Toronto, Ontario -- Audi of America is launching a roadside events platform to assist drivers after collisions and to direct business to its network of certified repair shops in the U.S.
According to Audi's figures, 89 percent of its vehicles involved in U.S. traffic accidents are repaired outside its certified collision network. The company also found that 80 percent of accident victims switch brands following such an experience.
The REP routes customers to a call centre that collects accident information, including diagnostic trouble codes and damage diagrams. It then forwards details to certified repair facilities. Shops receive customer contact information and handle the outreach to arrange repairs.
In the U.S., Audi will provide its incident assistance service free for four years on new vehicles. The company expects to launch a branded mobile application in the U.S. by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
While another publication recently reported that Volkswagen and Audi, both owned by the Volkswagen Group, would be launching REPs, Collision Repair has confirmed this information is inaccurate.
In an email from Scott Wideman, manager of parts wholesale and collision program for the Volkswagen Group, he wrote "[The report]... was not completely accurate. The launch is only for Audi of America and does not include the VW brand."
Wideman also revealed that his team in the True North is closely watching the rollout of the REP -- and that it is exploring the idea of developing a similar approach in Canada. He added that the idea of launching a similar solution for the VW brand is also under consideration up north.
He added that there is "no timeline for each at the moment."
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