THE VOICE OF THE AFRICAN COLLISION REPAIR INDUSTRY

Body shops are high-energy SME users in the UK. While electricity infrastructure has supported industry for decades, ageing grid systems, rising demand, and unreliable renewable sources now threaten supply. Without strategy reinvestment, future power failures ay stem from distribution, not generation.

At RAF Cosford’s centenary air show, 50 000 spectators witnessed modern fighters, historic aircraft, parachute teams, and legendary Red Arrows. Displays honoured aviation history and wartime heritage, leaving lasting memories of an extraordinary day celebrating flight and the RAF’s global role.

Insurance scandals in 1960s Britain, including Emil Savundra’s fraudulent Fire, Auto and Marin Co., exposed gaps in motor insurance regulation. This led to independent oversight, the creation of MIRRC (Thatcham Research), and long-term reforms in cost control, claims and policyholder protection.

Autoboys, with Duxone base coat refinish, present a step-by-step guide to perfecting complex three-stage pearl red repairs. The process stresses meticulous preparation, correct viscosity, controlled flash-off times, and clearcoat application, ensuring flawless edge-to-edge colour matching and a striking, factory-quality wet look finish.

CYMOT’s inaugural CX Expo at its Hilltop branch marked a bold step in retail innovation, blending tradition with modern experience. Open to the public, it showcased supplier creativity, customer interaction, and CYMOT’s enduring commitment to excellence across its markets and operations.

With over 550 exhibitors and 15 000 attendees, Automechanika Birmingham, UK, delivered three packed days of innovation, expert talks, and hands-on demos. From ADAS tech to advanced abrasives, it highlighted the collision industry’s evolution, training opportunities, and the global rise of aftermarket suppliers.

Mental health in the collision repair industry is often ignored, yet stress, burnout, and emotional strain are daily realities. Employers must balance compassion with accountability by creating safe, supportive workplaces that address hidden stressors without enabling poor performance or neglecting legal obligations.

WeBuyCars’ (WBC) Dome in Northgate exemplifies scale and efficiency, selling 2,300 vehicles monthly. With cutting-edge processing, inspections, and a massive showroom, WBC sells 190 000 units annually—12% of South Africa’s used-car market—while maintaining a strong customer service ethos and operational excellence.

Daze Technology, with 10 years’ experience and a 200-strong team, has launched in South Africa with its innovative disposable paint cup system. Designed for efficiency and cost savings, the system enhances productivity in body shops while reducing solvent waste.

Tumi’s rapid growth through C3 Academy and the Hollard Artisan Development Programme highlights the power of structured training. Meanwhile, Ike’s Red Seal via ARPL emphasises the importance of recognising experienced artisans, ensuring pride and professionalism in South Africa’s collision repair industry.

Pohl’s Panelbeaters, established in 1946 in Nelspruit, is a third-generation, award-winning automotive body repairer. Known for quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, they use advanced PPG technology, focus on staff development, and serve as a trusted partner to insurers.

Valuable insights from the Automechanika Birmingham, UK, show will shape the CRA Conference at Automechanika Johannesburg this October. Key topics like ADAS, supply chains, and technician shortages were inspiring. Don’t miss it!

Lucian Jantjies announces Axalta South Africa’s shift to a direct distributor-importer model, streamlining operations and reducing costs. This strategic change supports continued access to leading brands and innovations while enhancing service and maintaining competitive pricing through trusted local partners.

Automechanika was born in 1971 from the aftermarket’s determination to stand alone. Today, that same spirit must drive the industry forward as we face challenges in diagnostics, ADAS, electrification, and OEM control—by sharing ideas and building resilience together.

For over 50 years, GAV has led in spray technology. The Xtreme APS spray gun offers ergonomic design, durability, and exceptional atomisation—perfect for water- and solvent-based paints, clear coats, and high solids. Trusted by professionals for high-performance, low-maintenance results.

The new cordless UltraStat gun reduces dust-related paint defects by neutralising static during drying. With a 10-hour battery, inline air regulator, and anti-static ionising technology, it improves finish quality, lowers rework costs, and meets global safety and industry standards.

DeBeer’s new 1-380 1K UV Primer revolutionises automotive repairs with ultra-fast curing, easy application, and multi-surface compatibility. Its ready-to-use formula streamlines workflows, boosts efficiency, and ensures flawless finishes, making it a game-changer for modern body shops worldwide.

Modern cars are losing their unique identity due to uniform SUV designs, outsourced combustion engines, and widespread hybridisation. Advanced technology and automation have also diminished driving enjoyment, removing the tactile, skill-based experience once valued by enthusiasts and long-time motorists.

Automotive painting demands flawless surface preparation, especially with ultra-thin metallic and pearlescent coatings. Precise sanding ensures uniform flake alignment, optimal adhesion, and seamless blending. High-performance foam abrasives help achieve this, offering versatility, durability, and control for critical finishing stages.

The US-imposed 25% tariff on UK-made vehicles threatens thousands of automotive jobs and disrupts supply chains, parts availability, and diagnostics services. Repairers must adapt by monitoring supply impacts, diversifying services, and engaging in policy advocacy to remain resilient and competitive.

The automotive design process is complex, blending art, engineering, and technology. Led by a head of studio, teams handle exterior and interior design, supported by engineers. Manual sketching and VR refine designs, impacting the company’s long-term success.

Vehicle spray painters face an 80-times higher risk of asthma due to isocyanate exposure, unsafe practices, and poor training. Proper RPE, PPE, awareness, and annual urine testing are vital to protect workers from serious, lifelong respiratory and health issues.

The 2025 IBIS Global Summit in Istanbul united leaders from 29 countries to explore innovation, leadership, and collaboration in collision repair. With expert panels, global networking, and memorable experiences, it reinforced IBIS’s role in shaping the industry’s future.

Stellantis has restructured in South Africa to streamline operations, localise parts, and boost sales. Multi-franchise dealers, expanded repair networks, and new body shop approval tiers support growth. The Save-A-Car programme and insurer collaboration enhance service efficiency and customer value.

baslac delivers professional automotive refinishing solutions that blend affordability with premium performance. Backed by BASF, it offers a complete, easy-to-use system—featuring advanced colour matching, durable finishes, and high efficiency—designed to help body shops save time, reduce costs, and exceed expectations.

The PF247 Optimum Surfacer DTM streamlines repairs with direct-to-metal application, eliminating wash primer. Its fast air-dry technology boosts productivity, cuts energy costs, and lowers carbon footprint—delivering a premium finish and efficiency that body shops need in a fast-paced industry.

Axalta has launched the Irus Scan, a high-tech spectrophotometer for vehicle refinishing. It improves colour accuracy using patented angles, RGB camera, and gloss measurement. This user-friendly tool streamlines the Scan–Match–Mix process, boosting productivity, reducing waste, and enhancing sustainability.

DeBeer’s 8-814 Fast Performance Clear delivers high gloss in 10 minutes at 60˚C. Suitable for repairs up to five panels, it boosts booth throughput, reduces energy use, offers flexible drying options, and ensures excellent performance in all conditions.

The new B259 Transparent Red Orange toner from Octoral’s Octobase System offers high transparency and exceptional colour matching. Ideal for spot repairs and OEM finishes, it ensures vibrant results on popular shades like the Renault EQB, with excellent hiding and versatility.

The VDQ qualification confirms core competence, while ongoing certification and CPD prove a professional’s commitment to ethical, up-to-date practices. In a changing automotive industry, certified professionals ensure fair vehicle damage assessment. Know the difference – qualification is foundational, certification keeps you current.

Real Research’s decade-long study of South Africa’s refinish market reveals key drivers for success: competitive pricing, strong paint performance, excellent service, local manufacturing, supply chain reliability, colour accuracy, and efficiency. New trends include brand reputation and eco-consciousness, influenced by global trade and evolving customer expectations.

Windscreen replacement in South Africa faces serious issues with poor ADAS calibration and unregulated practices. Incorrect installation compromises vehicle safety, with disturbing cases of sensors being improperly fixed or disguised. A lack of training and oversight among fitment providers raises concern for insurers, repairers, and consumers.

Vermont Sales celebrated its 40th anniversary, showcasing innovative tools from 30 prestigious brands. Founded in 1985, the company remains a trusted leader in Southern Africa, emphasising quality, customer service, and industry expertise.

Axalta launched its next-generation Fast Cure Low Energy (FCLE) System under Standox – Xtreme System. Featuring a new clearcoat and surfacer, it improves productivity, durability, and energy efficiency. The system simplifies processes, reduces costs and emissions, and supports OEM-level repairs and faster turnaround.

PPG and ABS Balco have launched a state-of-the-art training facility in Cape Town, enhancing automotive refinishing skills with advanced technology like Moonwalk and VisualizID. Alongside centres in Durban and Johannesburg, this initiative strengthens PPG’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and nationwide training accessibility.

The Axalta Challenger refinish system, distributed by Mix & Match Durban, offers advanced waterborne solutions and a vast colour-matching range. Its popularity spans Southern Africa, driven by fast colour retrieval tools, monthly updates, and high-performance primers for accurate refinishing.

Real Research has tracked South Africa’s refinish market for a decade, highlighting Luxor Paint’s rise in the value segment. Through local manufacturing, aggressive marketing, hands-on service, and strategic distribution, Luxor Paints grew from 5.2% market share in 2015 to market leader by 2025, outperforming global competitors.

Sherwin-Williams Collision Core Pronto, is an automated paint dispenser that boosts
efficiency, accuracy, and productivity in auto refinishing. With fast mixing, minimal
waste, and low maintenance, Pronto helps body shops overcome labour shortages
and rising costs with precision and ease.

PaintWizz revolutionises paint repair estimation by offering accurate, colour-specific quotes based on actual toner costs and panel sizes. It eliminates guesswork, helping repairers avoid underquoting. With access to over 480 vehicle models, PaintWizz ensures consistent, fair pricing—highlighting major cost differences between vehicle colours.

South Africa’s SETAs face mounting criticism for corruption, wasteful spending, and failure to deliver trade training, especially in the body shop sector. Youth unemployment worsens, while artisan numbers decline. Private training initiatives emerge as vital to addressing the growing skills gap.

C3 Auto Body Repair Academy addresses urgent skills gaps with fast-tracked, non-accredited training focused on hands-on, industry-driven learning. Partnered with Old Mutual Insure, C3 offers practical pathways to employment, entrepreneurship, or alternative careers—empowering trainees while supporting workshops through real-world experience and future talent development.

South Africa’s automotive OEMs face declining production and unfair competition from Asian imports, compounded by restrictive government systems like SAAM 2035, AITF, and AIS. These impose heavy financial and compliance burdens on local manufacturers, while exempting foreign brands, deepening de-industrialisation and jeopardising industry sustainability.

Renault’s Maubeuge plant in France introduced Jetprint Paint technology for the new Renault 4 E-Tech electric, revolutionising two-tone paintwork. This innovation enhances precision, reduces energy use and waste, and boosts sustainability, offering high-quality custom finishes and a more efficient production process.

Andrew Marsh explores how global vehicle design convergence, Chinese innovation, and brand dilution are confusing consumers and threatening European manufacturers. This confusion risks reduced vehicle loyalty and care, which could lower repair volumes. Collision repairers must monitor these shifts to stay resilient in a changing market.

The Automechanika Johannesburg team have embarked on an initiative to targets
growth markets, offering exhibitors and visitors valuable networking, sponsorship,
and investment opportunities across key SADC countries.

European body shops face mounting challenges repairing modern lightweight vehicles. Advanced materials like aluminium, high-strength steel, and composites improve efficiency but complicate repairs, requiring specialised tools, training, and costly OEM certification. Repair costs have surged 28% over five years.

GlobalData analysts predict 10 trends shaping the auto industry. This includes affordable EVs in Europe, China’s lead in autonomous driving and EV market, advanced technology for electric vertical take-off vehicles, ongoing trade tensions, and growing use of generative AI to enhance vehicle functionality.

The Alfa Romeo GTA won the 2025 Motor Klassik award for Italian Classics, sparking memories for Arnold Chatz, who raced it in South Africa. Chatz’s legacy includes racing various Alfa models, building a successful dealership empire, and maintaining lifelong passion for Alfa Romeo and motorsport.

Widespread adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) faces hurdles: slow charging, limited infrastructure, and rapid charging risks. Current chargers can’t match BEV capabilities, making fast refuelling unrealistic for most. Urban areas, in particular, struggle with inadequate charging solutions.

Training is vital in repair shops, but high costs, downtime, and redundant content reduce return on investment. OEMs should streamline training, reduce costs, and support repairers to foster real partnerships and ensure safe vehicle repairs.