As customer expectations increase and the sector evolves at pace, Leisureways is highlighting how motor factors have – and should – adapt to meet new challenges. Today, the key is combining extensive stockholding, fast deliveries and specialist training to ensure workshops can maintain efficiency and profitability in a fast-moving industry.
To service the growing and ageing car parc, distributors should consider maintaining larger inventories, while meeting high service levels, including multiple daily deliveries to garages. Technology also plays a key role, with both workshops and motor factors relying on tools such as VRM look-up and electronic parts catalogues, ensuring accurate parts identification.
Tom Clarke, Branch Manager of Leisureways, commented: “The industry is evolving rapidly, with the average car now approaching 10 years old and more vehicles staying on the road for longer, workshops are seeing an increase in demand and repair work. This creates new opportunities for motor factors to support workshops with stock, expertise and services that keep them ahead in a competitive market.”
Many workshops now rely on online ordering platforms for 24/7 accessibility to parts, and Leisureways meets this demand with its dedicated online order portal. Technicians can efficiently check stock levels, view prices and place orders for same-day and next-day delivery, helping to streamline workshop operations.
Modern motor factors are no longer just suppliers, but trusted partners for workshops, providing training, technical information and onsite MOT examination refresher courses. The Leisureways team supports garages with technical guidance and supplier product training to help technicians stay up to date with evolving regulations and repair techniques.
Clarke added: “Our role has evolved significantly over the past decade. Workshops expect us not only to provide parts quickly but also to offer the expertise and support that help them operate more efficiently and focus on right-first-time jobs. Technology has made parts identification and ordering easier than ever, but our focus remains on helping workshops deliver quality results every day.”
Looking ahead, motor factors face ongoing challenges, including rising costs, increased competition and recruitment difficulties. For Leisureways, balancing stock, service levels and investing in employee progression will be essential to meet these evolving needs.
