CARSTAR announced that it accelerated its strategic growth plan in April with the addition of 23 new CARSTAR locations. This follows a first quarter that saw CARSTAR complete brand integration for more than 25 new locations.

At the outset of 2019, CARSTAR outlined its strategic approach to growth, targeting key markets for new locations. CARSTAR is partnering with regional MSOs, dealership-based collision centers and independent collision repair facilities to join the CARSTAR network and build out its North American footprint. It also is expanding through additional locations with its top-performing CARSTAR franchise partners.
 
“As the collision repair industry continues to evolve and consolidate, independents are looking for solutions to grow their business yet retain their ownership,” said Michael Macaluso, president of CARSTAR. “CARSTAR continues be the best solution for an independent collision repair facility owner who wants to compete in their local market with insurance relationships, preferred vendor pricing and operational support while retaining their independence. Backed by the Driven Brands family of 2,500 automotive repair retailers and their powerful resources, CARSTAR offers the scale and scope to provide the best advantages to its franchise partners.” 
 
Of the 23 new collision centers that joined CARSTAR in April, 13 are independent MSOs, dealership locations or additional locations for CARSTAR franchise partners. Several highlights include:
 
Dealership-based Collision Centers. The Davidson Family of automotive businesses in upstate New York has partnered with CARSTAR on its three car dealership locations: CARSTAR Davidson Collision of Liverpool in Liverpool, N.Y., CARSTAR Davidson Collision of Rome in Rome, N.Y., and CARSTAR Davidson Collision of Watertown in Watertown, N.Y.
 
“In order to grow as a business while also staying competitive, we felt that it was important to leverage a relationship with a national company but one that is just as dedicated as we are to both high-quality service and customer experience,” said Jon Davidson, owner, CARSTAR Davidson Collision Centers. “We are excited about our new partnership with CARSTAR and the opportunities it will bring to Davidson Collision Center.” 
 
The Davidson Family has been involved in local business and their local communities for over 50 years. In 1962, Davidson Chevrolet of Rome opened its doors and laid the foundation for what is now one of the leading automotive sales and service groups in Central and Northern New York. The family of dealerships now includes five franchise stores, three state-of-the-art collision centers and 10 Precision Car Washes.
 
Organic Growth with Top CARSTAR Franchise Partners. Several CARSTAR franchise partners are opening new locations in New York, Indiana and California, among others. Longtime CARSTAR owner Scott Hotalen is adding his fourth location – CARSTAR Huckle’s Collision in Waverly, N.Y. – to his portfolio with CARSTAR Stanton in Binghamton, N.Y., CARSTAR Hillcrest in Vestal, N.Y., and CARSTAR Oswego in Oswego, N.Y.
 
Mike Libecap, owner of CARSTAR of Oxford in Oxford, Ohio, has opened a new location in Connersville, Ind. – CARSTAR Gulley’s Body Shop. Jeff Yokam, who own CARSTAR Yokum in Willits, Calif., is opening CARSTAR Yokum – Ukiah’s in Ukiah, Calif., as his second location.
 
“We joined CARSTAR in January and already wanted to expand to a second location,” said Jeff Yokum of CARSTAR Yokum. “They are helping us grow our business, expand our insurance work and increase our visibility with the CARSTAR brand.”
 
Prominent MSOs and Independent Owners Join the CARSTAR Family. For John Cothran, who has had two independent locations in Springfield, Mo., since 2007, joining CARSTAR offered new resources and benefits to build his business. Opening as CARSTAR Tanner’s Paint and Body – Springfield and CARSTAR Tanner’s Paint and Body – Willard this month, Cothran’s locations will offer the highest-quality collision repair and classic car restoration.
 
“It’s an exciting time for CARSTAR and our industry,” said David Foster, vice president of development for CARSTAR. “We believe in the independent collision repair facility model. We know that independent owners can thrive in this ever-changing space of collision repair, when they are a part of a strong national brand and have exclusive access to unmatched support, which is what the CARSTAR family provides. In 2018, CARSTAR built strong momentum, and in 2019 it’s now time to accelerate our growth.”