23-08-07

New internet forum launched to assist MG Rover repairers

A new internet based forum has been launched by XPart for its 230-strong AutoService centre network, aimed at providing speedier information relating to the repair of MG Rover cars. The forum has two main discussion areas (parts technical and service technical) as well as a ‘torque shop’ where members can discuss any other motoring related subjects.

“The new forum is another tool designed to ensure that garages within the AutoService centre network have access to the very latest and most accurate information relating to MG Rover repairs,” says Don Lindsay, service marketing manager, XPart. “With the rising popularity and growth of internet discussion groups and social networking sites, workshop technicians are increasingly turning to the internet when they encounter an unfamiliar problem. Whilst this is a very efficient method of obtaining information quickly, some of the answers supplied are misinformed and could potentially cause even more harm to a vehicle. By launching the forum which is correctly moderated by experts who are properly informed we can be sure that technicians are receiving the right advice.”

Moderators on the site include XPart’s customer support team who will be able to provide users with accurate information relating to any parts queries. Technical discussions will be moderated by Omitec, who designed the original T4 diagnostic equipment on behalf of MG Rover for its dealer network. The company continues to work closely with XPart and maintains a database of the entire library of service bulletins issued by MG Rover. It also holds copies of the more recently issued technical tips from XPart which includes details of known faults and fixes and are released annually to the AutoService centre network.

“An added benefit of the new forum is that it will help us with the diagnosis and repair of new faults,” continues Lindsay. “As MG Rover vehicles exceed the mileage seen by MG Rover engineers, the forum will harness the skills and knowledge of technicians within the AutoService centre network, allowing details to be circulated even quicker than before.”

Membership of the technical forum is restricted to garages within XPart’s AutoService centre network. The free-to-join site requires users to register by entering a few simple details in order to generate a username and password which are needed to view posts and add threads. The forum can be accessed via XPart’s normal dealer extranet.

XPart is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Logistics Services UK Limited, one of the automotive industry’s leading supply chain management companies. It has established a network of more than 230 XPart AutoService centres across the UK, providing franchise-quality repair at aftermarket rates. Its product range contains more than 33,000 parts for all makes of vehicle and since 2001, it has been responsible for the supply of genuine MG Rover parts.

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