Mazda UK Appoints New Bodyshop Partners

The British division of Mazda announced that it has contracted two new bodyshop distributors, as part of a drive to improve the service to Mazda’s 150 dealer network and 177 Approved Accident Repair Centres. Mazda UK has also renewed its current contracts with all its three paint suppliers for three years more.

Morelli Group will distribute two of Mazda UK paint brands, namely DuPont and Spies Hecker, while the second distributor, ACIS, will be responsible for the third approved paint brand, Sikkens.

“The partnerships with Morelli and ACIS will bring many benefits to both the Mazda Approved Accident Repair Centres and to Mazda UK. There are lots of exciting developments happening with the programme at the moment that will ultimately result in a stronger network of repairers offering the best level of repairs and customer service for Mazda owners,” said Steve Jelliss, aftersales director, Mazda UK.

“We know that the key to a good repair is to get the vehicle back into the Mazda network as quickly as possible and Mazda is fortunate to have a strong network of dealers who can make that happen,” he added.

Mazda has 171 Authorized Repairers as well as a network of 177 Mazda Approved Accident Repair Centers (MAARC’s). The developments are part of the new Mazda Accident Aftercare program, launched earlier this year.

Other developments on the program include the appointment of International Technical Automotive Systems Ltd (ITAS) to offer program support and conduct the 2009-2010 annual network audits. Moreover, ITAS will also help Mazda UK’s dealer training program next year.

“We are extremely pleased to be entering into a partnership with a manufacturer of Mazda’s stature and look forward to a close working relationship,” commented Sue Wardle, national accounts director, Morelli.