HONDA UK & UPD (UK) LIMITED ANNOUNCE BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

Honda (UK) and UPD (UK) Limited are pleased to announce a new business partnership.  This partnership is designed to focus on the requirements of Honda (UK) and their Dealer Network in achieving objectives of high levels of customer service and quality.

This Accident Repair Programme will focus on providing new solutions to the challenges that both Honda and Honda Dealers face as customer expectations rise, vehicles are more technically complex and the importance of operating efficient bodyshops increases.

The National Network of UPD Distributors brings together experienced and skilled sales support as well as quality technical resource to ensure that vehicles are repaired safely, efficiently and promptly.  Honda Dealers will benefit from this association with UPD (UK) Limited through the programmes, systems and processes available to them.  The provision of excellent customer service and quality repair is the driving force behind this partnership.

Marcus Comfort, Car Parts Manager for Honda UK, said “the partnership with UPD represents an exciting opportunity for Honda (UK).  We are delighted to have them on board and look forward to benefiting from their technical support and innovation.”

Barrie Dudey, CEO of UPD (UK) Limited, commented “we are delighted with this appointment and recognize the importance of such a strategic business partnership.  UPD appreciates the challenges and demands faced by repairers and will assist the Honda network in achieving their objectives with a bespoke range of products, services and sustainable solutions.”

 

HONDA LAUNCHES NEW BODY AND PAINT PROGRAMME

• New programme raises industry benchmark for after-accident care
• Guaranteed replacement car for  Honda customers

 

Honda (UK) has launched the Honda Accident Repair Programme (HARP), which manages the repair of customer cars after an accident. The new programme offers benefits such as a guaranteed replacement car regardless of accident type, and significantly raises the industry benchmark for customer service in this area.

 

HARP benefits for customers

• Guaranteed Honda replacement car provided regardless of accident type – unique to Honda
• One call to Honda Happiness Accident Assistance and all arrangements are taken care of, ensuring customer care is HARP’s ultimate priority before, during and post repair
• Nationwide network of committed approved repairers
• Service levels significantly above the industry benchmark

 

Sally Smith, Head of Aftersales & Parts Operations, Honda (UK), ”Having appointed first-class industry partners to operate HARP along with Honda, the process is much simpler and better aligned with the rest of Honda’s products and services and reflects its customer-focused approach.

 

Honda (UK) is now writing to customers to inform them of the new programme benefits and crucially, what to do if they are involved in an accident. Honda hopes HARP will increase customer retention, provide more repair jobs to the network and improve overall customer service.

 

Guaranteed replacement car

HARP provides customers with a guaranteed Honda replacement car after an accident, regardless of whether the accident is classed as fault, non-fault, driveable or un-drivable – a service that’s unique to Honda. Because HARP uses a unique mobility insurance policy, it removes the need for additional Credit Hire or Courtesy Car programmes and reduced costs as well as the reliance on Honda dealers or Bodyshops to provide cars. HARP represents the first time two parties (an accident management provider and Insurance company) have worked together to offer such a unique customer experience.

 

Rationalised network

In support of HARP, the nationwide network of affiliated Bodyshops has been thoroughly audited using new and robust Honda Standards that exceed industry-recognised requirements. These audits guarantee the network is compliant, managed, efficient and well placed to meet all customer requirements.

 

Partnerships

The new HARP incorporates partners from accident management, insurance, paint, paint distribution and breakdown recovery into one entity that can be easily accessed by the customer with just one call to Honda Happiness Accident Assistance (HHAA).

 

For example, HHAA is managed by Accident Exchange, who will work with Hondacare Assistance and provide a unified recovery service. Nexa and Sikkens paint brands have been chosen as Honda’s approved paint products. Nexa is aligned to IRIS Coatings and Sikkens with UPD (UK) Limited as their respective, preferred paint distribution partners. Having support from major distribution networks allows affiliated Bodyshops a clear choice of supplier that meets their needs and underpins the whole programme.

 

By developing key strategic partnerships and working collaboratively, all parties have removed cost from the after-accident supply chain while ensuring the programme delivers exceptional customer service.

 

Honda’s vision is now focused on developing relationships with key work providers and ensuring the number of Honda’s being repaired in the dealer network increases year on year. Affiliated Bodyshops benefit from increased work and enhanced relationships with dealers.

 

Training

Honda has introduced an 'Honda Accident Repair Training Programme” for its entire approved repair network that ensures Honda cars are repaired to exacting build standards and there is a high level of staff competence. The training programme encompasses a structured training path for both technical and commercial staff.”