A programme offering garages the advantage of competitive parts prices and marketing support is being rolled out by one of the UK's biggest components buying groups.

AutoCare is an initiative for independent businesses, designed to benefit motor factor customers with common branding and marketing backed by training programmes.

Backed by FSG, the AutoCare garage programme plans to sign up more than 50 member garages this year. It follows a successful pilot scheme in which 26 garages are claimed to have seen sales increase by an average of 27%.

The aim is to ensure and maintain competence among installers in the face of increasingly complicated technology. John Coombes, FSG's interim managing director, says the programme will ensure workshops stay one step ahead of the competition.

“By joining AutoCare, garages will have access to some of the keenest pricing deals around,” he says. “Combined with a comprehensive portfolio, it enables garages to offer customers quality service and price guarantees.”

“AutoCare protects the independent aftermarket installer and provides FSG members and suppliers with a loyal customer base. It also complements our network of 2,500 garages on the European mainland.”

To join the programme, garages must fill in a nomination form. Prices for joining the scheme are still to be confirmed but customers will get signage and point of sale material.