Feb. 4, 2011 — After two harsh years, the collision repair industry is nearing a turning point and should rebound in 2013 and 2014, according to recent projections from CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts.
The good times are expected to return after “another 18 months of industry consolidation, belt-tightening and restructuring, combined with rapid changes in technology, repair processes and advanced materials,” which should create better facilities and better service, the company said.
“The challenges of 2010 will intensify through 2011. But, eventually, they will ease,” said Dick Cross, chairman and CEO of CARSTAR. “And in their wake will be fewer, bigger and healthier stores delivering new levels of operating and financial performance with great opportunities for their owners, employees and families.”
In anticipation of the turnaround, CARSTAR revamped its Business Group program, retooled its franchise development process and plans to launch a new proprietary management system in all of its stores.
CARSTAR is the largest group of branded collision repair facilities in North America, with more than 380 locally owned and operated stores in 30 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The company signed 19 new stores last year and saw an average sales increase of nearly 3 percent.
