Since 1974, the DAT report from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand (DAT) has been providing reliable, neutral information on consumer behaviour relating to used car and new car purchasing as well as workshop business. We have compiled the most exciting facts for you.
Independent automotive companies must also make economic decisions based on reliable facts and figures. Once again this year, the latest DAT Report is an excellent source for independent workshops. A total of 4,597 workshops were asked about car purchasing and workshop behaviour.
DAT Report 2022: Workshops remain indispensable
Let's start with the most important message: Workshops are still indispensable - no big surprise there. After all, they ensure that their customers' vehicles remain reliable and safe to use with their maintenance and repair work, wheel changes, bodywork and advice on all aspects of mobility. Although around 75 percent of all car owners have visited a workshop at least once with their car, workshops have seen a reduced workload, even in the second year of corona. This may also be due to people spending less time on the road.
Independent workshops continue to win over brand-affiliated companies
There is a continued positive development for independent workshops: While only 27 percent of all workshop work was carried out at independent workshops in 2012, this figure had increased to 36 percent in 2021. Brand-affiliated companies lost around six percent during this period.
Workshop loyalty on the rise
There has also been an increase in workshop loyalty: In 2019, i.e. before coronavirus, workshop loyalty was at 81 percent. In 2021, this figure climbed to 88 percent. Only 12 percent of those surveyed said that they switched to a different workshop.
Drop in frequency of repairs
While maintenance and inspection work is subject to minor fluctuations, the frequency of repair work per passenger car has continued to fall year on year. While the average annual repair frequency per car totalled 0.65 in 2012, this figure was only 0.41 in 2021. According to DAT, the figure has even halved over the past 20 years! This is a clear sign that the quality of vehicles has continued to increase.
29 percent of drivers no longer have a free choice of workshop
And automotive companies should also take note of another trend. Keyword: Workshop affiliation. 63 percent of the drivers surveyed stated that they are free to choose a workshop for accident repairs under their fully comprehensive insurance cover. However, 29 percent, almost a third, no longer have a free choice.
Used car buyers would consider cars with alternative drives
Electric mobility was once again one of the biggest topics in 2021. Although most drivers are still sceptical, with the majority of people surveyed (67%) stating that they wanted to wait for further technological advancements before purchasing an electric car, alternative drive types are still on the rise. Not just among new car buyers, where 59% of those surveyed considered purchasing a car with alternative drive - an increase of 21 percent (!) compared to 2020. More and more used car buyers would also consider buying a vehicle with alternative drive: this figure rose to 27 percent in 2021 compared to just 13 percent in 2020...