In safe hands
Garages sign up to online electronic trading platform
Members of the recently launched Independent Garage Cooperative (IGC) expect a major increase in corporate business after introducing the in2-Connect online electronic trading platform for vehicle maintenance transactions.
What’s more, the IGC network has also become the approved fitters of remanufactured car and van engines from leading supplier Ivor Searle with all work being managed through the platform.
Both developments are expected to underpin an acceleration in company car and light commercial vehicle service, maintenance and repair (SMR) work through the national network, which comprises more than 120 high quality independent garages.
in2-Connect provides contract hire and leasing companies and fleet operators and service providers with a simple one-stop-shop for all SMR, tyre, glass and vehicle hire-related transactions.
Ivor Searle has been a supplier of remanufactured engines and other vehicle parts to fleets, including the emergency services and local councils for many years. Fleet managers frequently choose to have remanufactured engines fitted to vehicles following a seizure because they deliver cost savings over units supplied by the original manufacturer.
Until 18 months ago Ivor Searle provided a “supply and fit” service to fleets utilising a handful of garages in a network which it established.
However, explained operations director David Eszenyi said: “Administratively managing the garages was a burden so we returned to a supply-only service. But a lot of fleets prefer a supply and fit service because they don’t want the hassle of making their own arrangements to have an engine fitted.
“We personally know many of the garages in IGC membership and we have great confidence in the management team behind the network. The relationship is in its infancy, but we have every confidence that a high quality and consistent level of service will be delivered to fleet customers, which is why we have re-introduced a supply and fit service to fleets.
“Serving the fleet market is a particular priority for Ivor Searle, which is why we have a dedicated fleet department to make fleet managers’ and maintenance controllers’ lives easier.”
