Fix Auto and Novus Glass Ireland launches its first Munster bodyshop

Fix Auto Cork, integrating Novus Glass windscreen-repair technology, was launched at an event in Marina Commercial Park, Cork, on the banks of the River Lee.

Speaking at the event, Denis Dineen, Managing Director of Fix Auto Cork (formerly Dineen Crash Repairs), and a seasoned industry professional with 38 years of industry experience, outlined the company’s steady and consistent growth: “We outgrew our original premises on Electric Terrace and relocated to Mill Road, Cork in 1993. In 2006, we relocated again to our permanent home here at the expansive Ford Factory location, where we continue to operate. The company further expanded in 2012, with the opening of our Lehenagh location, on Pouladuff Road”.

Critical to that growth has been Dineen’s commitment to constant staff development. Dineen added: “Our focus on training and upskilling ensures that our technicians are familiar with the latest advancements in vehicle design, technology and modern repair techniques”

The decision to re-brand the already successful Dineen Crash Repairs was a logical one for Denis and Ursula Dineen. Two of their children are also involved in the business. “We see this as a move to safeguard our business for the future, at a time of unprecedented change in our industry. Insurers and consumers want predictability, and consistent levels of excellent service at a reasonable cost. Fix Auto enables us to offer that to them, along with the backing of a global brand and ever-expanding capabilities, including glass repair and replacement. Our refurbished, state-of-the-art collision repair shop is something our family is enormously proud of.”

Fix Auto Cork Central is a modern equipped workshop of over 10,000 sq.ft, manned by a highly skilled and experienced team of autobody repair & paint-spraying technicians, managed by Kieran O’Sullivan. Fix Auto Cork offers some unique services such as alloy refurbishment, and the technologically-advanced Novus Glass windscreen repair and replacement is a new offering for their customers. O’Sullivan said: “This enables our customers to minimize cost and downtime in the event of an accident or a damaged windscreen. Our other services include: Crash Repairs, Free Mobile Estimating (on request), Paint Repairs, Full Accident Repair Service, Four-Wheel Alignment, Air Conditioning Recharge, Waxing and Polishing, Paintless Dent Removal, and Laser Chassis Alignment”.

On hand to celebrate the launch were Jonathan Penny, co-founder with Dineen of Fix Auto Ireland, Nick Spiers, International Operations Manager, and Ben Pugh, International Brand Manager, both of Fix Automotive Network World, Jay Bickford, Director of Training at Novus Franchising, Inc., and many professionals from the Irish automotive industry. Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Irish Rugby International and Cork native, Peter O’Mahony, guests listened to speakers from the industry  – including David Pimlott, Director – Ford Customer Service Division, Ford Motor Company, Ireland, and Trevor Lee, Body and Paint Business Manager, Volkswagen Group Ireland.

“We highly value our relationships with best-in-class bodyshops such as Dineen’s. It is a particular honour to be asked to speak at the launch of Fix Auto Cork Central, which is located on the site of the former Ford Factory. This is a hallowed ground in automotive terms!” Said Pimlott, going on to wish Denis, Ursula and the team the very best of luck.

Speaking at the launch, Jonathan Penny, Market Operations Director for Fix Auto Ireland, also congratulated Dineen and his team, and renewed his commitment to grow and foster the Fix Auto Ireland network to combine the best of the brands’ operational excellence, with local market knowledge and strong marketing resources. The market obviously welcomes this strategy, as there will be more than 20 bodyshops launched under the Fix Auto Ireland brand by the end of 2019.

Penny explained: “Our aim is to provide a collision and glass business model that drives customer service and performance. This will allow our members to concentrate on their expertise, while enjoying the support of a dedicated marketing, sales and operations team to maximise their business potential. There’s no better example of that than Denis Dineen’s business here in Cork.”

Following extensive training to Integrate Novus Glass, the business team maintain that Fix Auto Ireland collision repair shops like Dineen’s will offer an unrivalled value proposition for Irish consumers and work providers alike. Speaking at the event, Trevor Lee of Volkswagen Group, Ireland, said the caliber of body shop professionals in Ireland was already high, and could only be enhanced with the additional support and innovation proposed by Fix Auto Ireland. Ben Pugh, International Brand Manager with Fix Automotive Network World, heartily agreed – “Fix Auto is a strong and distinctive brand, built on trust. All our franchisees in Ireland and around the world, are at the cutting edge of the collision repair industry, and that customers can expect the same quality work, and customer experience at each and every location”.

Fix Auto World has developed strong relationships with work providers to simplify the claims process and promote transparency for consumers. The Fix Auto Original Equipment team continue to create strong bonds with manufacturers, enabling member’s  businesses to have unrivalled access to manufacturer’s support services, a business platform which the Fix Auto Ireland team will continue to develop. Nick Spiers, International Operations Manager, expressed it clearly: “We are very pleased to bring the Fix Auto service standards to Ireland and be partnered with high-caliber businesses such as Dineen’s, to integrate our body shop and glass brands from the very start”.