Fleet profile
regular tyre and health checks. This digital shift aligns with the increased focus on duty of care offered by fleets to their drivers.” The correlation between tyre offerings and the safety of fleet drivers is crucial to Kwik Fit's mission. Fleet customers benefit from the expertise of specialist tyre technicians operating dedicated mobile vans equipped with tyre-changing and balancing technology. “Booking a service is hassle-free,” explains Joyce, “with customers simply choosing a tyre and appointment time, and Kwik Fit's team arrives at their home or workplace.” While Kwik Fit has traditionally been recognised for its ‘fast fit’ service without appointments at its centres, the evolving complexity of tyres necessitates a digital approach, Joyce tells us. With an extensive online stock, customers can order specific tyres, ensuring the company continues to meet expectations for fast and efficient service. “Most of our sites keep 900 different tyres in stock but there are so many different tyres in the market now that it’s usually a case of customers having to order their specific tyre from our online stock,” Joyce says.
Training the next generation of technicians
A transformative shift in the automotive landscape impacting Kwik Fit is the widespread adoption of EVs and the broader trend toward decarbonising fleets. In response to this evolution, Kwik Fit has proactively embraced various EV strategies, including the implementation of comprehensive training programs to ensure their network of technicians is well-equipped to maintain electric vehicles.
According to Joyce, EVs are reshaping maintenance norms and significantly differ from traditional ICE vehicles. “We've dedicated substantial efforts to enhance the expertise of over 700 technicians, enabling them to proficiently work on EVs and provide services comparable to those offered for conventional vehicles,” he says.
In recent years, Kwik Fit has concentrated its efforts on developing a robust training program and establishing a network of technicians geared to meet the growing demand for EV maintenance in the aftermarket. The integration of the IMI accredited scheme into their training initiative has led to a notable upskilling of technicians in terms of EV awareness and capability.
Joyce elaborates, stating, “Our comprehensive training courses cover every facet of our centre operations, ranging from wheel alignment to MOT testing. Designed to blend theory with practical application, our training equips our team with the knowledge and experience needed to uphold high standards in car maintenance.”
Significant allocation of time and resources for Kwik Fit is directed toward its apprenticeship scheme. Joyce emphasises, “The apprenticeship program is designed to equip trainees with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the automotive industry. We take pride in our unwavering
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commitment to training and developing our personnel, a practice crucial in ensuring we consistently deliver a superior service level to all our customers.”
Ultimately, Joyce notes, “It is our customers who determine our success, and their continued return to us is a testament to our achievements in meeting their expectations.”
Electrifying changes
In addition to ensuring proficient SMR services for EVs, the company has delved into understanding specific tyre requirements and behaviours associated with EVs, distinguishing them from those fitted on ICE vehicles. According to Joyce, there are prevalent misconceptions surrounding EV tyres, and the
company has actively debunked these myths through data collected from fitting over 100,000 tyres on EVs in the past five years. Initially, the data revealed a significant increase in tyre wear on EVs compared to ICE vehicles, given the inherent factors such as the weight of EVs, lighter tyre design for range conservation, and the higher torque resulting in more substantial tyre wear.
While it remains true that EV tyres wear down faster than those on ICE vehicles, Joyce notes a considerable narrowing of the gap. “Today, there is almost parity between tyre wear on an EV and an ICE. The performance of a tyre depends on various factors, with driving conditions being one of the most significant,” Joyce explains.
Above: The fleet division offers services such as tyre repair and replacement, MOT testing, car servicing, batteries, aircon recharging, and brake repairs.
Below: Many Kwik Fit sites offer ADAS calibration systems to ensure such advanced driver assistance systems are working as they should.
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