Hi Michael

I think you are right to be a bit sceptical about Autocrew

This is my experience with a Bosch (German) backed scheme:

Back in 2008 Bosch launched "Bosch Injection System Partner" in the UK via Camberley Auto Factors this was for small workshops like myself who are not big enough to be a BCS

I signed up, did the required amount of courses, had the Bosch KTS diagnostic equipment etc. We were the first to pass all the criteria and Bosch and Camberley came in and presented us with our "Bosch Injection System Partner" certificate and took pictures etc. This meant we could use the Bosch logo to promote ourselves to customers, we had new workshop signs done, website, polo shirts, headed paper etc

Then just before Christmas a guy comes in from Bosch, he has been instructed by Bosch in Germany to tell us to stop using the Bosch logo, with a veiled threat if we did not. His only explanation was that Bosch in Germany no longer wanted to support or promote the "Bosch Injection System Partner" scheme in the UK, but any workshop in Europe can carry on as normal

Not wanting to get into any leagal slagging matches we completely De-Bosched our business, removing signs, re-design website, bined polo shirts and all certificates, we no longer have Bosch diagnostic equipment

To date I have had no official explanation from either Bosch in Germany or Camberley Auto Factors (who got me into it) We are probably out of pocket to the tune of a couple of grand overall

Your business may benefit from becoming Autocrew, but what a Germany company can give you, they can also take away

Peter