Ford enters the car servicing business

Plenty of Aussies have their Fords and other vehicles services at Blue Oval dealerships, but now they can have serviced by Ford itself for the first time.

Established in the US in the late 1990s, Quick Lane Tyre & Auto Centre is a global vehicle servicing company owned by Ford and has 1100 stores worldwide, in 32 countries across North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Australia’s first Quick Lane Tyre & Auto Centre has just opened in Hoppers Crossing, Victoria and also houses Quick Lane's Australian HQ.

Further Quick Lane outlets are expected to join the initial pilot store soon and will be operated on a franchise basis, with applications open to both stand-alone franchisees and Ford dealers.

Quick Lane says it aims to deliver “affordably priced, quality tyre and automotive services” while you wait – without needing to make an appointment.

No doubt buoyed by the federal government’s new mandatory data-sharing legislation, which requires car-makers to provide access to maintenance codes for all of their vehicles, Quick Lane says its comprehensive diagnostic system allows its trained technicians to service all vehicle makes and models.

“The smart technology also provides time efficiencies, and all jobs are endeavoured to be completed in 90 minutes or less. Customers are invited to wait in the modern lounge, which offers free Wi-Fi and refreshments, or to drop off their car and return when convenient,” says the company.

Quick Lane will offer ‘menu-pricing’ for most vehicles and will provide an online, paperless service that provides instant two-way communication between the service centre and customers via live updates to their phone.

“Our policy is to always let you know what’s happening, jargon-free – and many Quick Lane services are menu-priced, so you know what the maximum cost will be upfront,” said Quick Lane Australia general manager, Tim Bill.

“Customers will receive ‘convenience with confidence’, knowing their vehicles will be serviced by expert technicians using the very latest technology and with no hidden extras or surprises.

“The Quick Lane approach is open and consultative – making recommendations for what needs to be done, so that customers can be in control of planning for their vehicle’s current and future maintenance needs.”

Apart from general servicing, Quick Lane says it can handle light repairs for suspension, steering, transmission, air-conditioning, cooling systems, wipers and lighting, plus tyre fitment, rotation, balancing and wheel alignment.

Comprising five service bays, the new Hoppers Crossing pilot stories located at 346 Old Geelong Road, Hoppers Crossing and open Monday through Friday 8:00am-5:30pm and Saturday 8:00am to noon.