While a shop must meet some strict conditions to join the Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network, the business will get a near-monopoly on CT6 collision business as well as promotion from Cadillac — including CT6 OnStar referrals.

GM outlined some of the benefits in a manual unveiled recently. The company wants to create a network of about 100 shops — including Cadillac and other dealerships and independent shops — nationwide vetted for repair of the advanced-materials CT6.

Any auto body shop — including Cadillac dealerships — out of the network won’t be able to buy CT6 structural repair parts, and companies such as Chief, Car-O-Liner, Spanesi and Celette will restrict their CT6 measurement data as well. Even if a collision repairer’s competitor says they’ll do structural CT6 repair, they’ll have no way of obtaining parts.

“All Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network facilities use genuine parts that are backed by GM,” a brochure for customers states. It’s unclear if this refers to the restricted structural parts or a ban on any aftermarket parts.

Cadillac will also advertise your shop to CT6 owners — including through OnStar, a “virtual steering” scenario predicted by Collision Advice’s Mike Anderson.

“In the event of a collision, you will have all the support you need to get your vehicle to a Cadillac dealer,” a Cadillac brochure for CT6 customers states. “With OnStar service or Roadside Assistance, we will help you in finding the nearest Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network facility.”

The company promises the flipside to Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network shops in its manual for interested shops.

“Cadillac Customer Care and OnStar will help vehicle owners find the nearest Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network facility,” the manual states. “… Since eligible customers receive complimentary towing, it will help bring these vehicles into network facilities for collision repairs.”

Presumably, somebody who’s paid tens of thousands for a CT6 won’t balk at the cost of subscribing to OnStar or Roadside Assistance, which makes the scenario above even more likely.

Even if a CT6 customer didn’t have OnStar or RoadSide assistance, Cadillac dealerships will tout the existence of Certified Repair Network shops, the manual states.

“Cadillac customers will have the support of their dealer, OnStar, and insurance companies in locating an Authorized Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network facility,” Cadillac wrote.

The manual also states customers will be notified of the network’s existence when their CT6 is delivered and in other materials sent to customers. OEMs this summer described similar promotion of their recommended shops.

“You chose to be the owner of a Cadillac for some very good reasons. And we established the Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network to ensure that you, our customer, have access to properly trained and equipped repair facilities to restore your damaged vehicle,” a brochure for customers states. “We hope you’re never in a collision, but if you are, you can count on these facilities to properly repair your vehicle to the Cadillac level of quality.”

Finally, while only Cadillac dealerships can use Cadillac’s trademarks or corporate signage, independent shops are allowed to advertise they’re part of the Aluminum Repair Network. Cadillac offers this ad as an example:

Out-of-network shops can still do mechanical and nonstructural repairs on CT6s, according to Cadillac. However, they should probably check with GM/Cadillac if there’s any CT6-specific best practices.

More information:

Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network Program Manual

Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network Customer Brochure

Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network Ad Template

Images:

“In the event of a collision, you will have all the support you need to get your vehicle to a Cadillac dealer,” a Cadillac brochure for CT6 customers states. “With OnStar service or Roadside Assistance, we will help you in finding the nearest Cadillac Aluminum Repair Network facility.” (Provided by Cadillac)

While only Cadillac dealerships can use Cadillac’s trademarks or corporate signage, independent shops are allowed to advertise they’re part of the Aluminum Repair Network. Pictured is part of a sample advertisement. (Provided by Cadillac)