NATIONAL NEWS

Mazda Launches Collision Repair Network

On May 4, Mazda North American Operations and Mitchell announced the launch of the Mazda Collision Repair Network. According to their statement, “the Network reinforces the companies’ commitment to safety and provides Mazda vehicle owners with confidence in the repair of their automobiles. It also offers participating U.S. Mazda dealerships, multi-shop operators (MSOs) and independent repair facilities the opportunity to enhance customer loyalty, improve workflow efficiency and attract new business.”

Participants in the Mazda Collision Network must meet leading industry standards for business operations, training, tools and equipment. Ongoing, systematic monitoring of each job tracks facilities’ continued compliance with program requirements for safe repair, cycle time and customer satisfaction.

As program administrator, Mitchell is responsible for overseeing enrollment and verifying compliance. Organizations accepted into the network will use Mitchell Cloud Estimating with integrated repair procedures to access Mazda repair information from within the estimate. This is designed to minimize the time spent on research, reduce supplements and facilitate proper repair.

To apply to the program or for additional information, visit the Mitchell website at: mitchell.com/products-

services/collision-repair-shop-solutions/oe-network-

solutions/mazda-collision-repair-shop-solutions.

Used Vehicle Market is Big and Profitable

The onslaught of COVID-19 accelerated used vehicle sales, while reducing the new vehicle market in the U.S. by approximately 20 percent. This pushed the 2020 used market to 41 million – nearly three times the unit volume of new vehicle sales. The size and profitability of the used market is attracting growing vehicle dealer participation.

Besides generating larger profit margins per vehicle than new cars and light trucks, used autos provide vehicle dealers with lucrative opportunities to expand their service bay business. This will have long-lasting aftermarket consequences.

Service Bay 2020 Shakeup

Big changes are rumbling through the service bay populations of the seven major types of light vehicle repair outlets across the U.S., reflecting competitive market trends and the impact of COVID-19. Six Major Takeaways: • Despite the vehicles in operation expanding by more than 43 million cars and light trucks over the past 10 years (2010 to 2020), the light vehicle bay population across the U.S. shrank by more than three percent. • Service stations and garages suffered the largest bay

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