LKQ Euro Car Parts, alongside seven other leading suppliers to the aftermarket, has announced the launch of a unique new garage concept to help the industry’s professionals navigate the ever-changing automotive landscape and deliver a best-in-class service. 

Developed in conjunction with MPM Oil, Pagid, Schaeffler, Shell, Valeo, Varta, and ZF Friedrichshafen, 1TEC Auto Hub is a market leading concept network that gives independent workshops all the tools, training, and business support they need to grow. 

Membership provides garages with numerous benefits, including the latest technical and diagnostic data to facilitate a top quality first-time fix every time, marketing support and materials, business support to help unlock further revenue streams, training including access to LKQ Euro Car Parts’ award-winning LKQ Academy, and an exclusive rewards platform. 

Kevan Wooden, chief commercial officer, LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “Collaboration is key in these times of rapid technological and regulatory change in our sector, while access to the latest tools, training and technical data is vital to garages working on modern vehicles.

“This is why, through 1TEC, we’re seeking to create a network that supports a professional community of independent workshops and empowers them to futureproof their businesses.  

“1TEC has secured impressive backing from some of our industry’s leading brands. Each brings with them unique benefits for the network, which will be key as together we work with our 1TEC garages and help them reach their full potential.”

Every partner offers a unique set of member benefits: 

• LKQ Euro Car Parts – exclusive offers, platinum membership to LKQ Academy which includes access for 12 months as well as x2 in-person training days, branding, merchandise, and support with digitalisation to achieve competitive edge.
• MPM Oil – welcome pack, technical helpdesk access, in-person training, MPM branding and merchandise, and free MPM stand with purchase of one litre of oil for customers.
• Pagid – training courses with specific focus on electric vehicles, field-based technical support team, branding and merchandise.
• Schaeffler – training for support garages in becoming gearbox specialists, welcome pack and group meetings with a Schaeffler representative.
• Shell – welcome park including Shell branding and merchandise, quarterly drop-in sessions for garages, discounts on bag-in-box oil to help reduce waste, and bulk buy discounts. 
• Valeo – online and in-person training, hotline for any product issues, material for website, access to exclusive newsletters and extra points in the Valeo specialist club. 
• Varta – free battery tester, battery training, branding and merchandise.
• ZF Friedrichshafen – free access to ProTec platform offering advice and training, plus merchandise. 

The 1TEC network will be governed by a set of principles, and members are required to meet a set of criteria to ensure consistently high standards of service. These include maintaining a professional-looking garage with internet access, a customer facing reception and waiting area, and owning at least two ramps and employing a minimum of two technicians. Members must also have an existing website and social media presence. 

Kevan Wooden continued: “In a market where poor service can have such tangible implications, we recognise the importance of developing trust with customers. Our ambition is to develop 1TEC into a brand that consumers actively seek out for best-in-class customer service and efficient, effective service maintenance and repair work.”