Leading automotive workshop group takes pole position in SA

New ACD branding on NB Service Centre. (Image: Dummett & Co)

Seen as a first for the local motoring industry in South Africa, Midas Group's Auto Care & Diagnostics Workshop (ACD) brand - a network of independently owned workshops specialising in vehicle service, maintenance and repairs - has awarded Centurion-based NB Service Centre with a franchise 'prize' valued at R120,000. This included an extreme makeover of the winner's workshop facilities.

With a solid five-year history of meeting the changing needs of vehicle owners through their fully inclusive automotive maintenance and diagnostics solutions service, the ACD branded "Win an ACD Franchise" competition ran from September 2012 to May 2013 in leading trade press, including magazine and web. A team of Midas regional franchise managers carefully evaluated each entry. Entrants where measured on workshop operational efficiency, premises' orderliness and staff competence. After a tough elimination round, the ACD executive team selected a winner from the qualifying workshops.

"ACD has enjoyed consistent growth since 2008. As consumer markets continue to open up, specifically in the South African context, our imperative to reinvest in the business and allow it to take its shape has become even more apparent. This promotion was not only in recognition of our positioning as a market leader, by setting this precedent, it was also to elicit greater attention from trade, many of whom have since expressed interest in joining the ACD franchise family," says Louis Bles, National Franchise Manager for ACD.

Aiming for growth

With 50 workshops across South Africa, targeted specifically at high-density urban areas, ACD's broad reach aims to offer consumers a one-stop solution for major services, lube services, vehicle diagnostics, brakes and clutches, steering and suspension repairs, driveline and transmission repairs, and engine overhauls. Certain outlets offer auto-electrical assistance, air-conditioning servicing, and more, to keep its customers' cars safely on the road. By December 2014, the group anticipates a footprint of 150 ACD workshops throughout the country.

Louis Brits (left) NB Service Centre Workshop Manager, Louis Bles ACD National Franchise Manager, and Johan Viljoen NB Service Centre owner.

"The issue of keeping abreast of developments in what is growing into an increasingly sophisticated technological environment is becoming challenging for independently owned workshops," says Bles.

Advantages

Belonging to a well capitalised, highly resourced franchised group enables franchisees to take advantage of regular training and toolkits provided to meet such needs. More importantly, an independent owner is able to market his business through ACD's branding programme, which offers good penetration into the highly competitive aftermarket. Additionally, the group aims to offer its franchisees great networking opportunities, training in technical, product and service arenas, a consumer warranty and a workshop equipment purchase programme with preferred suppliers.

Part of the Midas Group, which is 75%, owned by Imperial Holdings, consumers have the assurance that they are buying quality parts at competitive pricing, while benefiting from the best in service.