I just read an article on ABRN’s website that says the government is going to fund 14.2 million to accelerate the development of lighter and stronger vehicles.  According to the article in ABRN the funds will support the development of carbon fiber composites and advanced and advanced steels and allows.

The push for lighter vehicles is to improve fuel mileage.  You can read the full article at ABRN.

What Does This Mean For The Repair Industry?

One thing I think they need to include in their research when developing these new materials is how cars going to be repaired if damaged.   Or is the idea of totaling most cars that have been involved in an accident the plan?

It sounds to me that auto collision repair shops better be ready for changes heading our way.  At SEMA 2011 I heard about more aluminum and new repair methods heading our way.  3M is also in the process of developing metals and materials to produce paintless cars and now the additional funding to accelerate  the development of lightweight materials is going to change the repair methods in our industry.

It is going to be interesting to see what the automotive industry looks like in 5 to 10 years.  One thing is certain, it’s changing and it may be sooner then we realize.

What Are Your Thoughts?