Kwik-Fit invests in new vans and more technicians

Kwik-Fit Mobile is aiming to improve its service to the corporate sector with a number of developments including fleet expansion.

This year Kwik-Fit Mobile will continue the renewal of its 200-strong fleet of vehicles with plans to replace up to a further 50 vans having introduced 53 new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 316 CDI 3.5 tonne medium wheelbase units last year.

Additionally, there are plans to increase the size of the fleet with the introduction of up to 50 vans linked to business growth.

Finally, Kwik-Fit Mobile is creating new jobs with the recruitment of 10 relief technicians to maximise service availability to customers.

Further development of Kwik-Fit Mobile highlights the continued investment in the fast-fit and mechanical services business by parent company Itochu Corporation.

The Sprinter 316 CDI vans will replace 313 CDI units due to their improved fuel economy and will operate on a five-year/120,000 mile operating lifecycle.

Kwik-Fit Mobile operations director Simon Lucas said: “Itochu Corporation has invested significantly in Kwik-Fit since it bought the business almost two years ago.

“The decision to continue to replace ageing vans is the latest initiative that reveals Kwik-Fit as a vibrant forward-thinking and progressive organisation.”

Critically, Kwik-Fit Mobile’s fleet of vans is fully equipped with a wide range of ancillary equipment that includes jacks capable of lifting light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and fitted with a wide range of wheel and tyre sizes.

Meanwhile, the potential expansion of the Kwik-Fit Mobile fleet is linked to rapidly increasing demand from retail customers for vehicle tyres to be repaired and replaced at their location of choice instead of them travelling to one of the company’s more than 670 UK-wide centres.

Last year Kwik-Fit Mobile announced it would be extending its service into the retail sector. In the last three months demand for the Mobile service tripled and Kwik-Fit is planning for a further tripling of business in the next 12 months.

Lucas said: “As retail demand increases we will expand the size of the Kwik-Fit Mobile fleet. That expansion will benefit our corporate customers as it will mean a Mobile unit and technician is even closer to a customer than they are now so offering further improvements in response times and service levels.

“A lot of our retail customers, just like our corporate customers, do not always have the time to visit centres to have tyre repair and replacement work undertaken. So we have made Kwik-Fit Mobile available to those people and demand is rapidly increasing.

“Convenience and an increase in the number of employees working from home is driving mobile demand.

“Once motorists have experienced our hassle-free Mobile service they typically look to use it again and again. Vehicle downtime is significantly reduced and with many people leading a time-precious existence Kwik-Fit Mobile suits their work and lifestyle balance.”

Additionally, the recruitment of 10 relief technicians will have a similar impact in terms of further improving response times and service levels.

Lucas explained: “When our Mobile technicians are on holiday their van is parked up. Introducing a pool of relief technicians enables those vehicles to be continually in use thereby further improving Mobile availability to customers.”

He concluded: “Kwik-Fit’s Mobile service will continue to evolve as it further enhances the experience of existing corporate and retail customers and continues to attract new clients.”