One of the hardest challenges that come with owning a car is the task of getting the bodywork repaired after it has sustained damage in an accident. It's a time-consuming task as you try to find the best price for the job from the most trustworthy business. This is a sphere that has become even more complex due to the strains placed on the industry with the supply chain crisis.

Mazda North America has a plan to make this a bit easier for its customers by partnering up with Mitchell, experts in auto physical damage solutions. It's called the Mazda Collision Network and has been set up to make the process of panel beating your car more convenient and efficient. This will surely alleviate the stress of having to polish out your new Mazda CX-50 or CX-5 after an adventurous mild off-roading expedition.

Mazda explains that the new web portal will provide its customers with a catalog of accredited repair facilities that have met its strict requirements. It bases its approval on the standing of its business operations, staff training, tools, and equipment. The network was announced in May last year with Mitchell appointed as the official program administrator.

The Mazda Collision Network gives owners access to a vast network that details everything from cycle time, ongoing compliance with program requirements, and customer satisfaction. To maintain the success of the program, Mazda will point customers who make use of its Customer Experience Center in the direction of registered shops. Businesses listed in the infrastructure will also have access to marketing tools that can be used for promotional purposes.

Vice president of aftersales and the technical services division of Mazda North America, Rob Milne, says that the safety of the customer is the brand's top priority. "Our close collaboration with Mitchell and the launch of these new resources allow us to connect vehicle owners with reputable auto body shops in their neighborhoods that meet our high standards for quality and safety," he added.

The launch of this program should further enhance Mazda's aftersales reputation and is a pleasant follow-up to its recent achievements in this year's Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick awards. We'll wait and see if these will further benefit its financial outlook here in the USA for the remainder of 2022.