Stellantis has just launched Octago – a new joint-venture with MSX International, which is intended to drive forward its independent garage programme, Eurorepar Car Service (ERCS).
CAT therefore spoke to Neil Gibbs, UK country manager for Octago and head of the ERCS network, to find out why Stellantis is still investing in the independent scene.
But first, to recap, Eurorepar is the multi-brand range of automobile products from the Stellantis Group, first launched almost 25 years ago. Meanwhile, Eurorepar Car Service is an all-makes garage initiative, which came to the UK in 2017 with the goal of providing independent garages and workshops with big-brand backing for training, technical support and quality parts supply.
Then there’s Distrigo, the new multi-brand parts distribution network from Stellantis, serving both authorised and independent repair shops across Europe and the UK. Operating through a network of regional distribution hubs, Distrigo offers genuine OEM parts under the long-standing Mopar brand for 12 Stellantis marques, as well as premium aftermarket parts from leading European firms such as Bosch, Mahle and Schaeffler.
When Stellantis first ventured into the UK independent sector with ERCS, it received a mixed reception. “There were some early adopters of the programme,” explains Gibbs, “but legacy feelings of competition meant that many remained cautious of an OEM signalling intent in this space.”
Since then, though, the narrative has shifted considerably. “We experienced this with the warm reception that we received at the UK Garage and Bodyshop event,” says Gibbs. “Stellantis has invested in building strong partnerships with independent operators rather than simply extending its commercial reach, and the sector has taken note.”
At the same time, Gibbs concedes that the challenges facing independents have never been more complex – from electrification readiness and skills attraction to evolving customer expectations and increasingly sophisticated vehicle technology. But these pressures have helped open minds. Gibbs says: “The result is an independent sector that is more willing than ever to explore how OEM collaboration can strengthen rather than compromise its position.
“It’s this unique opportunity that led to the creation of Octago and a new era for ERCS. At its heart, Octago combines two complementary strengths. Stellantis brings one of Europe's largest automotive parts distribution infrastructures through Distrigo, while MSX International contributes decades of experience helping automotive businesses improve operational performance and customer service. Together, we have created an organisation focused entirely on helping independent workshops thrive.”
Gibbs (above) believes the independent workshop has always been defined by what happens on the ramp. But he says, while there have been big changes here in recent years, there have arguably been even bigger ones around it. “Operational efficiency, business management, customer retention and access to expertise now matter as much as technical ability – and that's where many operators need the most support.”
He continues: “Across the industry, workshop operators face common challenges. Recruitment remains difficult. Evolving vehicle technology demands constant investment in training and equipment. Customers expect higher levels of service and communication than ever before”.
Gibbs is also fully aware that margins remain under pressure due to ever rising costs and tightening budgets. “In this environment, independent businesses need more than a supplier relationship,” he believes. “They need genuine business support. That is where initiatives such as Octago play their part. By introducing dedicated performance managers, the focus shifts from transactional interactions towards long-term business development. These specialists work directly with workshops to identify opportunities for growth, improve efficiency and address operational challenges.”
Just as important, according to Gibbs, is that the venture strengthens connections between workshops and the wider supply chain. “Parts availability remains one of the most critical factors affecting workshop productivity,” he explains. “Delays in sourcing components can have a significant impact on customer satisfaction and profitability. By creating stronger links between repairers and the Distrigo network, Octago aims to improve communication, responsiveness and overall operational performance.”
The bigger picture, however, lies in what this says about the changing relationship between OEMs and independents – even if Gibbs maintains that the notion that manufacturers and independent workshops are natural competitors has never really stood up to proper scrutiny. “Stellantis, along with other manufacturers, have a vested interest in vehicles being properly maintained throughout their working lives, long after the warranty period ends. Independent workshops need reliable access to technical information, quality parts and training to service vehicles that are more sophisticated with every generation.
“Those interests aren't in conflict; they're complementary.” insists Gibbs, who goes on to say that for motorists, this stronger collaboration means better access to qualified repairers, improved service standards and greater confidence that their vehicles can be maintained correctly throughout their lifespan. “For workshops [meanwhile] it means access to resources and expertise that help them remain competitive in an increasingly complex marketplace. And for manufacturers, it helps ensure vehicles continue to be maintained to high standards throughout their lifecycle.”
There are obviously widespread concerns about how smaller independent businesses will adapt at a time when the industry is undergoing huge transformation, but Gibbs believes the answer lies in providing more help, with the tools, support and partnerships that enable independents to evolve and prosper. “The independent aftermarket remains one of the most resilient and innovative sectors,” he says. “But what initiatives such as Octago demonstrate is that its future success will increasingly be built on partnership rather than separation.
“For workshop owners, that should be viewed as a significant opportunity. The strongest businesses of tomorrow will be those that combine their entrepreneurial independence with access to the expertise, technology and support networks that can help them navigate a rapidly changing industry.”
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