automotive vision - april 2013

AUTOMOTIVE VISION

Greater Manchester Edition

The magazine from OCBS packed with offers, news and much, much more!

Issue 4 Quarter 2 2013

Well worth taking the time to read!

AUTOMOTIVE VISION—Issue 4, Quarter 2 2 Designed by www.MediaAngelus.com

QUICK REFERENCE Alfa Romeo & Abarth – OMC Motor Group ‐ Tel: 0161 287 4123

Alfa Romeo & Abarth ‐ Mangoletsi 01565 722392

BMW & MINI – Williams Bolton ‐ Tel: 01204 900909

BMW & MINI – Williams Manchester ‐ Tel : 0161 907 5107

BMW & MINI – Williams Rochdale ‐ Tel: 01706 717711

BMW & MINI – Williams Stockport ‐ Tel: 0161 429 8881

Chrysler – ‐ OMC Motor Group ‐ Tel: 0161 287 4123

Citroen – Pentagon ‐ Tel: 0161 622 3585

Fiat ‐ Mangoletsi 01565 722392

Fiat ‐ OMC Motor Group ‐ Tel: 0161 287 4123

Ford ‐ OMC Motor Group ‐ Tel: 0161 287 4123

Honda ‐ Gordons ‐ Tel: 01204 383318

Jaguar – Guy Salmon Stockport – Tel: 0161 432 6000

Jeep – Kings Manchester – Tel: 0161 432 6000

Kia ‐ OMC Motor Group ‐ Tel: 0161 287 4123

Nissan – West Way Manchester ‐ Tel: 0161 273 1054

Peugeot – Parts North West ‐ Tel: 0161 848 6800

Porsche ‐ Porsche Centre Chester – Tel: 0151 357 1222

Saab – Pentagon – Tel: 0161 633 2885

Seat – David Cook Motors – Tel: 0161 624 4909

Subaru ‐ Mangoletsi 01565 722392

Toyota—Bentleys ‐ 01925 818193

Vauxhall – Pentagon – Tel: 0161 633 2885

Volvo – Clive Brook – Tel: 01274 802999

Accident Management – Collision Solutions Tel: 0800 093 8441

Diagnostics & Air‐Conditioning – GDI Tel: 07740 86 65 55

Leasing ‐ PMD Leasing Tel: 0161 627 7092 Quote OCBS.

Novol – Automotive Refinishing Products – Tel:07780 002518

Trim & Seat Repairs ‐ Assessment Services – Tel: 0779 373 6811

Bodyshop & Garage Equipment – Brinklake Ltd – Tel: 0845 5197 246

Bodyshop & Garage Equipment/Servicing/Calibration – MRB – Tel: 0161 793 4040

Welding Equipment & Supplies – Basic Welding – Tel: 0161 273 8150


Hi All

Just a quick introduction to this quarters Automotive Vision magazine as it has been a very busy quarter for both me and my dealers. Our new team have been settling into their new roles after initial training and for those of you who have locations outside the Manchester area and want representation then contact me to see how OCBS can help.

‘Price Check Friday’ is really working well with over 60 garages giving me registration numbers so that the dealers in my network can show the garages how competitive we are on Trade Parts.

We have gone ‘all green’ with the production by Media Angelus of our ‘Why Use OCBS’ E-Brochure which you can look at by clicking HERE

We have a great interview with Collision Solutions Sales Director, Lisa Quinn-Jones and our usual great offers and articles throughout the magazine so as the cover says ‘It is well worth taking the time to read’

You can contact me via email: [email protected]

Regards

Neil

PS Have you signed up to follow our Twitter account yet if not just click here:

@OCBS_MARKETING

Twitter


ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT – FRIEND OR FOE TO BODYSHOPS AND FLEET CLIENTS

There is a wariness to use accident management companies whether you are a bodyshop or a company with a fleet of cars, especially after recent media coverage over referral fees, personal injury. We spoke to Lisa Quinn-Jones, Sales Director of Collision Solutions. Why should a Bodyshop Owner or Fleet Manager use an accident management company such as yours? I can’t speak for other accident management companies, and whilst there are companies out there who are non-compliant with the guidelines set by the ABI, Collision Solutions, is an accident management company who have been established for over 20 years. Our head office based in Lancashire, however we offer nationwide cover as this is vital to the majority of our fleet clients. We have an excellent reputation as a company that is committed to offering a superior service within the accident management market place. You also have the added assurance in knowing that we are one of only fifty one accident management companies who are a 1st Tier subscriber to the Association of British Insurers (ABI) Third Party Agreement which regulates the industry. What is it that you offer your clients that sets you apart from other Accident Management Companies? Well I would need to answer that in two parts as the benefits to a bodyshop are slightly different to those of a company running a fleet. Above all it is the personal service and level of service that we offer that sets us apart, we always go that extra mile. However, if I give just some of the main benefits that we can offer a company with a fleet of cars, whether it is just a few vehicle or hundreds may and then look at what we can offer bodyshops. With all our fleet clients we will manage all aspects of the claim on our clients behalf, many companies do not have a dedicated fleet manager and we know from experience that dealing with all the calls, paperwork and other issues involved in an accident takes an incredible amount of time so therefore, we can save the client time, allowing them to get on with their normal role. Because we operate 24/7 and UK wide, the company and vehicle driver has peace of mind knowing that whenever and wherever they are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident we are there to help. We also make sure that we recover all costs involved from the ‘at fault’ drivers insurance and as quickly as possible.


As well as this, Collision Solutions will provide an equivalent replacement vehicle, whether a Mini or an LGV whilst the vehicle is being repaired or a settlement has been made in the case of the vehicle being deemed a ‘write off’. Collision Solutions will also manage the accident if the clients driver is at fault, therefore we can control the costs against the clients insurer and where possible provide a replacement vehicle complimentary to you. In fact we will also provide the same service if an employee drives his or her own vehicle on company business. What about Bodyshops? We offer a number of benefits to the bodyshops, once a client is referred to us we ensure that the bodyshop retains the repair as well as paying a preferential labour rate. We also allow them to choose their own engineer and of course with non-fault accidents their customer receives a like for like vehicle which pleases their customer as not many bodyshops can afford to keep a range of vehicles on fleet to cover every size of vehicle, especially with clients in special vehicles such as dual control or refrigerated vans for example which we can. Although referral fees are banned we do offer commission on the hire of the vehicle. Above all we offer full support to bodyshops by way of appointing them a personal account manager, monthly visits from the field based account manager as well as offering marketing support. By doing this we can help the bodyshop target businesses in their local area to gain their fleet work, offer advice and also where necessary involve our own marketing consultant to give them support in areas that they may not have the expertise or the time to dedicate to. What this means for the bodyshop is that we not only look after their client, we also maintain communication with them and the client which means that they can get on with the repair and leave everything else to us. We are very proud of the fact that our customer satisfaction survey to the private and business drivers has over the past two years been rated as ‘Excellent’ 98% every quarter. Is there anything that you think could be improved on by you? We are always striving to improve our service and welcome feedback from all our clients regardless of whether they are an individual, bodyshop or fleet client. We thought that it was also time to see what bodyshops would like so we have recently commissioned our marketing consultant to do an independent survey that will go out via our newsletter to ask all bodyshops to participate in a confidential survey. The participants are asked to tell us what they want from accident management companies such as ourselves, what is important to them when choosing an accident management company and where we can improve our service to them. This will give us a good idea as to how to plan for the future. What would you like to see change in the industry,? The main thing I would love to see change is that all insurance companies work with us to do what is best for their policy holders and allow them the right to choose where they have a vehicle repaired, which is their right, without being penalised.

Tel: 0800 093 8441

www.collisionsolutions.co.uk


Collision Solutions Accident Assistance recently launched their new

Fleet Users initiative, not only will this help their Fleet clients but they

could help yours also. With a dedicated advisor, your own unique

reference number assigned just to you which records all accidents

referred via your clients, and a 24/7 service that offers advice and

help to your clients in the event of an accident.

Our service ensures that your fleet clients will have:

Minimum disruption to their business as we manage the claim on

their behalf

A 24/7 response nationwide for you and for them.

An equivalent replacement vehicle whatever the vehicle

Recovery of costs involved from the insurer of the 'at fault' driver

We will also manage the accident if their driver is at fault - which

controls the cost against their insurance company.

If their employees drive their own vehicle on company business -

all the benefits still apply.

To find out more about this unique service, contact Paul at:

[email protected] or

download the brochure by CLICKING HERE


The following pages feature the latest special offers from our Main Dealers, if you check your prices with two factors and one main dealer on every job you would make

enough extra profit to cover the wages of someone to do this!! I know most garages don’t get time to check prices so let me take the hassle away for you. Sixty quality

garages around the Greater Manchester area get a phone call from me every Friday, they give me the registration number of the vehicles they have booked in for the

following week, I then price check things like Service Kits, Brakes, Clutches, Cambelt Kits and Waterpumps – you will be surprised how often the One Call Main

Dealers are cheaper than the factors. What have you got to lose??? If you want to join ‘Price Check Friday’ just email me at [email protected] and I will be glad to give you a

call.

AUTOMOTIVE VISION magazine is produced and edited by

MEDIA ANGELUS

PRICE CHECK FRIDAY

WHAT A LAUGH! A fellow bought a new Mercedes and was out on the motorway for a nice evening drive. The top was down, the breeze was blowing through what was left of his hair and he decided to open her up. As the needle jumped up to 80 mph, he suddenly saw flashing blue lights behind him. "There's no way they can catch a Mercedes," he thought to himself and opened her up further. The needle hit 90, 100.... Then the reality of the situation hit him. "What am I doing?" he thought and pulled over. The cop came up to him, took his license without a word and examined it and the car. "It's been a long day, this is the end of my shift and it's Friday the 13th. I don't feel like more paperwork, so if you can give me an excuse for your driving that I haven't heard before, you can go." The guy thinks for a second and says, "Last week my wife ran off with a cop. I was afraid you were trying to give her back!" "Have a nice weekend," said the officer.


0161 848 6800

In this issue we interview Joel Davies Plaque Parts Manager for Robins & Day Parts Northwest

How long has the dealership been there and how long have your staff worked on your franchises? The dealer has been in its New Location of Trafford Park since 2011 but has operated in Manchester since time begun! How many staff do you have at present? In all we have 23 staff working from this site in Trafford Park. Many with 10 years + Service What is special about your business and how does it differ from other similar businesses in your area? Our business is special, we have a lot of knowledge and long standing members who have seen the business grow to what it is today. We care about each garage and bodyshop and help out in any way we can. Why should Garages and Bodyshops use your services? We offer a friendly and personal service, great discounts and have a wide range of stock. For any Peugeot related enquiry, why not give us a call – it may be the best choice you make that day. Why are you a One Call Main Dealer? One Call offers us a great service and keeps our name out in the field with our customers. A partnership we are proud to be a part of.


Five people were arrested in Co Cork yesterday as part of an investigation into fraudulent motor insurance claims, according to the Irish Times. Three men and two women, ranging in age from their 20s to 40s, are being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Garda stations around the county. They can be held for up to 24 hours. Seven others were arrested in the Midlands and Cork as part of the investigation last month. A further five arrests were made in connection with the operation in Cork in February.

ARRESTS MADE IN FRAUDULENT MOTOR CLAIMS RAID IN CORK AND THE MIDLANDS


12/05 Spain 26/05 Monaco 09/06 Canada 30/06 Great Britain 07/07 Germany

21/07 Reserved for another European event* 28/07 Hungary 25/08 Belgium 08/09 Italy 22/09 Singapore

06/10 Korea 13/10 Japan 27/10 India 03/11 Abu Dhabi 17/11 USA 24/11 Brazil

FORMULA 1 CALENDAR The 2013 calendar


THIS WEEK FOCUSES ON CHARLES WILSON GARAGES IN MANCHESTER AND WE SPEAK TO AMANDA GILBODY

What is the history of the company and who founded it? Our business was originally founded by Charles Wilson in 1933. My dad, Barry Gilbody started his apprenticeship there in 1956. After leaving to set up on his own Charlie Wilson offered him the opportunity to buy him out when he decided to

retire in 1967. My dad needed some help to raise the capital and asked his good friend jimmy brown, a greengrocer by trade but they used to dabble in cars together on the side, if he would go in with him. Jimmy did and the rest is history!! How many staff did you start with and how many do you employ now? When my dad and jimmy started there was just four of them - Malcolm and my dad did the mechanical side and Jimmy and Howard did the body side. My mum, Mary and Jimmy's wife Margaret did the books. They are all still active there except Howard who retired last year. Now Jason, Jimmy and Margaret's son, and myself have the reigns. We presently employ 25 people and are growing.

What is special about your business and how does it differ from other similar businesses in your area? We are unique because we are a complete one stop motoring shop, from car sales to mechanical repairs, mot's, body repairs, vehicle logistics and recovery, right down to end of life as we have a car breakers yard in Stockport.

OUR MECHANICAL GARAGE SPOTLIGHT


We have a 24-hour aspect to our business so our customers can drop off or collect their cars at any time. In fact the easiest way of describing us is that the only thing we don't do is sell petrol. What do you like about the Main Dealer Price checks that One Call carry out? This is a great marketing tool for us. We can offer a genuine main dealer style service at a fraction of the cost. When you show the customer replaced service items complete with genuine manufacturers branded packaging this really does instil confidence in our codes of practice. This has a talking point in the pub! Or maybe I'm just a geek. What are your plans for the company in the future? To continue to look at ways of making our business stand out from the crowd. we don't want to be a "me too" company copying the ideas of others - we want others to copy our ideas because they are fresh and engage with what the customers actually want and need. I personally will use any media method to raise the profile of our company from radio to tv. No one is more passionate our industry us. When not working, what do you enjoy doing? When am I not working? Ouch that is a scary one!! I like cooking and gardening - not necessarily at the same time. If I get time I like to play a bit of golf, but my main release is exercising - that is my latest pastime! All work and no play isn't healthy and I can reflect on the business when I'm running with my headphones on. Actually that still sounds like work ha!!

Charles Wilson Garages Tel: 0161 224 7687 156-164 Wilmslow Road or 0161 224 2791 Manchester M14 5LQ http://charleswilsongarages.co.uk


“Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the

problem is I just don’t know which half.”

THE ‘BEST AND WORST’ MARKETING ACTIVITIES IN UK BODYSHOPS

Marketing in UK Bodyshops has had its ups and downs this year, here’s a look at some of the best and worst marketing ideas and activities we came across this year. Maybe we should start by looking at what do you define as successful marketing? Simply for us its – “as a result of what marketing activity you do, you have a direct increase in enquiries, jobs or sales.” The activities fell into three groups; no cost, low cost and spending money. For each of these there are many examples used by UK bodyshops this year. Including: Signage Small independent bodyshop in a residential area, by a school, didn’t get much walk in business; they placed an ‘A’ board on the main road and, hey presto, his walk-ins increased, often saying “we didn’t know you were here”, even though they had been there for over 15 years. Think about who sees customers' A medium/large independent shop decided to approach the Valeters at their local large supermarket. The vValeters give leaflets from the bodyshop to every customer, in return the bodyshop give their full valets to the guys; the result? A significant increase in retail customers. Airwave power' A large bodyshop group invested in a radio campaign, advertising new and additional services on the regional radio station, it generated calls, however the staff had not been informed of the services, prices, processes etc. The take up on services fell way short of the returns needed.


John Thompson Director

Bodyshop Marketing Ltd www.bodyshopmarketing.co.uk [email protected]

www.twitter.com/bodyshopmarket

Tel: 07860 510004

Advertise in the wrong place A small independent shop wanted to attract ‘prestige’ customers so chose to take out a one page advert in a glossy society type magazine – cost over £1000 for one advert. Enquiries generated = nil (A classic example of being sold to by advertising salespeople) See the obvious An Independent bodyshop had a large employer very close to them, with lots of employee traffic stopping at a ‘T’ junction to exit work. The bodyshop placed a banner directly opposite the junction with words that related to the employees business, the result? An increase in work and enquiries directly from those employees. Networking One large bodyshop started asking customers about where they work and what they did, as a way of building rapport with customers. As a direct result they now are being advertised to over 3000 employees, in one company alone, via an intranet and notice boards by one contact. The direct result of being interested in your customers. Sometimes you just don’t know who your customers are and what they do until you ask. Some quirky tactics that worked: A commercial repairer bought ‘sandwich bags’ and gave them out to the local roadside cafes etc., they hit their target market, van drivers and owner drivers. Another repairer has an agreement with his local DIY mega store that he can park a ‘liveried’ van on the premises with leaflets, again hitting the ideal target market. As you can see from the examples sometimes it’s not about spending lots of money, it’s about thinking like a customer. Think of how many customers are on your doorstep and yet they probably don’t know your there. So do the basics first, spend the big bucks later. (And of course there’s always Social Media).


Our female focus is on Gemma, a Service Advisor

with Autotech in Ashton Under Lyne

Q1. How long have you been with Auto-Tech Services and why did you choose the automotive industry? I have been with Auto Tech Services for just four months now. I am a fully qualified Teacher of Dance and run my own Zumba classes in the evenings; however, I chose to work at Auto Tech as I thrive on new challenges. Q2. Historically the automotive industry has been a male oriented business, as a female how do you think the role of women has changed the face of garages in the past couple of decades? What we are doing by accepting woman as part of the automotive industry is saying that all are equal and woman are valued. I think this is great! Providing that the skills are there from both women and men in any industry and they can do their job properly with the correct qualifications, then all sexes should be able to pursue a career in their preferred area of work. It changes that garages are now a equal opportunity profession. Q3. What is the one thing that you love about your job? and why? Being at Auto Tech, I find there is always a new challenge every day. Working with the terminology, getting used to parts their names and what they are for has been one of the most difficult. Even though I am still learning I find it exciting and interesting to be involved in a field that is so far off the spectrum than my own( Dance). I love having the insight to something which is so different than what I have been used to all my life, I am learning a great deal! Most of all I love the staff at Auto Tech; they are an excellent team and great to work with. Work is always professional but relaxed. Even though I am the only woman working in the garage as Secretary, I am always supported and made to feel important. The other lads are very equal towards me and that makes me feel valued.


Q4. What (if anything) frustrates you most about your customers? Honestly, I never get frustrated with any of the customers. I understand and accept that most customers are stressed with their vehicle and the issue of paying out money they wish they did not have to. I am supportive to the customers on behalf of this. However, sometimes customers can be extremely irate and project a bad attitude or become demanding towards work with their vehicle. Customers forget that my team also have the intensity of fixing so many vehicles in one day and are trying to meet deadlines all the time, they are doing their best to produce excellent standards and quality. Customers pressurising and being rude frustrates my team and adds to a stressful and hectic working day, and this annoys me as it is unnecessary. Q5. If you could give one piece of advice to a female wanting to start a career in the automotive industry – what would it be? To make sure you have a supportive team who will value you and take on your ideas. When I first started working for Auto Tech I was worried that I was going to get the odd remarks made about me being a woman working in a male dominant automotive industry, however, that may have happened if my team weren’t they way they are. I think because I am given respect from my team, presented at all times, any other members of the industry i.e. part delivers and even customers see this and follow suit. Through this, I know, I am accepted as equal to everyone else at Auto Tech and I am treated the same from everyone that enters the garage. I think if a woman was to start working in any garage and wasn’t valued or respected or seen as equal then it wouldn’t work. I am confident that I can do my job well and carry success for the garage helping to promote Auto Tech, but I can only succeed in this because I am given the confidence and support which inspires and motivates me to want to work here and to do well.

Auto-Tech Services

Dean House, Dean Street Ashton under Lyne

Lancashire OL6 7BZ

Tel: 0161 343 6459

Mobile: Fax: E-Mail: [email protected]


GORDONS HONDA

Folds Road, Bolton, BL1 2ST

Tel: 01204 383 318


HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?

In the current Economic Climate it’s fair to say that most businesses are finding money hard to access although many Bodyshops and Garages wish to continue investing in new equipment to drive efficiencies and meet the technological demands of the modern vehicle. Then talk to PMD Leasing about financing for your business needs. For just £9 a day you could have £10,000 of equipment! Why not spread the cost and pay for it as it works for you? All equipment can be financed, if you’re unsure please just ask! Specialists in Garage and Bodyshop Equipment Finance We are pleased to announce the launch of our new websites dedicated to the Garage Industry. Please visit us at www.bodyshopequipmentfinance.co.uk and www.garageequipmentfinance.co.uk follow us on Twitter @pmdbodyshopmot and check out our Facebook page Call Sam or Jill on 0161 627 7092 for details quoting OCBS or Click here to visit their website

Hyundai forced to pull ‘shocking’ advert depicting man committing suicide after huge backlash

The commercial titled ‘pipe job’ shows a man sitting in his car as he makes a suicide bid sparked a mass of complaints by the public. The distressed man is shown taking deep breaths as he waits to lose consciousness. As the commercial ends, the man leaves his garage unharmed as the slogan reveals the latest Hyundai vehicle has 100% water emissions. Have advertising agents got so hard up for ideas that they produce such sickening ads that are liable to cause offence – I am afraid so however, what is more unbelievable is the fact that Hyundai approved it.


SPECIAL OFFERS

PARTS SALES

All Prices +

Vat

FRANCHISE VEHICLE PART NO PART RETAIL PRICE

SALE PRICE DEALER TELEPHONE

FIAT MK 2 Punto 1.2 8V 71793537 Clutch £101.27 £25.00 Mangoletsi 01565 722899

FIAT Mk 2 Punto 51712394 o/s Headlamp (No Fogs) £201.96 £30.00 Mangoletsi 01565 722899

FIAT Punto 1993-1999 7734517 Tailgate £447.48 £80.00 Mangoletsi 01565 722899

FIAT Punto 1993-1999 46515422 Rear Panel £211.91 £75.00 Mangoletsi 01565 722899

FORD Mondeo 2000-2007 1118533 Bonnet £220.31 £50.00 OMC 0161 287 4123

FORD Escort 08/92-01/93 1661872 Bonnet £177.98 £30.00 OMC 0161 287 4123

NISSAN N16 Almera 02/2000-11/2006

65100-BN730 Bonnet £303.20 £75.00 West Way 0161 273 1054

NISSAN N16 Almera 02/2000-11/2006

80101-5M432 n/s Fr Door Skin £246.15 £75.00 West Way 0161 273 1054

NISSAN K11 Micra 08/1992-11/2002

80153-50B30 n/s Fr Door Skin £270.15 £75.00 West Way 0161 273 1054

NISSAN P12 Primera 01/2002-05/2007

82100-BA130 o/s Rr Door Skin £334.50 £75.00 West Way 0161 273 1054

Car insurers sidestep ban on taking referral fees from lawyers

Car insurance premiums are expected to fall by up to 15% this year as the authorities are cracking down on the UK’s compensation culture. However, it appears that insurers are not ready to let go of their lucrative links to the personal injury claims industry as a number of insurers are now trying to sidestep the ban on referring claimants to lawyers by becoming law firms themselves under separate rule changes that allow people other than lawyers to own and run law firms – known as an Alternative Business Structure (ABS).


COBRA INSURANCE Cobra UK & Ireland are an Independent Motor Trade broker that has been established in Altrincham since 1993. With a large organisation behind us, we are able to offer our customers a wide choice of insurance markets using the benefit of the buying power that comes with a large business. We are a well respected and continually expanding independent commercial insurance broker providing bespoke and cost effective insurance solutions for all businesses connected to the motor trade industry. This ensures that all aspects of your business will be covered to give you peace of mind when it comes to your insurance programme. We are proud to say that many of our clients have been with us since we opened up for business and from this we have expanded and shall continue to succeed. Our clients are more than happy to provide references on our service. Our in‐house motor trade scheme provides a wide range of added value services for our clients to help control costs and minimise risks more efficiently. We are able to provide access to leading industry service providers such as: ∙ Risk Director ‐ A free online risk management tool for your business. ∙ Motor Insurance Database ‐ Assistance with the regulatory obligations and a dedicated

helpline. ∙ ROSPA ‐ Discounts on a wide range of risk management services from the Royal Society of

Prevention of Accidents. ∙ AA ‐ Up to 61% off the AA mechanical breakdown service. ∙ Securikey ‐ Discount rates from the UK's leading company for safes and high security key

cabinets If you want to find out more about how Cobra UK & Ireland can assist you with competitive premiums, exceptional service levels and comprehensive cover, then please contact Daren Bootham 07570 674 697 or Tim Sweeney 07799 876 360 and we would be delighted to offer a free no obligation review of your insurance programme.


New MOT Rules

The advisory period for the new MOT changes introduced by VOSA Jan 2012 is now coming to an end and the following will mean MOT failure.

Supplementary restraints The vehicle will fail the test if any airbag fitted as original equipment is obviously missing or defective. A seatbelt pre-tensioner fitted as original equipment but missing or that has obviously deployed will be a reason for failure. Seatbelt load limiters that are missing where fitted as standard or folding webbing type limiters that have obviously deployed are also reasons for failure. The vehicle will also fail if a Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) malfunction indicator lamp indicates a system malfunction.

Warning lights As well as electronic parking brake and electronic stability control warning lights (where fitted) the MOT test will also include checks for the correct function of the following, where fitted; Headlight main beam warning light Electronic power steering warning light Brake fluid level warning light Seat belt pre-tensioner warning light If you’re current diagnostic equipment cannot diagnose the malfunction or reset the warning light call GDI. By using our OE Genuine Main Dealer Diagnostic Tools and software we will help you diagnose the problem. ABS, ESP, SRS, Power Steering, Engine etc. For the last ten years GDI has been helping the major insurance companies and the crash repair industry to rectify airbag faults especially after collision. We have a vast knowledge of all common airbag faults.


GDI Airbag Services Include Reset warning lights Fault finding and diagnosis Crash data removal from airbag ECU Program new airbag ECU Repair original airbag ECU Supply airbag ECU/Module Bench test airbag components Replace parts Repair faults Repair airbag wiring faults GDI can repair defective Airbag ECU/Module usually on the bench or sometimes even while on the car. Our service includes collection, bench repair, software re-flash, delivery, installation, diagnostic programming and configuration. Re-setting and full testing while connected to the vehicle. GDI will use genuine OE equipment & software to diagnose the Airbag Malfunction. We have various solutions for many problems. If you are not sure how to rectify the Airbag faults give us a call.

GDI OE Dealer Diagnostic Tools Include Audi, BMW, Citroen, Ford, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes, Mini, Peugeot, Renault, Saab, Seat, Toyota, Vauxhall, VW.

GDI Services Ltd

07740 866555


Address Chancellor Lane Ardwick Manchester, Greater Manchester, M12 6JZ Telephone 0161 273 1054


A number of auto manufacturers have introduced write-off avoidance programmes over the past year. The primary aim, of course, is to boost parts sales, however there are clearly benefits for approved repairers – an increased level of repair work – as well as vehicle owners, who don’t have to cope with possible discrepancies between the write-off offer from their insurer and replacement costs. Below is a brief summary of the approach that the manufacturers have taken to this issue as at October 2012. The information has been provided by relevant dealer groups. FGAUK: (Fiat, Alfa & Chrysler) treat each case on its merits and the appropriate zone aftersales business development manager has the autonomy to adjust the nett parts prices to dealers to reduce the overall price of the parts for a repair. This needs to be auditable both from a dealer and FGAUK point and all invoices will be scrutinised along with estimates, repair orders and invoices from bodyshop to show a reduction in its labour, materials, paint costs to ensure the vehicle is repaired and all parties benefit from this. Contact your One Call Main Dealer for more information. Vauxhall: do have a programme but repairs only through their own bodyshop network Mercedes-Benz: have a progamme but only to their own approved bodyshops. Land Rover: – No progamme Nissan: – see opposite Peugeot: – Citroen/Peugeot have a program called ResQ – Contact Parts Northwest on 0161 848 6800 for further details Volvo - If the vehicle is borderline the dealer has to fill out a form with all the vehicle details, damage and costings. Volvo will then evaluate this and if they think it is a potential repair will adjust parts discount to try to keep the vehicle repairable. Contact your One Call Main Dealer for more information.

Write-off Avoidance Programmes


Toyota:- (note: information provided by Bentleys (Warrington) Ltd). With the event of the general downturn in Body parts sales across most franchises caused by insurance companies insisting on panel repair, copy parts or green parts supply, Toyota's parts sales in reality for original fit parts is limited. Cars are often written off as uneconomical repairs because the labour, paint and parts add up to what the car is worth on paper. Toyota now are dipping their toes into the world of Write-off Avoidance. Pilot programmes are currently running at a couple of dealers, at centres with in-house body repair facilities on site so Toyota can see what's needed to put a workable program into the network. We are currently unsure if this will benefit external Body Repair Centres at all, let’s hope it will. It may funnel heavily damaged vehicles into Toyota Centres, then again it may not so we will have to wait and see. Our hope at Bentleys is that it will support our own smaller ‘Write-off Avoidance Programme’. We are currently operating it on a case by case basis when the cars are a little older. How it works is this, we go out to the Body Repair Centre, take the order, price it out checking availability of parts, agree the order, check the value of the repair and of the vehicle, agree discount, take a one off upfront payment by cheque and finally supply the parts. Any subsequent order for the same vehicle or other parts are at the normal trade terms we usually offer. Yes, it’s a bit hit and miss and could be open to abuse by shops claiming the cars going to be written off when in fact it’s not and its a way of getting better discounts. Obviously we need to retain some profit to offer the program and maintain the services we offer so if we feel that if it’s not near write off we will not offer the programme. Let’s wait and see what happens. Contact: Bentleys (Warrington) Ltd. 425 Manchester Road Warrington WA1 3LR Tel: 01925 818193 direct or our Switch Board 01925 818515 Fax: 01925 818 193 Mobil: 0791 9924830 e-mail:[email protected] Honda: see separate doc Porsche: Pricing Support Requests - Revised Information and Form Pricing Support Requests can enable Porsche Centres to offer customers, with particular circumstances, special prices on a part or set of parts.


These are handled through the Parts Operations Team. Pricing support requests must be supplied with a valid reason of why the customer, or Porsche Centre, requires help with the price of a Part. Pricing support should only be applied for where there is a specific market reason - Competitive pricing, Insurance write-off etc. However, Pricing Support should not be used as a method of goodwill. All PCGB goodwill support should be raised through the Porsche Customer Assistance Centre. Nor will requests for price discounts on bulk purchases be accepted. You must supply a required Centre Net price to enable us to give the appropriate level of support. Please ensure that the requested price is of a realistic value, for example, requests for a new price of £1.00 or for a 50% discount will not be entertained. Also please indicate if the Labour Rate is being supported by your Centre, Bodyshop or third party repairer. Contact your One Call Main Dealer for more information.

The Ford Write-off Avoidance programme continues to keep customers in their cars, with excellent progress being made in 2012. The programme has been operating in the Ford Accident Repair Centre (FARC) network for several years now, and the following results from

2012 help explain why it is so successful:

· 141 bodyshops in the FARC network submitted a total of 2,244 requests for support

In 2012: · 1,125 vehicles were saved from write-off by using the programme; · Incremental parts sales totalled over £1.4 million (RRP); · Incremental revenue for the bodyshops exceeded £3 million.

2013 is continuing along the same lines, with 189 vehicles already saved in the network, bringing in over £240k in incremental revenue to the bodyshops. A major step forward in the programme was taken towards the end of 2012 when the programme was extended to independent and small groups of bodyshops outside the Ford network that have achieved PAS125 certification. The Ford Business Managers have presented the programme to the major networks (Fix-Auto, Vizion, NAB, NARG, Motacare), and the response has been very positive. So far this year 52 independent bodyshops have submitted 80 requests for support between them this year, with 22 vehicles saved from the scrapyard. With over 600 bodyshops eligible to join the programme, the potential for further growth is huge. With the pressure that bodyshops are under in the current economic climate, this is a programme that genuinely works to help them retain work and profitability. Independent bodyshops and small groups of bodyshops that would like to benefit from the programme are invited to request further details by e-mailing [email protected].


Neil chats to Simon and Cath Radcliffe, partners of the business.

What is the history of the company and who founded it? Lancashire Motor Bodies has been established for over 45 years founded by Mr Fred Frost as a family run business who sold out to Mr Ron Dobson in 1997. Ron then sold the business to Simon & Cath Radcliffe in 2003. Simon has worked in the business for 26 years. In July 2012 the lease on the building down in Salford was to come to an end and as the building was old and very tired Simon & Cath decided to move on and re-locate to Nasmyth Business Park in Eccles, Manchester M30 0SF. How many staff did you start with and how many do you employ now? We had 26 staff on board in total in our heyday however on relocating we have down sized considerably to five at the moment until we see how things go in a very unsure market. What is special about your business and how does it differ from other similar businesses in your area? Lancashire Motor Bodies has always took pride in our customer care giving a very personal service to every individual no matter how big or small their requirements may be. Every vehicle that is worked on is treated like our very own all our technicians are of the same view. If we can go that bit further to help we always will do so.

SPOTLIGHT ON LANCASHIRE MOTOR BODIES


What is the service like from One Call Main Dealers? All the dealers have been brilliant with us since our move, long may that continue. What are your plans for the company in the future and what outside influences may affect them? Cath & Simon are both working hard to re-establish LMB in what is a hard and fast changing market. A fair market share of insurance work would help and affect us all. When not working, what do you enjoy doing? Watching football and socialising.

Lancashire Motor Bodies (Manchester) Ltd

Unit C, Nasmyth Business Park James Nasmyth Way

Eccles Manchester

M30 0SF

Tel: 0161 707 4110


Mob: 07780 002518

Tel: 01706 212223

Fax: 01706 227773

www.ocbs.co.uk

[email protected]

Dewan Industrial Estate York Avenue Helmshore Rossendale

BB4 4JG

automotive vision - april 2013

Documents

accident management

accident management

accident management

busy quarter

use ocbs ebrochure

lisa quinnjones

fleet manager

fleet of cars