Top 6 Automotive Franchises in the UK

Alice Tuffery, writer

Published at 27/05/2018, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 7 min

Top 6 Automotive Franchises in the UK — Photo © automotive-franchises-uk.jpg

If you want to become the next big thing in the automotive industry, read on. We’ve compiled a list of six of the best franchises to join in the sector today. Below, you’ll find information on the businesses, their investment requirements and becoming a franchisee.

You don’t need to be a car expert to know that the automotive industry is huge in the UK. There are over 32 million cars on our roads and 823,000 people employed in the sector. This generates more than £18.6 billion for the UK economy. This means there is significant demand for the products and services of automotive franchises. For this reason, business owners that are able to maintain high standards of service are likely to excel.

However, there's one problem when it comes to choosing a franchise to invest in. The incredible diversity within this sector can make it difficult to know which franchise you should opt for. Here, we take a look at our top six and explain what makes each one such an attractive investment opportunity.

Revive! Auto Innovations

About the franchise: Revive! Auto Innovations repairs and paints vehicles, remedying issues like bumper scuffs, minor chips and alloy wheels that have seen better days. This is one of the industry’s most successful and popular franchises, and it ranked ninth in the Elite Franchise Top 100 2018.

Becoming a franchisee: When you’re a Revive! Franchisee, you’ll operate within a large territory and be responsible for your own team of technicians, who will do the day-to-day work for you. Once your automotive business is up and running, you’ll generate regular sources of income by establishing relationships among local vehicle dealerships.

Investment requirements: To join the automotive franchise, you’ll be asked to contribute a total of £32,000. This is a franchise that can provide an impressive return on investment; it has been proven to generate more than £1 million in turnover and six-figure profits for franchisees. Of course, this isn’t all you’ll get. Revive! makes sure its franchisees get access to the business’ bespoke management, systems and industry-leading training scheme. It’ll even take care of your marketing for you.

“We go on the holidays we want to go on, we’ve got a nice car, we live in a nice house in a nice area. Financially, we’re happy.” – Dan and Nat, Revive! Trafford

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ChipsAway

About the franchise: The ChipsAway franchise specialises in small to medium area repair technology (SMART) repair processes. Having operated in the automotive business for around 20 years, the franchise now constitutes the most extensive network of car repair specialists in the UK.

Becoming a franchisee: ChipsAway provides franchisees with a turn-key business that’s ready to go. As a result, this is an excellent investment opportunity for those who would like to join the automotive industry but have limited expertise. As a franchisee with this van-based business, you’ll take your mobile workshop wherever your customers are. What’s more, there is the possibility to open a dedicated car care centre in the future.

Investment requirements: Franchisees will need to raise an initial investment of £29,995 +VAT. However, through various funding arrangements, this can be reduced to just £15,000 +VAT. In return, franchisees will receive hands-on technical training; access to business management, marketing, and sales courses; ongoing support and advice; and marketing materials. You’ll also be put in touch with a UK call centre that’s open 24/7 and directs business your way when you’re not able to get to the phone.

Autosmart

About the franchise: Autosmart is one of the UK's leading distributors of car cleaning products. Established in 1979, the van-based business adopted a franchise model in 1999. Over the years, it has continued to grow and has developed its range of more than 200 cleaning products. Autosmart equips franchisees with the tools to reach out to large numbers of new clients, while ensuring they provide excellent standards of service to existing customers.

Becoming a franchisee: As far as automotive franchises go, this is one of the most affordable options out there. It also benefits from a stellar reputation, having been awarded several British Franchise Association (BFA) awards over the years.

Investment requirements: To invest in Autosmart, franchisees will require a minimum initial investment of £15,000. A franchisee agreement typically runs for five years, after which it can be renewed or terminated. In return for this investment, franchisees benefit from a full training and support programme, access to Autosmart’s centralised customer database, and all the necessary equipment to get up and running.

A profitable sector The automotive industry generates £18.6 billion for the UK economy.

Etyres

About the franchise: Established in 1992, Etyres was the first online tyre franchise to operate in the UK. It capitalised on a gap in the market and implemented a franchising expansion plan in 1996. Specialising in online tyre ordering and mobile fitting, this van-based franchise provides an essential service in a vast market.

Becoming a franchisee: With over 34 million vehicles on the road in the UK alone, franchisees can be sure that there will always be demand for their services when they join Etyres. And with a product range that includes brands like Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli, Etyres franchise units attract a significant customer pool.

Investment requirements: Starting a franchise requires a minimum initial investment of £24,000. However, up to 70 percent of this initial investment can be covered by a lending agreement with a financial institution. When franchisees join Etyres, they’ll receive a franchise package that includes an extensive training scheme, ongoing support, updates on product developments, equipment and guidance on how to establish the new business.

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Citroen

About the franchise: Citroen dealerships don’t just sell cars; they also provide emergency assistance, perform car warranty check-ups and ensure Citroen vehicles receive the maintenance they require. This diverse range of services means that franchisees can tap into multiple revenue streams and increase their turnover.

Becoming a franchisee: We’ve all heard of Citroen, and it offers one of the best franchise opportunities in the automotive market. As a leading car manufacturer with incredible brand recognition, Citroen is looking to expand its network of franchised car dealerships by bringing talented individuals into the automotive business.

Investment requirements: To invest in a Citroen franchise, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £700,000. At least £250,000 of this amount will need to be in liquid assets. This level of investment covers the franchise fee, as well as marketing materials, inventory, flyers and training. The training period lasts around one week and is supplemented by ongoing business support when your unit opens.

Unfortunately, Citroen isn’t currently looking for new franchisees, but it’s worth checking back regularly, as opportunities might become available in the future.

Europcar

About the franchise: Europcar is one of Europe’s leading car rental franchises, with over 2,900 units spread over 147 countries around the world. Offering customers an enormous range of vehicles to choose from, the franchise is well known for providing high-quality rentals at a reasonable price.

Becoming a franchisee: This automotive franchise has developed a range of business partnerships with some of the world's leading car manufacturers. As a result, franchisees will be able to build their own custom fleet of fantastic vehicles as their automotive business grows.

Investment requirements: To apply for a Europcar franchise, you’ll need to raise an initial investment of approximately £800,000. However, the exact franchise fee you’ll pay will depend on your chosen location. In return for your investment, you’ll receive a comprehensive franchise package that includes a six-day training programme, marketing materials, operations manuals, assistance in locating a site and setting up the business, ongoing support and guidance, and the right to trade under the Europcar brand name.

This is another franchise that isn’t welcoming new franchisees right now, but it might open its doors soon.

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Become an automotive sector franchisee

Our top automotive franchises all offer prospective franchisees something different. They range from affordable franchises to franchises with hefty fees representing the brand’s global reach and influence. Each covers a different aspect of the automotive industry – including sales, rentals, repair and cleaning – and they all offer distinct benefits to their franchisees. Choosing between them may be tricky, so if you’d like any additional information, don’t hesitate to get in touch.