The Garage 336

NEWS
Making
workshop
life simpler,
despite the
complexity
Cars are continuing to evolve, becoming more powerful, more environmentally friendly, more
comfortable, and safer. At the same time, they are becoming more complex, and with each
new innovation, independent workshops have to familiarise themselves with yet more
technology. That is why it’s good to have a partner like Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket
on their side, because the company’s objective is to make things easier for them and their
customers, despite all the complexity involved.
‘Convenience’ is one of the key focus
points of Schaeffler Automotive
Aftermarket’s strategy designed to
shape the future of the independent
aftermarket. However, is convenience
really possible at a time when both cars
and the replacement parts they need are
becoming steadily more complicated? As
digitalisation and electric mobility gains
ground and the number of repairs and
services requiring special expertise and
tools continues to grow, along with the
pressure on workshops to work profitably
and efficiently?
It is a challenge, but one that can
be overcome with system expertise
and market knowledge, explains Jens
Schüler, President GKAM, Global Sales
& Marketing, Schaeffler Automotive
Aftermarket: “Schaeffler is a renowned
specialist and innovator in the powertrain,
engine and chassis segments, and a
leading global development partner for
vehicle manufacturers. Our Automotive
Aftermarket division is a longstanding and
reliable partner that provides support
and inspiration to the independent
aftermarket and independent workshops.
There is no organisation better placed
than we are to provide the right answers
to important questions the future of car
servicing.
Electric mobility, Industry 4.0,
and digitalisation as opportunities
Tapping into new trends, along with
preparing for them in advance, is
essential for the long-term success of a
workshop. Schaeffler is therefore working
on solutions that allow workshops to
participate in new trends, by helping
shape the process of digitalisation for
example: “We consider digitalisation to be
an opportunity to support complex repair
procedures on-site and intensify the
dialogue with our customers worldwide,”
says Schüler. REPXPERT will play an
increasingly important role in this context,
as the Schaeffler service brand provides
workshop professionals with appropriate
special tools and repair support, not
just via traditional channels like personal
training and hotlines, but increasingly
through digital formats such as virtual
installation instructions and training
sessions.
At the same time, Schaeffler is helping
to ensure that independent workshops do
not lose out on the opportunities offered
by electric mobility. For example, the
company has its sights set firmly on the
independent aftermarket as it develops
e-axles and hybrid modules for electric
vehicle manufacturers all over the world.
When electric vehicles become
relevant for the independent aftermarket,
Schaeffler will be ready with an aligned
portfolio of repair solutions and services
to support workshops, solutions that will
make it easy for garages to benefit from
the increasing prevalence of electric
vehicles, allowing them to tap into this
new segment and thus secure a profitable
future for their business.
Information on Schaeffler products,
fitting instructions, labour times and much
more can be found on the REPXPERT
workshop portal – www.repxpert.co.uk
– the REPXPERT app, or by calling the
Schaeffler REPXPERT hotline on 0872 737
0037.
26 THE GARAGE
26,27 Schaeffler.indd 1 21/02/2022 15:48