How do the 35,000-plus independent collision repair businesses in the United States compare to the 7,850 businesses in the United Kingdom? According to England's Bodyshop Magazine Industry Survey 2002, the very small independent garages are disappearing rapidly while the medium-sized facilities have increased in number. This is similar to the collision business in the United States.

According to the survey, the average UK collision business employs 6.9 "productives" (technicians) and completes 18.5 jobs per week. U.S. collision businesses employ an average of nine technicians and complete nearly 21 jobs per week (83 per month), according to the Automotive Service Association's 2002 "How's Your Business?" survey.

The Brits are also commenting on the problem of skill shortage within the collision repair industry. According to the survey, the number of productive workers has declined by 3,000 - from 57,000 to 54,000.

Other elements of the survey discussed courtesy cars, Environmental Protection Agency compliance and paint brands.

Stat Corner is written by Denise Caspersen, ASA's research management specialist. She can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236.

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