[By Jo Jae-yoon, Business News] Automotive glass is not merely a transparent window. It is a critical structural component that secures the driver and passengers' field of vision, protects them from external impacts, and contributes to the vehicle's body rigidity. The windshield, in particular, serves as a support structure during airbag deployment and is a key component that can determine occupant safety in a collision. Because automotive glass is directly linked to driving safety, maintaining it in optimal condition at all times is paramount.

However, unexpected accidents are always possible on the road, and car window damage occurs frequently. If damaged glass is left unattended, a small crack can quickly turn into a large one, potentially leading to the need for a full windshield replacement. For the driver's safety, as well as to save time and money, prompt and accurate repair is essential when a car window is damaged.

Daonda Auto Glass provides auto glass repair and replacement services based on the standard construction manual developed in-house and advanced repair technology introduced from the United States. Based on the principle of ‘Repair First’, we provide quick repair services to ensure customer safety and prevent unnecessary expenses. We spoke with Daonda Auto Glass CEO Lee Jae-chun, who said he hopes to become a company that not only repairs and replaces automobiles but also defines standards in the field of auto glass.

Please provide an introduction to the company.

Daonda Auto Glass is Korea's largest automotive glass repair and replacement specialist brand. Based on its proprietary standard installation manual and outstanding technical expertise, it possesses differentiated competitiveness from existing companies and provides the best service in the automotive glass field.

Initially, I ran a car wash and gas station business. Seeing many customers with broken glass during car washes sparked my interest in glass repair. However, even in the 2010s, receiving training in glass repair was difficult in Korea, and the technical skills were very low. So I shifted my focus to the United States. The U.S. has a highly developed auto glass industry, evidenced by its annual ‘Auto Glass Week' trade show dedicated to the field. After completing manufacturer-manual-based training locally, I developed new guidelines tailored to the domestic environment. This foundation led to the establishment of Daonda Auto Glass.

Currently, our company provides glass repair and replacement services to approximately 20,000 drivers annually through 23 service centers nationwide. As the leading automotive glass franchise, we are constantly striving to ensure more customers receive safe and reliable service.

Please introduce our main business activities.

Our company is Korea's largest automotive glass specialist, prioritizing repairs for damaged auto glass within the repairable range (up to 35cm). When damage is irreparable due to its cause, form, size, or location, we provide replacement services.

Automotive glass plays a crucial role in vehicle safety, yet damage incidents occur frequently. Currently, however, there is a lack of proper awareness and response regarding repairs within the domestic market. In reality, while repairs are possible for damage up to 35cm, many cases involve unnecessary replacements or neglecting damage because the repair feasibility is not recognized. This phenomenon leads to unnecessary customer expenses, increases insurers' loss ratios and premiums, and further creates a vicious cycle that burdens society with environmental and economic costs due to increased glass waste.

Based on our ‘Repair First’ philosophy, we provide responsible service that saves customers both time and money by restoring glass whenever possible, while also considering environmental protection and customer safety. Furthermore, through ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification, we maintain a consistent quality management system across all nationwide service centers, continuously improving technical proficiency and customer accessibility.

Glass repair services can be completed quickly within an average of 20 to 30 minutes depending on the damage type, with no location restrictions and at a reasonable cost compared to replacement. Notably, the restoration rate reaches up to 70 to 90%, allowing the glass to regain its original strength after repair. Furthermore, prioritizing repair as the first option is an eco-friendly technical service that reduces waste generated during the glass replacement process.

Our company holds patented technology for ‘automotive glass repair methods' tailored to various damage patterns. Based on standardized repair techniques, we accurately and efficiently repair all types of damage on any vehicle without issue, delivering the highest quality results.

When repair is not possible, our automotive glass replacement service utilizes high-strength adhesives and provides high-quality replacement services following the manufacturer's official manuals. This is made possible through technical training and product supply cooperation with Henkel Korea Co., Ltd., a global adhesive manufacturer.

Additionally, our company has been providing membership benefits through certified franchise locations nationwide since 2020. This service was created to offer customers better benefits and spread universal awareness about auto glass repair, with membership expected to exceed 90,000 this year. It is a system that manages vehicle customer information with a single QR code, allowing customers to receive benefits such as complimentary repair or replacement support for windshield damage.

While there are many automotive glass companies in Korea, few accurately understand the market structure and operate systematically. We possess differentiated competitiveness, particularly as the only company providing nationwide service through a franchise model. Furthermore, since technology ultimately begins with people, we focus on training every employee and installation partner to work with precise standards and the right attitude. We believe these factors are the primary reasons customers choose us.

If there are any future goals or directions,

Our goal extends beyond simply providing repair and replacement services; it is to establish the technology and systems that become the standard in the automotive glass field. We also aim to advance in various areas—including our training system, customer communication, and eco-friendly management—so that our customers‘ repair experience is perceived not merely as after-sales service, but as a 'trustworthy professional service'.

Through this, we will strive to become a specialized automotive glass company that can succeed not only domestically but also in the global market in the long term.

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