Hi all RE: Bolock Exemption (spelling mistake accepted).
I really believe that the proposed revised block exemption regulations are a smoke screen suited to the manufacturers. It is an attempt by them to 'open up' the aftermarket servicing of their particular make, without having to commit to delivering any material substance, without receiving extortinate remuneration for the honour.
Recently, a comment made by a local indy looking to attain the Citroen approval for his local market area stated that "the anticipated, prohibitively high procurement costs of the special tools and equipment required to satisfy to approval" had been negated by his shrewed purchase of 'bankrupt stock' from his local failed Citroen Dealer.
Hmmmm, methinks that he is better suited to running an attempted approved repair shop, rather than looking after the nations pension funds!
This lemming like mentality of following the 'holy grail' of manufacturer approval, rather than following a well constructed and supported business plan of independent survival makes me wonder if there is, or should be life after the Brunel Motor Group, et al.
Why pay a fortune to buy into a brand that allows you to hang the sign of the manufacturer above your workshop, rather than offer your expert services to all makes?
Please can someone disprove my research that a good all makes indy garage with customer service excellence allied with technical expertise and a good trade reputation, needs less bookings per pound invested in the 'manufacturer brand' rather than more!
If you're good enough, you'll win the business regardless of your brand alliance.
Speaking as an indy repairer that regularly deals with and fixes issues that the franchised dealer cannot.
As always, open to persuasion.
As per fleets - Fleets, Smeets. Wanna look at how the fleet driven aftermarket is going to work? Then take a couple of hours out to visit an insurance approved accident repaire centre and take a look at the 'terms' that work provision can deliver.
Headline figures are: Pick-up and delivery - mandatory, hire car - mandatory, full internal and external valet - mandatory, work provision rate 95%, ave labour rate £21.50, ave parts discount 10%, ave bottom line discount 10%, ave net profit per repair business LESS THAN 4%.
Is this a destination that you approved repairers really want to arrive at, after much jumping through hoops in the year 200?
Applicants on a post card to:
I.M.Sucker
Regional Business Development, Motor Manufacturer
South East England
South East
England
James.