement in a software-defined automotive future.

The Automechanika Johannesburg CEO breakfast highlighted industry challenges: BEV pushback, unrealistic ESG demands, Chinese automotive dominance, and hybrid resurgence. Speakers discussed township projects, geopolitics, and standards, though some presentations relied on outdated ideas rather than innovative, practical solutions.

Volvo is revolutionising road safety through AI-driven simulation using Gaussian Splatting, a technique that recreates ultra-realistic driving scenarios. This approach enables rapid testing of rare “edge cases,” enhancing ADAS performance, speeding development, and extending Volvo’s legacy of pioneering automotive safety innovation.

Swiss Steel Group develops high-performance, sustainable steels like Bainidur 1300 to reduce vehicle weight, emissions, and production costs. With innovative materials for EVs and traditional cars, their solutions improve machinability, lower CO2 impact, and support efficient, resource-conscious automotive manufacturing.

Volvo’s new multi-adaptive safety belt uses real-time data from sensors to tailor seatbelt protection based on a passenger’s size, position, and crash severity. With 11 load-limiting profiles, it enhances safety and will debut in the upcoming EX60 SUV.

Thatcham Research supports the UK’s new Crime and Policing Bill, which criminalises vehicle theft devices like signal jammers. While a crucial step, experts stress the need for broader security measures, including advanced vehicle protection, insurer collaboration, and police efforts to combat organised car theft.

Momentum Insure partnered with data firm Lightstone to introduce a Customer Success Training programme for motor body repairers. The initiative enhances empathy, communication, and service delivery skills, aligning technical excellence with superior client experiences and reinforcing Momentum Insure’s client-first, enterprise development strategy.

LEGO South Africa has revealed a full-scale LEGO Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance car at the Mercedes-Benz Experience Centre. Built from 192,937 bricks and weighing 913kg, the 5.1-metre replica showcases engineering, creativity, and a unique collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.

Sensing technologies are transforming multiple industries, from in-cabin driver and occupant monitoring to EV battery safety, wearable health devices, and quantum sensors for aerospace and healthcare. These advancements enhance safety, early warning systems, and precise measurements, with growing applications through 2046.

Lebo Seate, trainer and assessor at Mbuntu Training, inspires artisans daily. As the
first female spray painter to quality at Alternate ARC, she empowers students,
bridges language barriers, and advocates for women in the collision repair industry.

BASF Coatings’ Bok Pot Challenge combined rugby, potjiekos, and culinary competition to engage customers nationwide. Regional winners competed for an all-expenses Springboks final trip to Ireland later this year. Albertinia Panelbeaters took the grand prize.

Tork Craft has named rugby legend Bakkies Botha as brand ambassador, aligning his toughness and reliability with their power tools. A nationwide campaign, including videos, retail promotions, and digital activations, will showcase the partnership, inspiring professionals and DIY enthusiasts across South Africa

Hyundai SA’s Service Diagnostic programme equips technicians to handle rapid vehicle technology changes. Training is structured into three levels, from Certified Technician to Master Technician, requiring years of study and practical fault-finding exams.

Sixty Luxor distributors attended INDASA’s international training at Hurricane Training Centre. The event highlighted INDASA’s high-performance abrasives, dust-free solutions, and power tools, with demonstrations of products like HT Ceramic, RhynoWet, and PRO-XS sander, strengthening distributor knowledge and boosting sales potential.

The Hollard Artisan Development Programme trains next-generation spray painters and auto body repairers through hands-on, tailored placements across South Africa. With high retention, advanced technical exposure, accredited trade testing, and strong mentor support, it produces versatile, industry-ready artisans while benefitting host shops

Repairing automotive parts reduces environmental impact, cuts costs, and improves efficiency. South African body shops can gain a strategic edge by educating customers, training technicians, and prioritising repair over replacement in a largely uninsured, out-of-warranty market.

Sagola has appointed technical specialist Adrian Harvey to strengthen its South African market presence. With over 15 years of refinish experience, Harvey will support dealers with advanced spray-painting solutions. Sagola exports to 80 countries, offering innovative VOC-compliant spray guns and precision application technologies.

Daze Technology’s disposable paint cup system boosts productivity and reduces solvent use for HVLP and LVLP spraying. With built-in filters, easy mixing ratios, multiple cup sizes, and UV-resistant options, it simplifies colour changes, enables upside-down spraying, and offers convenient paint storage

In today’s unstable economy, body shops face insurers’ tightened SLAs, cost pressures, and complex vehicle repairs. The CRA Conference on 30 October offers insights, networking, and solutions on ADAS, skills development, collaboration, and innovative products to strengthen repair business performance.

BASF celebrated ten spray painting artisans receiving qualifications, combining hands-on workshops, webinars, and e-learning. Supported by Mbuntu Training Services and body shops, the programme strengthens industry standards, builds skilled BASF-trained artisans, fosters brand loyalty, and highlighting RCC trainers’ expertise and mentorship.

Automotive product planning faces unprecedented disruption from EV development, shifting consumer demand, tariffs, management changes, and global supply challenges. The South African industry also contends with economic downturns, affordable imports, and steel shortages, highlighting the complexities ahead for manufacturers and planners alike.

Industry Training and Consulting (IT-C) empowers learners with special educational needs to become spray painters and panelbeaters through hands-on, customised training. With six successful groups and 68 graduates, IT-C blends passion, inclusivity, and practical skills to ensure equal opportunities, confidence, and career readiness.

The Festival of Motoring at Kyalami showcased 100 exhibitors, test drives, off-road courses, and new model launches including BAIC B30 and GAC M8/PHEV. Industry leaders discussed tariffs, economic challenges, and growth opportunities in South Africa’s fast-paced automotive market.

The UK and EU auto industries face intense pressure from Chinese overcapacity, BEV mandates, and outdated strategies. European repairers may struggle as insurers favour write-offs over repairs. Meanwhile, autonomy lags, and driver training gaps risk undermining advanced driver assistance systems.

The new Defender PAPR system delivers clean, resistance-free air for spray painting and industrial use. Lightweight and portable, it features a waist-belt turbo filter, digital battery readout, CE 2834 compliance, and comes with accessories, a carry bag, and a 12-month guarantee.

Battery-electric vehicles present new challenges for collision repair, with HV Li-ion batteries affecting residual values and repair economics. Proper assessment, evolving knowledge, and careful handling can transform perceived risks into long-term business opportunities as BEVs enter the repair market.

Masking tape, invented by Richard Drew in 1925 for two-tone auto painting, solved painters’ frustration with flexible, gentle adhesive. Later evolving into Scotch Tape, it became a household essential, showcasing 3M’s culture of innovation and resilience during the Great Depression.