Bodywork and Paintwork

Key figures*

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17804
Workshops carrying out bodywork and painting activities

* Source: ANFA "Autofocus n°102" May 2023 / GIPA
8884
Manufacturer network workshops
5420
Car Repairer
3.3
Millions of automobile claims repaired

Suppliers among the most innovative on the market

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The automotive bodywork and paintwork sector is constantly innovating. It is confronted with multiple challenges:  technological change (driver assistance systems or ADAS,  electrification, on-board computers), cost control, rising energy costs  and the circular economy. EQUIP AUTO is the essential rallying point for innovation in the profession.

Sector talking points

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Repair rather than replace
The implementation of circular economy indicators in the targets of insurance partners is leading to more widespread repair of outer shells and bumpers, whenever it is economically viable to do so. Repair techniques have evolved considerably, and tools and products for preparation, repair and paintwork now make this activity profitable in many cases.
ADAS
In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the quantity of Advance Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) fitted to vehicles. Since summer 2022, 13 driver assistance systems have been compulsory on new vehicles in the European Union. These include automatic emergency braking.  The calibration of ADAS systems is becoming an essential part of the  body shop business, requiring the acquisition of calibration equipment.
Electrification
The arrival in workshops of electric vehicles for repair is forcing body shops to train their staff and obtain the necessary qualifications (from B0L  to B2XL for the bodybuilder profession). Partners specialising in these  qualifications and training courses will be present at EQUIP AUTO.
Energy saving in the workshop
Reducing electricity consumption and cutting the gas bill is a key issue for everyone in the trade at the moment. Faced with soaring prices, equipment and paint manufacturers are coming up with solutions that consume much less energy, or allow much shorter application times.
Smart repair
This is a rising trend. For the first time, the planets are aligning between equipment and tooling manufacturers, spray booth manufacturers and paint manufacturers,  to offer bodybuilders ultra-fast repair solutions that maintain high  quality standards. Smart repair caters to the requirements of leasing  companies before vehicles are returned, as well as those of end  customers who want to be able to collect their vehicle quickly, and the  space constraints of professionals.

The sector's product categories

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Body equipment and accessories
Accessories  for off-road vehicles; Additional headlamps bars Adhesives, sound insulation; Battery trays and covers; Bodywork kits; Bodywork parts (bumpers, bonnets, etc.); Bodywork protective films; Bodywork seals;  Bonnet latch systems and pins; Bull bars; Bumpers; Auto glass; Chassis  and structural parts; Door handles; Exterior mirrors; External luggage carriers (roof racks, wheel carriers, bike carriers, ski racks, roof boxes...); Front and rear aprons, side skirts, rocker panels; Headlamp  protection grills; Hoists; Locks; Mud flaps; Number plates; Protective strips; Rollover bars; Skid plates; Soft tops, hard tops; Soundproofing /  acoustic package; Spare wheel carriers; Spoilers; Strut braces;  Sunroofs; Tailgates; Tow bars; Trailer hitches; Trailers; Wheel arches

Bodywork repair equipment
3D  measuring systems; Bodywork repair, equipment; Laser measuring systems;  Paint cabinets and mixing machines; Paint gloss analysers; Paint preparation machines; Panel reshaping benches with; inspection and repair jigs; Polishers; Preparation areas; Sandblasting guns; Spectrophotometer; Spray booths; Spray guns; Vulcanisation equipment; Welding equipment; Windscreen repair equipment

Bodywork repair products
Abrasives; Adhesives, sealants and coatings (adhesive tape, paint sprays); Anticorrosion products; Lacquers; Paints; Primers; Spray paints;  Varnishes

Workshop heating, air conditioning and ventilation
Heaters; Fans; Workshop dehumidifiers; Smoke extractors; Mobile, fixed and suspended hot air generators; Workshop heating equipment

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