Looking for the Right Vehicle for a Franchise?

With over 14 million motor vehicles registered in Australia, the automotive industry looks guaranteed to provide an ongoing market.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) reports that the automotive industry is of strategic importance to the Australian economy.

In total, the FCAI estimates that the industry (including retail, service and repair) produces an annual turnover in excess of $50 billion and generates employment for more than 400,000 people.

The retail, service and repair sector includes vehicle maintenance, repair of damaged vehicles, supply of aftermarket equipment and vehicle recycling. 

Franchises within the automotive industry include manufacturers and specialists of tyres, wheels, batteries and mufflers; car servicing and repairs; car cleaning and detailing; protective products and services; car accessories; and aftermarket services and retail sales.  Here are just some of the many available franchises within the automotive industry.
 

Autobarn franchisees are not required to know a great deal about cars, but they should be passionate about customer service.  Successful franchisees have come from diverse backgrounds such as teaching, financial services and the public service, but all have excellent people skills.  With around 100 stores around Australia, Autobarn’s focus is on retail sales, where personally connecting with customers is vital.

Franchisees receive classroom and in-store training, as well as ongoing IT and marketing support.  Franchise Development Managers are allocated to franchisees in each State, providing coaching and assistance in daily management issues and strategic planning.  Interested individuals should be self-motivated and dedicated, with excellent communication skills.

Auto Leaders All Car Servicing repair and service both new and second-hand vehicles, and offer unique cost-effective options.  Providing a dealer alternative, clients can have their vehicles serviced without affecting their statutory manufacturing warranties.  Generally cheaper anyway, Auto Leaders match and better dealers by 10%.

Auto Leaders can tailor a service to suit customer requirements and budgets, and is covered by a six-month or 10,000km guarantee.  A flat-fee royalty means the more profit the franchisees make, the more they retain.  All stores are well presented and purposely located close to popular amenities.  Although having a mechanical understanding is advantageous, prospective franchisees should be committed to building up a business and customer relationships.

Auto Masters is one of the largest and most established automotive servicing and repair franchise groups in Australia, with 30 stores in WA and six in NSW.  With immediate franchise opportunities in WA and NSW, Auto Masters is also expanding into other States of Australia.  Business and franchise training programs are individually tailored.

Existing franchisees include former accountants, spare parts sales managers, agricultural sales managers, service managers and advisors, steel merchants, liquor and restaurant sales managers.  Prospective franchisees include individuals with a customer service or sales background, and a desire to own a 5½ day business.

Battery World is a Queensland based national franchise business, experienced in meeting the needs and demands of Australia’s ever-growing replacement battery market.  In just nine years, Battery World has grown to be one of the largest and most comprehensive retail battery chains.

Owning a Battery World franchise includes an exclusive territory, store planning and fit-out design, four week intensive training program, national priority telephone number, advertising, marketing, operational and promotions support, and much more.

Bridgestone Select has the backing of Bridgestone Corporation, one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers.  With 35 stores around Australia displaying their innovative retail format, Bridgestone Select was first launched in late 2006, eliminating the traditional barriers normally associated with tyre retailing.

Bridgestone offers a complete package for Select franchisees, including site selection, store conversion, fit-out, training, advertising, marketing and promotions.  Each franchisee is assigned to a Franchise Support Executive, who continually monitors and helps develop their business.
 

Car Care Australia is a mobile car cleaning and detailing business, comprising over 100 franchise owners who enjoy low overheads, mobility and flexible working hours.  Operating from fully equipped vans, franchisees service not only cars, but trucks, motorcycles, boats and caravans.
 

Customer bookings can be either made direct with the local franchisee or through the State Booking Office.  Car Care provides training in all aspects of successful business management, as well as ongoing back-up support.  Allowing franchisees the freedom to control their own businesses, Car Care is always there to help.

Dent Masters have been specialising in paintless dent removal and hail damage repairs since 1993.  Servicing Australia and New Zealand, current clients include large insurance companies as well as prominent motor vehicle companies.

A Dent Masters business system, including an exclusive territory, plant and equipment, training and support starts at $29,950.  Dent Masters is actively looking for people to complement its network of franchises.  Interested individuals should have an interest in cars, an eye for detail and a ‘can do’ attitude.

Dri Wash 'n Guard is a waterless car wash product that cleans, polishes, seals, and UV protects a dirty car without water.  Providing products since 1990, Dri Wash has spread to over 52 countries.  Now using these products, the opportunity is available for motivated individuals in Australia and New Zealand to take advantage of the Dri Wash “n Guard Detailing Opportunity.

Dri Wash are interested in hearing from people who want to be their own boss, work their own hours and take control of their lives and financial future.  A total investment of $7,000 buys an elite mobile detailing and retailing service, which is a complete turn key operation including equipment, product and promotional/marketing material.

ecowash mobile has quickly established itself as the leading mobile waterless car washing franchise in the world, possibly due to a time poor, car dependent and water wise society.  100% Australian owned and operated, ecowash has the support of an international franchise system.  Founded in 2004, there are 100 mobile units operating in Australia, the Middle East, the USA and Europe.

Franchisees are fully trained and provided with a ‘turn key’ business, and can own one mobile unit or a fleet.  Franchise features include an exclusive territory and product range, a powerful brand and professional image, a complete start-up package and centralised marketing.
 

Fibrenew is a low cost, very successful, home-based mobile service franchise, specialising in the restoration of leather and plastics.  Fibrenew services five major markets:  automotive; aviation; commercial; marine and residential furniture.  Franchisees enjoy a flexible lifestyle and work schedule, low overheads, an exclusive product line, as well as comprehensive training and ongoing technical support.

Founded in 1985 in Calgary, Canada, Fibrenew has steadily expanded into nine other countries, including New Zealand and more recently Australia.  A Fibrenew franchise can be a very profitable business, whether an individual wishes to be a franchisee with a single operation or multiple vehicles.

Goodyear Autocare is a one-stop shop for tyres and automotive services.  The global brand Goodyear has 100 years of industry experience and there are now over 100 Goodyear Autocare stores across Australia.  Franchisees enjoy exclusive products, their own territory, 3% capped royalty fees, a generous rebate system, ongoing training and support, premises upgrade and proven business systems.

Suitable franchisees can either be motivated individuals looking for a new challenge or existing tyre or servicing businesses seeking to increase their market positioning.  Goodyear Autocare offers an established business model, brand awareness, group buying power and impressive marketing resources.

Hosemasters specialise in providing mobile on-site services and maintenance of all areas of hydraulic, pneumatic, and industrial hose applications.  Offering country, regional and local franchises, there are three levels of entry available.

Operators should be mechanically minded, but do not require to have had any formal mechanics training.  However, franchisees should enjoy meeting new people and learning new skills.  Minimising the need for franchisees to undertake paperwork, a professional office team provides day-to-day administration assistance, including accounts, marketing and IT.

Midas Australia has over 30 years of experience in supplying mufflers and legendary expertise.  Providing full automotive servicing since 2000, there are currently more than 90 centres across Australia.  In addition, Midas launched its LGP service lines and fleet service offering this year, to selected sites around Australia.

Built on principles of trust, high quality, specialist and friendly service, Midas Australia is looking for like-minded franchisees.  The business would particularly suit individuals who enjoy finding the most appropriate solutions to customers’ problems.  Midas offers franchisees a strong brand, proven business systems and an input in the direction of the network.

Mini-Tankers is Australia's leading on-site refuelling specialist, providing tailored fuel management solutions.  It operates in partnership with major participants within the transport, construction, earth moving, marine, mining, and civil contracting industries.  This growing company is seeking qualified candidates to expand its franchise network in both existing and new markets.

Franchisees benefit from a national operation that supplies sales and marketing, technical support, customer service and after hours back up.  Support services for franchisees include technical training and advice, operations and compliance manuals, active marketing, research and development, and regular communications.

Natrad is the only national network of Engine Temperature Specialists in Australia.  It has 103 stores nationwide that offer a three year Australia wide warranty on all new radiators and assemblies.  From a cooling system check, to a full radiator replacement, Natrad have the skills to give the best service at the best price.

An effective Natrad franchisee supports the values of a professional system and brand.  Potential candidates should be qualified, capable of running a profitable business and expanding on a loyal customer base.  Sales expertise and comprehension of the Natrad Australia service concept is desirable.

Novus Australia has operated a successful franchise system since 1984 and has the largest network of dedicated windscreen repairers throughout Australia.  Novus Windscreen Repairs began operations in the USA in 1972 and has grown to more than 1,000 outlets in over 50 countries.  In Australia alone, Novus has around 100 outlets and is still growing.  

Training is provided in all areas, such as customer service, sales, and autoglass repair and replacement.  Conferences and seminars bring franchisees together to share ideas and methods, to enable them to continually improve business practices.  Novus offers reasonable entry and set-up costs, and are searching for suitable franchisees in QLD, NSW, VIC and SA.

Ozzy Tyres Australia invites passionate and visionary individuals to join them for the ride of their lives!  Ozzy Tyres are importers, wholesalers and retailers of high performance car wheels and tyres, and other aftermarket car products.  Ozzy Tyres are innovators, constantly striving to set the style for the classiest, funkiest and most radical wheels in Australia.

In the family business for over 13 years, Ozzy Tyres are expanding across Australia through franchising.  From a set-up and operational point of view, franchise owners are given exclusive territories to work within.  Franchisees benefit from Ozzy Tyres’ support, including a strong marketing focus, powerful brand presence and the latest styles in automotive fashion.

Quick N Easy Car Wash – Clean & Green is the most environmentally-friendly car washing system available.  It has the capacity to recycle all storm water, allowing the car wash to operate up to 30 days without rain.  Quick N Easy has added three Clean & Green car washes to its 30+ intelligent and economical car washes throughout Australia.

Securing a recent master franchise arrangement with the US, there are still many Clean & Green opportunities throughout Australia.  Suitable franchisees are entrepreneurial individuals or groups with financial means and vision, who recognise a high growth business opportunity.

Snap-on Tools home based franchisees retail the world’s best tools and diagnostic equipment from brilliantly kitted, air-conditioned mobile showrooms.  There are around 5,000 mobile vans worldwide and a range of over 19,000 different products.  Potential franchisees need not be familiar with tools, but individuals should enjoy sales and meeting people; good customer service skills are imperative.

Snap-on representatives visit customers direct at their places of business.  Territory research, training and support is provided.  Well established in QLD, WA and SA, Snap-on is aggressively looking for franchisees to take advantage of VIC and NSW territories, as well as New Zealand opportunities.

The Touch Up Guys is a mobile franchise that provides cost effective and time saving alternatives to traditional methods of automotive paint, bumper and plastic repairs.  Operating for 17 years, it boasts over 140 vans across Australia and New Zealand.  90% of existing franchisees had no prior experience.

Franchisees come from varied backgrounds including former teachers, butchers, bank managers, sales executives, mechanics, spray painters and panel beaters.  Franchisees are hard working, business savvy individuals with excellent customer service skills, and a willingness to learn and grow a business.

Tint-a-Car specialise in window tinting for cars with products that can offer benefits such as heat rejection, UV protection, glare reduction and privacy.  They also tint homes and commercial buildings.  As the largest retail automotive aftermarket provider in Australia, their 100 stores also offer a range of extras including electronics and car care products.

Combined with quality customer service, superior workmanship, exclusive products and a sophisticated marketing philosophy, Tint-a-Car presents a lucrative franchise opportunity.  Franchise owners and operators should be technologically skilled, possess entrepreneurial abilities, and have strong communication and leadership skills.

The Tyre Factory is a national company offering discounted automotive products and services.  An extensive range of tyres, wheels and batteries is on offer, as is a complete range of vehicle servicing and repairs.  Suitable franchisees include existing tyre businesses, as well as individuals interested in and/or experienced within the automotive industry.

Trading under different names in four States around Australia, there are now 31 franchises and eight company-owned outlets.  Prospective franchisees should have a strong customer service awareness, with a drive to grow a business and the brand.  Both State and regional franchise opportunities are available.

UltraTune is a trusted name, with over 28 years of involvement in the car servicing and tuning business.  There are more than 200 established centres across Australia.  Clearly recognised as an industry leader and innovator, UltraTune uses its bulk buying power to ensure the best prices on equipment, parts and lubricants for a network of franchisees, to ensure a competitive advantage.

Prospective franchisees should have a basic understanding of automotive servicing and some business management skills, combined with an enthusiastic attitude towards customer service and a real drive to succeed.  Assisting with site selection and leasing, workshop layout and equipment purchases, Ultratune continues to support franchisees far beyond set-up.