Lex Uses Kwik-Fit ‘While U Wait’ Servicing

Britain’s largest contract hire and leasing company, Lex, has become the first company to sign up to use Kwik-Fit Fleet’s new ‘While U Wait’ manufacturers’ service initiative. With customers able to book a service at a minimum 48 hours notice it means Kwik-Fit Fleet is able to offer vehicle servicing more conveniently that most existing providers.

Kwik-Fit Fleet enjoys a long-term sole supply arrangement with Lex, which now stretches into two decades and covers the supply of a comprehensive range of services, including tyre, brake, battery and exhaust repair and replacement, and now extends to vehicle servicing.

There have been concerns voiced that having cars serviced by non-franchised dealers could invalidate the manufacturers’ warranties. However, Kwik-Fit Fleet has introduced new computer software at its 300 centres currently offering vehicle servicing that enables technicians to download each vehicle manufacturer’s exact service schedule on a model-by-model basis.

Kwik-Fit Fleet’s Mike Wise explained: “Most retail customers drive cars that are more than three years old and therefore outside of the warranty cover offered by most carmakers. Vehicles are serviced using long-established service procedures and even if warranties are in place they are not impacted.

“But, even though the current Block Exemption, which is designed to open up servicing to the independent sector, enables organisations like Kwik-Fit to undertake vehicle servicing without warranty cover being breached some fleets have expressed reservations.

“Therefore, with the majority of fleets operating vehicle that are under three years old and well within warranty cover, we now have a database that details point-by-point every single aspect of all vehicle manufacturer’s service schedules.

“While, companies have, in reality, had nothing to worry about as far as breaking warranty is concerned by having their vehicles serviced at Kwik-Fit centres, our new move allays any concerns. Technicians will now be able to download the exact manufacturer service schedule for each model requiring a service and use spare parts sourced via Unipart that meet Block Exemption requirements of being a standard equivalent to that used by a vehicle manufacturer.

“Following the early January software testing phase we are now delighted to be able to offer a complete vehicle servicing programme to all fleets in accordance with full manufacturer service schedules.”

Kwik-Fit centres undertake around 11,000 MoTs and 6,000 vehicle services a week, but those numbers are expected to increase significantly as fleets capitalise on the cost effectiveness and prompt availability of the company’s service offering.

Mr Wise added: “Time is money and for that reason fleets want a fast and efficient service that is convenient for their company car and van drivers. Our seven-day-a-week opening and our ability to offer a service promptly rather than the 14 days of some franchised dealers makes our expansion into this sector very attractive to fleet operators and drivers.”