Toyota Ireland recently held a special accreditation event, at the Athlone Springs Hotel, where bodyshop members of the Toyota approved Body & Paint Centre Programme, received an official plaque to recognise their place in the expanding network. 

The Toyota Approved Body and Paint Network, offers total coordination with the insurance company and communication with the customer, throughout the repair process, to ensure that Toyota customers receive the very highest levels of workmanship and customer care, should their car be involved in an accident. Customers also have the guarantee of the use of genuine parts, Toyota approved repair methods, Toyota diagnostic equipment, Toyota approved paint and materials and Safety Sense ADAS calibration, all carried out by Toyota trained technicians. 

24 workshops received their official plaques on the day and the network will be further expanded later in the year. 

With automotive, and in particular accident avoidance technology, moving forward at pace, Toyota recognise that it is essential to offer their customers access to sate of the art accident repair facilities, where customer vehicles can be safely returned to their pre-accident condition. Toyota also see this as a key area of its aftermarket business development. 

At the presentation, Darren Pine of Toyota Europe, explained that although accident rates may be dropping due to improved technology, a greater volume of vehicles, means that demand for collision repair work is showing healthy growth and this is a trend set to continue. This will create a very significant opportunity in Toyota repairs and the Approved Body and Paint Network strategy, will capitalise on this, through its dedication to innovation and high quality. 

Glenn O'Reilly of Toyota Ireland, also pointed out that because of developments in the field of automatic collision notification, where a car will automatically inform Toyota if it has been in an accident, the Approved Body and Paint Network will take on even greater future significance.

As part of the event, attendees also enjoyed a tour of ARM Academy, adjacent to the hotel. This is a state of the art dedicated refinish and collision repair training centre, where Toyota Approved Body and Paint Network technicians receive their training.