22nd November 2006

Akzo Nobel has been selected as Principal Programme Partner by Fiat Auto UK for its Approved Bodyshop Programme. The new three year contract, effective immediately, will extend across the Fiat Car, Fiat Commercial Vehicle and Alfa Romeo body repair network of 130 bodyshops across the UK.

Fiat Auto UK went through a thorough partner appraisal process, evaluating both product range and added value. Akzo Nobel emerged as the partner of choice. In addition to the use of Akzo Nobel Sikkens market leading paints, Fiat and Alfa Romeo’s Approved Bodyshop Network will be able to benefit from the full range of Sikkens services including training and bodyshop consultancy, all designed to help bodyshops improve profitability.

Fiat Auto UK has also appointed Fusion Management Solutions Limited to manage its Bodyshop Development Programme with immediate effect, and has selected Junair Spraybooths Limited, Car-O--Liner UK and Autoclimate Limited as Programme Partners.

“Akzo Nobel brings a wealth of experience to the programme, and working together with Fusion, we expect our customers will receive excellent levels of repair quality and service, while our dealers will be able to optimise revenue streams from the bodyshop channel,” commented Steve Harding, National Services Field Operations Manager, Fiat Auto UK.  

“We are delighted to have been selected by Fiat and look forward to working closely with its repairers to help them realise the benefits of the Sikkens proposition,” commented Keith Malik, Strategic Sales Manager for Akzo Nobel.