Protec GT is a new brand that looks set to make a major impact in the Irish car parts market over the coming months. The brand aims to provide new innovations, high quality components and cost savings and will be the first aftermarket brand to specifically address the needs of the Irish components market.
Protect GT is the new name for the Dublin distribution operation managed by Brendan O’Reilly and his experienced team. However, it is setting out to do much more than other Irish based distribution companies, offering a fresh approach to the market. Brendan says, “Recent years have seen lots of chopping and changing in brand distribution and this has generally not been to the advantage of either motor factors or garages.” He adds, “In many cases service and support has been diluted by joint distribution policies and brands have lost touch with the differing needs of the Irish market. With Protect GT we can change this and give Irish customers a better service and a fairer deal.”
The idea behind Protect is to source high quality products direct from the same factories that produce components for many of the leading European brands, but provide a far more direct route to market. Brendan says, “Protec provides a direct link from the factory floor to the motor factor door. This means we are cutting out one, or sometimes several levels of distribution and can therefore pass on very significant cost savings to the customer.”
However, savings are only one part of the Protec philosophy. Products are sourced through strict OE quality selection criteria, to give customers peace of mind and are delivered individually numbered and bar coded in unique and often innovative Protec packaging. There is also an emphasis on adding value to components, so for example they may come complete with fixing bolts, or as an all-in-one kit, with a firm emphasis on convenience and time saving, based on understanding the needs of the mechanic.
Brendan says that Protac’s innovative approach will also extend to product information, cataloguing and ordering. He points out, “We have a unique on-line parts ID system which is driven by the vehicle reg. It means a factor can accurately identify the right part for the right car and order on-line 24/7.” This is something that can mean significant timesavings and has the potential to make the type of “just in case” multiple parts ordering now common in the market a thing of the past. The fact that Protec will be the first brand aimed only at the Irish market will also be a significant advantage according to Brendan. He says, “Ireland has a unique car population and this is something that the Protect range will reflect, with an offer tailored to the needs of our market.”
Initial reaction to the Protec concept has been extremely positive. Brendans says, “There has been amazing interest in Protec and it’s already having an impact in the market.” He adds, “It certainly seems that the Irish aftermarket is ready for some fresh thinking and a new approach, and we are keen to develop partnerships with like minded businesses that are interested in our ideas.”
For more information call Protec GT on 01-830-6320 or visit www.protecauto.ie.
