PETALING JAYA: The automotive repair industry here is going digital with smartphone applications offering motorists a new approach when servicing or repairing their vehicles.
Some application platforms let motorists select repairs and view prices upfront, offering a level of transparency that can reshape trust in the industry.
Car manufacturers have long offered mobile applications that allow customers to book service appointments, receive maintenance reminders and access vehicle information within their authorised service centres.
These platforms are often integrated with dealership systems, enabling service tracking and direct communication between customers and service centres.
However, such systems are typically limited to a single brand and its own network of authorised workshops, unlike the latest shift which has gone a step further by offering vehicle servicing with upfront pricing and greater transparency across independent workshops.
A foreign automotive service franchise has already expanded to Malaysia, with three outlets in the Klang Valley.
The company is servicing between 1,500 and 2,000 vehicles monthly since commencing operations last October.
A company spokesman said one of its key strengths is in its supply chain where parts are sourced directly from car manufacturers, with its application providing upfront information on the cost of parts and labour.
“Each step of the repair process is recorded and made visible in the application including before-and-after photos of affected areas as well as quality control inspections.
“Only when the customer agrees on the repairs and costs will we commence work. This transparency not only protects consumers but also the mechanics carrying out the repairs,” he said, adding that about 40% of customers currently use the application while the rest were walk-in clients.
He said the company is looking to expand and open more outlets in the near future.
Addressing concerns over the potential impact on local workshops, he said the franchise model has in fact created opportunities for local businesses.
He noted that about 60% of spare parts, including tyres, were sourced from Malaysian suppliers with the remainder being imported.
