Car Care & Valeting
Body Repair Maintenance ProductsThe retail market for car refinish products particularly bodyfillers has seen growth over the past 3 years. This is partially a result of a change in direction from the insurance sector. Once upon a time, a damaged car body part would have been replaced with a new one by the repairer and the insurance company would cover the cost. In recent years insurance companies have been advocating that damaged car parts should only be replaced if they are absolutely beyond repair. Consequently repair jobs have increased. Moreover, excess fees have increased significantly resulting in car owners with minor bumps and dents opting to repair damage themselves as opposed to going down the insurance claim route. Another trend within the refinish market is the increase in the customisation of car bodywork. This is predominantly due to increasing numbers of car enthusiasts and classic car restorers who prefer DIY rather than visiting a bodyshop.
Autobody Evolution
Drive for efficiency Bodyshops want multifunctional, easy to dispense and reasonably priced products with technology that makes their jobs easier. Efficiency and effectiveness have become the number one priority for bodyshops and hence the cost of time has eclipsed the cost of product. When bodyshops find products that save them a significant amount of time, they stay loyal to that product. For example, U-Pol provides a comprehensive range of polyester fillers, utilising the latest advances in resin technology, to satisfy demand for quality and performance. Products are available in a multitude of innovative packaging solutions, including patented filler bags and dispensers. New and enhanced products, packaging or technology also give motor factors a competitive edge in the market and stocking such products will encourage repeat purchases. U-Pol also includes a step-by-step guide to the repair process in every ISOPON kit to make it easy for the retailer and the DIY enthusiast to understand how to get the best from the product. In recent years, U-Pol has established itself as the leading filler manufacturer in the UK and their retail market share has grown considerably. |
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The automotive manufacturing industry has seen a change with the emergence of galvanised car panels. This progression has ensured that panels no longer rust like they used to and has prompted manufacturers to offer 7-10 year bodywork warranties. The drive towards lighter, more energy efficient cars means more plastics are used on cars nowadays. Specifically, this relates to more visible components such as bumpers and body panels. This change has driven sales of specialised high adhesion fillers such as ISOPON P38, Metalik and Bumper Fill which are required to adhere to these new substrates.