Combine your passion for cars and your business acumen to start a profitable career in the aftermarket auto industry with an auto care franchise.
If you love shifting gears on the open road, the sound of engines revving, or you enjoy tinkering with your own vehicle in your spare time, starting a car franchise allows you to follow your dream with a proven business model. There are more than 280 million vehicles on the roads in the United States, according to a report by IHS Markit, an information provider. As an added bonus, the average age of cars has increased by nearly 16 percent, to 11.33 years, compared with 9.78 years in 2002. New cars represented only 6.1 percent of vehicles in operation in 2019, compared with 6.7 percent in 2016, the last record-setting sales year. When dealer service plans and warranties expire, the aftermarket auto industry can capitalize on increasing opportunities.
Although new car sales were already down, the pandemic exacerbated that trend as many Americans made the decision to cancel plans to purchase a new vehicle last year. Teleworking and stay-at-home orders meant there were fewer cars on the road during the week. Yet, vehicle miles traveled remained largely the same as Americans canceled airline flights and opted to take road trips, IHS Markit reported. As the average age of vehicles on the road continues to increase, the business opportunities for the aftermarket sector remain promising.
Opening a Car Franchise
If you are interested in opening a car franchise but are not sure which option is the best fit, learn about the various types of car franchises available from Moran Family of Brands, the leader in the aftermarket auto industry. Moran supports its franchisees by helping with business planning, site selection, lease negotiation, and financing to get your business open and running smoothly as quickly as possible. Discover which type of car franchise is right for you.
- General Auto Repair Franchise
Car repair shops can be found on street corners all across the country. With so many options, customers are able to shop around for a mechanic that provides the best cost, quality, and service. Savvy car owners know to select a trustworthy brand that provides quality workmanship and customer service that offers a one-stop-shop for most vehicle repair needs. General auto repair franchises offer preventative maintenance, factory-scheduled repair, and advanced repair, including brakes and engines. Providing consistent, affordable service will help a franchise stand apart from its competitors. New franchisees of Milex Complete Auto Care can expect an initial investment of $172,000 to $288,000.
General auto repair shops specialize in strong repeat business with a higher frequency of use. They repair all makes and models of cars and can be flexible on repairs to cater to customer budgets. It’s important to choose a franchisor who offers knowledge and experience on business plans, daily management techniques, best repair practices, and committed support. If you have a management and sales background coupled with strong leadership skills, a good franchisor can help you open a general auto repair franchise that will flourish in the local community. They can assist you in finding a good location and provide marketing support to build a loyal customer base.
- Transmission Repair Franchise
Transmission maintenance and repair franchises are another option in the car franchise industry. The transmission’s job is to transfer the power that comes from the engine to the wheels along the driveshaft and axle, which allows you to drive the car. Taking care of your car’s transmission will help maintain the overall health of your vehicle. The average ticket price for a major transmission repair is upwards of $2,000 and opening a Mr. Transmission franchise is a recession-resistant option for business owners.
- Window Tint and Paint Protection Franchise
The automotive cosmetic industry offers a variety of options for protective vehicle service and enhancements. The global automotive tinting film market size was valued at $3.14 billion in 2018 and is anticipated to increase 5.1 percent by 2025, according to Grandview Research. Moran offers several franchise options in this segment of the aftermarket auto industry. Turbo Tint is Moran’s newest franchise brand and offers automotive window tinting and paint protection film to enhance and extend vehicle life. In addition to window films, Alta Mere specializes in alarm systems, backup cameras, and other automotive safety accessories.
Still Undecided? Consider Co-Branding
If you still can’t decide which car franchise is right for you, Moran Family of Brands offers a co-branding option to allow you to take advantage of multiple revenue streams and profit centers. Co-branding a Mr. Transmission and Milex Complete Auto Care shop puts two businesses under one roof and gives you the chance to promote your business to 100 percent of the potential market. You'll need to have at least $70,000 in liquid capital and a minimum net worth of $300,000.
“We added Milex Complete Auto Care to our existing Mr. Transmission business in 2010, and it has been nothing but positive for us,” said Susan Trumble, a Moran franchisee in Florence, Kentucky. “We had to invest money for the equipment, but I have no regrets. We have recouped the investment in the time that I thought it would take, and I am pleased with the return. We felt adding Milex was necessary to compete and to grow our customer base. We became even more profitable by doing that.”
If you are ready to turn your passion for cars into a profitable future, visit Moran Family of Brands or contact us to request information and learn more about the car franchise opportunities that are available.