We talk to EDT Automotive to find out why offering your customers an engine detox could be just what the doctor ordered.
When EDT Automotive, the engine detox specialist, recently revealed that it had reached the golden £1million turnover figure since its launch in 2013, this milestone achievement represented the latest significant landmark on a three year journey that has witnessed a little blood, a lot of sweat and a whole bucket of cheers along the way.
The back story
Most folk who visit the more exotic climes of Saudi Arabia are likely to return home with stories of a trip to Mecca – one of the most iconic locations in the world and a destination that is commonly known as ‘The Holy City’ after the prophet Muhammad bestowed the title upon it.
However, when EDT’s Managing Director, David Holmes, arrived back in the UK following a stint working for Aljazirah Ford in Saudi Arabia, he did so knowing that he may have just discovered ‘The Holy Grail’ instead.
Having witnessed a unique engine decontamination machine in action during his time overseas, David realised that a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity had presented itself to him and, once back on UK soil, he soon struck an agreement that would see him become the sole importer of this revolutionary device.
Recognising that he had a product on his hands that would be appealing to both dealerships and high-quality independent workshops, David formed EDT Automotive, based in Ashford, Kent and quickly set about putting together an experienced UK team that could deliver the level of service and support to the market that would ultimately help to realise the potential of this innovative new piece of equipment.
With David and Operations Director, Gary Rowney at the forefront of its operation, EDT’s vision of generating incremental aftersales profit and fleet cost savings through products that benefit both customers and the environment is now becoming a reality.
Exploring new avenues
Although the EDT team, who boast over 65 years’ worth of main dealer experience between them, initially focused their efforts on attracting dealership customers, it was soon clear that forward-thinking independent workshops were also a very appealing target audience if the company was to boost its network of users further.
David says: “To hit the £1m turnover mark is an extremely important milestone. It exceeds what we thought was an ambitious target when we first set up the company three years ago.
“In our first year of trading we’d overseen nearly 40,000 treatments, which tells you everything about the quality of the product. In early 2015 we decided to expand our selection criteria to include the best independent garages and we haven’t looked back since.”
He continues: “The treatment makes a real difference to fuel economy and we’re getting rave reviews from customers who’ve noticed a considerable difference to the performance and economy of their vehicle following a service.
“For workshop partners, our pay-as-you-go model means the up-front costs are minimal. The machine is essentially provided to them free of charge, subject to them carrying out a minimum number of treatments – which they pay for individually – per month. Those that have embraced the concept are carrying out as many as 100 treatments per month, which creates a fantastic new revenue stream for any workshop business.
“We’re still looking to fill open points in the UK, so we’d recommend than any interested parties get in touch with us to find out more.”
How does the service work?
With an effect that is likened to descaling a dishwasher the hand-built EDT machine can clean both petrol and diesel engines.
The process is designed to be carried out with the engine off and with limited disruption to a routine oil change. Once the machine is connected it takes less than 15 minutes to complete the treatment in-situ, using a bespoke environmentally friendly bio fuel food grade white oil.
The machine carries out a unique engineering process that removes all the sludge, varnish and debris that builds up in the engine. Improving the engine’s coefficient of friction allows the new oil to perform to its maximum capabilities, which then has a positive impact on fuel economy, CO2 emissions, engine performance and drivability.
The results are close to doing a manual engine strip, with fuel economy increased by up to 26%, power increased by up to 6bhp and torque increased by up to 7ft-lb. Harmful emissions are also significantly reduced: CO2 by an average 69% and diesel smoke by an average 58%.
Furthermore, the transparent collection tank on the unit allows you and your customer to see exactly what has come out of the engine and been caught in the 5 micron filter during the treatment process. This makes it much easier to show your customer what they’ve paid for and what the treatment has achieved, while the automated nature of the process means the technician is free to get on with other work while a treatment is taking place.
Garage success
The first independent garage in the UK to install an EDT machine was Mid Kent Vehicle Services, and General Manager, Phil West has been a big fan ever since.
He says: “We’ve had petrol and diesel cars fail the emissions test and, after an EDT, they’ve sailed through. The increased fuel economy is another great selling point. We’ve done it on everything from Range Rovers and BMWs to a Mustang and a TR7.
“If we’re offering the treatment at the same time as a service we usually offer it for £99. We make profit on every job and it’s another thing to talk to people about in our workshop or through advertising. EDT provided sales training for our reception staff and all seven of our workshop guys took part in the two-hour technical training session, so the support has been excellent.”
