SMART solution set for VW Group rollout
Following the success of the Audi pilot, Volkswagen Group is now extending its SMART repair solution – Clever Repair – to its other passenger car brands.
There are plans for pilot sites with Volkswagen, Seat and Škoda in the new year. To support the VWG UK growth plan for 2017 and beyond, Chris Jesson, formerly of the VWG Paint and Body Programme, will be joining the team and working full time as the Clever Repair Consultant.
Mike Partridge, Volkswagen Group Paint and Body business manager stated, ‘Clever Repair is a collaboration between two parts of the Volkswagen Group family. It demonstrates that when we work together we can develop truly innovative solutions that exceed customer expectations and support our dealer network.’
Developed by the Volkswagen Group Paint and Body department, Audi UK piloted Clever Repair in a bid to find a solution which moved away from ‘man in a van’ to a factory approved concept. The result – Clever Repair – is a dealer focussed programme, which takes the best bodyshop practices and shrinks them to suit small area repair. Innovation comes in the form of a tablet application which estimates the job in seconds, manages work flow and even facilitates the ordering of paint and materials. This system also integrates with most dealer management systems.
Derby Audi, the first pilot site, has reported positive results since the project started in March this year having generated 70% operating profit for the aftersales department; enabled a same day repair service for retail customers; made a significant contribution towards dealer aftersales absorption; driven down used car refurbishment costs and turnaround time; and increased repairs for the VWG approved Paint and Body centre associated with the Clever Repair facility.
Derby Audi service manager, Aaron Willis commented, ‘Clever Repair enables us to provide an exceptional service to our Retail customers as well as to our Used Car colleagues. They receive an Audi guaranteed SMART repair and the systems and processes slot seamlessly into our day to day business.’
