Hutchings HQ has launched a mobile servicing solution in conjunction with Vauxhall that is helping to boost aftersales business and attract older cars.

HQ ServiceCall has enabled the group to widen its territory in the Welsh valleys around mid Glamorgan without investing in new premises. The mobile service has also been taken up by two more Vauxhall dealers.

Managing director John Hutchings developed the initiative after Vauxhall offered him an adjacent territory.

“The nature of the Welsh valleys meant we couldn't justify investing in additional premises,” he said. “But we didn't want to lose the potential aftersales business, so we decided to take our service to the customer.”

HQ ServiceCall operates from a replicate copy of Vauxhall's Movano sports rally support vehicle. It is fitted with diagnostic, electronic and recovery equipment and carries a full parts range.

“Our target market is work places where we have the most exposure,” said Mr Hutchings. “We have set up deals with organisations to carry out servicing in their car parks, which has gained interest from employees through word of mouth. It's a huge potential market.”

The service, which reduces the cost of supplying courtesy cars, has enabled Hutchings to attract back drivers whose cars fall outside the manufacturer's warranty period. “The mobile service is a good opportunity to build a strong relationship with the customer – it's more personal when a mechanic has the interaction,” said Mr Hutchings.

“It helps us to appeal to a slightly higher age than the market average.”

Close relationships with organisations have enabled Hutchings to capture database details of company employees. “We offer them discount purchases, accident repair schemes and free recovery – the mobile service has acted as a catalyst to boost our business.

Mr Hutchings intends to add a second van if the service is a success.