GROUPAUTO LAUNCHES THE APPROVED GARAGES NETWORK

A Programme That Does What It Says It Does

GROUPAUTO UK & Ireland Ltd (GROUPAUTO), the UK’s largest trading group, in conjunction with its trusted partner suppliers has developed a brand new garage initiative that both answers criticisms from the aftermarket and will provide motorists with the means to find the independent service and repair garage they are looking for.

The Approved Garages programme is a not-for-profit initiative that will provide consumers with a network of trusted independent garages delivering quality and transparency, while also providing the garages in the scheme with new and repeat business. These dual benefits will be made possible through the development of a fast and user-friendly website - www.approvedgarages.co.uk - through which motorists can find, cost and book their car service and that will therefore drive business to the Approved Garages network.

GROUPAUTO’s research into the servicing requirements of the motorist backs up many peoples own experience: that the Internet is fast becoming the first choice for locating a garage. Last year more than 1.8 million searches were made for ‘car servicing’ almost half of which were from mobile devices. These consumers are looking for technically competent garages offering a fair price and in a convenient location.

Therefore the garages in the Approved Garages network cannot simply sign up, they have to provide guarantees for their quality and reputation, subscribe to Motor Codes, adhere to Approved Garages procedures and be selected by invitation only.

The garages commitment to the programme is reciprocated as they will have access to what is widely regarded as the best technical training programme in the UK and their technicians positively encouraged to attend the courses that eXponentia has to offer. They will also have their annual Motor Codes subscription provided free of charge.

The Approved Garages programme is being launched to the trade throughout January and February via a series of regional presentations and face-to-face meetings during which the concept and vision for the network is explained and over the next six months, the objective is to recruit as many quality garages into the Approved Garages network as possible.

Unlike other garage schemes, the Approved Garages network doesn't necessarily work in opposition to other schemes, instead it is designed to work alongside them, to provide a network of garages that motorists can trust. It also does not require participating garages to adopt a corporate style or branding. It is simply designed to link motorists with a need, to those most skilled and trustworthy to provide the solution to it.

The purpose of the Approved Garages network is to challenge the negative perception that many motorists have of the independent garage. The only way to do that is to channel genuine enquiries from motorists that need to find a reputable garage through to a network that will do a quality job. This will raise the reputation of the network, the individual garages within it and the reputation of the independent automotive aftermarket.

For more information contact the GROUPAUTO team on: 01274 654600.

ENDS

Notes for editors

Approved Garages is a not-for-profit scheme that has substantial funding from GROUPAUTO, GROUPAUTO members and a number of high quality aftermarket parts suppliers, all of whom are committed to the long-term goal of improving the quality of the service that motorists receive from the independent sector.

Although the garages in the network are not obligated to buy all of the products offered by these companies, they jointly believe they will benefit over the long-term as the Approved Garages network grows and the culture of the independent sector changes from one that has used any old part to one that specifies quality parts for its repairs.

For further information relating to this press material, please contact Steve Coombes on: 01753 650004 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

Tags: