Gates unveils a major promotional campaign

linked to free technical training for garage mechanics, starting in April.

Sales of belt kits for Auxiliary Belt Drive Systems (ABDS) look set to rise as the benefits of a spring promotional campaign from Gates begin to pull through for motor factors.
During the campaign, which starts in April 2014, all motor factor contributions towards Technical Workshop training events will be waived for buyers of ABDS Micro-V Horizon stock packs. It means Gates will be providing motor factors with a free training package for their garage customers.

The highly technical yet informal nature of these Technical Workshops has made them extremely popular with invited garage customers. Held locally and scheduled for an early evening start, they are always organised in association with local motor factors, which usually share the costs of the event with Gates.

"Throughout the campaign, we will cover the cost of hosting each event. That includes venue hire and refreshments, subject to the terms of the promotion," says Gates UK regional sales manager Taco Homan. "It's a major incentive to get customers involved in some top quality training at a time that suits them. It represents investment in training that will deliver future sales at no cost to themselves."

Each stock pack contains the top 20 Gates Micro-V Horizon kit references for ABDS. Gates has a range of kits for ABDS for a wide range of applications.
"The kits don't just save garages time. They add value to the job and extend our warranty protection to all of the parts included in each Micro-V Horizon kit."

Gates Technical Training and Support Team representative Andrew Vaux delivers many of the Technical Workshops. He points out that each one aims to raise awareness about good workshop practices, explains why it's essential to follow the manufacturers' recommended installation procedures and outlines the advantages to be gained from a preventive maintenance approach to drive system repairs:

"They help mechanics understand the true value of a Micro-V Horizon kit. What's more, they help them appreciate the peace of mind that the increased warranty protection provides for both the garage and the customer."

Gates adds that sales of kits always increase after Technical Workshops and that garages become more aware of the benefits of buying other kits - such as Timing belt kits - too.

The campaign begins in April. Once a stock pack has been purchased, Gates Technical will reserve a mutually acceptable date for the Technical Workshop. In addition to venue hire and the cost of refreshments, advance marketing support, technical handouts and help with garage invitations will be included free as part of the Gates promotional package.