RMS SCOOPS THE PRIZE

RMS AutoCentre Is The AutoCare Garage of the Year 2012

In this the fourth running of the annual garage of the year competition, all the garages in UK’s 300-strong GROUPAUTO AutoCare garage network were able to compete for the honour of being the best service and repair facility in the country. Competition for the title was naturally fierce and as the overall standard of the independent garages that make up the AutoCare network is increasing all the time, to be awarded the prize is becoming evermore prestigious each year.

GROUPAUTO’s managing director, Jim Mazza said: “In order to make an informed choice when they need to have their vehicles serviced or repaired, it is vital for the motorist to be able to have confidence in the quality of the work carried out and the service provided by the independent sector. It is also essential to the health of the entire automotive aftermarket that the independent sector is able to compete and prosper in the light of increasing competition from the franchised dealer.

“As a result, it gives us the greatest of pleasure to recognise businesses that are clearly dedicated to that cause and we are pleased to recognise RMS AutoCentre of Coventry as the AutoCare network’s garage of the year.”

For RMS, proprietor Richard Peters said: “We are delighted to achieve this accolade and be acknowledged as the best among a really strong group of quality garages. Quality, service and projecting the right image to our customers are all key factors in the running of our business, but it’s only by applying these elements consistently that we have been able to be successful and the AutoCare award is the icing on the cake for us in a busy year that has already included moving into new premises.”

Richard started the business in 1998 and in 2005 it became an AutoCare member after Richard looked at the brand image and support that the AutoCare programme provides and believed it would help the business to develop.

“There are so many garages out there that don’t maintain a good image, especially in the area we trade in, so I wanted my business to stand out and look as professional as possible. The AutoCare package helped me to do this and provided my business with a strong brand image, but without taking away my independence. The colour scheme, signage and the AutoCare branded overalls all help to instil a confidence in my customers that we are qualified and able to do a good job.”

Richard is also quick to point out the many other benefits that the AutoCare programme provides: “The training courses and computer software available through the programme are first class and have definitely benefitted my business, not to mention the cost savings on my company insurance which come through the group scheme with Boswells.”

Take one look around RMS and it is clear to see why it was the deserved winner of the AutoCare Garage of the Year. It has fully bought into the AutoCare programme and always promotes the brand wherever and whenever possible, being one of the first garages to have their company vehicles signed in AutoCare logos and colours and even updated them to coincide with the AutoCare rebrand. As well as AutoCare branded stationery and the numerous eXponentia training certificates on display throughout his office, Richard has also carried the AutoCare colour scheme throughout the interior of his business. “This is our brand, it helps us to look more professional so we would be foolish not to promote it,” Richard concluded.

ENDS

Notes For Editors

What Is AutoCare?

AutoCare is the UK division of EuroGarage, a growing network of more than 6,000 independent garages across Europe, all of whom are committed to quality.

The 300-strong AutoCare network is operated by GROUPAUTO, the largest UK trading group of independent parts distributors and coordinated by GROUPAUTO members who ensure that each AutoCare garage receives the full benefits that the programme provides.

The AutoCare concept is all about raising the level of professionalism within each garage, which means that it appeals to those who are passionate about the quality of the services they offer to their customers.

Therefore, AutoCare members benefit from an unrivalled technical and commercial training, a business IT system that has been developed specifically for garages and marketing and promotions to attract new customers and ensure that existing customers keep coming back. Their local GROUPAUTO member also supplies them with Tier 1 quality parts.

These foundations ensure that consumers are justifiably confident in the quality and competence of the service they are provided and therefore trust the AutoCare brand.

Image

The AutoCare brand and image currently includes the colour scheme of the premises and distinctive AutoCare branding for the signage, overalls and laundry service because garages need to stand out in the crowd and their customers need to know that they are part of our trusted team of experts.

Training

The AutoCare training programme is delivered by expert trainers and includes four days of technical training and a Frank Massey e-learning DVD foundation course in the first year, followed by six days of additional training every year thereafter.

In total, AutoCare technicians participated in approximately 2,000 days training during 2011 alone and the courses are constantly reviewed to cover the latest developments such as hybrid vehicle technology. The courses also allow technicians to achieve the nationally recognized Master Technician status. GROUPAUTO also offer business management and skills training to help garage owners run their businesses more efficiently and more profitably.

Business IT System

Members automatically get the Autowork package, which has been developed in partnership with MAM. Once installed there is training available to ensure that garages maximize the opportunity and potential that it offers.

Marketing & Promotions

It is imperative that each garage promotes its services in a proactive and positive manner in order to attract new and retain existing customers.

GROUPAUTO is committed to keep the AutoCare brand name strong and in the minds of its potential customers, which is why it regularly reviews its promotional programme in order to ensure that it is offering the best it can to support every member’s business.

For more information, please visit www.autocareuk.com

For further information relating to this press material, please contact Steve Coombes on: 01753 785957 or e-mail: steve@chicanemarketing.co.uk

Chicane is an established PR agency with a particular specialism in the automotive aftermarket and the motorsport industry.
Prix De la Communication and Barrington Needham Trophy award winners

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