Fix Auto enters Irish market

Fix Auto and Novus Auto Glass are set to enter the Irish market.

The news was delivered during at IBIS Ireland 2018 during the session ‘The business of repair’ which saw Roy de Lange, head of business, Fix Auto Deutschland GmbH reveal that both Fix Auto World brands would be entering the local market.

The session saw Roy share the views of global collision repair network, alongside Frank Byrnes, owner, Frank Byrnes Autobody Repair – a leading, local independent repair operation.

Speaking of the critical success factors of operating a collision repair business in Ireland, Frank said, ‘It’s important to understand the Irish market and even the local market is very regionally divided. In the west of Ireland for example people want to know who they are doing business with.’

Frank also emphasised how the Irish market has evolved greatly in the past 18 months, which he suggested ‘we have learnt a lot from.’ One of the key takeaways from that period has been the necessity for the right ‘mix’ of work – specific to the bodyshop business.

Taking that theme of successful bodyshop operation further, Roy explained how entrepreneurial and future focused business owners are key to the networks success. He also highlighted how the key for Fix Auto is to provide value to its three core partners: the work provider, the customer and the franchisee.

In discussing the role of vehicle manufacturers within the market, Frank suggested he saw it as becoming increasingly critical whilst Roy pointed at how Fix Auto has a firm belief that repair segmentation will be crucial for future success. Frank pointed at how, at present, within the local market there simply was just not enough capacity to be ‘brand specific’ but it may well be a requirement for the future.

In rounding out the session, both Frank and Roy agreed that the ability to adapt and change is a key credential for the future.

IBIS Ireland is supported by lead partner AkzoNobel and partners Audatex, Fix Auto and Synergy.

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