PSA announces major new repair programme

Groupe PSA UK will launch a new, comprehensive accident repair programme to support bodyshops across its four brands, including Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles.

Set for launch in May, the new scheme will put all four brands in an ideal position to provide excellent customer service, quality and profitability through parts, paint and labour sales. In addition, the multi-brand repairer network is intended to bring significant advantages to both insurers and work providers, allowing Groupe PSA UK to direct more jobs to approved repairers.

The unified scheme will build upon the success of the existing Groupe PSA Brand programmes. As a simpler and safer nationwide solution, the offering will secure the very best accident repair centres that can offer a quality repair with outstanding customer service. The move responds to the current market conditions, whereby many Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles accident repair centres already carry out more than one group approval.

Investment in the very best and most efficient network management tools will support those centres to attract and retain more Groupe PSA vehicles. The investment in a unified approach also comes as a reaction to bodyshops taking on more advanced jobs, as they regularly deal with the newest in-vehicle technology and electric powertrains across Groupe PSA models.

Richard Dyson, Groupe PSA UK’s parts and service director, said: “By channelling all of the Groupe PSA UK’s expertise into a single accident repair programme, we are creating one simple network that covers all four brands, with great benefits for all those involved in accident repair. With the ever-increasing number and complexity of vehicle technologies, including electric and hybrid vehicles, it is critical that we work with the accident repair centres across our network to ensure the highest quality of repair with the very best in customer service.

“The reaction to the new programme has been extremely positive. Bodyshops see it as a real win to have all brands consolidated under one approval, with one system and one audit. With such support and simplicity, it’s a network that they definitely want to be part of.”

Chris Downing, head of operations – Distrigo, Trade & Bodyshop, said: “The bodyshops will be serviced by Groupe PSA’s Distrigo Parts Distribution network, offering the PSA OE and aftermarket range Eurorepar, as well as a range of aftermarket brands which is a completely unique offering in the market place. In a rapidly changing market environment, this strategy underpins our objective to fulfil our customers’ aftersales expectations, regardless of their purchasing power and the make and age of their vehicle.”