helpful. A huge component of education involves referencing the OEM repair procedures, which are changing all the time. That’s why we are working hard at Mitchell to integrate those in the estimating platform so it’s not so cumbersome for shops to do that research. Shops also need to set appropriate expectations with customers. This starts with the estimating process. When writing the initial estimate, it’s important to educate owners of newer model vehicles about the types of materials used. Consumers are unaware of many of these changes and don’t understand the impact of the materials when they are in an accident. Having those types of conversations up-front is an opportunity for collision repair facilities to put themselves in a position where they are
the experts and demonstrate they are looking out for their customers’ best interests. We’ve also seen interest from insurance clients wanting to understand more about how vehicles are constructed and the decisions that need to be made.
Q: A:
What are some of the opportunities available for repairers?
In the future, I think there will be more specialization in the market. By training employees to repair vehicles with these types of materials, shops can create a healthy profit center. It’s not going to be for every shop but depending on the market and the customers you serve, there could be some opportunities, whether you are an independent repair facility or part of a consolidator.
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30 SEPTEMBER 2021 AUTOBODY NEWS / autobodynews.com
Honda Embraces Long-Term Remote Work Opportunities for U.S. Associates Honda will provide some of its U.S. associates more workplace flexibility by providing long-term opportunities to work remotely. Under this new approach, eligible associates will be able to work from home or in satellite locations for all or part of their workweek. The decision marks a significant pivot toward the future as Honda adapts its policies to match evolving workstyles. Remote work is a critical recruiting and retention tool for the talent Honda needs to achieve its vision of a carbon free and collision free future and expanding life’s potential for people everywhere. With the shift toward more flexibility, Honda’s talent pool expands dramatically, increasing its ability to maintain the quality Honda customers have come to expect while innovating and transforming its broad range of customer products and services. “This expansion of remote work opportunities reflects lessons learned over the past 18 months and
a recognition of the needs of Honda’s current and future workforce,” said Rich Richardson, vice president of human resources, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Our remote work policy creates more flexibility so that wherever works get done, Honda associates will continue to collaborate with each other and create value for our customers and society.” While Honda continues to monitor the pandemic situation, the policy change is planned for Oct. 1, but associates not already working remotely can begin transitioning to their new workstyles as soon as Aug. 30. In addition to traditional onsite roles, Honda is introducing new “virtual” and “hybrid” workstyles based on an associate’s role and responsibilities. Honda is also working to understand the unique needs and interests of associates who cannot work remotely and plans to introduce new offerings to enhance the on-site work experience as early as this fall. Source: Honda
