CARe Auto has been featured in the Australian Financial Review's (AFR) Fast Starters for 2024. This list recognises the fastest growing companies in Australia in terms of revenue growth from the last three financial years.
Below is an extract from the AFR article.
But for some auto repair outlets, adopting new technology goes beyond just using advanced diagnostic tools – it involves integrating automated systems that optimise repairs and minimise waste.
These systems enhance decision-making by automating the ordering of parts, streamlining workflows, and ensuring more timely repairs.
CARe Auto, a collision and accident repair group that launched its concept site in Melbourne in 2022, taking an innovative digital-first approach, has seen extraordinary growth in the past three years, says co-founder and director Jim Vais.
“There was a gap in the market in terms of trying to digitise how we interact with customers, insurers and suppliers. We developed a digital solution to bring the three parties together to streamline the process,” Vais says.
Vehicles are digitally triaged through its proprietary software RPS, and parts are ordered prior to the car arriving at the repair centre, delivering just-in-time supply chain solutions and industry-leading turnaround times, he says.
Customers play a role by providing images and video footage of the vehicle’s condition, enabling the technician to digitally triage the damage and determine what parts are needed, then procure them cost-effectively before the vehicle arrives at the repair centre. It’s revolutionised the process, says co-founder and director Norman Moss.
“This is one of the few industries where planning was almost impossible because you couldn’t see what was coming in,’’ he says. ‘‘But now, by looking ahead at damage capture images of work coming into the shop, management can schedule accordingly.
“As a result, all stakeholders are seeing benefits: more organised workflows, lower costs, and, ultimately, better outcomes for our team on site and our customers.
“The main point of difference is not that we collect pictures and videos, it’s what we do with that information to drive an outcome for the customer and insurer. Importantly, it’s been designed by Jim Vais, a 40-year-industry veteran, and it is based on what actually works.’’
To date, the business has focused on organic customer solution-based growth, serviced by a rapidly expanding network of 14 repair centres across the east coast of Australia, employing over 300 team members. A further two sites are scheduled to open early in 2025.
The business expects to double its revenues in FY2025 through further network expansion and expanded insurance and fleet service offerings, while poised to expand overseas in FY2026.
Leading the planned expansion is recently appointed chief executive Leigh Bryan, who says the business is focusing on a sustainable approach that incorporates environmentally friendly practices such as water-based, fast curing paint and energy-efficient equipment.
“For example, the use of water-based and UV-cured paints can save over 65 per cent in energy consumption compared to traditional methods,’’ Bryan says. ‘‘Additionally, we have invested in a process that contributes to a 9 per cent reduction in waste and CO2 emissions, helping to make the overall process more sustainable.
“Digitisation has given us a window to better source recycled alternative parts in line with what’s acceptable to the insurer and the customer. That’s not unique to CARe, but the window of time in which we can do it is.’’
The business is also looking ahead for solutions to current labour shortages in the industry, he says. Part of that is offering an accelerated traineeship program alongside its apprenticeship scheme, empowering people to focus on specific tasks and roles, which can then lead into aspects of the broader technician role.
“By partnering with a global provider and local strategic partners, and utilising our in-house academy, we are attracting people who want to work in the automotive industry but were previously unable to find a pathway,’’ Bryan says.
‘‘This program provides them with a gateway into the industry, helping us to build a diverse workforce. We are finding ways to attract and upskill people with a passion for cars and innovation, to be the future labour force of our industry – and we are leveraging a customer-first, digital-led and people-enabled approach at CARe Auto to make that happen.’’