Revenue boost for HiQ following wheel alignment investment

Oct. 21, 2010 - PRLog -- Midlands based franchise HiQ Easy Tyres & Autocentres, has added a significant new revenue stream to two of its outlets following its investment in advanced wheel alignment systems from Pro-Align. The network’s Kettering and Erdington branches have both installed a Hunter Hawkeye aligner, which are paired with Pro-Align’s FS40LT four post wheel alignment lifts. The new equipment has already helped increase wheel alignment work by 20 percent at the Erdington branch and a staggering 100 percent at the Kettering site.

“The addition of our equipment into these two extra branches is testament to its capability, quality and proven potential as a revenue generation tool,” explains Paul Beaurain, managing director, Pro-Align. “With previous experience of our systems in their flagship Nottingham branch, installing additional equipment across the network was a natural choice for HiQ. The impressive upturn in alignment work which these two centres have already seen shows that wheel alignment is a ‘must-have’ service for progressive retailers.”

HiQ Easy Tyres & Autocentres first experienced the potential of Pro-Align’s innovative equipment when the franchise was established last year. Its Nottingham site, one of 27 it purchased across the Midlands, was already equipped with a Hunter WA series aligner, offering customers the opportunity for fast, accurate wheel alignment checks.

“Pro-Align’s equipment has made a huge difference to these branches,” explains John Johnston, operations manager, HiQ Easy Tyres & Autocentres. “With the previous equipment, we only carried out a few ‘tracking’ style checks per week, whereas now, we are carrying out five or six alignments, with additional adjustments, per day. The transparency of service, with printouts, coupled with accuracy and speed of the checks make it an invaluable workshop tool. This is helping us attract new customers as well as retain those who appreciate that we have their best interests at heart.”

An increasing number of workshops are turning to wheel alignment as they seek to maximise their income in difficult trading conditions. However, the benefits of correct wheel alignment are not limited to retailers. Drivers are less likely to experience premature tyre wear if their vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned, their fuel consumption will be improved and their car will handle better, leading to improved safety and considerable cost savings.

For more information about Pro-Align’s advanced wheel alignment systems, visit www.pro-align.co.uk.

# # #

Pro-Align is one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of wheel alignment and garage equipment. Its advanced systems are used by many vehicle manufacturers, franchised dealer groups, independent workshops, motorsport specialists and vehicle technology consultancies. Pro-Align is the sole UK distributor for the Hunter range of wheel aligners, balancers and tyre changers.

In 2009, Pro-Align was received the NTDA’s TAFF Innovation award for its Hunter SmartWeight balancing system and was nominated again in 2010 for its Fully Integrated Alignment system.