2010: Past, Present and Future

2010 has driven the automotive industry across a bumpy road of ups and downs. Vehicles and the technology that equips them has advanced drastically, prices across the industry have soared making driving unaffordable to many and companies have struggled to keep moving in the fierce recession. Mr Clutch has battled through, adjusting prices to assist drivers to keep on the roads and developing an array of services to fit the ever developing motor industry: 2010 may have been a challenge but with our valued customer network 2011 looks prosperous as 2010 has been.

Cutting £££
The news has been rife since January with headlines of job cuts, cut backs and increases in tax, VAT and student fees. Petrol prices have soared and anyone looking to purchase a car in 2011 will be struck by a 20% VAT cost. Driving for many is now even less affordable; petrol prices have crept up monthly, maintaining a vehicle can be equally as wallet bending as purchasing a brand new car and the government has no plans to stop trying to twist people's arms into public transport. Mr Clutch has fought back to allow drivers to stay safe on the roads. With thanks to our innovative Fixed Price Scheme, we have seen endless success and many happy returning drivers.

Mr Clutch is one of the only Autocentres to offer transparent, no surprise costing on servicing, brake pads and discs and cambelts, proving ever popular with old and new customers. Thanks to our online Fixed Price guides, customers are able to determine the cost of maintaining their vehicle at the click of a button. Throughout 2011 we will be continuing the fixed price scheme to ensure that drivers are able to drive safe, roadworthy vehicles without breaking the bank!

Privilege Card Development
To thank our customers for their continued custom we launched the Privilege Card Scheme late in 2008; since then, the loyalty card offering promotions and discounts has soared to success. January 10th 2011 will see the extension of the Privilege Card; Mr Clutch are now working alongside businesses in every area of the country to give more back to our 5000+ returning customers! From 2011, Privilege holders will receive discount from selected hotels, gyms, restaurants, cafes, taxi firms, garden centres and more! Visit www.mrclutch.com on January 10th 2011 for more details - Privilege Cards are now only £19.99 or FREE with any Gold+ Service.

Join Us Online
Socialising is turning technical - with over a third of UK citizens now on Facebook and telephone calls becoming obsolete to online chat methods such as Skype and Twitter, it is unsurprising to see so many businesses logging on! Mr Clutch has recently launched a Facebook and Twitter campaign offering group members and followers exclusive promotions, monthly competitions and industry news and advice! The network is developing rapidly with users chatting about their experiences, advising one another on the superb service they've received and discussing their vehicles.

To join us on Facebook LIKE: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124008977636190 OR follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mrclutch_auto

Trading Standards
It is increasingly common for people to fear garage chains and the motor industry as a whole; when something goes wrong with your car or your MOT is due , the first thing we ten to think of is money and excessive expense. Mr Clutch has a no-need-no-offer policy; we pride ourselves on our honest reputation in which we will never advise a customer of something they do not need. Unlike many garages who claim that this is the case, we are working alongside the Trading Standards Union to ensure our garages are Trading Standards Approved throughout 2011.

Already, Chelmsford, Shoreham and Southend have been approved and several more are currently in the process of approval. Mr Clutch aims to reassure customers that the services we offer are transparent and thanks to our 'fixed prices-no surprises' scheme and the new 'Buy with Confidence' Trading Standards approval more and more customers are happily returning to us with confidence for all their automotive needs.

2010 has been a challenge but thanks to the constant support of Mr Clutch customers we have, together, been able to drive a smoother road than many. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all past and future customers of Mr Clutch a prosperous New Year.