观车 · 论势 || “免费修车”闹剧背后的行业无序竞争

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of "free car repair" services across various regions in China is primarily a marketing strategy aimed at increasing visibility and attracting customers to repair shops rather than a genuine charitable act [1][2]. Industry Trends - The "free car repair" trend has seen a significant increase in popularity since September, following initial appearances in June and July, with many repair shops adopting this strategy to boost exposure and customer traffic [2][3]. - Industry data indicates a 5% year-on-year decline in the automotive aftermarket's cumulative output value in the first half of 2025, alongside a 4% drop in the number of vehicles serviced, highlighting a contraction in market demand [3]. Market Dynamics - The "free car repair" initiative is viewed as a form of unhealthy competition within the industry, reminiscent of past low-cost service strategies that ultimately harm service quality and brand reputation [4][5]. - Industry associations have recognized the dangers of such price wars, advocating for self-regulation to prevent detrimental practices that compromise service quality and consumer trust [4]. Consumer Implications - While consumers may benefit from free repairs, there are significant risks involved, including potential quality issues and difficulties in seeking recourse if problems arise post-repair [3][5]. - The simplistic nature of the repair process showcased in videos may lead consumers to undervalue the service, complicating future pricing strategies for repair shops [5].