Bosch plans 110 car service centres in GCC

Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, a leading automotive manufacturer will add 32 Bosch car service workshops and 23 Express car service workshops across the GCC between now and 2015 bringing the total number of servicing centres to 110. The world-leading original equipment parts manufacturer will add 16 new facilities in UAE, taking the total number of workshops in the Emirates to 29 by 2015. Andreas Bodemer, vice president for Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, Middle East and Africa, said that in a region where many road accidents happen due to poor vehicle maintenance and failing spare parts, it is important to maintain exceptionally high standards for the automotive aftermarket sector, one in which Bosch sets the benchmark. “As one of the top players in the automotive industry, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket has a clear commitment to the independent automotive aftermarket servicing sector,” said Bodemer. “For us, the aftermarket is not only a market for spare parts; we feel responsible for the full value chain, including workshop test equipments, software solutions, training and hotline support. In short, we help workshops manage their daily challenges.” Bosch Automotive Aftermarket provides full support for its workshop partners across the region, providing training on all the latest technological developments and diagnostic equipment. With 102 Bosch Car service workshops across the entire Mena region, the German-based multinational preserves a meticulous selection process before a member can operate under the world-famous workshop brand name. To qualify for membership, each service centre must pass a rigorous certification process based on skill, customer service, facility design and appearance. To keep the quality of the network as strong as possible, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket inspects each service centre using both pre-arranged audits and surprise inspections. The results are analysed to develop ongoing training, and to remain in the network, service centres must maintain the highest levels of technical ability and customer satisfaction. “We have gained an enviable reputation for quality, but this is not something we take for granted.  We regularly commission independent testers to visit our workshops,” added Bodemer. “The aim is to go in without warning and experience exactly what any customer would: from the first greeting to the final vehicle handover and payment process.  The results are then fed back to the workshop and used as the basis for continual quality improvement. “Bosch Car Service workshops never know when these visits will take place, meaning that they constantly need to be aware of the quality, consistency and value of the service they provide.” The existing 50 Bosch Car Service workshops in the Gulf region currently service approximately 140,000 vehicles annually. By 2015, this number will more than double, meaning over 300,000 vehicles in the Gulf region will be driving with Bosch Automotive Aftermarket parts and serviced to the highest international standards, Bodemer noted. Source: TradeArabia