Oct. 24, 2012—The Assured Performance Network, a network of roughly 3,500 independent repair shops nationwide, has added American Honda Motor Co. Inc.’s ProFirst body shop recognition program as an available option for the organization’s Certified Collision Care providers.
American Honda’s ProFirst recognition program was created to promote the correct, complete and safe repair of Honda and Acura vehicles, and to provide support to shops that have demonstrated a commitment to high levels of customer care and satisfaction. Shops that qualify for the program receive a plaque for public display, placement on Honda’s Web-based shop-locator tool at collision.honda.com, free access to Honda and Acura parts catalogs, and free access to Honda and Acura service and repair information.
Assured Performance said nearly all of the body shops that are certified under the existing Assured Performance requirements already qualify for enrollment in Honda's new program.
"Our aim is to allow shops to be certified once, and recognized by many,” said Scott Biggs, CEO of Assured Performance. "We want to ensure consumers are able to locate repairers that have the right tools, equipment, training and facilities to repair vehicles to manufacturers’ specifications to ensure the fit, finish, durability, value and safety of the vehicle."
To qualify for the ProFirst program, shops must conduct a minimum number of transactions using OEConnection's CollisionLink software. In addition, American Honda requires shops to be I-CAR Gold Class businesses, and have at least one employee who has completed I-CAR’s Collision Repair for Honda and Acura Vehicles course (HON01).
Assured Performance said it already uses OEConnection’s CollisionLink software for its 100% Write rebate reward program with several auto manufacturers. Assured Performance’s Collision Repair for Honda and Acura Vehicles shop certification also requires repairers to be I-CAR Gold Class businesses.
"ProFirst body shop recognition program and Assured Performance Certification are complimentary programs with the same objective,” said Leigh Guarnieri, national wholesale parts marketing manager for American Honda. “This avoids redundancy and duplication of effort while exponentially increasing the positive impact for the shops marketing with multiple recognitions."
Assured Performance said it already includes shop recognition programs by Chrysler, Enterprise and CARFAX, as well as General Motors’ Genuine Repair Provider status.
