Technology Drives Auto Repair Shop Transformation Zainal Abidin, 29/01/2026 Technology changes in and outside the automotive service repair shop are keeping customers on the road and business operations flowing.In uncertain times, ensuring “business as usual” is much easier said than done – but with rising costs impacting all industries, “business as usual” is now a necessity. For automotive service providers, maintaining “business as usual” will require a business model rethink to better serve customers, remain competitive, and keep profitability high. It’s all about operational gains, new repair models, and supporting software that will ensure these benefits come to fruition inside and outside the repair shop.Forbes reports significant cost-of-living pressures on consumers. Just under 20% of consumers have had to withdraw money from “rainy day” savings or take out a loan to cover the basic operating costs of a vehicle, with two-thirds admitting that the rising cost of living has made owning a vehicle more challenging – this includes worries about affording fuel to perform basic journeys such as driving to work or taking their children to school.The effects of the cost-of-living crisis are widespread – not only are vehicle owners feeling the pinch, but repair shops and automotive service providers are experiencing their own unique set… Continue Reading
Cox Automotive: Independent repairers gaining market share Zainal Abidin, 26/11/2025 General repair shops are increasingly gaining market share compared to dealership shops in the US, according to Cox Automotive research.In its report, “Under the Hood: Opportunities and Challenges in the Service Industry,” Cox Automotive says franchised dealerships are still the No. 1 preferred service provider, but have lost ground to service chains, such as quick lube locations and tire service centers.During the second half of 2023, Cox Automotive surveyed 2,493 vehicle owners, including 182 electric vehicle (EV) owners, who had at least one vehicle service performed in the past year. Employees with decision-making authority over fixed operations at 525 franchised dealers were also interviewed for the research.Dealership service accounted for 30% of all service visits in the US this year, down from 35% in 2021 (the last time the service study was released). General repair and service stations were a close second this year at 28%. The last 42% are made up of tire repair shops, body shops, and specialists.With inflation still elevated in the US economy, automotive care and service costs have increased by 45% on average per service visit since 2021, according to Cox Automotive. That amount includes warranty costs, however, so the higher… Continue Reading