Digital transformation of aftermarket moving at 'lightening pace'

Digital transformation of the aftermarket for both franchised and independent workshops is moving ‘at lightening pace’ says Book My Garage co-founder, Karen Rotberg.

The comparison site recorded more than five million drivers have compared local prices to book MoTs, servicing and repairs using Book My Garage, channelling ‘millions of pounds’ of new income to its franchised and independent partners, it said.

In 2021, Book My Garage provided more than two million instant prices - a 45% increase on 2020 - with more than 9,000 franchised garage partners generating additional revenue from segment two, three and older vehicles, it said.

Rotberg said: “2021 was a breakthrough year, both in terms of consumer demand for the convenience of online control, and dealers switching onto the market opportunity.

“The pandemic has unquestionably played a role in accelerating the digitalisation of servicing and repair, in the same way new and used sales have transitioned online.

“The motorist increasingly expects it. We’re in the distress purchase game; by adding transparency and convenience, garages are unlocking customers previously lost to fast-fits or simply to rivals.”

Book My Garage said, underlining the pace of change, SecretService, the franchised marketplace powered by Book My Garage registered record-breaking results to grow by 216% in 2021.

Rotberg said 2022 will signal “the long-term winners and losers” in the franchised sector, she said: “We’ve seen the success of the early adopters in the independent sector translate to those progressive dealer groups who could see how digital innovation can disrupt the consumer journey.”

Trevor Boswell was recently promoted to head of SecretService, having joined the business in 2021.

He aims to lead the BookMyGarage business to help franchised dealers take advantage of the aftersales opportunities from older vehicles.