Auto Dealership-Based Collision Repair Facilities Experience Renaissance
Company Added
Company Removed
Apply to Request List

Auto Dealership-Based Collision Repair Facilities Experience Renaissance

Dealership Owners Exploring Collision Repair Services as OEM Certifications and Business Potential Drive New Opportunities

February 26, 2020 // Franchising.com // CHARLOTTE - Following the 2020 NADA Show in Las Vegas, CARSTAR, North America’s premier network of independently-owned collision repair facilities, foresees a resurgence of collision repair facilities based in auto dealerships throughout the U.S. and Canada. This comes in response to changing dealership dynamics, as dealership owners look to improve their facility performance and profitability.

Today, nearly two of every five franchised dealerships operate collision repair centers, the National Automobile Dealers Association reports. But CARSTAR forecasts that could grow. There are several factors driving the renewed interest in collision repair services at auto dealerships, including:

  • The advent of OEM certifications and the role these will play in collision repair standards going forward
  • The opportunity for customer retention through comprehensive services, including collision repair
  • The ability to capture more insurance-pay repair business
  • The revenue potential for a robust collision repair business that offsets slim dealership margins
  • The availability of dealership real estate and buildings that are vacant after dealership consolidation

Randy and Debbie Yockey, owners of Friendly Ford and CARSTAR Friendly in Roselle, IL, joins Brian Newberry, VP of Development, CARSTAR U.S. and Collin Welsh, Senior Director of Development, CARSTAR Canada, at the 2020 NADA Show.

That’s where CARSTAR comes in. CARSTAR has created partnerships with some 50 automobile dealerships in the US and Canada that combine the local dealer’s brand name with CARSTAR’s proprietary operating procedures, insurance relationships, training and procurement programs. This allows CARSTAR to help deliver best-in-class KPI performance and the highest-quality repairs, while the dealership can focus on selling vehicles. That high-quality repair and customer service experience also helps the dealership retain customer loyalty for future vehicle purchases.

For Randy Yockey, owner of Friendly Ford and CARSTAR Friendly in Roselle, IL, the decision to join CARSTAR was a no brainer, and he encourages other dealerships to look at the partnership model as they evaluate their dealership opportunities.

“We knew we were suffering with our collision center at our Ford dealership,” said Yockey. “Our body shop was going nowhere, and after two fires, we had no customers. We knew we needed to do something. We were approached by CARSTAR, and joined for five years. I’m proud to say we just re-upped for 10 years. We went from no business to about $2.5 million in business in the first five years. We have some 30 DRPs, we’re hiring every day and our shop is filled with work. We’re looking for a better location because we’ve outgrown our current one.

“For other dealership owners, I’d say the partnership with CARSTAR is a no-brainer, I definitely endorse it,” advocates Yockey. “If you’re willing to work hard and invest in your business, improving your collision repair facility is a great opportunity. Take a look at CARSTAR, talk with local CARSTAR owners, talk to dealership owners like me. Frankly, you aren’t going to make it unless you are part of a MSO.”

About CARSTAR

CARSTAR is North America’s largest network of independently owned and operated collision repair facilities with more than 700 locations in 35 states and 10 Canadian provinces. A part of the Driven Brands family of automotive aftermarket franchise brands, CARSTAR delivers national scale, premier vehicle repairs, repeatable outcomes and the industry’s highest customer satisfaction ratings. CARSTAR has maintained its commitment to give back to the communities it serves through a variety of fundraising initiatives, including raising over $4 million for cystic fibrosis research, care and advocacy across North America.

Media Contact:

Deborah Robinson
Victory Management Group PR
312.505.4336
drobinson@vmg1.com

SOURCE CARSTAR

###

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus
Share This Page

Subscribe to our Newsletters