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Australian automotive service and insights firm mycar underwent a collection of management adjustments earlier this yr, bringing in two contemporary faces to assist information the enterprise because it expands throughout Australia.
The corporate previously generally known as Kmart Tyre and Auto recruited Ashley Stephenson as chief working officer, bringing greater than 20 years of expertise in senior roles at companies together with Qantas and Nestle, whereas Sylvain Borré joined as managing director.
Mr Borré brings greater than 25 years of expertise within the automotive trade, with senior management roles at Continental AG and Cooper Tire Europe. It’s this expertise he hopes to use to mycar because it expands its service community throughout Australia, which at present boasts greater than 280 places nationally.
CarExpert sat down with Mr Borré to debate mycar’s subsequent steps, the alternatives offered to the enterprise as a supply of automotive trade intelligence, and what he thinks the way forward for automotive shopping for and possession will appear like in Australia.
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You began at mycar in latest months; what are you seeking to convey to the corporate, and what if something will trickle right down to the operation of your service centres?
mycar is really a ‘Individuals First’ enterprise, constructed on take care of our clients, individuals, and companions – and that’s precisely what drew me right here. It’s this focus, which interprets to ‘care past the automotive’ in our shops, that I’m eager to proceed to construct upon – persevering with to strengthen the tradition throughout the enterprise.
This implies making certain our individuals really feel valued, supported and outfitted to ship their finest work. When our groups are empowered and engaged, it naturally interprets into a greater buyer expertise – extra care, extra belief, and extra effectivity.
So, whereas the main target begins with our individuals, the end result can be a extra constant, customer-centred expertise throughout our virtually 280 shops.
General, I’m excited to be main mycar into its subsequent chapter, with a group that’s deeply dedicated to the enterprise and the trade, and a nationwide footprint that provides us an actual edge.
What alternatives do you’re feeling mycar has in relation to offering insights and data for the broader automotive trade?
mycar’s annual Mobility Index offers us a singular snapshot into how Australians take into consideration their automobiles – from servicing habits to EV adoption and rising applied sciences.
With virtually 280 shops nationwide and a rising cellular service providing, we’re effectively positioned to take an annual pulse test on the nation’s attitudes towards the way forward for mobility.
These insights allow us to information the broader trade on the tendencies and forces shaping how Australians drive, service, and care for his or her automobiles – serving to handle immediately’s mobility challenges whereas unlocking tomorrow’s alternatives.
What are the challenges dealing with mechanics and the trade as an entire in Australia, primarily based on what you’ve seen in your time at mycar? Is the talents scarcity having an impression?
The talents scarcity stays one of many greatest challenges dealing with our trade.
As automobiles turn out to be extra complicated – with EVs, hybrids and superior driver-assistance programs – we’d like technicians who’re future-ready. At mycar, we’ve been investing closely in technical transformation and upskilling to satisfy that want.
Since 2022, we’ve rolled out an EV-ready program throughout our community, coaching devoted technicians and equipping workshops with specialised instruments and security programs to service electrical and hybrid automobiles.
Past our personal community, we imagine trade collaboration and authorities assist can be key to constructing the following era of expert automotive professionals.
Because the regulatory panorama evolves, there’s a significant alternative to rethink how we prepare, certify, and elevate technicians.
Current mycar research have proven individuals are slicing prices in relation to automotive upkeep as a result of financial pressures. What’s mycar doing to deal with that?
Price-of-living pressures proceed to affect how Australians keep their automobiles.
Our Mobility Index reveals that two-thirds of drivers (66 per cent) have modified their servicing habits, with many delaying common checkups, and 12 per cent making an attempt DIY upkeep.
Whereas comprehensible, these habits can compromise security and long-term efficiency. We’re serving to shift attitudes by making servicing extra accessible and clear – providing reasonably priced, high-quality care alongside accessible instruments like ‘Auto Translate’, which simplifies technical jargon into plain language.
Our aim is to empower drivers with understanding, whereas making certain the precise upkeep is dealt with by consultants.
What are a number of the dangers you’ve seen in relation to individuals, say, finishing their very own upkeep work, or neglecting to service their automotive often?
Shortcuts or DIY fixes may appear cost-effective, however they will result in critical questions of safety and better prices in a while.
Our knowledge reveals that many Australians are stretching the time between companies, with some ready 10-12 months between checkups – effectively past the really useful six-month interval.
Whereas it may be tempting to delay, preventative upkeep improves security, fuel-efficiency and reliability – and helps drivers keep away from costly repairs in the long term.
We’ve additionally seen mycar experiences outlining that individuals are reluctant to change to EVs. Is that this sentiment nonetheless obvious and, if that’s the case, what do you suppose is contributing to it?
Sure, that hesitation stays. Our newest Mobility Index reveals solely 23 per cent of inside combustion engine (ICE) drivers plan to change to EVs or hybrids, a 12-point drop from final yr.
Largely, it comes right down to issues round battery longevity, servicing prices, and resale worth. Nonetheless, hybrids are sometimes seen as a extra viable stepping stone, with decrease upfront prices and better familiarity.
In the end, the information suggests Australians aren’t against EVs in precept; they simply want extra reassurance. That’s why we’re targeted on constructing confidence by way of professional servicing, clear recommendation, and EV-ready infrastructure throughout our community.
Is mycar nonetheless working to equip its workshops for EVs? Has that had any measurable impression on individuals feeling extra comfy in shopping for an EV, or are there different elements at play?
Completely. We proceed to put money into EV readiness throughout our shops and cellular vans so clients can service their automobiles safely and conveniently, whether or not at house or in-store.
Whereas infrastructure helps construct belief, broader adoption is determined by affordability, schooling, and entry. Our function is to bridge that hole – providing the experience and reassurance drivers want as they transition.
What does Australia’s shift in the direction of electrified automobiles appear like to mycar? Are we destined for full-scale uptake of EVs, or will hybrids (and PHEVs) type the bulk for the foreseeable future?
The transition can be gradual. Nonetheless immediately, just one in 4 ICE drivers plans to make the change.
Regardless of hesitancy, there’s cause for optimism – many drivers say they’d think about an EV or hybrid with sturdy guarantee protection and entry to the newest tech.
That tells us the problem isn’t curiosity, it’s confidence. At mycar, we’re targeted on constructing that belief by way of EV-ready shops, cellular servicing, and professional steerage to assist drivers transition to EVs once they’re prepared.
Mycar just lately discovered that motorists are additionally reluctant to totally utilise driver-assistance tech. Why do you suppose that’s, and does mycar have plans to assist shift that sentiment?
Though most vehicles now embody superior driver help programs, many drivers aren’t utilizing them.
Our analysis reveals 76 per cent have options like lane help or adaptive cruise management, but solely 19 per cent would really feel comfy in a totally autonomous car. This hesitation comes right down to belief and understanding.
We see a possibility to shut that hole by way of schooling and sensible steerage.
Initiatives like Austroads’ ADAS service are serving to demystify these applied sciences, and we’re dedicated to supporting drivers with clear recommendation and clear servicing to allow them to use these options confidently and safely.
Are there any flow-on security results from this or delayed/self servicing which might be of concern to mycar, reminiscent of distracted driving or unsafe automobiles?
When drivers don’t use security options like adaptive cruise management or lane help, they miss out on applied sciences designed to stop collisions and cut back fatigue.
Whereas these options provide clear security advantages, we perceive the pure hesitancy round new and rising applied sciences.
The extra knowledge and proof that exhibit their optimistic impression, the extra confidence drivers could have in adopting them.
As we head into the summer time vacation interval, what are your high three suggestions for automotive house owners?
From overheated engines to air-conditioning pressure and tyre blowouts, the summer time warmth is without doubt one of the greatest stress checks for automobiles. Preparation is vital to protecting your automotive secure and dependable throughout this peak driving interval.
My high three suggestions are:
- Tyres: Test tread depth and strain to keep away from blowouts in excessive warmth.
- Cooling and fluids: Prime up oil, coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid to stop overheating and keep efficiency.
- Brakes and lights: Check brakes for responsiveness and guarantee all lights and indicators are working for max visibility.
These easy checks could make an enormous distinction to security and assist forestall sudden breakdowns on the street.
MORE: Australian drivers reluctant to belief new automotive security tech, research finds
