Introduction: Welcome!
Jo and Colin Martin
Gardens a feature at Instant Auto
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A little about ourselvesInstant Auto is a start up business in Blenheim serving Marlborough motorists since May 2015. It is a small operation providing a unique opportunity for Marlborough motorists to receive real value and quality. It is based on the assumption that many of us are time poor and pay too much for vehicle maintenance. It also challenges the concept that all motorists understand their cars. To most motorists, cars are merely an appliance or a tool to achieve a task. Sure, we need to service, clean and maintain them, but in a manner that is practical and prolongs their useable life without unnecessary expense.
‘Fast while you wait vehicle servicing at prices you won’t believe.’ Many customers ask us about our business and are surprised to find that it is a Blenheim only operation. The experience they receive is akin to a larger franchised operation which is just what we were after. Far from a franchise or chain, all design, branding and processes have been designed and implemented in house by us. We considered a franchise for our business however franchises are not for entrepreneurs. We felt that despite the support of having established systems and processes handed to you, a franchise would not allow us the scope to evolve and adapt to our unique market. We believe that while franchises are great they are not for everyone. In truth, we'd ultimately like to franchise our operation, but more about that later. 2014 data from Canstar Blue determined that 40% of New Zealand motorists do not take any steps at all in preventative maintenance of their cars. Alarmingly 15% said they only see a garage when they break down or fail a Warrant of Fitness inspection. In 2015, 77% of respondents were wary of getting ripped off by their mechanics, this is not surprising as 42% of the same group have no idea what repairs and maintenance their car actually requires. (reference canstarblue.co.nz) We try and address this by making it easy for consumers. Instant Auto is a limited liability company owned by Colin and Jo Martin. Colin runs the business day to day and looks after all aspects of its operation. Jo is a primary school teacher and supports the business when she can by helping with booking and administrative tasks. She is becoming more involved as the place gets busier. Instant Auto provides employment full time for Colin and two other staff. There are three other part time staff. One cleans the premises and two work weekends grooming cars making a total of 3.7FTE. We cover all aspects of vehicle servicing. The most common operation is around fluid exchanging in cars. Fluids are the components that are there to protect the operating parts in a vehicle and they break down over time. Simply; oil changes, filter changes, transmission flushing, cooling system flushing, power steering and brake system flushing. To simplify things, servicing is done to a set menu. Through a lot of research and inquiry we’ve developed four main service options which cover all cars and light commercial vehicles either diesel or petrol powered. These meet or exceed manufacturer specification and provide cost effective options for customers. We talk customers through their cars requirements and make recommendations based on these four options. Pricing is tiered depending on the type of vehicle from small town car to large 4x4 and light commercials. Other significant service items include timing belt and drive belt replacement as well as brake pad and shoe replacement. Uniquely we are New Zealand's only express oil change operation that is recognised by the Motor Trade Association. This means not only do we offer great value and quick service but we meet the highest standards of practice in our sector for professionalism and the environment. From this core business has grown a healthy trade in repairs. Most repairs are from Warrant of Fitness failures due to suspension wear, brake imbalance, lighting or other niggly mechanical issues. Owner Colin Martin had determined that Instant Auto would be the gateway to the local motor industry and is prepared to grow the brand and explore other opportunities. Already Instant Auto has branched into automotive and industrial air conditioning service and repair. They have a stocked service vehicle that can travel to forestry, roading and rural areas. Air conditioning repairs have been carried out on all sorts of wheeled and tracked vehicles that are too large or cumbersome to get to a workshop. We also service and repair car air conditioning in the workshop and re-gas cars at a local panel shop when repairs have been made. Our air conditioning operation will feature in more detail in both the environmental and finance sections. |
Fast while you wait servicing of cars and light commercial vehicles from oil changes to timing belts. Efficient systems and superb supplier agreements that mean we can be profitable at far less cost to the consumer. Warranty repairs to vehicles and specialists in automotive air conditioning in the workshop and the field. What’s more we do it in a very friendly and honest manner. Just look at our online feedback.
