Data, artificial intelligence, leadership and vehicle complexity emerged as key themes at the 2026 IBIS Global Summit, where collision repair leaders from around the world gathered to discuss the forces reshaping the industry.
During one of the event's rapid-fire presentations, Dave Gunderson, vice-president, Global Automotive Refinish at 3M, challenged delegates to rethink how the industry views information.
"What is the most valuable asset in your company?" Gunderson asked. "What is the most valuable, or undervalued, asset in the collision industry today?"
His answer was data.
Gunderson argued that collision repair businesses generate millions of data points every day through repair planning, production tracking, customer interactions and operational performance. Much of that information, however, remains trapped within individual organizations.
While many businesses use data to measure past performance, Gunderson said the industry's next opportunity lies in predictive decision-making. Analytics, AI and shared information could help repairers anticipate parts delays, forecast capacity constraints, identify repair trends and improve customer communication before problems occur.
"The future collision industry will not be defined by who repairs the vehicles the best," Gunderson said. "It will be defined by who learns the fastest."
He also called for greater collaboration among repairers, insurers, suppliers and technology providers, arguing that better information sharing could help improve outcomes across the industry.
Leadership was another recurring topic throughout the summit.
Sabrina Thring, president, Collision Group & Driven Glass Canada
Thring oversees franchise locations across CARSTAR Canada, CARSTAR U.S. and Fix Auto USA. She told delegates that leadership requires adaptability, resilience and a willingness to embrace change.
For Thring, leadership begins with people.
She said the strongest organizations are built around individuals who continue learning, embrace change and remain open to new ways of doing business. As vehicle technology, customer expectations and operating models change, leaders must remain focused on performance while preparing their teams for what comes next.
While acknowledging concerns, Thring described the current environment as an opportunity for independent repairers willing to invest in training, technology and operational excellence.
Rather than becoming distracted by every new trend, she encouraged repairers to focus on the vehicle itself.
"If you follow the car and you understand the repair process, it's not hard to build a plan," she said.
Thring said shops could use that philosophy to approach emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital customer acquisition and workflow automation. While those tools can improve efficiency, she emphasized that understanding the repair journey remains the foundation for long-term success.
She also highlighted the growing importance of customer-pay work and the digital customer experience, noting that repairers can no longer rely solely on traditional referral channels. Shops must become more effective at attracting, engaging and retaining customers while managing rising operating costs and increasingly sophisticated repairs.
As delegates departed Vienna following two full days of presentations, debate and networking, one message emerged repeatedly: information, technology and leadership are becoming as important to business success as repair expertise itself.
Look for full coverage of the IBIS Global Summit, including executive interviews, industry analysis and key takeaways from Vienna, in the next issue of Collision Repair magazine and online at collisionrepairmag.com.
