Mitchell Unveils Latest Industry Trends Report

Mitchell International Inc., a provider of information, workflow, and performance management solutions to the collision claims and repair industries, has released the first quarter 2009 edition of its Industry Trends Report (ITR) -- the company's quarterly publication that highlights industry-related trends, news items and statistics.

This edition's Quarterly Feature, "The Time has Come for the Mitchell Information Center," by Mitchell's Vice President of Industry Relations, Greg Horn, discusses the challenge faced by repairers in an environment where vehicle construction, equipment and repairs grow more complex with each model year. In such an environment, insurance appraisers and collision repair technicians alike need to quickly and easily access the information that will give them the ability to accurately estimate and safely repair increasingly complex vehicles.

"The most accurate and up-to-date repair data is critical," said Horn. "Today, even the most basic repairs can require manufacturer specific instructions and parts. Yet obtaining detailed how-to instructions is complex, time consuming and costly -- as is ordering correct parts for the job at hand. Without an easy, effective way to address the repair information deficit there is a substantial liability risk for repairers when proper repair procedures are not followed, as well as potential loss in customer satisfaction."

Added Horn, "The growing number of hybrids on the road today is just one example of how the collision repair environment is constantly changing and at the same time creating corresponding pressure for repairers who need to keep pace with the demands of the increasing technology found on today's vehicles. And hybrids are full of these challenges.

"Many leading hybrid automakers now use advanced safety technologies, and since this special equipment is present in more of today's vehicles, it is increasingly appearing in collision repair shops. As part of our efforts to support the collision repair community with the latest in estimating and repair technologies, we developed Mitchell Information Center, which is the solution that helps bridge the data gap for repairers by giving them a single, easily accessed source for critical repair information."

The Mitchell Information Center can help shops and other participants in the collision repair process to reduce cycle time by avoiding the need to search multiple repair and parts sources. In addition, the Mitchell Information Center provides access to a comprehensive and up-to-date year/make/model specific information to assist repairers in performing repairs in a safe manner and to the customer's satisfaction.

Collision repairers who would like to learn more about Mitchell Information Center can visit www.mitchellinformationcenter.com for more information.