Kia UK has launched a new online solution that enables its approved bodyshops to access information to support and streamline the repair process for accident-damaged cars.

The Kia Bodyshop Portal provides repairers with access to the latest Kia Bodyshop Standards, which were updated at the start of 2022; repair methods; workshop and body repair manuals; Kia’s Total Loss Avoidance programme; access to new Body and Paint related technical bulletins; and Kia Car Insurance and Accident Aftercare information.

Further information, focused on the latest automotive technology, is made accessible in the approved bodyshop repair manuals and standards sections. This includes electric vehicle (EV) safety awareness and EV charging requirements for Kia bodyshops.

A product information section includes related information, such as technical procedures unique to EVs and how to care for new Kia paint colours, such as Steel Matte Grey.

Kia says access to its repair methods is “crucial” to ensuring vehicles are repaired safely using the correct methodology and genuine Kia parts.

Every repair undertaken by a Kia Approved Bodyshop is issued with a repair certificate, which acts as a customer’s five-year body repair guarantee. These certificates can be generated using the new online portal, providing a record of work completed to a car and offering peace of mind to a customer that their vehicle has been worked on to Kia’s exacting standards and using genuine parts.

Kia Approved Bodyshops also have access to the Kia Car Insurance and Accident Aftercare programmes via the portal. Kia Accident Aftercare is available to most Kia drivers regardless of the age of their vehicle and manages the entire accident and insurance claims process. The 24/7 free Kia Accident Aftercare service recently received the Feefo ‘Trusted Service’ award for the fourth year in succession.

The Kia Total Loss Avoidance programme helps keep a car on the road where possible, if it can be saved rather than writing the car off.

The new Kia Approved Bodyshop Portal has been designed and implemented by both Kia UK and its chosen partner for the Kia Bodyshop Programme, Fusion Management.

Kia UK has aspirations to break the 100,000 registrations mark in 2022 after defying COVID-19 disruption a stymied supply chains to deliver 90,817 new car registrations in 2021 and a record market share of 5.5%.

The Korean brand recently outlined its ambition to  launch at least two EVs per year and build a full line-up of 14 EVs and two electric pick-up trucks by 2027.