The automotive collision repair market is estimated to be valued at US$ 203.85 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 270.74 billion by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% from 2024 to 2031.
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The market is expected to face growth opportunities such as increased adoption of advanced materials in automotive manufacturing and development of advanced repair technologies. However, economic slowdowns affecting automotive sales and stringent vehicle repair regulations threatening the use of non-OE parts could hamper the market growth. To address such challenges, collision repair centers are focusing on partnerships, certifications, and investments in the latest tools and equipment to ensure quality and compliance. This will help them efficiently cater to growing needs whilst adhering to industry standards.
Growing Number of Crashes and Accidents
With the expanding number of vehicles on the roads, traffic has increased dramatically across most nations over the past decade. This has led to a proportional rise in the number of collisions and accidents. As per estimates by transportation authorities, road crashes have gone up by over 25% globally since 2010. The reasons for more accidents range from distracted and reckless driving to poor road infrastructure in developing markets. Regardless of the causes, the end result is more vehicles sustaining damages that require collision repair work. Even minor dents and scuffs that do not impact the drive-ability often get addressed at body shops for aesthetic and resale value purposes. Furthermore, insurers actively promote repair over replacements for the economic viability of premiums. All of these factors contribute to greater workload and opportunities for collision repair centers. If road safety initiatives do not catch up with traffic growth rates, this driver of increased damage incidents is expected to stay strong sustaining the collision repair industry expansion.
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Increased Vehicle Ownership
The rising affluence of populations across the world has translated to more households being able to own personal vehicles. In established automobile markets, ownership levels were already high but emerging economies are witnessing phenomenal growth in private vehicle penetration over the last decade. Countries like China, India, Brazil, and numerous Southeast Asian nations have seen 2-4x jumps in per capita car ownership. While in the initial years, these new owners focused more on purchase and maintenance, as vehicles age the need for collision repairs becomes more prominent. Even minor repairs are more regularly undertaken compared to past times. The sheer scale of new vehicles on the roads ensures there will be plenty of repair opportunities to come. With personal mobility and vehicles being viewed as a symbol of status still on the rise in developing markets, the customer base supporting collision repair needs will keep expanding rapidly into the foreseeable future. Sustained economic development world over alongside urbanization trends and easing financing options all contribute to make increased ownership a reliable driver for the collision industry.
For instance, in July 2022, China witnessed a significant surge in auto sales, with numbers reaching 2.42 million units, marking a notable 29.7% increase compared to the previous year, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). Notably, sales of new energy vehicles, encompassing pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, saw a remarkable 120% rise compared to the previous year.
Key Takeaways of Analyst:
The automotive collision repair market is expected to experience steady growth driven by rising vehicle miles traveled and increasing road accidents globally. Asia Pacific will dominate the market given the rising vehicle parc and developing road infrastructure in major countries like China and India. North America will also see considerable gains in spending on collision repairs supported by the large number of passenger and commercial vehicles plying on its roads.
However, technological advancements in driver-assistance systems could hamper the demand for collision repairs to some extent. Advancements like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning are helping reduce the number and severity of accidents. At the same time, improved car body designs are making vehicles stronger and less prone to damage in case of collisions. This may negatively impact the need for repairs.
Nonetheless, the aging vehicle population worldwide still needing collision work will keep demand stable. Additionally, the rising popularity of autonomous vehicles is foreseen to create new opportunities for collision centers to service self-driving cars. The evolution of vehicle connectivity is also allowing for real-time crash reporting and remote diagnostics, enabling faster response times. This will help collision repair shops reduce downtime and turnaround vehicles quicker.
Market Challenges: Escalating Repair Costs from Advanced Vehicle Technologies
One of the primary challenges facing the automotive collision repair market is the rising costs of repairs attributed to the integration of advanced technologies in modern vehicles. As vehicles incorporate sophisticated driver-assistance systems, hybrid/electric powertrains, and high-strength materials, the complexity and expense of collision repairs significantly increase, placing a greater financial burden on insurance companies and consumers alike.
Market Opportunities: Integration of Emerging Technologies in Repair Processes
The automotive collision repair market has plenty of opportunities to leverage emerging technologies. The growing connectivity of vehicles opens up opportunities for the digitization of the repair process from estimate creation to parts ordering.
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By Product: Spare parts dominate the market owing to affordability and reliability
In terms of product, spare parts is expected to contribute the highest market share of 62.1% in 2024. As spare parts can be significantly cheaper than purchasing an entirely new component, they remain an attractive option for car owners and repair shops looking to fix vehicles in a cost-effective manner. Additionally, original equipment spare parts benefit from being designed to the exact specifications of the vehicles they are replacing, ensuring a perfect fit and restoring the vehicle's performance and safety characteristics. This reliability factor makes spare parts a trusted solution for repairs. Car owners prefer spare parts as they allow repairs to be conducted without compromising the vehicle's integrity. Insurance companies also often specify the use of spare parts during repairs they cover to control costs. The steady demand for budget-friendly yet quality-assured repairs will continue propelling the spare parts segment.
By Vehicle Type: The light-duty vehicle segment dominates the market owing to convenience and safety concerns
In terms of vehicle type, the light-duty vehicle segment is expected to contribute the highest market share of 78.3% in 2024. Light commercial vehicles form a major part of the automotive fleet worldwide and are relied upon for daily commute and transportation needs. As even minor collision damage can impact their function, repairs are prioritized. Opting for insurance-approved collision center repairs brings peace of mind regarding work quality and restoring safety compliance. Additionally, repairable light vehicles allow work and personal obligations to continue undisrupted. Downtime is minimized through timely repairs. This makes light-duty vehicles the most prevalent type brought into collision repair facilities. The convenience and assurance they provide drivers will sustain strong demand in the light-duty vehicle repairs segment.
By Service Channel, the OE segment dominates the market owing to OEMs
In terms of service channel, the OE segment is expected to contribute the highest market share of 45.7% in 2024. As vehicles increasingly rely on complex electronics and advanced driver-assistance systems, repair work demands expert knowledge of each vehicle make and model. OE service centers benefit from the OEM's factory repair methods, technical support, and access to authentic spare parts. This ensures repairs are performed to the highest standards without comprising long-term vehicle performance or value. As vehicles become more sophisticated, safety and warranty concerns will drive more motorists and insurers to choose OEM dealership repairs. Moreover, modern collision avoidance systems require recalibration work best handled by those with complete blueprints. The specialized know-how and quality assurance of original equipment channels thus dominates demand in the high-stakes automotive collision repair industry.
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North America has established itself as the largest and most dominant regional market for automotive collision repair with a market share of 42.6% in 2024. With a high vehicle population and frequency of road accidents, the demand for collision repair services has always remained strong. Major global collision repair chains and independent repair shops have cemented their presence here by establishing large number of repair facilities across various cities. Factors like the availability of regular insurance coverage and standardized repair processes have further aided market growth. The U.S. alone accounts for over half the regional market size owing to the size of its vehicular fleet. However growing labor costs and stringent environmental regulations are compelling shops to invest in latest technologies to improve productivity and compliance.
The Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest growing market for automotive collision repair services with a CAGR of 4.31% for the forecast period (2024 – 2031). Countries like China, India and Indonesia have seen unprecedented growth in vehicle sales and rising disposable incomes are supporting higher on-road vehicle population. As road infrastructure and laws have also improved, regional drive for modernization is translating into new collision repair facility openings. Importantly, Asia's repair industry remains highly fragmented with many small and mid-sized independent repairers catering to insurance claims. This presents scope for consolidation by international brands targeting quality repair standards and supply chain efficiencies. While still developing, the supply chain in Asia is steadily enhancing through distribution of original equipment spare parts. Increased international trade is additionally improving access to repair knowledge and technology transfers within the region.
Automotive Collision Repair Market Report Coverage
Report Coverage | Details | ||
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Base Year: | 2023 | Market Size in 2024: | US$ 203.85 Bn |
Historical Data for: | 2019 To 2023 | Forecast Period: | 2024 To 2031 |
Forecast Period 2024 to 2031 CAGR: | 4.1% | 2031 Value Projection: | US$ 270.74 Bn |
Geographies covered: |
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Segments covered: |
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Companies covered: |
3M, Automotive Technology Products LLC, Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Faurecia, Federal-Mogul LLC, Honeywell International, Inc., International Automotive Components Group, Magna International, Meritor, NAP San Diego, National Auto Parts, National Auto Parts-Oakland, Palladium Equity Partners, PPG Industries, Saint-Gobain, Siemens, Tenneco, TRW Automotive, ZF Friedrichshafen AG |
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Growth Drivers: |
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Restraints & Challenges: |
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*Definition: The automotive collision repair market consists of companies that provide services related to repairing automobiles that have been damaged in accidents and collisions. This includes body shops, paint and paintless dent repair facilities, windshield repair and replacement services, and other services needed to repair, replace, or refinish damaged vehicle exterior and interior components like bumpers, fenders, doors, windows, headlights and other lights, mirrors, and trim pieces.
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About Author
Ameya Thakkar is a seasoned management consultant with 9+ years of experience optimizing operations and driving growth for companies in the automotive and transportation sector. As a senior consultant at CMI, Ameya has led strategic initiatives that have delivered over $50M in cost savings and revenue gains for clients. Ameya specializes in supply chain optimization, process re-engineering, and identification of deep revenue pockets. He has deep expertise in the automotive industry, having worked with major OEMs and suppliers on complex challenges such as supplier analysis, demand analysis, competitive analysis, and Industry 4.0 implementation.
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