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November 2008
November Press Release
With economic conditions worsening it has never been a better time to focus on Aftersales – comments John Highfield, Managing Director, Ashford Interntional.
“Dealers now have the opportunity to improve customer relationships while delivering key additional revenue and profitability. Recent Research supports the view that the most profitable businesses are those that are identifying additional cosmetic damage repair work when the cars are booked in for servicing”
The company has just announced a record 6 months trading performance as the Smart Repair market continues to mature.
“Several large dealer groups are now rolling out structured in-house programmes which not only save on sub-contract costs but also increase labour hours sold and customer retention levels”, he added.
“Everything is health & safety compliant and overall operating standards have improved as a result”.
The RMIF is urging dealers to continue to focus on servicing and repair in 2009. “We expect that most dealers will meet their Aftersales targets,” said Sue Robinson, director, RMI National Franchised Dealers Association. “If consumers are keeping their vehicles longer than originally expected, this will result in a greater degree of service and repair work” she said.
For more information call the sales team at Ashford International on 01932 353 178
October 2008
FROM RODS TO RICHES
Smart Repairs have opened up the cosmetic damage market. Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) is popular and potentially highly profitable business
Almost every car during its life will pick up a dent or two; most are often too superficial to warrant the time and expense of an insurance claim to have the panel replaced. PDR is a skilled specialist technique which removes dents from panels without the need for replacement. More and more dealers & bodyshops are taking advantage of these techniques not just for used car preparation but also as a sell up programme for service customers. It makes sense for the customer to have his or her minor damage repaired while the car is in for a service. There is no insurance claim and no inconvenience. Additional revenue and increased profitability have to be the focus for the dealer service departments now that hours sold are suffering at the hands of the credit crunch.
‘This is the next major development in the After Sales market’, says Glenn Parker Business Development Manger for Ashford International, “here’s a smart way for dealers to increase CSI levels and retain existing customers without major investment”
With all Smart Repairs – Repair not Replace is the mantra. PDR is one of several repair processes. All equipment and training is provided by the company with a complete technical support package. Training can be on-site or at the company’s National Smart Repair Training Centre at Milton Keynes. Courses last from ½ day to up to 6 weeks.
With PDR rather than replacing a panel, it is repaired – ‘good for the wallet and good for the planet’ –says Ashford international European Training Manager Alun Williams who has successfully trained hundreds of technicians over the last decade.
The Paintless Dent Removal System is the most comprehensive available on the market including 12 assorted metal dent removal rods
Reflective Light Board
Door Spreader
Glass Sheath
S Hook
High Spot Remover
Hood Prop
Ring
Door Jammer
Bungy Cord
Cushioned Rod Box
The training element is critical with a starter intensive, hands on 5 day course – with a maximum of 5 trainees with each trainer.
The first 2 days of the course are learning the eye/hand/rod co-ordination – absolutely vital to identify where the rod is positioned inside the panel as it cannot be seen. The trainee is tested to target “noughts & crosses” on the outside of the panel reading the metal through a series of reflected lines which show the extent of the damage within the dent. To the naked eye the dent is seen only as the point of impact. Using the lines it is possible to see how large the dent actually is around the point of impact.
The next 3 days are spent working on a real vehicle – understanding access points etc. If you can’t get a rod to the dent you can’t remove the dent! Double skins & strengthening bars can make access impossible.
At the end of the 5 days the trainee will be able to remove a dent but will be slow. This is just the start….. practise every day will increase speed and skill levels.
For more information call Ashford International on 01932 353 178 or browse the website.
AW . October 2008
August 2008
SMART REPAIRS DELIVER
Ashford International announces new management structure and expansion programme.
Ashford International, leading manufacturer and distributor of Smart Repair products and systems has seen a significant increase in turnover in the last 12 months. As the company continues to expand its UK and International businesses it has further strengthened its management team with several key appointments. Glenn Parker is appointed Business Development Manager. With previous experience in Blue Chip telecoms and new business development Glenn commented. “This is great time to be joining such a forward thinking company with so much potential and which is growing so fast. The Smart Repair category is now successfully delivering added value and improved customer satisfaction to vehicle manufacturers, dealers and bodyshops and Ashford International is perfectly positioned to continue to drive further expansion”. John Highfield, Managing Director added “We all look forward to a very promising future - Glenn has extensive sales, marketing and telesales experience and is an important addition to the team. He will work on a growing number of clients who are investing in in-house Smart Repairs programmes. The market is now focused on increasing service and bodyshop hours sold and reducing sub-contract activity ” The appointment comes after the business relocated to larger premises in the Weybridge area. The offices include sales management, administration and distribution facilities.
Recently Carl Lee joined as Northern Area Sales Manager and Alun Williams is promoted to Group Training Manager with responsibility for the UK and Europe.
After several years of market education and some degree of reluctance on the part of traditional vehicle repairers Smart Repairs (or Small Area Repair Techniques) are now moving up the UK and European Aftermarket agendas.
It has not always been easy to communicate the benefits of Smart Repair products and processes to organisations who have a vested interest in maintaining the cost of accident repairs. Now vehicle manufacturers, dealer groups, insurers, de-fleet organisations, auction houses and bodyshops are seeing the real cost, time and revenue benefits these products can deliver. This has combined with continuing pressure on financial returns in the retail, service and aftermarket sectors and a need for improved productivity and profitability. The company already has several key manufacturer agreements and has seen significant growth across a number of sectors in the UK Automotive industry and overseas in new International markets which include Germany, Holland, Greece, UAE, South Africa and Russia. These are exciting times and this represents a further major investment which allows us to capitalise on the opportunities open to us. ”
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