APPROVED bodyshops are to be boosted by a nationwide campaign.
General Motors will show the advantages of using its approved Vauxhall, Chevrolet or Saab Approved bodyshops, rather than third party repairers.
It will centre on the hi-tech steels modern cars use. These demand special techniques to be welded correctly – and many steels need specialist knowledge to just be identified.
Safety will suffer if independent crash repairers get it wrong, the maker warns. Your profit margin will also be hit, Car Dealer adds.
The campaign will support a series of training programmes being run by the maker, bringing technicians up to speed with the latest materials in car repair.
Techniques covered sound more like a science lesion: MIG brazing, programmable welding equipment, body measurement techniques, repair and replacement of structural panels and eradication of damage to steel and aluminium panels.
‘Unfortunately accidents do happen,’ said GM’s accident repair manager, Bernard Berman, ‘especially through the autumn and winter months with wet and icy roads, reduced visibility and greater traffic congestion.
‘When they do, our advice to drivers of our vehicles is to think carefully before letting someone else decide on the quality of your repairs.
‘Our bodyshop technicians are fully conversant with the latest technology to assess and restore your Vauxhall, Chevrolet or Saab to its original condition, so it will drive and protect you to exactly the same standard as when you bought it.’
