Australian automotive service and insights firm mycar underwent a sequence of management modifications earlier this yr, bringing in two contemporary faces to assist information the enterprise because it expands throughout Australia.
The corporate previously often called Kmart Tyre and Auto recruited Ashley Stephenson as chief working officer, bringing greater than 20 years of expertise in senior roles at companies together with Qantas and Nestle, whereas Sylvain Borré joined as managing director.
Mr Borré brings greater than 25 years of expertise within the automotive business, with senior management roles at Continental AG and Cooper Tire Europe. It’s this expertise he hopes to use to mycar because it expands its service community throughout Australia, which at present boasts greater than 280 places nationally.
CarExpert sat down with Mr Borré to debate mycar’s subsequent steps, the alternatives offered to the enterprise as a supply of automotive business intelligence, and what he thinks the way forward for automotive shopping for and possession will appear like in Australia.
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You began at mycar in current months; what are you seeking to deliver to the corporate, and what if something will trickle all the way down to the operation of your service centres?
mycar is actually a ‘Folks First’ enterprise, constructed on look after our clients, individuals, and companions – and that’s precisely what drew me right here. It’s this focus, which interprets to ‘care past the automotive’ in our shops, that I’m eager to proceed to construct upon – persevering with to strengthen the tradition throughout the enterprise.
This implies making certain our individuals really feel valued, supported and outfitted to ship their finest work. When our groups are empowered and engaged, it naturally interprets into a greater buyer expertise – extra care, extra belief, and extra effectivity.
So, whereas the main target begins with our individuals, the outcome might be a extra constant, customer-centred expertise throughout our virtually 280 shops.
General, I’m excited to be main mycar into its subsequent chapter, with a group that’s deeply dedicated to the enterprise and the business, and a nationwide footprint that offers us an actual edge.
What alternatives do you are feeling mycar has in relation to offering insights and information for the broader automotive business?
mycar’s annual Mobility Index provides us a singular snapshot into how Australians take into consideration their autos – from servicing habits to EV adoption and rising applied sciences.
With virtually 280 shops nationwide and a rising cell service providing, we’re properly positioned to take an annual pulse verify on the nation’s attitudes towards the way forward for mobility.
These insights allow us to information the broader business on the traits and forces shaping how Australians drive, service, and care for his or her autos – serving to handle right this moment’s mobility challenges whereas unlocking tomorrow’s alternatives.
What are the challenges dealing with mechanics and the business as a complete in Australia, primarily based on what you’ve seen in your time at mycar? Is the abilities scarcity having an affect?
The talents scarcity stays one of many greatest challenges dealing with our business.
As autos turn out to be extra advanced – with EVs, hybrids and superior driver-assistance methods – we want technicians who’re future-ready. At mycar, we’ve been investing closely in technical transformation and upskilling to fulfill that want.
Since 2022, we’ve rolled out an EV-ready program throughout our community, coaching devoted technicians and equipping workshops with specialised instruments and security methods to service electrical and hybrid autos.
Past our personal community, we imagine business collaboration and authorities assist might be key to constructing the subsequent era of expert automotive professionals.
Because the regulatory panorama evolves, there’s a significant alternative to rethink how we practice, certify, and elevate technicians.
Latest mycar research have proven individuals are slicing prices in relation to automotive upkeep because of financial pressures. What’s mycar doing to handle that?
Price-of-living pressures proceed to affect how Australians preserve their autos.
Our Mobility Index reveals that two-thirds of drivers (66 per cent) have modified their servicing habits, with many delaying common checkups, and 12 per cent trying DIY upkeep.
Whereas comprehensible, these habits can compromise security and long-term efficiency. We’re serving to shift attitudes by making servicing extra accessible and clear – providing inexpensive, high-quality care alongside accessible instruments like ‘Auto Translate’, which simplifies technical jargon into plain language.
Our objective is to empower drivers with understanding, whereas making certain the precise upkeep is dealt with by consultants.
What are a few of the dangers you’ve seen in relation to individuals, say, finishing their very own upkeep work, or neglecting to service their automotive usually?
Shortcuts or DIY fixes might sound cost-effective, however they’ll result in critical questions of safety and better prices afterward.
Our information reveals that many Australians are stretching the time between companies, with some ready 10-12 months between checkups – properly past the advisable six-month interval.
Whereas it may be tempting to delay, preventative upkeep improves security, fuel-efficiency and reliability – and helps drivers keep away from costly repairs in the long term.
We’ve additionally seen mycar experiences outlining that individuals are reluctant to modify to EVs. Is that this sentiment nonetheless obvious and, in that case, what do you suppose is contributing to it?
Sure, that hesitation stays. Our newest Mobility Index reveals solely 23 per cent of inner combustion engine (ICE) drivers plan to modify to EVs or hybrids, a 12-point drop from final yr.
Largely, it comes all the way down to issues round battery longevity, servicing prices, and resale worth. Nevertheless, hybrids are sometimes seen as a extra viable stepping stone, with decrease upfront prices and larger familiarity.
Finally, the information suggests Australians aren’t against EVs in precept; they simply want extra reassurance. That’s why we’re targeted on constructing confidence by means of knowledgeable servicing, clear recommendation, and EV-ready infrastructure throughout our community.
Is mycar nonetheless working to equip its workshops for EVs? Has that had any measurable affect on individuals feeling extra snug in shopping for an EV, or are there different elements at play?
Completely. We proceed to put money into EV readiness throughout our shops and cell vans so clients can service their autos safely and conveniently, whether or not at house or in-store.
Whereas infrastructure helps construct belief, broader adoption is dependent upon affordability, schooling, and entry. Our function is to bridge that hole – providing the experience and reassurance drivers want as they transition.
What does Australia’s shift in direction of electrified autos appear like to mycar? Are we destined for full-scale uptake of EVs, or will hybrids (and PHEVs) kind the bulk for the foreseeable future?
The transition might be gradual. Nonetheless right this moment, just one in 4 ICE drivers plans to make the change.
Regardless of hesitancy, there’s purpose for optimism – many drivers say they’d take into account an EV or hybrid with sturdy guarantee protection and entry to the most recent tech.
That tells us the difficulty isn’t curiosity, it’s confidence. At mycar, we’re targeted on constructing that belief by means of EV-ready shops, cell servicing, and knowledgeable steerage to assist drivers transition to EVs after they’re prepared.
Mycar lately discovered that motorists are additionally reluctant to completely utilise driver-assistance tech. Why do you suppose that’s, and does mycar have plans to assist shift that sentiment?
Though most automobiles now embrace superior driver help methods, many drivers aren’t utilizing them.
Our analysis reveals 76 per cent have options like lane help or adaptive cruise management, but solely 19 per cent would really feel snug in a totally autonomous automobile. This hesitation comes all the way down to belief and understanding.
We see a chance to shut that hole by means of schooling and sensible steerage.
Initiatives like Austroads’ ADAS service are serving to demystify these applied sciences, and we’re dedicated to supporting drivers with clear recommendation and clear servicing to allow them to use these options confidently and safely.
Are there any flow-on security results from this or delayed/self servicing which might be of concern to mycar, similar to distracted driving or unsafe autos?
When drivers don’t use security options like adaptive cruise management or lane help, they miss out on applied sciences designed to forestall collisions and scale back fatigue.
Whereas these options provide clear security advantages, we perceive the pure hesitancy round new and rising applied sciences.
The extra information and proof that show their constructive affect, the extra confidence drivers can have in adopting them.
As we head into the summer time vacation interval, what are your prime three suggestions for automotive house owners?
From overheated engines to air-conditioning pressure and tyre blowouts, the summer time warmth is without doubt one of the greatest stress exams for autos. Preparation is vital to conserving your automotive secure and dependable throughout this peak driving interval.
My prime three suggestions are:
- Tyres: Examine tread depth and strain to keep away from blowouts in excessive warmth.
- Cooling and fluids: High up oil, coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid to forestall overheating and preserve efficiency.
- Brakes and lights: Take a look at brakes for responsiveness and guarantee all lights and indicators are working for optimum visibility.
These easy checks could make a giant distinction to security and assist stop surprising breakdowns on the highway.
MORE: Australian drivers reluctant to belief new automotive security tech, examine finds
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