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31st August 1989, Page 95
31st August 1989
Page 95
Page 95, 31st August 1989 — SNIP TALK
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• The independent garage and motor factor sector is not losing any ground in the battle for the replacement parts and service market, we are told by the Bingley, West Yorkshire-based Factoring Service Group of around 350 independent motor factor firms,.

Despite massive car manufacturer backing of advertising and marketing in support of their franchised networks, the drift, says the FSG, from the franchised dealerships to the independent garage sector for vehicle service work is still as strong as ever.

"Two key reasons are availability and service," it says. "Although some parts are being specially low-priced by franchised dealers, overall the prices from the motor factor sector show a considerable saving on quality components. Competitive component prices from factors, backed by first-class availability and good, economically priced local independent garage service, is keeping the independent sector in front."

Figures? In light commercials and cars the fitment of replacement parts is claimed to apportion out at: 50% independent owner-operated garages; 32% vehicle franchise networks; 14% fast fits and specialised services chains; 4% major fleets (Post Office and so on).

• More motorway service areas, however, are falling under the jurisdiction of franchised recovery operations, and worries about the implications for independents are reported in the Motor Agents Association's July edition of Motor Trade Executive.

AA representative lain Colquhoun admitted at the International Vehicle Recovery Exhibition conference that his organisation was "very likely to have a presence on Granada sites". National Breakdown's Ernie Smith said: "We would not use a site if th AA took it over."

MAA director-general David Gent said that provided there was no restriction on the franchisee, it was better that the operation should go to a responsible member of the Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators than anyone else. Smith agreed he would use genuinely independent franchise-holders, but added: "We've seen too many operators cease to be independent in similar circumstances."

• What is this thing called horsepower? A letter writer to The Times complains that his six-horsepower lawn mower can't cope with wet grass when even an undemourised horse would not be "confounded". Are engine makers, he asks, grossly maligning the genus Equus or acknowledging a frailty in that species of which he is unaware?


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