that are affecting the trade and things that may benefit their business. Autosupplies Chesterfield also previously hosted technical training evenings for customers on behalf of our premium suppliers, so there’s real potential for garages in having a strong relationship with motor factors generally.” David added: “Autosupplies Group recently compounded our extensive, high-quality product range with a six-figure investment delivering a state-of-the-art refurbishment to its Leisureways of Rotherham branch. The refurbishment delivers an increased stockholding capability, new retail area and improved facilities for the 25 members of staff at Rotherham, of 200 across the Group. Autosupplies Group also has an online trading portal allowing customers to order parts and check its stock availability.” For more information, visit: www.autosupplies.co.uk Commitment Catherine Baker, TPS Head of Group Parts Operations observed: “At TPS, we’re constantly striving to offer our customers the best possible parts, products and service that can in turn be passed on to their customers. “As part of that commitment to delivering a premium customer service experience, we are always looking at ways in which we can go the extra mile for customers in our network. This can be both on a broader macro strategic level to micro level innovations that enhance the service received by customers from their local TPS centre. “Most recently in August, we opened a new TPS centre in Ballymena in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. This is our 83rd TPS Centre and our third spoke in the Northern Ireland territory - we also have TPS Cookstown and TPS Mullask – which will provide us with full network coverage across the whole of Northern Ireland. It will allow us to offer customers a bespoke stock holding solution at each location and a delivery service that is able to grow to match customers’ needs.” Service provision There is more than just more branches coming from TPS, as Catherine observed: “As well as increasing our number of TPS centres, we are also boosting service provision through our existing centres with the roll out of a new route planning and delivery service, ‘OnRoute’, across the network. TPS OnRoute allows for more efficient planning of routes, which means quicker deliveries for customers, an energy efficient reduction in mileage and a proof of delivery mechanism that provides customers with the reassurance that their parts have been delivered to them. As part of future plans to enhance the system, customers will also be kept informed of when they can expect their order and will be able to track their deliveries online. “Further innovations to benefit customers include the capability to order tooling, as well as parts, directly from the TPS centres. It will give customers access to a huge range of workshop equipment that is fully compliant with manufacturer specifications across all Volkswagen Group vehicles. “We are also making our offers and discount available for longer periods. It means our latest Quantum consumables discount deal, giving up to 25% off anti-freeze, screenwash and wiper blade products, is now available throughout the month, rather than for limited days or a one-week period, giving garages facing tough times in the current climate the opportunity to enjoy discounted prices for a lot longer.” New development She added: “Finally, an exciting new development is a major boost to our strategy to electrify the TPS fleet. As part of our plans to accelerate our EV journey, TPS will add a range of new EV vehicles to its delivery fleet. This will pave the way for our business to significantly cut its UK carbon footprint, while supporting and encouraging our customers to do the same.” Catherine concluded: “The electrification of the TPS fleet is a significant milestone on the road to a more sustainable business operation and we will share further updates on this major transformation of our delivery service to customers in the coming months.” www.aftermarketonline.net NOVEMBER 2023 AFTERMARKET 49 There is so much more to a strong garagefactor relationship than the supply of high-quality parts and workshop equipment ”
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