#SAFranchiseFriday featuring Bosch Service

BACKGROUND
When Robert Bosch founded the ‘Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering’ in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1886, his aim was to develop high-end technologies. Through its 130-year history the company has been characterised by the innovative drive of its founder and today Robert Bosch GmbH is one of the world’s largest private industrial corporations.

Automotive technology forms one of the biggest corporate divisions within the Bosch group. Bosch Service is a leader in the automotive vehicle service workshop market with more than 17,000 certified workshops in 150 countries. Robert Bosch South Africa is a regional office of the Bosch Group.

THE CONCEPT 
Bosch Service dealers operate as an independent network of workshops who, while able to provide the assurance associated with a household name, is also small enough to care. The Bosch Service model accommodates both the establishment of new workshops and the conversion of existing ones. It must be noted that the investment required for the establishment of a new workshop will be substantially higher than for the conversion of an existing one.

Bosch Service customers benefit from Bosch’s unique competence and quality at fair prices for all their car needs.

Premises in high traffic zones that offer good visibility, accommodate adequate customer parking and have no less than four work bays, two vehicle hoists, a wash bay, storage area, reception and admin office, are recommended.

In addition to a suitable number of qualified automotive mechanics and at least one qualified Bosch Systems technician, the franchisee will need to employ reception and admin staff.

FRANCHISOR SUPPORT
To ensure superior customer service delivery, Bosch franchisees are provided with a technical support package that includes comprehensive training courses, a technical hotline and partner support from the regional technical services managers.

Bosch considers marketing a decisive element of success. Bosch partners are provided with a full marketing support package and a dealer council supports two-way communication between the dealers and the head office.

Bosch has engaged in mutually beneficial partnerships with industry bodies such as the Motor Industry Ombudsman and the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI). In addition, Bosch negotiates national fleet contracts on behalf of the network.

FRANCHISEE PROFILE
Bosch Service welcomes both existing independent vehicle workshop owners and entrepreneurs looking to enter the motor trade.

SNAPSHOT
HISTORY
Founder: Robert Bosch GmbH
Year founded: 1886
Area of origin: Germany
Regional Sales: Director Grant Palliser

NETWORK
1st SA franchise opened: 1906
Number of SA outlets: 35

WANT TO KNOW MORE
Contact on Antoinette Dafel +27 11 651 9752 or antoinette.dafel@za.bosch.com
www.bosch.co.za