Hofmann Megaplan Blog
There is no denying that the automotive industry as we know it is changing – developments in technology, fewer passenger cars on the roads due to flexible working, and now, the highest-ever total of van registrations in the month of April since records began.
A grand total of 30,440 vans were registered in April 2021 (23.2% up on the 5-year average), taking the sector back to the same levels of registration as they were in 2019, before the pandemic was announced. The huge uptake of vans supports the growth of the LCV sector, showing signs that business owners are more optimistic and confident in the current and future economic situation.
There is a feeling amongst the industry that many garages are ill-equipped to deal with LCV’s, including tyre fitting, bodywork and specialist internal work.
A change in direction for garage owners?
For many garage owners, it’s difficult to consider change, which could lead to an uncertain future for their business. With so many new areas of servicing to consider, it can be difficult to prioritise one over the other.
The demand for light commercial vehicle servicing is clear. With even more vans on the roads, a focus on LCV repair and maintenance could lead some garages down the road to commercial success with light commercial vehicle services. The next step for any business owner brave enough is to ensure their team are fully equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, including investing in specialist equipment and signing up to CPD training.
Take a leap, choose the right LCV equipment for your services...
Where have January & February gone already?
With the first two months of 2021 passing us by in a flash, we look back at some of the best tyre fitting equipment installations that have been completed by our specialist team at ISN Garage Assist. In such a short space of time, we have combined to produce some amazing garage looks and spaces – but there is so much more to come...
Take a look at all our latest installs below.
We have covered everything from tyre changers & wheel balancers to specialist vehicle lifts & MOT equipment. Our vast experience and the location of our certified industry engineers, allows us to perform a wide variety of installs up and down the country – so you know that no matter where you’re based, we have an industry specialist near you.
Choose the Hofmann / Garage Assist mix!
High quality garage equipment from Hofmann Megaplan, coupled with the first-class support of our combined ISN Garage Assist service team could change the dynamic of your business forever. You’re just one call away…
Contact us online today or call 01480 8-9-10-11 for more information on any of our products or services.
We always knew that the service we offer our clients is good but now it’s even better! Hofmann Megaplan have partnered with garage services provider ISN Garage Assist.
Formerly trading as AMN Garage Assist (and AMN Garage Services before that), ISN Garage Assist has become a growing (and glowing) force within the ISN Europe group; offering unrivalled garage equipment installation, service and maintenance, plus MOT bay design, installation and management... the list goes on!
This alliance will see the integration of Hofmann Megaplan’s incredible customer service, especially within the wheel alignment arena, and ISN Garage Assist’s installation and equipment maintenance services for the entirety of the UK.
A word from the Chairman...
James Boon, Executive Chairman, ISN Europe explained;
“This transition means so much more than just a change of name. ISN Garage Assist represents the coming together of the original AMN business, which provides multi-brand installation, service, maintenance, repairs and calibrations, with the aftersales division of Hofmann Megaplan, the market leader in garage equipment.”
What you can expect...
Based out of the ISN Europe office in Kimbolton, Cambridgeshire, this new-look operation will be bringing together two administrative support teams and two groups of highly skilled engineers; creating a new, higher level of efficiency resulting in even better response times and coverage.
59 engineers, including 12 specialist Wheel Service technicians and a dedicated large-project installation team, will support the various equipment brands ISN are able to offer, including names such as Rotary, Hofmann Megaplan, Cascos, Ravaglioli, Crypton, and Atlas Platinum.
This truly is a service like no other!
Specific trends are beginning to emerge, and it is easy to see that 2021 will be the year of vehicle servicing. Throughout a period of decreasing new car sales (down 29.4% in 2020 compared to 2019), vehicle owners are sticking it out with their old and high-mileage cars which are often in dire need of a good service.
So, it is a simple question right...
Are you able to cope with increased demands for vehicle servicing?
We're not just talking about the ability of your team to work faster or more efficiently (of course, they still matter too!), but also the capability of your garage equipment to deal with even more stress and work to plough through, day in and day out.
Garage Equipment & Maintenance to keep your business running!
Picture this...
Your customer’s car is beginning to experience some start-up issues. Instead of getting it checked right away, the owner continues to travel to and from work – literally running the vehicle into the ground. Suddenly, the car won’t start. They finally bring it into the garage, only to find that they will have to pay through the nose to fix it.
How many times have you heard this? Does this sound familiar?
We are the experts...
Just as you are there to help your customers, we are there to help you. Ensure that your garage equipment is running as smooth as possible with periodic maintenance from our specialists, before you hit a breakdown on any of your vital equipment.
With highly trained engineers based across the UK, our response time and ability to fix first time sets us apart from other garage service providers.
Our aftersales service is one of the main reasons why garage businesses choose us in the first place – not only for the amazing tyre machines we have on offer!
Call our team today on 01480 8-9-10-11 to see how we can help you keep your garage services moving at all times. Visit our designated service page for more information.
Anyone who has worked within the automotive garage industry will know exactly what the brand Hofmann Megaplan means. A premium status doesn’t just come for free, and our many years of experience and willingness to perfect high-quality garage equipment has well and truly paid off.
For numerous years now we have been the UK’s premium garage equipment supplier of choice; providing complex, top of the range tyre machines up and down the country – with customer service that any global brand would be proud of.
Day in and day out, our team have been amazing!
However, to further our cause even more as no.1, when we receive accreditations and approvals from some of the most recognised global brands from across the automotive sector, we know we have reached the top.
Lamborghini. BMW. Mercedes-Benz.
From three of the most popular and well-known car manufacturers in the world, we have gained approvals and accreditations on Wheel Alignment Systems and Tyre Changing Machines.
An investment is us, means that you receive only the best:
- Slick design features
- Completely automated processes
- Reliable, intelligent safety features
- The finest technology available on the market
Only the Best will do...
Synonymous with everything premium and high-quality, our latest approval from Lamborghini on our X-Boss Tyre Changer, joins BMW and Mercedes-Benz on endorsing the incredible features this machine has to offer...
To find out more about the X-Boss Tyre Fitting Machine or discuss our accredited garage equipment range, call our specialist team today on 01480 8-9-10-11 or contact us online.
Our team are always on hand to help you find the perfect machine for your garage services!
Development takes place in every industry. It is inevitable. And for business owners, it is highly welcomed to enhance the prowess of their services – the automotive garage sector is no different.
The past few decades have seen some of the most advanced technology come to the forefront of the automotive industry; the introduction of electric/hybrid vehicles, the use of ADAS systems within a vehicle to make driving even easier for road users, the development of garage software to complete routine services...we could go on.
But these developments combined with the increasing need to service brand new technology, poses many questions and issues for garage owners and garage equipment providers.
It is easy to see how the garage services sector needs to keep up with the constantly evolving face of technology available to customers – and so far, we have met their requirements:
So, what can you do to make the transition easier?
Take action to become digital!
Obviously, there will be some scepticism about the impact of digital aids within a garage environment. However, without taking the necessary steps to help the move into the digital age, many garages will find themselves being left behind by their more adventurous competitors.
Here is our advice:
Training
Making sure your employees are aware of emerging technology and then fully trained to cope with using such tools, will not only help your garage become more knowledgeable about the garage services sector, but also will help them hit the ground running when you decide to invest in digital garage equipment.
Choosing the right training supplier can be difficult – many garage equipment providers now offer training with the purchase of any equipment. Our ADAS specialists offer a chance to run through how to use your ADAS system effectively, before you start working on customer vehicles.
Welcome new digital tools with open arms
We understand the difficulty of changing the way your garage operations run and therefore, altering your mindset to welcoming emerging digital aids.
This is the key to succeeding in an age where everything is turning digital though. Opening your eyes to investing in the future, will not only increase the efficiency of your services now but set you up for success in the future.
Trust us – your customers will appreciate it!
We are proud to introduce and be operating out of our brand-new National Distribution Centre in Ramsey – all our incredible premium garage equipment is assembled, packed and shipped out from our site...directly to you!
Our team of engineers have been working hard before, during and after the first wave of the global pandemic to ensure the efficiency of our operations at this new site. And despite COVID completely ruining the year for many industries and businesses, the automotive sector has boomed, and our team has been busier than ever.
Setting the standard...
Making sure every tyre fitting machine is up to the recognised standard of Hofmann Megaplan garage equipment, is exactly what our engineers are specialists at.
Fully trained and with years of experience behind them, our team have the ultimate combination to make sure your garage services succeed.
All our garage machines are freshly built on-site and ready to send out to all our customers in the UK & across Europe. No matter where you are located, we are ready to serve your business and offer the same high-quality tyre fitting machines.
We can’t wait to see all the latest machines in action...
Quality equipment deserves quality photography!
Our National Distribution Centre is more than just a site to build and ship premium garage equipment to your businesses.
It is the home of our resident engineer/photographer Terry and his studio.
Dealing day in, day out with our premium garage machines, it would be rude not to take some amazing snaps of our incredible equipment – showing the quality, aesthetics and impeccable design features that comes with Hofmann Megaplan machines.
We love to show you some behind the scenes here at Hofmann Megaplan and what we are working hard to achieve at our National Distribution Centre. And this is just another reason why you should be investing in our premium garage equipment.
To many, nothing seems special about a two-post lift. A basic version of this equipment staple might be all you've ever owned or worked with. Turns out vehicle lifting equipment is one of the most interesting areas to watch!
A two-post lift can come in various specs & with accessories to diversify it uses (including alignment tables). But when you look beyond this you now have scissor lifts that can move with a vehicle on them & 4-post lifts geared up to complete any number of jobs as part of an ATL or MOT bay.
Why the love for vehicle lifts?
Where you have a vehicle lift, it is almost certainly the most frequently used machine in a workshop!
Think about it, what diagnostic or repair jobs do you carry out without the use of a car lift? How many times a day do you find yourself saying "let's get it up on the ramp & take a look"?
It makes performing all manner of jobs easier, speeds up productivity and this can lead to more revenue. So, what if we said diversifying the lifting options within your garage could lead to even great productivity & profit?
Are you lifting enough vehicles?
2 post lift and 4 post lifts are commonplace in garages, with one or more of each a familiar sight. Depending on your garage, customer base and speciality though, you could face regular challenges or hold ups with the wrong lifts.
For example, an increase in 4x4 and SUV owners will require greater capabilities in vehicle lifts in the future! Would you be ready to handle multiple larger vehicles today?
Could you align even the biggest vehicles where your competition can't & gain a competitive advantage, or have they got the competitive advantage over you?
Can you move vehicles around your body shop to work on different service aspects without lowering them?
Your competition can & it means they quote quicker repairs & work more efficiently!
The need for the best, latest and most innovative garage lifting equipment is obvious as vehicle types change. Are you ready for this?
Vast range to suit every need...
Here at Hofmann Megaplan, we have been supplying an incredible range of lifting equipment for many years – with new additions to cover all areas and keep our customers working efficiently.
With many configurations and specifications, it can be difficult to identify exactly what you need – we try to make this an easy process.
Check out some of our lifting categories:
For more information on our lifting equipment range, contact us online today or call us on 01480 8-9-10-11 to discuss in more detail.
- Automechanika 2019 saw record numbers visiting, including its highest ever opening day.
- Everyone who's anyone in the automotive industry was there from suppliers of garage equipment through to bodyshop specialist and aftermarket experts.
- Hofmann Megaplan were proud to showcase the largest array of equipment and were one of the few offering demonstrations throughout the 3 day show!
Spanning over three exciting days, we delivered live demonstrations of our amazing tyre fitting equipment and fantastic special offers to a full variety of garage owners and automotive enthusiasts.
To all of you who visited us at stand T140, we thank you for making it our best show yet!
Brand New: TreadSmart
Making its debut at Automechanika this year, our drive-over TreadSmart got delegates talking over on the Showcase space!
The TreadSmart has been somewhat of a revelation for garage owners and mechanics alike. Supercharging the ability to upsell tyres and alignment, this new technology offers detailed analysis reports to customers showing transparently the state of their vehicle's tyres.The BIG talking point!
ADAS. It was pretty much unavoidable at Automechanika 2019!
The need for knowledge and specialised equipment to cope with ADAS on new vehicles is in no doubt now.
Our brand new Advanced ADAS Calibration system has been designed specifically for Hofmann Megaplan to provide ADAS calibrations in the most cost and labour efficient way imaginable. A 65" TV Monitor provides a totally digital solution to updates, instead of purchasing costly boards to deal with different vehicle requirements.
Overwhelmed by the need for ADAS calibrations at Automechanika 2019? Hofmann Megaplan will also be holding an ADAS open day on Thursday 20th June 2019. This is an opportunity to gain invaluable industry knowledge and first-hand experience with both of our ADAS Systems, as well as all other garage and ancillary equipment in the range. Call now on 01480 8-9-10-11 or visit our booking page to claim your place.Garage Equipment you can trust!
As always our reliable and thoroughly tested tyre fitting equipment range was on show - and our technical specialists continued to deliver interactive live demos.
A variety of tyre changers, wheel balancers and wheel aligners along with our air conditioning and tyre inflation units, were available to view and discuss on stand.
Hofmann Sales Manager, Andy Ringrose was on hand for the entire three days and spoke highly of the show, saying it was "Probably one of the best attended Trade Shows that I have exhibited at, with quality enquiries that, all being well will lead to future sales. Bring on 2021!"
