The Sunday News
THE increasing number of cars, mainly second-hand imports, has boosted players in the motor body repair industry as there has been demand from motorists seeking to have their cars repaired after accidents.
It is estimated that since 2013, Zimbabwe has been importing around 50 000 cars annually increasing the risk of accidents and damages to cars.
In an interview, an automotive service provider Mr Willard Mashapure who runs Mash Restoration Panelbeating and Spray Painting in Bulawayo said the industry was booming due to the increasing number of cars.
According to the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe the country records more than 20 000 road accidents every year.
“We are seeking to take advantage of this industry seeing as there is a demand for used cars in the country. Not necessarily taking advantage of that fact but we also want to try and revive the industry as well. A high number of cars on the road means there is a high risk of accidents or plainly just people seeking to repair their vehicles,” he said.
“This scenario, all things being equal represents brisk business to players in the automotive service industry, regardless of our position in the value chain. We seek to collaborate as service providers in the industry and also work towards reviving it.
“We see ourselves as an industry that contributes widely to the economy of Zimbabwe among the many sectors of the economy.”
He, however, said Government needed to support the industry as it required latest technology.
“There are a lot of players operating in the city, with most of them operating in backyards. We need to see the Government assisting registered players to get this industry running,” he said.
Mr Mashapure said the automotive industry was a highly machine oriented and effective vehicle servicing industry that required players with state-of-the-art machinery.
“As I have been saying this industry needs qualified individuals and also needs players to have state-of-the- art equipment so that we give customers value for their money,” he said.
Mr Mashapure, a trained tradesman, said his company, which was established in 2014, had grown in leaps and bounds.
“Through Government empowerment policies I was able to start my own company. I must say that it rose from the ashes and is now among many reputable automotive service companies in the city. I employ highly qualified personnel and I must emphasise that we are able to get the economy running if proper channels and policies are followed,” he said.
