GM champions safety-first repairs through approved bodyshops

21 October 2008

General Motors is mounting a nationwide campaign to reinforce the benefits of using a Vauxhall, Chevrolet or Saab Approved Bodyshop for accident repairs rather than risk a sub-standard job by entrusting cars to untrained technicians.

The campaign focuses on the wide range of steels now used by vehicle manufacturers in production. Without manufacturer bodyshop training and approved welding equipment, independent crash repair technicians, says GM, will find it difficult to tell a high strength, press hardened or isotropic steel from mild, bake hardened or dual phase steels, so how will they be able to weld or repair it correctly?

GM is currently running a comprehensive series of training programmes to bring technicians working in over 150 Vauxhall, Chevrolet and Saab Approved Bodyshops throughout the UK up to speed with all the latest materials used in car assembly, and the techniques required to repair and return cars back to their pre-accident condition.

GMs accident repair manager Bernard Berman said: “Our advice to drivers of our vehicles is to think carefully before letting someone else decide on the quality of repairs. Our bodyshop technicians are fully conversant with the latest technology to assess and restore a Vauxhall, Chevrolet or Saab to its original condition, so it will drive and protect to exactly the same standard as when bought.”