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Amberson, Clements Share Commentary on Today’s Industry and What the Future Holds.
By Brie Ragland, AutoInc. Correspondent
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| Bob Anderson, Opening General Session moderator |
LAS VEGAS — CARS Chairman, Aaron Clements, AAM, and NACE Chairman, Darrell Amberson, AAM, sat down to discuss important issues with moderator, Bob Anderson, during Thursday morning’s opening general session, which officially kicked off the first-ever Automotive Service and Repair Week (ASRW), an event co-locating the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) and the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE).
When asked about the state of the collision repair industry, Amberson described it as challenging but with opportunity. He referred to the declining number of repair shops and the forecast for further decline, as well as the unprecedented pressure from insurers and consumers to contain cost while providing quicker cycle times with high quality. He spoke of the industry as a place that is not made for the weak-hearted, but did offer some hope by saying, “Changing technologies and processes provide potential for some to differentiate themselves, thus only providing opportunity.”
Clements responded to the same question by showing his dissatisfaction with where the industry is right now. He said less people will be able to afford new vehicles, so a fewer number of shops will be called on to keep an aging fleet of cars rolling. “I feel that it will be beneficial to our industry and the consumers for us to invest in the training and equipment needed to get the job done,” said Clements.
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| Darrell Amberson, 2008 NACE chair, and Aaron Clements, 2008 CARS chair |
Anderson asked both chairmen about the insurance issues affecting each segment of the industry. With a smile on his face, Clements said, “This is an example of the many issues that mechanical shops are fortunate enough not to have to deal with. But, that’s why collision shops get the big bucks.”
When the question was directed toward Amberson, he replied, “We as collision repairers have a love-hate relationship with insurers. We repairers often get very angry over some insurer practices, and often with good reason.”
He said the level of frustration has resulted in an increased level of activity in the legislatures and courts seeking resolutions of our issues. “Both repairers and insurers must recognize the need for dialogue and work to seek mutually beneficial solutions,” said Amberson. “We can disagree over many things but we must recognize the need for each other.”
In closing, Anderson asked the chairmen where they saw the industry in five years Clements responded by saying, “I see the collision and mechanical facilities networking together more than ever before in the years to come. Calling on each other to work together for the betterment of business will only lead to a win-win situation and will be a very positive move for the entire industry.”
Amberson said, “Despite all of the issues we face, I see opportunity. I believe if shops maintain high standards of ethics, do the right thing, seek education and embrace new technologies, that we’ll see a more process-oriented, better organized, less stressful industry.”
He also suggested that attendees get over seeing themselves as repairers and start thinking of themselves as business operators; and instead of dwelling on the negative side of the issues faced, repairers should seek solutions and focus on success.
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Nov. 5-8, 2008
