A technician, performs work on the wheels of this Toyota Camry at Everton Fenton’s Garage Limited, one of the companies certified Approved Auto Repairers by the Jamaica Automobile Association
The leading auto club in Jamaica, the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) will launch a major initiative, the Approved Auto Repairer (AAR) programme, which is targeted to improve the services in the auto repair industry and assist motor vehicle owners to indentify quality-oriented garages.The event to take place at the JAA’s headquarters, at 7 Central Avenue Office in Swallowfield, St. Andrew, on October 27, will unveil the new JAA Approved Auto Repairer sign, to identify the approved garages.
“We hope that motor vehicle owners will be confident when they see a garage that displays the sign, which reads: JAA Approved Auto Repairer; and, after the fact, be totally satisfied that they received the best service possible,” says Duane Ellis, General Manager of the JAA.
He explained that the programme examines all facets of the repair shop – from their operation to the appearance of the facility and the competence of the technicians.“Our hope is to raise the standard of service in every repair shop and deliver benefits that speak to our mantra, which is offering motorists ‘peace of mind’,” he declared.
Four auto shops in the Corporate Area have already been approved under the programme; and others in different parts of the island are making the necessary adjustments to meet the standards outlined by the JAA. The approved shops are: Ankara Limited, Andre’s Auto Supplies Limited, Auto Maintenance Limited and Everton Fenton’s Garage Limited.
To become JAA approved, the garage must have been in operation for at least one year and should be staffed by certified and capable technicians who are able to solve common automotive problems.
“The technicians must be certified by the HEART / Trust National Training Agency and the Jamaican-German Automotive School (JAGAS),” Mr. Ellis stressed. “And, the shops must utilize up-to-date equipment needed to diagnose and repair any motor vehicle; deliver quality customer service and the facility must be clean and safe.”
The shops may achieve approval in two categories- Approved Auto Body Repairers for operators who engage in body repairs and vehicle painting; and Approved Auto Repairers for garages that do mechanical, electrical and Drive train repairs.
“I believe that our association with the JAA will assist the industry to raise its standards even higher,” says Gregory Wright, Operations Manager at Auto Maintenance Limited. “And, it provides our customers a guarantee that they can expect excellent service when they come to any of our location to conduct their business.”
“A Committee has been put in place to monitor the maintenance of the standards, so that in the future, motor vehicle owners need only to look for a JAA Approved Auto Repairer logo…to be assured that, a facility displaying the sign will deliver quality repair services,” Mr. Ellis said.
JAA members will benefit from this programme, as they will have access to free inspections for paid repairs and a six-month/12,000 mile warranty. Members of the Auto Club will also receive guaranteed written estimates; a return of replaced parts and may call upon a JAA-mediated repair dispute arbitration to settle disagreements, if the need arises.
