Aftermarket December/January 2023

W ith access from front and rear to their garage on an industrial estate on the edge of Slough, local VAG specialists VRT are making the most of the space available, in every possible way. The family-run business operates out of two units, fielding three lifts. “As we expanded, our neighbour moved out, so we were able to take on another unit,” said owner John Grogan. Supported by his wife Christina on reception, the garage has six staff in total, plus two dogs. The business was founded in 2011, and has been on its current site since 2013. Since the beginning, VRT has been entirely focused as a VAG specialist. “We mainly see Volkswagen and Audi” said John. “We also cover SEAT and Skoda, but we tend not to see so many of them.” Do they get potential customers with non-VAG cars coming in? “We do,” replied John, “but we know some other good garages in the town and we will send them there.” Along with their focus on VAG vehicles comes a commitment to OE parts. Luckily for them, the local TPS 58 AFTERMARKET DECEMBER/JANUARY 2023 GARAGE VISIT www.aftermarketonline.net Aftermarket heads to Slough to find out how a local VAG specialist is working to support their customers with the help of their main supplier NO SLOUCH IN SLOUGH depot is just a few minutes away: “We stock nearly every service part we need. So, the night before, I preload the job sheets, do a pre-picks sheet and I've got everything I need. They also know they've guaranteed the sale because I've got stuff ready to go. It adds value and also provides a level of security for the customer. When they know a good quality part, they trust that brand and item. We buy everything from them. I don't think people realise sometimes how much you can get from them. Our seat covers, our floormats, steering wheel wraps, even bin bags and toilet roll; We buy everything from TPS.” Even the TP from TPS; Now that’s what we call commitment to OE. Seriously though, this goes as far as key tags, which are brand-matched to the car in question: “Yes, I am really that sad” laughed John, but apparently it works: “It makes it easier to find them, as you know straight away if you are looking for VW, if the tag has the VW badge on it.” John even thinks using the official screenwash makes a difference: “I think it does matter. If you try and save a few pence or a few pounds and buy something else, it just starts to chip away at what you're Above: Christina and John Grogan