FUTURIST KEYNOTE SPEAKER EXAMINES FUTURE TRENDS IN AUTO REPAIR AND COLLISION

Amid electric and technical advances transforming vehicle design, future trends in automotive repair and collision – as well as advancements in shops across the industry – are driving rapid evolution. Gazing into a futurist keynote speaker’s crystal ball, future trends in automotive repair and collision point to a field that will pursue modernization, increased specialization, efficiency improvements, and customer-centric options to stay competitive.

(1) Connected Shop & Vehicle Tech – The onslaught of vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), crash avoidance features and connected technologies will compel shops to invest heavily in digital OEM diagnostic scan tools, system calibrators, measurement equipment and real-time technical repair data access integrated into shop workflows to properly service vehicles. Telematics will enable remote vehicle health monitoring to predict service needs proactively.

(2) Electric Vehicle Demand – Projections indicating 23-37% of vehicles being electric by 2030 will pressure shops to expand capabilities in battery diagnostics, high voltage training and charging infrastructure installation to address demand for EV maintenance and collision work. More replacement components will shift toward composite materials away from steel, compelling new tool investments.

(3) Multi-Material Repairs – Vehicles incorporating more lightweight exotic metals, plastics, carbon fiber and multi-material construction will require advanced cutting, welding and bonding techniques that minimize vehicle weight gains after repair. Certifications for specialized aluminum, carbon fiber, and plastics repair will grow in significance.

(4) ADAS Calibration Mandates – To meet vehicle safety system functionality after repairs, rigorous calibrations of vehicle sensors, cameras, and onboard control modules must occur. Facility investments into advanced calibration equipment, tools, and technician training will enable shops meet these regulated requirements and deliver thorough pre/post scan documentation.

(5) Customer Convenience – With mobile apps and on-demand services permeating everyday transactions, introducing conveniences like online scheduling with real-time updates on vehicle status, mobile payments, pickup/drop-off services and on-site mobile repair will serve as key differentiators for repair facilities aiming to improve customer experiences.

Staying current with future trends in automotive repair and collision and intensifying vehicle technologies and complementing this with modernized operations focused on enhanced technical capabilities, customer service, and light-duty/electric vehicle readiness will position shops at the leading edge of the fast evolving automotive repair space.