OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — Bosch Automotive Workshop Services L.L.C. launched its auto service franchise program recently with the opening of its first franchisee — Bosch Auto Service Salinas in Salinas, Calif.
Bosch's Mobility Aftermarket division provides the aftermarket and repair shops with diagnostic and repair shop equipment and a wide range of parts for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
The division introduced its Bosch Auto Service program in 2023 to offer a technologically advanced and owner-centric auto repair franchise offering shop software integrations, training, consulting and marketing.
Jim Adams, owner of Bosch Auto Service Salinas — formerly Dick Adams Automotive — is the first business owner to open a Bosch Auto Service franchise.
In connection with joining the Bosch program, Adams carried out "significant" upgrades on the service shop — which has operated for nearly 50 years — including a full interior and exterior Bosch Auto Service rebrand, a new vehicle alignment machine and a new ADAS machine for calibration and servicing, along with access to Bosch resources, tools, equipment, training and business support, including software and management resources to streamline servicing and workflow, the company said.
"We're proud to have furthered our commitment to the local community through the opening of Bosch Auto Service Salinas," Adams said.
"Our staff and technician team remain unchanged, allowing us to continue to serve our customers with the same level of customer service and quality that's expected. We're happy to offer an advanced customer experience with access to state-of-the-art emerging technologies, and a new online scheduling tool to aid in customer convenience."
Requirements for shops interested in becoming a franchisee include:
- Minimum of five bays: Having five bays means the shop has the capacity to keep up with customer demands, Bosch said;
- Ability to work on all makes and models of vehicles and equipped to handle a large capacity and a variety of jobs;
- Modern tools and equipment, including basic diagnostic and repair equipment;
- Minimum of three qualified technicians; and
- Operate exclusively under the Bosch brand to maintain uniformity and a strong brand presence.
Each franchisee is required to pay an initial investment and royalties, which include:
- $30,000 franchise joining fee;
- 4% to 6% royalty fee of monthly revenue;
- 2% of gross sales to brand fund;
- Tools and equipment standards;
- Rebranding;
- Hardware and software standards; and
- Grand opening costs.