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August 6, 2020The Effects of COVID-19 on the Automotive Industry 😷
The coronavirus pandemic has been both a source of opportunity and havoc in the auto repair industry. Here's the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all.
Reading Time: 6 minutes
The Effects of COVID-19 on the Auto Industry 😷
The coronavirus pandemic has been both a source of opportunity and havoc in the auto repair industry. Here's the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all.
Reading Time: 6 minutes
Digital Vehicle Inspections
Auto shops have never been cleaner
Auto shops are often notorious for being grimy places. However, with the intense focus on cleanliness and sanitation amid the coronavirus, you will find responsible shops are sanitizing all surfaces regularly, shop staff wearing disposable masks and gloves, sanitizing vehicles with every service, mounting plexi-glass dividers, and even sanitizing keys and credit cards after use!
Auto shops have never been cleaner
Auto shops are often notorious for being grimy places. However, with the intense focus on cleanliness and sanitation amid the coronavirus, you will find responsible shops are sanitizing all surfaces regularly, shop staff wearing disposable masks and gloves, sanitizing vehicles with every service, mounting plexi-glass dividers, and even sanitizing keys and credit cards after use!
Supply-chain interruptions
One of the unfortunate circumstances of this pandemic within the automotive industry has been nationwide delays on receiving auto parts. While there have been major improvements since the start of the pandemic, the impacts of a second-wave and/or international trade-tensions could leave many clients in a vulnerable spot if they put off needed repairs.
Many shops are closing their doors, permanently.
Auto Shops Struggling Amid COVID-19
Although auto-repair shops are deemed an essential service amid the COVID-19 pandemic - business has been severely impacted. Aside from the record-breaking unemployment rates; people are simply not driving during this time. Most auto repair shops are locally owned and operating businesses that rely on their surrounding communities. They don't have the financial safety net from large corporations which has forced many shop owners to layoff or furlough staff, and in extreme cases, close their doors permanently.
Reduced competition leads to monopolies
To make matters worse, when locally owned auto repair shops go out of business, it creates a power vacuum where monopolies are formed by larger corporate owned repair shops (similar to the telecommunications industry). If this happens then prices start going up as competition is diminished and the priority for customer service goes down. The lesson here, now more than ever, try your best to support local business!
Reduced competition leads to monopolies
To make matters worse, when locally owned auto repair shops go out of business, it creates a power vacuum where monopolies are formed by larger corporate owned repair shops (similar to the telecommunications industry). If this happens then prices start going up as competition is diminished and the priority for customer service goes down. The lesson here, now more than ever, try your best to support local business!
At Integrity 1st Automotive our mission is simple; to deliver honest repair at a price that’s fair. By sticking to our core values since day one; we have nurtured a community of loyal clients all over the region. Whether you’re looking for an oil change, need an expert to diagnose that check engine light, or require comprehensive repairs – our team will be there. Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
