autocare newsletter - issue 31 / dec 2014

NEWSLETTERAUTOCARE

Issue 31 – December 2014

Also inside this issue:AutoCare Trade Show 2015 | AutoCare Winter Promotion | Regional Meetings Round-up | Winter Workwear Pack

Driving home for Christmas…Horsham Motor Services’ customer Nathan Booker will be driving home in a brand new Citroën DS3, courtesy of AutoCare’s Wonderful Winter Giveaway

AutoCare Newsletter02

SEASON’S GREETINGSWelcome to the 31st edition of the AutoCare newsletter, this is our final edition for 2014, and what an exceptional year we have had. 72 new garages have signed on to the AutoCare programme and in addition to this we have also increased our sales team of Business Development Managers from four to six. What this means is that all GROUPAUTO distributors as well as AutoCare garages will see an increase in the number of visits from our team, allowing us to get more feedback and ideas from the field.Julie Mavin who joined us in August has settled in really well and picked up the mantle that was left behind when Marie Barrett left us for pastures new. Many of the garages and members will have had a chance to meet Julie, Caroline and the new BDM’s at the regional meetings that we held during October and November. The meetings were all really well attended by both garages and members alike. At each meeting we updated attendees on the AutoCare network, new initiatives and Approved Garages. This was followed by presentations from AirLife on a new in-car sanitising product exclusive to AutoCare and not yet launched in the UK. Tekne were also there to present Rapidoo, the augmented reality software which enhances the AutoCare technical helpline offering. Thanks to all garages and members that took the time out to attend the meetings, their time and effort is really appreciated.

The winter prize draw is now complete and we had 3743 entries on the AutoCare website which we are delighted with. Congratulations to all the winners and

many thanks to the garages that have really worked hard and pushed the promotion within their respective areas. Full details of the prize winners can be found on page 4-8.

The 2015 AutoCare diaries are now available and we have taken the opportunity to hand them out at all the regional meetings during October and November. For garages that weren’t able to get to the meetings we will be sending the diaries to your local GROUAPUTO member who will deliver them directly to each garage. In addition there will also be a 2015 wall planner for all AutoCare garages, these will be delivered during the first week of December and again will be sent via your GROUPAUTO distributor.

I am delighted to confirm that the AutoCare conference has been booked for April 17th 2015 and the venue is the MK Arena in Milton Keynes. This venue is perfect for our event as the hotel, trade show and gala dinner is all under one roof and there are 1,600 parking spaces available. Booking forms as well as further

detailed information will be sent out to all garages and members during the first week of December 2014. For garages that haven’t previously attended the conference I would highly recommend trying to get there as feedback from previous conferences has been excellent, and for those that have been before it will be great to welcome you back. Please try and get your bookings in as soon as possible to allow us to accommodate everyone on the day. More information about the trade show can be found on page 10.

I will close of now with my usual message of encouraging feedback from the garages about any aspect of the programme and also to say that if any garage has any stories, advice or tips for other members of the network then please send them across to us so that we can feature them in the newsletter.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all of you and your families a very merry Christmas and a Happy & Prosperous New Year.

Warm Welcome to our New GaragesA&M Motors SWADLINCOTE

AJL Car Care Centre WIRRAL

Almond West Service Station LIVINGSTON

Annfield Road Motors DUNDEE

Auto Engine Tune SWINDON

Auto Service Centre (East Midlands Airport) DERBY

Autocare Centre Chepstow CHEPSTOW

Brick Works Garage HORSHAM

Brookside Garage IBSTOCK

Bryn Motor Company Limited WIGAN

Carlton Colville Service Station LOWESTOFT

Charminster Garage DORCHESTER

Clan Garage EDINBURGH

Craig Rawse Independent Specialist of Volvo Cars BRADFORD

Crown Farm MOT Station Ltd MANSFIELD

Dargate MOT Centre (Faversham) FAVERSHAM

Garej Arwyns Garage CYF CAERNARFON

Highfield Engineering, Filby’s Garage Willington BEDFORD

Marchwoods Motor Engineers (LTD) FOLKESTONE

McKinnons Auto & Tyres Ltd EAST KILBRIDE

Mike’s Motors NEATH

MOT North West BOLTON

Noble Tyre & Exhausts ABERDARE

Notts Premier Service Centre NOTTINGHAM

P & T Autos NEATH

William Rutter Motor Services BEDFORD

Maria McCulloughAutoCare Network Manager

03Issue 31 December 2014

TECHNICAL TRAINING DATES

BOURNEMOUTH European On-Board Diagnostics (EOBD) 23/01/2015

Level 1 Refrigerant Handling (FGas Certificate included) 08/05/2015

CARDIFF Efficient Diagnostics on Modern Vehicles 1 11/02/2015

Efficient Diagnostics on Modern Vehicles 2 11/03/2015

Level 1 Refrigerant Handling (FGas Certificate included) 01/04/2015

SRS Safety Restraint Systems 30/04/2015

Engine Management & Emissions (1 day) 28/05/2015

DONCASTER Hybrid Systems 1 level 2 IMI Qualification 02/02/2015

Diesel Particulate Filters 02/03/2015

Turbo Charged Systems 25/03/2015


MANCHESTER Efficient Diagnostics on Modern Vehicles 1 16/01/2015

Electronic Diesel Control 27/02/2015



STOP-START 13/05/2015

MIDDLESBROUGH COMMUNITY LEARNING SERVICE New Technology 06/02/2015



Dynamic Safety Systems 06/05/2015

MILTON KEYNES (DA Autos) Diesel Particulate Filters 21/01/2015

NOTTINGHAM Vehicle Electrical/ Electronics 1 28/01/2015

Vehicle Electrical/Electronics 2 17/02/2015

Engine Management & Emissions (1 day) 03/03/2015

European On-Board Diagnostics (EOBD) 17/03/2015


CAN-Bus & Multiplex 1 11/05/2015

NOTTINGHAM (ludlow) VAG-COM 26/01/2015

PRESTON (ads) Frank Massey Foundation Course (2 days) 11/02/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Oscilloscope System Testing 11/03/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Spark Ignition Diagnostics 12/03/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Common Rail Diagnostic Part 1 11/04/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Common Rail Diagnostic Part 2 12/04/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Direct Fuel Injection 25/04/2015

Frank Massey 1 day Direct Coil Ignition & Variable Valve Control 26/04/2015

Frank Massey Electronic Braking and Chassis Diagnostics 09/05/2015

SWANSEA Level 1 Refrigerant Handling (FGas Certificate included) 10/02/2015



WEST BYFLEET Engine Management & Emissions (1 day) 27/01/2015


Vehicle Electrical/ Electronics 1 23/03/2015

STOP-START 21/04/2015

WIRRAL(A1 Autocare Centre) SRS Safety Restraint Systems 22/01/2015



Horsham Motor Services’ lucky customer Nathan Booker will be driving home this Christmas in a brand new motor thanks to the AutoCare National Winter Promotion.After the success of the Fantastic Summer Giveaway, AutoCare were under pressure to make sure the winter promotion was even bigger and better.

During October and November 3743 motorists who visited an AutoCare garage for a service, MOT or repair job entered the competition to be in with a chance of winning one of 41 amazing prizes, all with

the hope that they would be the lucky winner of the top prize – a brand new Citroën DS3.

Halfway through the two-month promotion, the number of entries had already equalled the total entries for the entire summer promotion and with over four weeks left to go, customers were still booking their cars in to the AutoCare

garages that were taking part. By the end of November 3743 motorists had entered the competition - this is a massive feat considering that it is over six times more entries than last winter’s giveaway, which at the time was AutoCare’s most successful promotion.

DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS…

IN A BRAND NEW CITROËN DS3

Left to right: Clive Hardy from Pages Motor Accessories, Maria McCullough AutoCare Network Manager, Malcolm Bonner owner of Horsham Motor Services & Nathan Booker in his new motor.


“This is exactly what we wanted to achieve with the two national promotions this year; we go to extraordinary lengths to put together the best possible package for the garages that are willing to take on the opportunities and make them work for their business. The more customers we can drive to the network (pardon the pun) the more work we can create for you, the garages.

“Both competitions have generated additional work for the majority of the AutoCare network, and will have definitely secured some new customers along the way. For other garages it has simply been to lock in existing customers and reward their loyalty with the free prize draw entry”, said AutoCare Network Manager, Maria McCullough.

“It was a great feeling to call up the lucky winner with an early Christmas surprise. Nathan Booker who booked his car in for a service at Horsham Motor Services in Surrey, will be driving away in a brand new DS3 DSign, courtesy of AutoCare. There were 40 more customers who got an early Christmas present too, as the 10 SONY SMART TVs, 10 iPad Minis and 20 BOSE SoundLink Mini systems were also delivered to the winners throughout the UK.”

Maria continued, “It wasn’t just the prizes that got better for this promotion, the support package was bigger and better too. All garages were sent large posters, personalised A5 leaflets, leaflet dispensers, invoice stickers and mirror hangers to help get the promotion off to a flying start.”

The 11 garages with the most customer entries were also rewarded for their efforts in making this promotion the success that it was. They each won £150 Love2Shop vouchers for their garage.

I still can’t believe what has happened, many thanks to Maria and all involved for making winning the car even more special.The Citroen DS3 is fantastic and now I have moved the seat around there is plenty of room even for me. I have shown the family and much jealousy was in the air.Nathan Booker

As well as an increase in customer entries we also saw a major increase in the additional publicity and awareness of the promotion from the AutoCare garages themselves. One garage put together their own radio campaign in the Coventry area completely at their own cost. We also saw an increase in the number of garages ordering extra leaflets for distribution, as well as increased activity on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

“As always we are already thinking of next summer’s giveaway and there’s one thing

for sure we will do our best to top this one.” Maria concluded, “2014 has been a fantastic year for AutoCare in more ways than one; we have 72 new garages that have joined the programme, we had the best attended trade show to date and now have two fantastic giveaways to report, here’s to 2015 and another great year for AutoCare.”

Congratulations again to Nathan Booker, winner of the Citroën DS3 and also to all the lucky prize winners and the garages they visited.


Sony Smart 40” LED TV winners Thank you so much for the SONY LED TV, I am thrilled! The TV I have at the moment has been playing up, it needs a bang every now and then as the volume keeps dropping. My Daughter has been saying to me “Dad you must get a new TV for Christmas!” so the wonderful surprise prize from AutoCare couldn`t have come at a better time! I’m over the moon and now I can use the money I was putting aside for a new TV to spend on Christmas!

When Joe from Joe’s Repair Shop rang to tell me I couldn’t believe it. Not only is my SAAB running like a dream after Joe`s excellent service but I’ve got a brilliant Christmas viewing lined up too! Thank you AutoCare and thank you Joe’s Repair Shop! Merry Christmas to you all!

Iain Dawson

SONY SMART 40” LED TVWINNERS

Garage RegionSarah Barr Collon Cars IRELAND

Craig Bedford Halifax Autocentre HALIFAX

Phillip Grange Leziate Drove Garage Ltd KINGS LYNN

Mr Millar A & C Ross Motor Engineers BATHGATE

Alice Wooley PL Auto Services READING

Anthony Spencer Mill Road Motors CHRISTCHURCH

Lyne Young R J (Davies) Motor Repairs PONTYPRIDD

Iain Dawson Joe’s Repair Shop SURREY

Sally Jones AJL Auto Car Care Centre WIRRAL

Gary Williams Tower Garage CANNOCK

Philip Grange – Leziate Drove Garage Ltd – Kings Lynn

Iain Dawson – Joe’s Repair Shop –Surrey Mr & Mrs Young – R J (Davies) Motor Repairs Ltd – PontypriddSally Jones – AJL Auto Car Care Centre –Wirral

Gary Williams – Tower Garage – Cannock

Anthony Spencer – Mill Road Motors – Christchurch


Apple iPad Mini winners

APPLE IPAD MINIWINNERS

Garage RegionHugh Cunningham Springfield Autos IRELAND

Martyn Dalton Craig Rawse Independent Specialist of Volvo Cars

BRADFORD

Tracy Halls Broad Street Motors PONTYPOOL

Pauline Hewitt AJ Automedics DURHAM

Leslie Scott Cheeklaw Garage DUNS

Norman Mather Auto Economy Centre FOLKESTONE

Johnathon Berry Challenge Tyres & Exhaust MOT Centre

TROWBRIDGE

Ray Riddell Lodge Service Station Ltd MANCHESTER

Aaron Matcham William Street Services Ltd SOUTHAMPTON

John Freeman Almark Garage Ltd DERBYSHIRE

Aaron Matcham – William Street Services Ltd – Southampton

Norman Mather – Auto Economy Centre – Folkestone

Ray Riddell – Lodge Service Station Ltd – Manchester


BOSE Soundlink Mini System winners

BOSE SOUNDLINK MINI SYSTEMWINNERS

Garage RegionTracey Beal Sprint Auto Centre Ltd IRELAND

Michael Warnock O'Connells Garage Ltd IRELAND

Keith Woodhead Reliance Garage (Huddersfield) Ltd HUDDERSFIELD

Jason Kendall A B Autos LEEDS

Charlotte Hollins Bridge Garage CRAMLINGTON

W. Raine Vickers 4 x 4 NORTH ALLERTON

Vicky Mainwaring Euans Autocare WHITBURN

Frederick Smith Prompt Autos NEWBURY

Jack Young Auto Team Mechanics Ltd HORSHAM

Jackie Harvey Robe & Hitchins (Tudor) Ltd COULSDON

John Wise Egertons Fleet Service Ltd MILTON KEYNES

Shirley Hill North Country Garage REDRUTH

Ruth Lehane Auto Engine Tune SWINDON

Slyvia Jones Parker Motors TREDEGAR

Tim Patient Grahams Vehicle Repairs ABERYSTWYTH

Tony Kershaw Whitecroft Garage BOLTON

Jayne Faraday Sterling Motors NORTH WEST

Tony Quinn One Stop Motorist Centre ST. IVES

Mr Groves Delamere Motors Ltd TELFORD

Derek Lamb S R Tomson & Son TAMWORTH

Mr Groves – Delamere Motors Ltd – Telford

Slyvia Jones – Parker Motors – Tredegar

Jason Kendall – A B Autos – Leeds

Jackie Harvey – Robe & Hitchins (Tudor) Ltd – Coulsdon

Charlotte Hollins – Bridge Garage – Cramlington

Frederick Smith – Prompt Autos – Newbury


The last weekend in November witnessed a remarkable departure from conventional trade events. Autoinform live is a joint initiative with the ADS Autoinform team from Preston joining forces with the original equipment supplier’s aftermarket association OESAA.

Having identified the technical challenges and important advantages when choosing original parts. autoinform live held @ the GTG training centre in Wolverhampton brought together for the first time in the UK, a hands on technical extravaganza.

The impressive 54000 sq. foot venue certainly impressed all on their first visit,delegates could choose from over 50 practical training sessions. Each delegate had a personal timetable ensuring they attended all of their pre chosen events.

Many of the major and well known OE parts manufacturers working with the ads training team provided an impressive range of tutorial sessions, delivered in fully equipped IT lecture suites and the magnificent workshop area. Delivering a hear it, see it, touch it, live event.

AUTOINFORM LIVE

Delegates from all over the UK and abroad experienced training and product knowledge directly from the people who designed , developed and manufactured them , with ADS and its technical partners delivering over 25 diagnostic events in a 5 bay virtual diagnostic workshop, throughout Saturday and Sunday.

No event would be complete without a social gathering, and this one had it all, the VIP suite at wolves’ FC ground, gala meal, disco, free delegates prize draw and a raffle in aid of BEN raising over £1500.

The first prize winner all the way from Tanzania took away a fronius worth over £1000 and a young apprentice £ 500 towards a tool kit.

Those who came loved it, those who missed it are all welcome next year, will you be there?


As the year draws to a close we are busy planning the next big event in the AutoCare calendar… The Autocare Trade Show 2015

5 reasons why you MUST attend• OVER 100 approved

supplier exhibitors with exclusive on the day offers

• FREE technical seminars throughout the day

• LIVE product demos from key suppliers

• INTERACTIVE challenges with prizes to be won

• FREE hot breakfast roll and buffet lunch

AUTOCARE TRADE SHOW 2015

MK ARENA FRIDAY 17TH APRIL 2015

Friday Evening and Gala DinnerAfter the trade show delegates are invited to join the AutoCare team, suppliers and fellow colleagues at the Gala Dinner with drinks reception, three-course meal, entertainment, disco and charity fund raiser.

Why the MK Arena?

• Everything under one roof• Excellent motorway and airport links• State-of-the-art trade hall

• Accommodation at the onsite DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

• Impressive Gala dinner hall with pitch view-bars

Contact the AutoCare team on 01274 654605 to book your place.

Issue 31 December 2014 11

KEEPING WARM THIS WINTER HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER!

Technician Winter Packfrom only

£55Woolly hats – with or without turn-up from as little as £2.85 each

Also available:

Thermal travel mugs – silver with one colour print to mug from only £2.42 each

100 mugs - £3.17 each 250 mugs - £2.78 each 500 mugs - £2.58 each 1000 mugs - £2.42 each

Offer price is available until 31st January 2015

All clients receive a proof to approve (within 2-3 days) before production is started. Production of the clothing pack takes 5-7 working days.

All prices exclude VAT & delivery

Don’t run the risk of being cold at work, AutoCare have a range of quality clothing available.

Why not take the hassle out of choosing what you need and go for the ‘Technician Winter Pack’, which includes a soft shell or fleece jacket, body warmer, sweatshirt and polo shirt complete with embroidery, from only £55.

1 x polo shirt 1 x sweatshirt (round or v-neck) 1 x bodywarmer 1 x fleece OR 1 x soft shell jacket*Price includes the embroidery of the AutoCare logo AND the name or logo of your garage. All new logos incur a one off set-up cost of £35.

*Price including the soft shell jacket is £65


GROUPAUTO member GD Components recently signed up their first AutoCare garage, former Unipart Car Care Centre, Garej Arwyn’s Garage CYF in North Wales. Geoff approached the garage after the local Unipart branch closed and presented the AutoCare Programme to Garej Arwyn’s parts manager Paul Childes.Garej Arwyn’s were one of the biggest garages on the Unipart network and is also one of the largest independent garages in North Wales, servicing and repairing all makes of car and light commercial vehicles as well as offering MOT’s to vehicles from class 3 to 7. Since they joined the AutoCare network in November they have moved all their parts supply business to GROUPAUTO member GD Components and have wasted no time in making the most of the AutoCare programme.

They have already completely rebranded their large garage premises with the vibrant AutoCare signage, as well as rebranding their company vans and 24-strong fleet of courtesy vehicles.

Geoff Dulson of GD Components could not be happier with his newest AutoCare customer, “Getting Garej Arwyn’s on board has been a real boost”, he said “they are the largest independent garage in the area, certainly the quality of business you would want as a customer, the ideal candidate for the AutoCare programme and a real flagship for North Wales. This is definitely a real success story for both GD Components and the AutoCare programme, to get a garage of this quality onto the programme only benefits our business and the network as a whole.”

Garej Arwyn’s are fully behind the AutoCare brand and pride themselves on providing a quality, efficient service to a standard that would put most main dealerships in North Wales to shame.

GAREJ ARWYN’S GARAGE CYF PUTTING NORTH WALES ON THE AUTOCARE MAP

Want to be featured in the next issue? Contact 01274 654605

Issue 31 December 2014 13

These are a small snapshot of the 285 different types of bacteria found lurking in the average family car, all of which are potentially harmful to you and your passengers, particularly the young, the elderly and those with low immunity.

Whilst you may not be able to see them, many germs can be smelled. Scores of micro-organisms give off distinctive odours and not necessarily all foul; some sweet and sharp or musty, like the smell that is blown out of your car’s air vents. This smell comes from the trillions of bacteria living on the vents and on the air con unit. Other high concentration areas for bacteria are the steering wheel, gear stick and door handles.

A simple 20 minute AirLife treatment simultaneously eliminates the bugs in the air conditioning and those in the car’s interior - both on the hard and soft surfaces - whilst completely removing all organic odours, from stale and musty to tobacco and vomit. Unlike chemical bombs this process is completely chemical free and leaves no surface residue or overpowering chemical after-smell.

AirLife have just completed a test pilot with a number of AutoCare garages and are now seeking forward thinking agents who recognise the potential of AirLife’s ‘double-wammy’ approach of germs and odours.

A six month short-term contract that allows you the flexibility to price point the treatment to your customers is on offer to all AutoCare garages and includes field support, training and point of sale materials. There is no financial outlay, as no stock or products are required, and you benefit from positive cash-flow the minute you start selling the treatment because the machines are not sold.

GERM WARFARE AND NOT A CHEMICAL BOMB IN SIGHT!

For the garages that attended the regional meetings you will have seen the presentation on the new AirLife product. A lot of interest was generated over the 11 meetings and follow up visits have been scheduled.If you didn’t attend and would like to see a demonstration please contact Caroline or Julie on 01274 654605

Clostridium Difficle – smells of burn butter

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa – smells of sweaty socks

E Coli – smells of bananas

AutoCare Newsletter

AAK Auto Services in Kent were proud sponsors of the Whitstable Classic Motor Show in August earlier this year, where their stall took centre stage promoting both AAK and the AutoCare brand.As well as having over 30 of their customers’ classic cars on display, including a 1967 Mustang and a Quad Turbo Lamborghini, they also brought their very own custom Ford Capri fully kitted up in JPS livery with both AAK and Approved Garages logos.

The AAK Quad - a monster in itself - was of particular interest as kids and adults flocked around to seize the excellent photo opportunity.

Also on the stand was a monster truck balanced on tyre stacks and a Mini Moke supporting the Falken brand of tyres, as well as information about the AutoCare network and plenty of freebies for the kids.

The event attracted a further 400+ exhibitors and it was estimated that over 20,000 visitors came to enjoy a full day of classic car viewing, live music and entertainment on the cliff top lawns of Tankerton Slopes overlooking the sea.

Anthony commented “It is the first time we have done anything like this and it has been an amazing success. Being able to tell people that we are the AutoCare Garage of the Year makes potential customers realise our level of professionalism and customer service levels.”

14

AAK AUTO SERVICES CENTRE STAGE AT THE WHITSTABLE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW 2014

Without the support of GROUPAUTO and AutoCare we would not have been able to put on such an amazing stand; they supplied us with the gazebo, flyers, key rings and even model delivery vans. AAK will be continuing to support this event in years to come.

ROY HUBBARD MOTORS LADIES’ NIGHTWomen of Market Harborough were invited to an evening for ladies only at Roy Hubbard Motors. The objective of the evening was to create awareness amongst local lady drivers on general car care, such as coolant levels, screen wash and oil top ups as well as safe tyre maintenance.The long anticipated event was presented by Graham Packer, with the help of Millers Oils and covered a number of topics focused around the daily running and reliability of vehicles.

In a typically male dominated environment, ladies often find walking into a garage intimidating; Graham Packer and his team made sure this wasn’t the case at their garage. At the Breast Cancer Awareness themed event everyone wore pink gloves and were invited to get their hands dirty and learn more about the daily running of their car, particularly as it approaches winter.

After a brief presentation from Millers who discussed the importance of manufacturer specific oils and the benefits of using screen wash as opposed water or soapy water, attendees were given freebies and helpful information to take away with them.

The evening on the whole was a real success and all who attended left feeling far more comfortable with the garage environment and above all competent with how to keep their vehicle in tip top condition this winter.

Issue 31 December 2014

Supporters can make a donation at www.justgiving.com/teams/dorest-to-the-desert charity website. Business sponsors will get their company logo/business name on any one of the vehicles in return for their support.

For more information you can visit www.facebook.com/doresttothedesert

15

MOTCOMBE GARAGE DORSET TO THE DESERT

Chris Rose from Motcombe Garage in Shaftsbury will be part of a team who will be driving over 2,400 miles from Shaftesbury Town Hall to M’Hamid, South Morocco to raise money for a charity close to their hearts.The objective is to take three teams in three different vehicles – each purchased for under £600 – from Dorset to the Desert and raise £10,000 for two cancer charities.

The cost of the trip which is expected to take place in March and April 2015 will be covered by the drivers. All monies raised will go to the chosen cancer charities – Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and Maggie’s Cancer Centres.

The teams have been fundraising throughout the summer and have already made the headlines in their local press. They aim to continue the campaign until they embark on their journey to the Sahara, in the hope that they reach their ambitious target.

AutoCare would like to wish Chris and his team the very best of luck.

AUTOCARE ON THE ROAD

AutoCare Team

Toby Whewell Commercial Manager Sales 07867359634

Michael Howe Business Development Manager 07876880496

Mike McIntyre Business Development Manager 07739429167

Sean Barnie Business Development Manager 07587035191

Phil Weller Business Development Manager 07834342980

Stacey Eade Business Development Manager 07734292620

Zak Oades Business Development Manager 07917252526

We have now come to the end of our regional meetings tour and have covered 11 venues in total across a five week period.We would just like to take this opportunity to thank all the garages and members that took the time out to attend the meetings, we had a record attendance this year and it was great to see so many of our new garages coming along too.

The format of the meetings was the same as previous years, where we started promptly at 4pm and ended around 6.30pm for refreshments. This then allowed plenty of time for questions and feedback afterwards.

The presentations consisted of an update on the AutoCare programme including the winter promotion entries, technical training, MAM Autowork Online, as well as a couple of new initiatives that we have launched. This was then followed by suggestions and tips on how to make the most of your Approved Garages page as well as an update on statistics including the number of leads generated and changes to the 0333 telephone numbers.

We then had presentations from AirLife who introduced a brand new product into the UK marketplace in the form of an in-car sanitisation system, followed by a presentation from Tekne on the augmented reality software Rapidoo.

Both products generated an enormous amount of interest by both members and garages alike, and there is a plan in place to follow up on the enquiries from the meetings and launch the products officially in January 2015 along with more details and prices.

The AutoCare diaries and wallplanners are now avaialble and were distributed at the regional meetings. If you didn’t attend a meeting your diaries/wallplanners will be received via your GROUPAUTO member before the Christmas break.

Maria McCullough AutoCare Network Manager 07860 439171

Julie Mavin AutoCare Co-ordinator 01274 654605

Caroline Hoy AutoCare Co-ordinator 01274 654605

autocare newsletter - issue 31 / dec 2014

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