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30. July 2008: Snap-on Tools, brand leader in tools, tool storage and diagnostic equipment for the automotive market, has announced that it is distributing 80,000 fliers direct to the UK independent Aftermarket in support of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) ATA consumer initiative launched to the public at the recent British International Motor Show.
Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA), regulated by the IMI, is the UK’s first independently run voluntary scheme which provides skill level assessment of vehicle technicians to a national standard. The scheme includes a requirement for technicians to sign and follow a professional code of conduct. 10,000 UK technicians have already signed up.
In support of ATA the IMI used the venue of the Motor Show to launch a consumer campaign - utilising the slogan ‘You know you’re OK with ATA’ - to help motorists seek out garages who employ ATA registered technicians. Consumers can then search online at www.okwithata.com.
From its original launch, Snap-on has been fully supportive of the IMI ATA initiative. “We were involved virtually from the beginning,” says Terry Barcham, European Managing Director of Snap-on Tools (pictured). “We immediately embraced the ATA and have offered Snap-on product as prizes as significant ATA milestones have been achieved and have been closely involved with the development of this new consumer initiative.
“So – to coincide with the launch of this new ATA consumer campaign - we are now offering our full support to encourage technicians around the country to become ATA registered. Immediately following the unveiling of the campaign, which I attended personally in an endorsing role, Snap-on has arranged the delivery of 80,000 fliers containing ATA enrolment details to independent workshops and their technicians across the country.
“Every member of our Snap-on Tools 400+ franchise network will be supplying our fliers to every technician that they meet on a regular basis and encouraging them to become ATA accredited. We firmly believe that the new IMI ATA consumer initiative is just what our industry needs to demonstrate the skill levels being achieved by the UK retail motor industry.”
ENDS
Editor’s Note: Research undertaken by the IMI has shown that, overall, employers think that ATA accreditation has had a number of benefits for their businesses - including improved business image and increased customer satisfaction. Additionally, around 75% of ATA accredited technicians believe that their skills are of greater value to their employers once they have achieved ATA accreditation.
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