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BOSCH AUTOCREW #

Posted by Michael Field on May 22, 2013, 10:26 am
Edited by board administrator May 23, 2013, 11:50 am

hi, We have been approached by ECP about joining up to the Bosch Autocrew scheme. Our interest in this is attracted to the technical areas of training, support and diagnostics rather than the "gimmicky" promotion aspects it offers.
Has anyone comments to make? Anyone on the scheme yet?

Like most we are sceptical, having seen in past 33years so many such schemes come and go.

Re: BOSCH AUTOCREW

Posted by Tony Attwood on May 23, 2013, 12:27 am, in reply to "BOSCH AUTOCREW"

Hi Michael,

Until now I had only seen Autocrew garages linked to ECP. Did not realise Bosch was 'backing' it as Bosch already have a scheme in place with their BCS

Im aware that Bosch bought ZF a few years ago and Autocrew was part of that package, I had thought Bosch sold it to ECP as an entity.

Do you benefit from preferential training fees as a member? although the Bosch courses are well worth the costs involved anyway.

Just my rambling twopenorth

Re: BOSCH AUTOCREW

Posted by Peter Warman on May 23, 2013, 7:47 am, in reply to "BOSCH AUTOCREW"
Peter Warman

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

Re: BOSCH AUTOCREW

Posted by Andy Mason on May 23, 2013, 8:13 am, in reply to "Re: BOSCH AUTOCREW"
Andy Mason

I hear there is a tie up with Unipart and Bosch imminent.
Dont know to many details but surely thats a kick in the teeth to BCS
Andy

Re: BOSCH AUTOCREW

Posted by michael field on May 23, 2013, 8:27 am, in reply to "Re: BOSCH AUTOCREW"
Mike Field

Thanks guys, we are seeing them friday am to answer all my sceptical questions!(shame isn't it we have to be that way)Tony the training we have used and are doing so, so heavy discounts there are very attractive, will let you know how we get on and if we sign up, post follow ups here for others to track our expereince. ECP are massive now and as such carry much more power and influence than CAF did in the past(who we deal with locally too)We have seen them introduce ldeas and link ups in the past too, bosch etc. Now they are Andrew Page owned of course so they too are that more powerful when it comes to working with the likes of bosch. We spend £9000 pm just with ECP alone so we are an attractive catch for them to hook up! We want to see a scheme that will work for all 3 sectors, manufacturer, ie bosch, supplier, ie ecp and us the garage end. A scheme that will not fizzle out as so many do , but will grow and develope for benefit of all 3 , but us of course primarily in the technical area, back up, training and knowledge base. Autocrew signage, no thanks!Marketing help, no thanks.
The GGS, very different idea and purpose of course, and i'm not suggesting or comparing them as alternatives but it has lasted, and has developed becuase Forte have stuck by it and were prepared to fund it sensibly. They benefited and we do. Sorry not meaning to divert to a GGS tread!

Stick to Bosch here!

Re: BOSCH AUTOCREW

Posted by Peter Warman on May 23, 2013, 8:38 am, in reply to "Re: BOSCH AUTOCREW"
Peter Warman

I think Unipart have already done a deal with Bosch (parts), speculation of Unipart Automotive being sold to ECP

http://www.catmag.co.uk/h2s-sator-sale-the-ua-way

Peter

Re: BOSCH AUTOCREW #

Posted by Ed Kaps on May 28, 2013, 4:28 pm, in reply to "BOSCH AUTOCREW #"
Edward Kaps

I gave up Bosch car service two years ago because of Bosch involvement with Autocrew, it is wholly owned by them and administered by ECP. I felt that the whole scheme was so similar to BCS and would undermine the BCS network at a fraction of the yearly cost. I still feel that to be true, so in answer to your question it is a reasonable scheme with access to some discounted training, (allthough you can undertake training without joining these schemes). You won't be able to 'cherry pick' the bits you like though, someone will want to come and check you comply with the requirements.
BTW, it is not 'Bosch Autocrew'----- that would lead people to believe it to be the same as BCS and Bosch would not like that!.
Been there , seen it and done it and take note of Peters experience.
Best of luck

Ed Kaps
Ed Kaps

Re: BOSCH AUTOCREW #

Posted by Mike Field on May 29, 2013, 1:33 pm, in reply to "Re: BOSCH AUTOCREW #"
Mike Field

Thanks Ed, points noted about "Autocrew not bosch" Why is it these schemes leave so many with a bad taste in their mouths? Why has our trade had to become so wary when dealing with the other side of our trade. Why can't we work together for our all round benefit and profit?I find this whole cynical attitude thing, we have been led into over the years, after being let down time and again, very depressing. But surely no buisness prospers if its always in a mindset of cynicism. Cautious; we need to be.
We will press on in discussions with ECP, eyes wide open and no illusions, keep you posted in the long run.

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