Crash repairer AMA Group says low-severity repair volumes were subdued in the first quarter, but the company is well placed for expansion.

MD Ray Smith-Roberts says the company is making good progress in repair network optimisation and cost control initiatives, setting it up for improved financial performance over the remainder of the year, provided volumes do not further materially deteriorate.

“Pleasingly, we have seen modest improvement in repair volumes in October, in certain key regions,” he told the annual general meeting today.

Higher-severity repair volumes were stable in the first quarter, and the company says it is also making good progress growing the customer base of the Capital Smart division.

“I am confident that, where we stand today, the group is in an excellent position to grow and take market share,” Mr Smith-Roberts said. “We have a clear point of difference in the market with our vertically integrated business model, which gives us a meaningful competitive advantage.”    

AMA Group has maintained its financial-year earnings guidance subject to no material deterioration in trading conditions.