Car repair chain Halfords Autocentre has reported growing market share in the aftermarket as it draws in more drivers for tyre replacements and car servicing or MOTs.

It came after a Halfords marketing campaign in 2023 urged more cash-conscious motorists to shun franchised dealers and opt for its cheaper vehicle maintenance offers. That led to fury from some dealer groups who hit back by pointing out the expertise at their businesses.

Halfords' attempts to build loyalty by providing offers and added value appear be having success - its Motoring Loyalty Club has doubled in size to 3.4 million members within a year and it generates 40% of its MOT work.

However it has highlighted fears that many motorists have put off tyre replacement due to higher living costs, after an examination of more than 1,500 vehicles in airport car parks at London, Manchester and Edinburgh found that one in four had a tyre that was damaged or heavily worn.

In its financial results published today, Halfords shows its 639-site network of service and MOT workshops, including its commercial fleet services operation,  made £60.4 million underlying EBITDA from revenues which rocketed 18% to £699.4% from the prior year's £594.8m.