Panel beaters seek competition law exemption as costs threaten survival

South Africa’s Collision Repairers Association has asked the Competition Commission for an exemption allowing its members to negotiate prices and terms collectively with insurers and vehicle manufacturers. The group, representing about 169 repair businesses, says rising costs and investment in specialised equipment threaten the industry’s survival. It also wants fairer allocation of repair work and says imported vehicles, including Chinese models, are increasing technical and training demands.