1TEC Auto Hub sets sights on expansion after welcoming 200th member

The garage concept 1TEC Auto Hub has outlined plans for growth after welcoming its 200th member.

Clarkes Maintenance Engineering, in Nairn, Scotland, recently became the 200th garage to join the market-leading concept hub. Launched less than a year ago by LKQ Euro Car Parts in conjunction with MPM Oil, Pagid, Schaeffler, Shell, Valeo, Varta and ZF Aftermarket, the network is aiming to be 300-strong by the end of the year.

1TEC Auto Hub is a unique garage concept created to help the industry’s professionals navigate the ever-changing automotive landscape and deliver a best-in-class service. Garages that sign up can enjoy a wide range of benefits from the roster of leading automotive partners behind the network, including the latest technical and diagnostic data to facilitate top-quality first-time fixes, marketing support and materials, business support to help unlock further revenue streams, training including access to LKQ’s award-winning LKQ Academy, and exclusive offers, loyalty platform and events.  

1TEC Auto Hub member garages are governed by a set of criteria to ensure consistently high standards of service. These include maintaining a professional-looking garage with internet access, a customer-facing reception and waiting area, and having at least two ramps on site with a minimum of two full-time technicians.

Louise Davies, Head of Concepts at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “Every garage in our community is setting consistently high standards in the independent aftermarket. We saw it with the first garage to join; the same was true when our 100th member – Ferdotti Motor Services – signed up; and Clarkes Maintenance Engineering is no exception. 200 members is a big milestone for us as we work to build a concept brand known for best-in-class customer service and efficient, effective service, maintenance and repair work.

“We have ambitious plans and hope to grow the network by another 50 per cent by the end of this year, meaning even more independent workshops will have access to the latest tools, training and technical data to help them reach their full potential.

“Face time with customers is key to this growth. Industry professionals can engage with our proposition at trade shows like the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event this June, where the 1TEC Auto Hub will have a presence on the LKQ Euro Car Parts stand. Our expert advisers will be on hand to discuss the benefits of being part of the network and how, in partnership with some of the industry’s leading brands, we’re helping members futureproof their businesses and adapt to work on newer, greener and more technologically advanced vehicles.”

Dean Clark, Director at Clarkes Maintenance Engineering said: “Having been a concept garage for many years we’ve been particularly impressed since making the switch to 1TEC, which has changed the way I look at my business and what I need from a garage concept. The relationship we have already built with the 1TEC team is really positive, and the support we have had already has been nothing short of amazing.

“I am genuinely excited to see what we can do under the 1TEC Auto Hub umbrella, and we are now firmly looking to the future and focused on shaping how our business will look in the years to come.”

For more information visit: https://www.1tec.co.uk/