Car repair trends in 2023
As Fixico has worked with over 200 businesses and 3,000 repairers across Europe and South Africa, we have a wide perspective on the car repair industry and believe it is on the verge of major breakthroughs. Based on our observations, we've identified 6 of the most game-changing trends that will shape car repair in 2023:
Advanced vehicles call for advanced repairs
As high-tech vehicles, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), become more prevalent, repairers will need to adapt. While EVs have fewer mechanical components compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, they have more intricate electrical systems and materials which can be challenging to fix. This shift requires repairers to learn new skills and adapt to new technologies, ultimately becoming specialised shops. As shops and repairs themselves become specialised, fleet-managing businesses will look to digital tools to help identify the best repair solution for their unique vehicles and damages.
The shift from private car ownership to sharing and leasing
Increasing numbers of people are opting for short-term leasing or car-sharing rather than purchasing a car outright, largely due to job requirements, urbanisation and shifting priorities. This trend has a major impact on the car repair industry, as it means that the repair shops’ customers are transitioning from private individuals to large fleets. These business customers have service level agreements in place, causing repairers to adapt their customer acquisition and partnership agreements to meet the needs of these new types of clients. Meanwhile, shared mobility companies must also be sure their fleet is in top shape and readily available to meet the increasing demand, requiring a fast and flexible repair network.
Continued supply chain disruptions
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the car repair industry, like many others, experienced major disruptions across its supply chain. While this has improved in many aspects, one continuous disruption is caused by many repairers retiring from the field and fewer young people able to replace them. This has greatly reduced workshop capacity and led to longer wait times for customers, making it more important than ever to optimise operations in order to mitigate these effects.
Increased need for transparency
The pandemic has also increased the need for transparent repair journeys. Many businesses were forced to adapt and make changes to their operations, especially with more work being done remotely. Both private and business customers are now more likely to demand clear and detailed information about the work being done on their vehicles and the progress of the repairs, driving the need for transparent and frequent communication throughout the repair process.
Digitalisation replacing manual tasks and workflows
Digitalisation is replacing manual tasks and workflows with more efficient and accurate methods, such as digital damage intake and diagnostic tools, online scheduling and inventory management systems. This not only improves efficiency and accuracy, but also provides repairers with more visibility into their workload and the space to focus on delivering the best repairs.