Franchised dealers should widen their servicing net to other brands as all manufacturers make their technical information available, says Autodata.

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♦  Franchised dealers can get access to technical information for other brands ♦ Off-brand work could fill service bays in quiet periods

Independents have been fighting for equal access to manufacturers’ technical information in order to correctly repair cars for all brands, but Autodata made the point that franchised dealers can also access this information. Like independents, franchised dealers can, for a fee, arrange for short-term access – from hourly, weekly, monthly or yearly – to a manufacturer’s technical information.

Malcolm Rixon, Autodata technical liaison and licensing manager, said: “This could help franchised dealers to capture fleet servicing business or potentially offer preferential labour rates to attract non-franchise older vehicles into workshops.”

However, Rixon also explained that committing to servicing vehicles out of brand would also mean additional training for technicians and extra diagnostic tools. It would also mean making sure the dealership has access to the right parts.

“Customers will often switch over to your franchise if you look after them well. It can be a great conquest tool for attracting customers to fill service bays in quiet periods.”

Rixon also warned that franchised dealers should be careful not to affect the throughput of servicing work for their own brand.