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At least one in five windscreen repairs industry-wide requires secondary remedial work
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Figure likely to rise as driver assistance technologies behind the glass increase
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Nissan improves access to high-quality windscreen repairs and replacement expanded, boosting customer service
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Nissan’s pan-European repair network provides best method to deliver guaranteed repairs, using genuine Nissan parts and approved processes for customers
PARIS, France (December 5, 2017) – A sharp rise in substandard windscreen repairs is highly likely because of the increasing number of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) behind the glass.
That’s the view of Nissan’s aftersales experts, who say at least one in five windscreen repairs across the industry requires secondary remedial work. The reason is poorly executed fixes or inaccurate calibration of safety technology in the glazed area. Most mobile operators are unable to accurately calibrate windscreens at the roadside following windscreen repair or replacement.
Nissan believes even greater adoption of windscreen-located driver assistance technologies will boost that figure further – hitting insurers and drivers in the pocket.
The pan-European Nissan certified repair network provides fast and cost-efficient solutions, to ensure cars and LCVs are returned to customers in optimum condition.
Nissan is also improving access to high-quality repairs and replacement. All service outlets are now being equipped with the latest tools and training, extending customer service for Nissan drivers.
Modern windscreens have become increasingly important to vehicle design and safety, with many intelligent driver assistance systems regulated via cameras and sensors fitted in the glazed areas.
In Nissan vehicles these include emergency braking technologies, traffic sign recognition and intelligent cruise control, as well as thermal management, acoustics, rain and light functionality.
ProPILOT is Nissan’s latest innovation in driver assistance technology, and will be launched on the new Nissan Leaf and the best-selling Qashqai crossover during spring 2018. ProPILOT relies on windscreen-located cameras and sensors.
More than 40% of windscreen replacements or repairs require technical expertise related to calibration of cameras and sensors. With nine out of 10 replacement windscreens being claimed through insurance policies, it is vital for customer safety and integrity of the vehicle that the correct repair and calibration is performed accurately first time.
There is now more glass than ever on cars, with the total glazed area of the average vehicle increased by more than 15% since 2000. However, there is also less of it; glass thickness has decreased to below 4mm in some cases to reduce overall weight and so cut CO2 emissions.
Windscreen condition now features in all mandatory annual safety checks across European markets. Technicians at Nissan’s repair network are fully qualified to perform repairs using the correct equipment. From an insurer’s perspective, repair quality, consistency and efficiency has an impact on customer satisfaction and policy cost.
Jean-Christophe Mercier, Vice President of Aftersales, Nissan Europe, commented: “The glass used in today’s vehicles has a remarkable job to do – it is fundamental to the safe operation of intelligent driving assistance systems on advanced cars like the all-new Nissan LEAF and the Nissan Qashqai crossover. But this does mean that repairs are more complex.”
He added: “It’s important for customers and insurers that the integrity and safety standards of the vehicle are preserved through high-quality repairs. This is always favoured over replacement where possible. The best way to achieve high-quality repairs is for work to be carried out within Nissan’s service network, where staff are equipped and trained to repair or replace then recalibrate all Nissan technologies.”
As windscreens become increasingly integral to the overall operation and safety of modern vehicles, Nissan is boosting the reach and accessibility of its certified network to maintain the integrity of every vehicle that carries the Nissan badge, from the first owner onwards.
Nissan is committed to growing its certified network to deliver an even more accessible OEM repair service to customers, ensuring the safety of every Nissan vehicle on the road. The network has significantly grown since launch, driving efficiency and value for customers.
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