September 24, 2010—CCC Information Services Inc. has release_notesd its Crash Course Update 2010, a report discussing factors affecting collision repair.
Many trends from previous years continue to prevail:
• Fewer people are getting repairs done on their vehicles because of consumer debt, unemployment and slow economic recovery;
• Fewer domestic vehicles are on the road;
• Motorists are driving nore aged vehicles;
• It takes more labor dollars for repair operations;
• More aftermarket parts are needed to meet consumer demand.
The combination of accident prevention with weight reduction technologies suggests the collision industry may see fewer accidents, but more costly repairs in the future, according to the report.
"The Internet and social media have changed the speed and manner in which consumers get their news and communicate, and, perhaps more significantly, changed the expectations and desires of the consumer,” said Susanna Gotsch, lead analyst for CCC. “As it often does, technology is leading us into a new era. The key is for shops and insurers to understand and adjust to the changing market, and use the technology to provide customers with a transparent and efficient claims experience."
