Keeping an eye on the possible diesel future

Independent service providers should also watch for an ever increasing number of consumers taking to diesel, which means another lucrative revenue stream for independent shops across Canada.

With automotive gasoline prices seemingly on a permanent upward trend, it is not surprising consumers are looking for alternatives. Much of the focus has been on hybrid-electric vehicles which are catching on with some North American consumers. Many in the aftermarket are starting to educate themselves about hybrid technologies and vehicles in anticipation of them rolling into the bays of service shops.

But what independent service providers should also watch for is an ever increasing number of consumers taking to diesel, which means another lucrative revenue stream for independent shops across Canada.

Recently, Mercedes-Benz rolled out its BlueTec diesel engine technology which will be making its North American debut this fall with the company’s E320 car. According to Johannes Reifenrath, head of communication with Mercedes-Benz, BlueTec is made to help automotive diesel engines pass North American stringent emissions standards for diesel. And Mercedes-Benz said it is in talks with BMW and Audi, along with several other car manufactures, to incorporate the technology into their diesel automobile engines. This suggests car makers believe diesel is something consumers will be demanding in greater numbers very soon and want to make sure they can meet that demand.

And it is not just the auto manufactures that see diesel making very big inroads amongst car buyers. Shell Canada Products completed work on two facilities to produce ultra low sulphur diesel fuel. Shell’s new fuel reduces nitrogen oxides and particulate matter emissions from diesel-powered vehicles, thereby making it easier for diesel-fueled engines to meet the new emissions guidelines, set out in the Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations, which just went into effect in Canada.

So add to the lower overall cost of diesel and the improved environmental impact offered by BlueTec and these new fuels, consumers have an attractive combination to spend their automotive dollars on; which in turn means new opportunities for service shops when these diesel-fuel car owners look for someone to service and maintain their vehicles.

Smart independent service providers will not only begin to get up to speed on this BlueTec technology and new diesel fuels, but will let consumers know that they are ready. Many service providers know they are always fighting the perception that the dealerships are ahead of the curve when it comes to new car technologies. By getting ahead of the curve on BlueTec, on new diesel fuels and getting their technicians up-to-speed as well, these shops can steer those lucrative service dollars away from the dealerships and into their own bays, and keep those service dollars coming in for a long time to come.