Canada's '5 Gears Auto' bundles franchised services

MARKHAM, Ontario (Sept. 21, 2015) — The owner of the company that controls the Speedy Auto Service and Minute Muffler & Brake brands in Canada has started setting up outlets that bundle multiple auto service brands at locations called “5 Gears Auto Care.”

The concept targets the Speedy Auto Service, Minute Muffler & Brake and Novus Glass franchises along with specialty brands for oil changes and tires that vary by location, according to Prime CarCare Group Inc., whose CEO, David Lush, is pushing the concept.

“The concept of 5 Gears is really quite simple,” Mr. Lush said. “We believe the time is now to speak clearly that the active ingredient in service is serving — and that with 5 Gears we service the car and serve the customer.

“Fundamental to that is treating the customer in terms of lifetime value,” he added, “and providing them with an experience that is convenient, comfortable and memorable.”

Prime CarCare Group has owned and operated the Speedy Auto Service and Minute Muffler & Brake franchises in Canada since the early 2000s and last year took on the Novus Glass auto glass replacement and repair business.

Among the brands listed on the firm's website is Signature Tire Centers, a brand being developed by Tirecraft Canada Inc.

The second 5 Gears location opened in Mississauga, Ontario, earlier this month, according to Markham-based Prime CarCare. Bill Geng is the franchisee.

The first 5 Gears location, in Fredericton, New Brunswick, opened its doors May 1.

The firm's website states stores are due to open soon in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Burlington, Ontario.

The Mississauga location will feature a Jiffy Lube franchised business instead of the Speedy Quick Lube.

Prime CarCare Group said its business model calls for one franchisee per location and that it coordinates the bundling of franchise agreements for the franchisees and, in some cases, will be the landlord.

The “ideal” 5 Gears location would be 8,000 square feet with 16 service bays, the company said, although retrofits of existing locations will vary by the original location footprint. The Mississauga store, for example, is 5,000 square feet with eight bays.

Each service franchise gets its own dedicated bays.

In addition, counter personnel will be trained in all disciplines and technicians in multiple disciplines, according to the company.

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