Times are changing, and we are seeing major changes in motoring technology, especially with hybrid and fully electric vehicles. The need for professional, industry-endorsed workshops has become critical as independent workshops battle to survive in a competitive market. Being part of an endorsed workshop network can boost an independent workshop’s business.
In 2013, the Australia Automotive Service Dealer Network, AASDN, was formed in Western Australia following a restructuring of the Bosch Service Dealer Network. So far, AASDN has 43 members and exists to support, train and provide a forum for its members to share ideas, experience, and to provide a range of services to improve business outcomes for their members.
Nigel Oborne, from First Class Automotive, explains the benefits of AASDN membership. “It’s $550 a year to be a member, but that includes AAAA and ARCA memberships. It gives access to monthly training sessions, several social events throughout the year, but most importantly, support. We also have an online training portal where members can undertake training courses at their own pace and gain completion certificates. Keeping skills up-to-date, and gaining new skills to deal with emerging technology, are critically important.”
Membership of AASDN is not just a case of filling in a form and paying the fee; there is a comprehensive selection process. “Intending members must align with our Code of Conduct; have significant industry experience; meet workshop tooling requirements; and be sponsored. Their peers and our sponsors have a say in who is admitted”, Nigel told SafeTstop. In my opinion “The days of the “backyard workshop” are nearly done and we only want the best in our network, to provide expert service for customers who will vote with their wheels if they don’t get the best for their vehicles”, he added.
It’s within the “quality and service” umbrella of AASDN, that the SafeTstop machines are perfectly placed. “Some may baulk at the capital cost of the machine” says Nigel, but when compared to other workshop equipment, the benefits become obvious. “You can spend $30k on a scan tool that only works on the latest models, and that could be one car a month, whereas a SafeTstop machine could test every car, every day. Obviously it will pay for itself fairly quickly”, he added.
The AASDN has a division in NSW, has begun in Victoria, and a Queensland branch is not far away. For more information on what AASDN could do for your workshop and the services they offer, head to www.aasdnwa.com.au