The price of automotive components is less of an issue than ever before for garages buying from motor factors, according to a survey conducted by WAIglobal UK, a leading supplier of starter motors and alternators.

The AutoCare Programme is a garage concept operated by GROUPAUTO and in a survey of AutoCare garages, at the recent trade show, held in Milton Keynes, garage owners said that relationships, availability and customer / technical support were their top three buying criteria, with price not only a distant fourth but hardly even mentioned.

Kevin Sharp, Sales and Marketing Director of WAIglobal in the UK, said: “This is the third year in a row that “price” has not come in to the top three ‘buying criteria’ for AutoCare garages. While it should not be overlooked, it should actually serve as a warning to all in the supply chain, especially the motor factor, not to underestimate all the other more important requirements of garages.”

During many trade events and independent garage workouts, WAIglobal UK has identified that garages are feeling increasingly dis-engaged from their chosen supply partner. “It is important that both motor factors and suppliers recognise and understand what is needed to help drive a garage business forward. Being the cheapest is not fulfilling the garage’s requirements,” said Sharp.