Shanghai, China — December 1, 2016 — Fix Auto World has officially launched a repair network in China. This marks the eighth country in which Fix Auto now operates. The initial network will consist of 78 collision repair facilities.
Fix Auto was founded in Canada in 1992. The network expanded to the US in 2004 and France in 2007. An expansion into the UK followed in 2009. The launch of Fix Auto Turkey took place in 2014.
Fix Auto is clearly no stranger to global expansion, but this year the efforts seem to have kicked into overdrive. So far this year we’ve seen the launch of networks in Australia, South Africa and now China. The launch of the Fix Auto brand in China is the company’s largest entry into a new market to date. Currently the Fix Auto World network comprises over 540 locations around the world.
“China is a very exciting market for Fix Auto’s proven model,” says Steve Leal, President and CEO of Fix Auto World. “We are bringing together the independent operators under a strong global brand, and giving them the tools and support they need to grow their business.”
The automotive repair sector in China is robust, with more than 460,000 accredited auto shops. In China, so-called “4S” shops are the most popular type, taking up around 53 percent of the market. A 4S shop deals with vehicle sales, spare parts, service and surveying (referring to customer feedback).
The official launch was announced at Automechanika Shanghai, one of China’s largest auto trade shows. The launch event was attended by over 350 franchisees, employees and business partners.
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| Carl Brabander, Fix Auto World Vice President of Marketing, presenting on Fix Auto’s global vision at{source}<br/>{/source} Automechanika Shanghai. |
“We are very excited to bring Fix Auto’s operational model and global brand to China”, says Frank Liu, President of Fix Auto China. “Our market is ready to embrace change, and Fix Auto brings the innovation and structure we need to become market leaders in a fast-changing environment.”
The event, held at the Radisson Exhibition Centre, had a full agenda including a welcome address from Fix Auto President Frank Liu and a presentation on Fix Auto’s global vision from Fix Auto World Vice President of Marketing Carl Brabander. Also in attendance were members of the Fix Auto China team and franchise network, delegates and representatives from several of China’s largest insurance companies, Fix Auto World’s financial partner the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, as well as key global supply partners AkzoNobel and Mirka and Chinese collision repair industry association CAMRA.
“China’s collision repair space is massive in numbers as well as in opportunity. With over 460,000 repair shops nationwide and a growing understanding of the importance supply chain and direct repair programs, the Chinese market is ready for the Fix Auto model. We are excited to welcome Fix Auto China to our global family and wish them much success,” says Leal.
More information about Fix Auto China can be found at fix-auto.cn. Check out the gallery below for photos from the official launch event!
{unitegallery Fix_Auto_China_Launch_2016}
