By Jeff Sanford
Montreal, Quebec — November 18, 2015 — Is Fix Auto preparing to launch a corporate invasion of the land down under? Sure looks like it, mate.
A recent report in Australasian Paint & Panel suggests that Fix Auto has set up a series of invite-only information sessions around Australia. President of Fix Auto World, Steve Leal, was quoted as saying that “Fix Auto is bringing its proven collision repair model to Australia, with plans to bring repairers together under one strong brand and develop a network of highly efficient, independently-owned franchise locations.”
Fix Auto has been rapidly expanding its network here in North America, but also globally. The company now has locations across North America, in both Canada and the US. But the company also has global operations in Turkey, the UK and France. This is a globally-focused company.
The latest venture seems part of this impressively ambitious plan. The Aussie adventure is being helped along by David Lingham of Orbis Business Impact and IBIS. In comments made to an Australian publication, Lingham said the Australian industry is just now beginning to experience the kind of consolidation that has been sweeping the North American market for a couple years now.
“The collision repair industry in Australia is seeing the start of a consolidation that is already well underway in North America and Europe. Fix Auto brings the experience to empower repairers with the tools and support they need to chart a path for success in a rapidly-changing climate,” said Lingham.
For his part, Leal was quoted as saying that Fix Auto sees a real opportunity to be an early mover in the country.
“We see an opportunity to bring repairers together under one brand with a strong operating model. We’ve met with many industry stakeholders in Australia, and the reality is: insurers are looking for operational consistency. Suppliers are excited to negotiate for greater volume – and most importantly, repairers are ready to join a banner that provides the tools and support they need to adapt and grow,” said Leal. “The next generation of repairers is coming fast and we see great opportunity ahead for collision repair operators who want to be a part of a game-changing movement in Australia.”
Fix Auto will host a series of invitation-only Repairer Clinics in early 2016. The dates are:
· Perth, January 27
· Adelaide, January 28
· Brisbane February 1
· Sydney February 2
· Melbourne February 4
