Fast-fit chain HiQ will open the flagship of its network this month, a £2m centre in Leeds.

The one acre site is a step in altering the age-old perception of fast-fits, said the company.

It has a 12-bay workshop, customer lounge, all-makes diagnostic equipment and 20,000 tyres in stock.

Eight new jobs will be created at the site, which will be run by franchisee North Eastern Tyre & Exhausts, which operates 15 HiQ sites in the north east of England.

 

Operational project manager Tim Darcy said: “This centre really does set the benchmark for others to follow and we have not seen anything to rival this development anywhere across Europe.

“It offers a drive-thru style service for motorists, in one of the most contemporary, stylish environments possible.”

North Eastern Tyres, which runs 15 HiQ centres in the north of England, said the development would amaze motorists who often associate fast fit centres with unclean, unwelcoming places.

Darcy added: “One of our number one objectives with this project was to amaze, and exceed customer expectations.

“We have created a light, warm atmosphere which allows people to see all the work that is being done on their vehicles.

“We want to be different, that goes without saying. But we are not just talking about a new building here. The experience will be nothing like any motorists have had before, and they will leave knowing they have had real value for money, as is the case at all of our centres.”

The HiQ network is attempting to revolutionise the fast fit sector by creating transparency and peace of mind for customers, after a Which? survey found that customers have a 73% dissatisfaction with service in the automotive industry.

The network’s new positioning - ‘fast fit you can be sure of’ – is set to become more apparent in the coming months, with more investment allocated for improved customer environments in 2010.