Stay Ahead Through Quality: The ATE BrakeCenter

The market for motor vehicle servicing has been undergoing constant change for many years. The decline in maintenance and repair jobs and the increase in the number of electronic vehicle system repairs means that independent garages have been forced to rethink their activities and reposition themselves for lucrative lines of business.

For example, brake servicing is and remains one of the most important earners for independent garages. Roughly one third of all maintenance and repair work is performed on brake systems. Another important factor is that vehicle owners are increasingly looking for cost-effective alternatives for motor vehicle repair on the open market once their manufacturer warranty has expired. This means that there is a large potential for servicing business – but the market will still remain highly competitive.

Independent garages which want to exploit this potential profitably need the support and expertise of a strong partner. For example, the leading international automotive supplier Continental operates the ATE BrakeCenter system, which can provide repair facilities with everything they need to successfully specialize in brake servicing: 

• brake and repair expertise from the source
• high-quality branded replacement parts in OE quality
• the tools and equipment required for professional working on brake systems
• all of the required advertising and presentation aids which the independent garage needs to present itself as a brake specialist to vehicle owners.

Garages which want to qualify as ATE BrakeCenters do not have to give up the independence of their business. As a certified auto repair operation, they are free to offer a complete range of automotive services. However, they must meet precisely defined standards that ensure high quality servicing of vehicle brakes. These include suitable equipment, qualified employees and a commitment to invest and participate in ongoing further training.

Independent garages that wish to specialize as an ATE BrakeCenter can contact an ATE distributor or ATE sales manager directly. In a free consultation, it will be determined whether the service operation meets the acceptance criteria. Once all of the prerequisites have been met and the basic training has been completed, the contract can be signed. The owner of the independent garage will receive a welcome package for the opening of the new ATE BrakeCenter, which includes useful advertising materials to facilitate the start of the repair facility into its new future with ATE.