June 27, 2018—Subaru expects to be able to onboard 650 collision centers for its certified program by the end of 2019.

In March, Subaru partnered with Wadsworth to launch its official certified collision repair program. Right now, the program is live and open to all retailer owned facilities, said John Lancaster, national wholesale parts manager for Subaru of America.

In the fall of 2018, Subaru will offer certification to independent collision centers, he said.

“Subaru does not recognize a collision center as part of the retailer agreement in the same capacity many European OEMs do,” Lancaster said. “This allows us to offer certification to anyone who meets the standards and requirements of the program, whether they are retailer owned or not.”

The total program size will be based on an internal algorithm including UIO, future vehicle production, and claim count for Subaru vehicles.

The program fee is $3,200 per year, for each location that would like to obtain certification.

Requirements for the Program

At the most basic level, shops need to be I-CAR Gold Status to take part in the program, he said.

But, there a few limitations.

Technicians will not be able to hold more than two role representative positions within the I-CAR Gold Status qualification.  In addition to I-CAR Gold Status, there is a list of standard collision-related tools and equipment a collision center needs to have to comply with the certification requirements.

There is also a list of Subaru tools that need to be purchased for a proper repair.

“We are also creating Subaru specific training which will be available through I-CAR, to enhance the minimum training qualifications of I-CAR Gold Status,” Lancaster said.