Airbags Changing Vehicle Scrappage Age Mix - BodyShop Business

Airbags Changing Vehicle Scrappage Age Mix

Increasing damage from multiple airbags (as newer vehicles have more airbags) is scrapping many vehicles that would otherwise be repaired and returned to operation.

According to a report from Aftermarket Insight, increasing damage from multiple airbags (as newer vehicles have more airbags) is scrapping many vehicles that would otherwise be repaired and returned to operation.

“Not reflected in overall scrappage rates is the ongoing shift in the age of vehicles scrapped in the U.S.,” said Jim Lang, president of Lang Marketing Resources, Inc. “As a result of airbag deployment, many vehicles which on the basis of collision damage alone would not be scrapped are heading to the junkyard. Deployment of a single airbag (some vehicles have up to eight airbags) will cause most vehicles at least seven years old to be scrapped."

The report stated that last year in the U.S., airbags deployed in over 1.2 million vehicles. Vehicle damage resulting from airbag deployment ranges from $1,200 to over $6,000 per bag depending on the location of the bag (dashboard, door, etc.) and the type of vehicle in which it deploys.

If multiple bags deploy (some new vehicles have up to eight), airbags can cause additional damage (beyond the crash itself) sufficient to scrap even new and expensive vehicles.

The report stated that as newer vehicles are scrapped because of airbag deployment, increasing scrappage rates will not necessarily reduce the average age of vehicles. As long as new vehicle volume remains relatively low versus the nearly 17 million average-annual sales from 1999 to 2006 and scrappage remains relatively moderate, a growing share of scrappage will occur among vehicles below the 10.6-year average-vehicle age. This, the report predicted, will boost the age level of vehicles in the U.S. 


More information:

Aftermarket Insight

You May Also Like

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Deserving Las Vegas Family

The NABC, GEICO and Caliber Collision recently donated a refurbished 2019 Toyota Camry to a Las Vegas resident and his adopted family.

The National Auto Body Council NABC), along with GEICO and Caliber Collision, recently donated a refurbished 2019 Toyota Camry to a Las Vegas resident and his adopted family during the pre-race festivities of the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The donation was made via the NABC's Recycled Rides program.

Dent Wizard Hires New Senior VP of Strategic Growth & Development

Adrian Gonzalez will be charged with driving growth through mergers and acquisitions.

CCC Report Analyzes Labor Pressures, Vehicle Complexity

Report shows advanced technology is contributing to costlier repairs, higher claims costs and longer cycle times.

Crash Champions Continues Steady Expansion Across Idaho

Crash Champions has announced the acquisition of Hoffman Auto Body in Boise, Idaho.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Tucson, Ariz. Family

The NABC, Allstate, Maaco and  Meineke Car Care recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving Tucson, Ariz.-area mom.

Other Posts

ASE Practice Tests Available Online

ASE is encouraging those pursuing certification to take the official practice tests as part of their test preparation process.

Corby’s Collision Center: Since 1942

Bentley (Bud) and Evelyn Corby started Corby’s in a little gas station in Honeoye Falls, N.Y.

CIF Announces Enterprise as Repeat Annual Donor

Enterprise has donated for the fourth consecutive time at the Urgent Care (second highest) tier.

NABC Donates Recycled Ride to Central Georgia Mom

The NAB), GEICO and Five Star Collision Center-Wimbish recently donated a refurbished vehicle to a deserving mother of four.