Diagnostics identified as key revenue driver

LKQ Euro Car Parts has identified a diagnostics services as the new revenue stream of most interest to bodyshops.

This comes after analysing responses to its Garage Services campaign, which was initiated to help garages increase customer satisfaction by offering a ‘first time fix’ solution.

After analysing customer response, it found that diagnostics – and potential revenue streams associated with it – was the area of most interest.

Colin Cottrell, marketing and central operations director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, said: “Our customers are quite right to be prioritising diagnostics – especially when their customers’ vehicles might have been sitting idle for much of this year, which can mask the cause of certain issues.

“Having the right diagnostic tools can help garages to quickly and accurately identify problems, boosting productivity in the workshop, improving customer outcomes and increasing the likelihood of repeat custom.”

Its AutoEducation Academy offers garages access to its IMI-accredited Technical Helpline and Online Vehicle Troubleshooting services.

Cottrell said: “To help garages upskill in this area, we also offer diagnostics training courses through our AutoEducation Academy – and there’s an inevitable degree of overlap with some of the other service streams that sit within Garage Services.

“Our courses take into account the different diagnostic requirements on traditionally-fuelled and battery-powered vehicles and of course, the need to correctly diagnose any issues that arise from ADAS sensors being out of calibration. It’s important to note that ADAS and plug-in vehicles are key areas to focus on in their own right, as both are becoming mandatory for all new vehicle registrations in the short to medium term.

“Despite an incredibly challenging 2020, the pace of technological and regulatory change in the automotive industry isn’t slowing down. Rather than view this as bringing a new set of challenges, we’re encouraging garages to embrace the opportunity it represents to future-proof their businesses and bring in more revenue.”