Trust, rather than cost, is the primary reason why drivers choose a garage for maintenance and repair work, according to a new study by Halfords Autocentres.
Tickets to the AM Aftersales Conference will be offered at the early bird rate for delegates until March 27.
Mitsubishi is to build on the workshop retention gains achieved under its service plan for new cars with a similar package for used vehicles.
Angela Barrow, EMaC chief executive, believes service receptions should be the first thing customers see when entering UK showrooms to reflect why the majority of customers are visiting.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the National Franchised Dealer Association (NFDA) are launching a new MoT initiative that aims to help boost aftersales retention for franchised dealers.
Last year Kwik-Fit Mobile announced it would be extending its service into the retail sector. In the last three months demand for the service tripled and Kwik-Fit is planning for a further tripling of business in the next 12 months.
Volkswagen Group will soon be opening a new trade parts centre in Trafford which takes it to a network of 60-plus trade parts specialist centres in the UK.
Introducing video links showing customers the extent of work required on their vehicle while it is in the workshop has coincided with a dramatic rise in positive social media interaction at Wessex Garages.
Franchised dealers should consider undertaking a ‘mini’ electronic vehicle health check (EVHC) in the presence of the customer in the car park to boost take-up of additional required work, according to training and automotive software company BTC managing director Guy Allman.
Shell has commissioned a new TV series with the Discovery Channel which it hopes will raise the profile of its Helix Ultra range of premium synthetic oils with consumers.
Changes to the MoT for cars and large vehicle tests come into force later this month as new European requirements on roadworthiness take effect.
Supplier support and high profit margins make oil a key issue
Aftersales departments need to concentrate on building trust to secure long term profitability, according to Richard Beevers, director of Customer Plus.
Dealer Management Systems (DMS) need to evolve to focus more on the customer and less on the vehicle if dealers are to deliver as good a customer relationship management (CRM) programme as possible, according to Jemca Car Group’s marketing and customer services director Gary Bixley.
Ford has launched a new commercial vehicle service level agreement which will aim to give customers a 24 hour turnaround on aftersales work.
According to new research by the Motoring website, once a car is out of warranty, just 23% of motorists use the dealer that sold them the car for servicing.
Ford and Citroen authorised repairer John Rylatt and Son in Spalding has achieved ISO 9001 certification.
English businesses have taken advantage of 18,900 grants for apprenticeships in the last 12 months.
BMW Group is looking for over 150 young people with a passion for the motor industry to take up apprenticeships available through its company and dealership schemes in 2013.
Mercedes-Benz has removed the age restriction on its Service Care monthly payment plan so owners with cars over seven years old can use it.
