Company executives attribute the performance to a variety of factors, including the automotive chip shortage, Ziebart representatives said, suggesting the shortage has motivated consumers to invest in optimal care and protection for their existing or recently purchased new or used vehicles.
Ziebart experienced a year-over-year increase of 40% in retail leads, the company said. As for overall franchise development, the number of profiles received more than doubled during the second half of 2021. The company signed seven new franchise agreements for future stores – domestic agreements in Fort Myers, FL; Highland, MI and Triadelphia, WV and international agreements in Greece, Iraq, Ivory Coast and Nigeria.
In addition, the franchise also opened three new locations this year – Ontario, NY and Irmo, SC as well as an Australian location. These new franchise locations are owned and operated by existing multi-unit operators, as well as new franchise owners. Additional international master franchises were sold in the Netherlands and Greece, with more locations to be opened next year.
“The global chip shortage has created ideal opportunities for the automotive aftermarket services industry,” said Thomas E. Wolfe, chief executive officer of Ziebart International Corporation. “As the lack of inventory for both new and used vehicles continues, consumers now understand the value of investing in their current vehicles to keep them protected and looking like new. For example, window tint sales have increased 30% over last year in the U.S. with privacy being the primary driver for the service. We expect continued growth in Ziebart’s appearance and protection services including detailing, rust protection, window tint, paint protection films, and ceramic coatings.”
