SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - May 1, 2008) - Mitchell International, a leading provider of
information, workflow, and performance management solutions to the
collision claims and repair industries, today released the second quarter
2008 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, "5 Trends That Will Change Our Industry,"
by Mitchell's Vice President of Industry Relations, Greg Horn, provides a
candid look at how current movements in the collision repair industry such
as the transition to waterborne paints, shift towards light-weight
construction materials, and advances in vehicle safety equipment, among
several others, will affect the future of the industry. The feature also
focuses on better understanding performance through the use of data, which
is increasingly used by collision repair industries and insurance claims
organizations to improve business operations.
"Right now, the collision repair industry is undergoing some of the most
significant changes since the introduction of unibody vehicle production,"
said Greg Horn. "The key trends discussed in-depth in the latest Mitchell
ITR will significantly change the time, training and tools costs of
repairers and carriers, compelling the industry to alter production
schedules and risk assessments in order to profitably grow their
businesses."
Added Greg Horn, "The collision repair industry can adjust and ease into
these changes by staying informed about proper repair techniques and
procedures, in addition to becoming educated about how these changes will
impact every part of the claims process."
Other valuable points of interest in the current issue of Mitchell's ITR
include:
-- The average appraisal value, as calculated by combining data from all
first and third party repairable vehicle appraisals uploaded through
Mitchell systems in Q1-2008, was $2,474 -- $51 less than the previous
year's Q1-2007 appraisal average of $2,525. Applying the prescribed
development factor of 3%, it produces an anticipated average appraisal
value of $2,539.
-- During Q1-2008, Paint and Materials made up nearly 9.78% of an average
Mitchell appraisal value, representing a 0.46 point increase over Q1-2007.
Complete content is available in the latest Industry Trends Report, which
may be downloaded in PDF format by visiting
www.mitchell.com. First
published in April 2001, Mitchell's Trends Report has grown in both content
and circulation, now reaching more than 23,000 collision and casualty
industry professionals.
About Mitchell International, Inc.
Mitchell International is a leading provider of information, workflow, and
performance management solutions to the automotive insurance claims
industry, serving carriers, collision repair facilities, and other
commercial participants in the physical damage and auto-related medical
claims markets. Mitchell facilitates millions of electronic transactions
between more than 25,000 business partners each month to enhance their
productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction levels. For more
information on Mitchell International, visit its Web site at
www.mitchell.com.
Contact Information: Contacts:
Jennifer Forman
Sr. Director, Marketing
800-238-9111 x6585
or
Kam Hashim
Boston Communications
617-292-7316