The Dallas Fort Worth skyline hums with the rhythm of a city on the move, its roads teeming with vehicles that embody both freedom and complexity. Amid this automotive pulse, a seismic shift has occurred: Herb’s Paint & Body, a Dallas institution for over six decades, has been acquired by Caliber Collision. This isn’t just a local business changing hands it’s a signal of a broader transformation in the collision repair industry, where advanced technology and rising consumer expectations are reshaping the market. As vehicles evolve, so too must the shops that mend them, and Dallas is at the forefront of this change.
Feeling stuck in the stressful car-buying process? At Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland, TX, we’ve reimagined how buying a car should feel. With transparent pricing, online deal-building tools, and the benefits of our Jupiter Advantage program, we ensure every step is straightforward and satisfying. Skip the hassle. From purchase, to certified service and parts, to collision repair and body shop. Our team puts your convenience, safety, and confidence first. Turn your dreams of finding your ideal Chevrolet into reality with us. Visit Jupiter Chevrolet today!
Herb’s Paint & Body Sale Signals Growth in Local Collision Market
Since 1956, Herb’s Paint & Body has been a cornerstone of Dallas’s automotive community. Founded by Herb Walne at a modest service station on Northwest Highway and Easton Road, the company grew to eight locations, earning trust through quality repairs. Now led by Herb’s son, Alan, as chairman and CEO, and grandson, Robert, as president and COO, the family’s legacy is etched into the city’s fabric. The recent acquisition by Caliber Collision, a national leader, marks a new chapter, reflecting the growing demand for sophisticated collision repair services in North Texas.
The global automotive collision repair market, valued at $208.10 billion in 2025, is on track to reach $247.17 billion by 2034, with a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.93%. This expansion is driven by the global surge in vehicle ownership and the increasing complexity of modern cars, which require specialized repair expertise. Europe held a commanding 41.69% market share in 2024, but North America, particularly the U.S., remains a significant player, with the U.S. market alone valued at $36.66 billion in 2023.
The Changing Face of Collision Repair
Gone are the days when a collision repair meant hammering out dents and slapping on a fresh coat of paint. Today’s vehicles are rolling computers, equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings. These systems demand precision repairs, including sensor and camera recalibration, which require high-tech equipment and trained technicians. According to a market analysis, the global collision repair market is projected to grow from $190.8 billion in 2025 to $279.2 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 4.3%, fueled by the need to service complex electronics and lightweight materials like aluminum and composites.
In Dallas, this evolution is amplified by market consolidation. Large chains like Caliber are acquiring local stalwarts like Herb’s, capitalizing on the region’s robust automotive market. The U.S. collision repair sector, valued at $36.66 billion in 2023, sees spare parts dominating with a 64% revenue share, while original equipment manufacturer (OEM) service channels lead in revenue, per industry research. This consolidation reflects investor confidence in a market driven by technological advancements and growing consumer demand for certified repairs.
Herb’s Sale: A Local Legacy Meets Industry Trends
Herb’s Paint & Body wasn’t just a business it was a Dallas institution. For 63 years, the Walne family built a reputation for reliability, serving generations of drivers. The sale to Caliber Collision, announced in 2019, underscores the strategic moves shaping the industry. With eight locations across Dallas–Fort Worth, Herb’s was a prime target for Caliber, which aims to expand its footprint in high-growth markets. This acquisition signals not only the strength of the local collision repair sector but also the increasing value of established brands in a consolidating industry.
For Dallas drivers, the sale raises questions about continuity. Will Caliber maintain the personalized service that defined Herb’s? For the broader market, it highlights a shift toward certified repair centers. Consumers increasingly prefer dealerships or OEM-affiliated shops for their expertise in handling modern vehicles, especially those with ADAS or electric vehicle (EV) components. As the automotive landscape evolves, businesses that adapt to these demands will thrive.
Navigating Challenges in a High-Tech Market
The collision repair industry faces significant hurdles. A shortage of skilled technicians trained in ADAS and EV repairs is a growing concern, as shops struggle to keep pace with vehicle complexity. The cost of new equipment diagnostic scanners, calibration tools, and specialized welding systems can be prohibitive, particularly for smaller shops. Independent repair centers also face fierce competition from dealership-affiliated services, which benefit from manufacturer certifications and insurance partnerships.
Customer trust remains a critical issue. With repair costs rising due to advanced materials and technologies, transparency in pricing and repair timelines is paramount. Digital estimating platforms, which enhance accuracy and streamline claims, are gaining traction, but their adoption varies. Shops that prioritize clear communication and efficient processes will stand out in a crowded market, fostering loyalty among discerning consumers.
Opportunities for Dallas Dealerships
For Chevrolet dealerships in Dallas, the collision repair boom is a call to action. Manufacturer certification programs, such as GM’s certified collision repair network, offer a competitive edge. These programs ensure shops are equipped to handle EVs and ADAS-equipped vehicles, meeting the needs of modern drivers. As EVs become more common, expertise in battery repair and high-voltage systems will be a game-changer, attracting customers seeking specialized care.
The numbers tell a compelling story. The global collision repair market is expected to reach $227.60 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 1.9%, driven by technological advancements and increased insurance subscriptions. Dealerships that invest in certified facilities and digital tools, like streamlined claims processing, can position themselves as trusted one-stop shops. By offering end-to-end services from sales to collision repair dealerships can build lasting relationships with customers, ensuring repeat business in a competitive market.
The Road Ahead for Dallas
As Dallas Fort Worth grows, its automotive sector is evolving in lockstep. The sale of Herb’s Paint & Body to Caliber Collision is more than a transaction it’s a marker of an industry at a crossroads. With vehicles growing ever more complex and consumers demanding certified, transparent repairs, the collision repair market is set for sustained growth. Dealerships that embrace this shift investing in training, technology, and customer-centric processes will lead the charge. In a city where the open road is a way of life, those who keep drivers moving safely and confidently will define the future of collision repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Herb’s Paint & Body sell to Caliber Collision after 63 years in Dallas?
Herb’s Paint & Body, a Dallas institution since 1956, was acquired by Caliber Collision in 2019 as part of broader industry consolidation trends. The sale reflects the growing demand for sophisticated collision repair services and the need for shops to invest in advanced technology to handle modern vehicles with complex systems like ADAS and electric components. Caliber’s acquisition of Herb’s eight locations positions them strategically in the high-growth Dallas-Fort Worth market.
How is the collision repair industry changing with modern vehicle technology?
Today’s collision repair industry has evolved far beyond traditional bodywork, as modern vehicles are essentially “rolling computers” equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), sensors, and cameras. These complex systems require specialized equipment for recalibration, trained technicians familiar with lightweight materials like aluminum and composites, and high-tech diagnostic tools. The global collision repair market is projected to grow from $190.8 billion in 2025 to $279.2 billion by 2034, driven by these technological demands.
What opportunities does the collision repair market growth create for Dallas automotive dealerships?
The expanding collision repair market, valued at $208.10 billion globally in 2025, presents significant opportunities for Dallas Chevrolet dealerships through manufacturer certification programs. GM’s certified collision repair network ensures dealerships can properly handle EVs and ADAS-equipped vehicles, positioning them as trusted specialists for complex repairs. By investing in certified facilities, digital estimating platforms, and technician training, dealerships can offer comprehensive services from sales to collision repair, building lasting customer relationships in a competitive market.
Disclaimer: The above helpful resources content contains personal opinions and experiences. The information provided is for general knowledge and does not constitute professional advice.
You may also be interested in: Garland Chevrolet Dealer in Garland TX | Dallas Plano Frisco
Feeling stuck in the stressful car-buying process? At Jupiter Chevrolet in Garland, TX, we’ve reimagined how buying a car should feel. With transparent pricing, online deal-building tools, and the benefits of our Jupiter Advantage program, we ensure every step is straightforward and satisfying. Skip the hassle. From purchase, to certified service and parts, to collision repair and body shop. Our team puts your convenience, safety, and confidence first. Turn your dreams of finding your ideal Chevrolet into reality with us. Visit Jupiter Chevrolet today!
Powered by flareAI.co
Connect with us
