The collision repair industry is undergoing a seismic transformation. Gone are the days when fixing a car meant simply restoring metal and paint. Ryan Mandell, with over two decades of collision industry experience, reveals how today's vehicles demand an entirely new approach to repairs.
"There's more lines of code in a modern vehicle than there was in the first space shuttle," Mandell explains as he details the technological complexity that has revolutionized collision repair. Modern repair facilities must now conduct diagnostic scans before and after repairs, recalibrate sophisticated safety systems, and understand how different materials respond to damage. What was once primarily mechanical work now requires technicians to function almost as systems engineers.
This technological evolution extends to every aspect of collision repair. Mandell describes how specialized equipment, training, and facilities are now essential for properly repairing vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Static calibrations require dedicated bays with specialized targets, while dynamic calibrations involve specific road testing protocols. Even a calibration that's off by just one degree can have "catastrophic effects" on system performance.
The changing landscape is driving consolidation and specialization within the industry. While multi-shop operations can spread investments across locations and create centers of excellence, independent shops increasingly need to find specialized niches rather than attempting to repair every make and model. Economic pressures are also pushing shops to explore new service models, including preventative calibration services that could transform the traditional collision-only business model.
For aftermarket professionals navigating this rapidly evolving sector, understanding these changes is crucial. Whether dealing with repair versus replace decisions, material composition considerations, or preparing for the growing number of electrified vehicles, the collision repair industry's future belongs to those who can adapt to increasing technological complexity while maintaining the highest repair standards.
Check out Mitchell's quarterly reports on electric vehicles in collision repair and explore how data analytics is reshaping this vital segment of the automotive aftermarket.

Quarterly Mitchell EV Report: https://www.mitchell.com/plugged-in

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