Nissan Announces New Certified Collision Repair Program; Open to Dealers and Independent Shops

FRANKLIN, TN--Oct. 6, 2011: Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today launched its nationwide Nissan Certified Collision Repair Network at NACE, the International Autobody Congress and Exposition, in Orlando. The new certification program is open to both dealer-owned and independent collision shops.

"There are growing numbers of owners who are enjoying the dependability, comfort, engineering and performance of Nissanvehicles every day," said Mark Zoba, manager, Collision Parts, Part & Service Sales and Marketing, NNA. "These customers expect the highest level of consistent service, Genuine Nissan Parts, outstanding technical expertise and work done correctly in a skillful, efficient and careful manner. This means they expect prompt, professional, dependable service --which the certification process is designed to promote."

Nissan has teamed up with DuPont Performance Coatings (DPC) to assist in the implementation of the program's certification process and I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, to conduct technician training.

"The Nissan Certified Collision Repair Network has been developed as a dynamic competitive program to recognize and distinguish body shops that meet or exceed standards for repair work, training, equipment and delivery of customer service," added Zoba. "Our partnership with DuPont and I-CAR helps ensure that every participating shop will offer the quality products, professional staff and enhanced services that meet Nissan's exacting standards."

Once a facility has successfully completed the application process, the shop manager will be contacted to set up a meeting to review the enrollment and inspect the facility. A DPC representative will conduct a comprehensive inspection of the facility to ensure that all standards will be met.

For participating collision shops, the Nissan Certified Collision Repair Network delivers the opportunity for the repair facility to attract new customers and to generate additional business from their existing base. The program offers:

The ability to promote services as a "Certified Collision Repair Facility" by Nissan North America, Inc.
A web-based customer search system of program facilities
An opportunity to generate additional revenue and profit from service and parts sales
An opportunity to interact with and provide services to customers who are new to the facility
And an opportunity to increase overall customer satisfaction

"The overall customer satisfaction that the certified program generates will potentially lead to repeat new car or pre-owned buyers, and additional revenue from service and parts," said Zoba. "And for our valued Nissan customers, it provides the peace of mind of facility and repair process standardization -- so that in the case of an unfortunate accident or vehicle damage, they'll know that their Nissan will be repaired using Genuine Nissan Parts and in a timely fashion."

About Nissan North America

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, design, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010 and has been recognized as a 2010 and 2011 ENERGY STAR� Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

About Nissan

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 150,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4 million vehicles in 2010. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

About DuPont

DuPont has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment.

About I-CAR

Formed by the collision industry in 1979, I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is an international, not-for-profit training organization. All I-CAR activities and resources focus on helping the industry achieve a high level of technical training. I-CAR is dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of consumers.