The theme of IBIS 2006 – emphasises the need for the repair industry’s stakeholders to reassess ‘traditional’ positions and seek cohesive new solutions.

Session 1: Keynote presentation – ‘Breaking Barriers’
IBIS Chairman, Chris Mann, together with a senior international industry figure, set out the challenges and identify the tasks facing each sector stakeholder as the collision repair industry faces its most radical revolution since the dawn of the age of motoring.

Session 2: The throw-away vehicle – could the car become another consumer durable?
We look at current and future design trends, analyse the implications for the collision repair sector, insurers and car-makers, and suggest solutions that are commercially viable and environmentally sound.

• How can the dramatic rise in write-offs be reversed?
• Will structural repairs become a thing of the past as the complexity and cost of repair rises, residuals decline and the real cost of new cars continues to fall?
• Breaking the barriers between vehicle design departments and the repair sector..
• Could the ‘low-tech’ car be the answer?

Session 3: The battle for the customer – the future shape of the repair sector
Today’s cars are cheaper, safer and more reliable than ever, but are consumers really better off and are their real needs being met?
These are urgent issues which must be addressed by repairers, vehicle manufacturers and insurers.

• How can repair integrity be guaranteed?
• The methods used by vehicle manufacturers (VMs) to appoint, manage and measure their approved repairer networks.
• Why VMs need to completely rethink their aftermarket strategies – and properly fund their repairer programmes.
• How can the independent repair sector prosper in this technology driven environment?

Session 4: Global focus – market update
A leading analyst provides a brief overview of the latest developments in key collision repair markets around the world, looking at trends, world economics and market issues.
This will be followed by in depth reviews of two very different – but equally important – collision repair markets, namely Germany and India.

Germany – a unique approach
For many years, Germany has been regarded as one of the world’s most advanced and influential collision repair markets. Despite this, little in the way of accurate market statistics have emerged from Germany and, up to now, the German body repair sector has been remarkably resistant to external influences.
Could this be about to change, though?
Our expert assesses the realities of the repair market in Germany and predicts some dramatic developments and fundamental changes that could have major repercussions for Germany itself, and the European market.

India – insights into a growing opportunity
The rise of the Russian oligarchs and the rapid industrialisation of China has, understandably, been the focus of the world’s business media.
Driven by the emergence of a fast developing and entrepreneurial middle class, however, India has also enjoyed dramatic growth. It is already a world leader in IT and looks likely to become a major manufacturer of automobiles, yet its ‘economic miracle’ has, until now been largely overlooked. We look at India’s motor, collision repair and insurance sectors and reveal why India is set to become a major influence.

Session 5: Legislation & technology – creating new opportunities for the supply sector
Breaking down the traditional barriers in the relationships between insurers, VMs, the repair sector and its suppliers is no longer just desirable, it’s essential.

• We analyse the potential effects and opportunities being created for all sides of the supply sector – by technology on the one hand and legislation on the other.
• What needs to be done and how can the solutions that are so vitally needed be achieved in terms of information supply and training? Sector experts outline the issues, setting out new approaches to adding value and improving efficiency. Sectors include:
• Distribution
• Repair equipment & products
• Paint
• Parts
• Accident management

Session 6: The IBIS debate
In this session, two presenters with opposing views will present their case on a topical issue.