Best Dealer Owned Shop
We have a manufacturer owned shop in the mix this year as well as the amazing Zagame Autobody.
Tesla Collision Repair Centre, NSW
The Tesla Collision Repair Centre in Alexandria, Sydney was very new when we visited and not operating a full capacity. The judging panel felt that while it had some great attributes and innovations that it needed to be a little more established and to be visited when it was ‘fully pumped’.
The vision for these centres (there’s plans for one in each capital city) is to: ‘provide an exceptional ecosystem for Tesla owners, offering transparent, trustworthy, and high-quality vehicle repair services. We aim to create an environment where customers feel confident that their vehicles are in the best hands. Our commitment to reducing the overall cost of Tesla ownership drives our innovation and customer-centric approach.
“Through virtual estimating, an onsite parts warehouse, and real-time factory support, we have successfully streamlined repair processes and reduced repair times. Our Melbourne-based Parts Distribution Centre offers next-day delivery, ensuring faster service, which directly contributes to lower insurance premiums, benefiting Tesla owners,” says Nathan Oppedisano, Tesla’s Collision Repair Manager.
There’s a focus around cybersecurity and sustainability. Tesla has its own internally developed repair and quoting system to ensure real-time updates and seamless coordination between teams worldwide. “We foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, and respect, backed by annual Code of Conduct training and employee surveys. We celebrate success and continuously strive for improvement,” Oppedisano says.
The site has certainly attracted some industry talent with Powell and Street recognising the crew from other quality focussed collision shops. We look forward to visiting next year when the site is at full throttle.
Zagame Autobody, VIC
Zagame should really have a category all to itself – Ultra/Mega bodyshop. It is probably the most luxurious shop in the country but then the Zagame dealerships don’t sell jalopies. When you are dealing with the most northern end of luxury cars and rare metal then appearances, as well as workmanship matter. Zagame Autobody runs across many floors in the vast building that was built for The Age newspaper. It is so unique that its difficult to compare it with other high end bodyshops. While it is a superb facility – it needs to be for its discerning clientele.
Zagame has a sustainable business models reaching out into the community to attract apprentices, a laser focus on cybersecurity and investment in upskilling staff. The business continuously explores ways to diversify its services, and now offers Brabus conversions and paint protection film services. A dedicated marketing team manages their online presence and ensures maximum exposure.
The company prides itself on its customer satisfaction strategies, including regular surveys and incentives for Google reviews. Complimentary services, such as free towing from partner dealerships, low-cost prestige loan vehicles, and vehicle washing, add value to the customer experience. A well-maintained customer lounge with barista coffee further enhances the service. Strong team culture and staff recognition are core to the company’s operational framework.
Staff well-being is prioritised with clean facilities, safe work environments, and access to high-quality equipment. Free mental health support and a bonus system are available to all employees, fostering a positive and productive work environment. ●