Langs Garage in Co. Leitrim, has been in business for 24 years, during which time it has seen successful development and carved out a loyal customer base in areas of Leitrim, Longford and Cavan. Over this time, owner David Lang, has maintained the company’s success, by always keeping an eye on future developments. As the automotive landscape undergoes some of its biggest ever changes, he recently made the decision to join the Bosch Car Service Network. 

Langs Garage offers a wide range of motoring services, with accident repair and car sales sitting alongside an impressive vehicle service and maintenance operation. This not only offers service and repairs, but also more specialities such as air-conditioning servicing, emissions testing and vehicle remapping. However, with vehicle technology becoming increasingly sophisticated and alternative energy cars more prominent, David decided it was time to become part of a network with the backing of one of the biggest names in the automotive component and equipment field.  

He comments, “To be serious about vehicle service and maintenance now requires greater investment, more specialist training and access to the right support services. We get all this through Bosch Car Service, allowing us to bring our workshop operation to the next level and also to future proof the mechanical side of the business.”

David has been involved in the motor trade since leaving school. However he says the pace of change in the industry has been unprecedented in recent years. “The days of putting your head under the bonnet of a car, to spot what is wrong are long gone. Today it is all about the right diagnostic tools and increasingly, gaining access to the right information. For an independent garage doing this alone is a major task, however, with the help and support of a company such as Bosch, it is much easier to tackle ever more complex jobs.”   

After reading about the Bosch Network online, David made an approach to the company and has been very impressed by the professionalism and the vision of the Bosch team. Langs Garage joined the network in February and David says he has already seen many benefits. 

He comments, “Training in different aspects of diagnostics and vehicle repair is vital for the future and the Bosch training programmes are second to none. I have already completed 3 different courses at the Bosch MKW Training Centre in Baldonnell. These courses not only have excellent content, but also practical aspects, which really let you get to grips with different vehicle systems. The other benefit is that when you take part in a course you are spending quality time with like- minded individuals and it allows garage operators to share ideas for the benefit of other members.”

Similarly David and his team have also been able to utilise the first class technical back up that the Bosch Car Service Network can offer, including a wealth of online information and a technical hotline. 

Another benefit that David has already seen, is in the network branding attracting new business. He says, “Bosch is a company with a reputation for innovation and quality across many industries. Seeing the Bosch name on a workshop, gives a potential customer reassurance that high standards are being met by a garage and this is already bringing new customers in, often from a wider geographical reach.” 

David believes the promotional aspects of being part of a wider garage network will also become even more important in the future. He points out, “Small family garages are now drifting out of the market, because they cannot keep up with the investment and training required. I believe we will get to the stage where most Irish towns will have either one or two larger independent garages servicing a bigger area. To be one of these garages will require high levels of commitment and dedication and this is much easier with the support of a network of progressive garages and the backing of a global giant like Bosch.”

Driving forward the Bosch Car Service Network in Ireland is Bosch Business Development Manager Rob Glendinning.  He says, “We are delighted to have Langs Garage join the Bosch Car Service Network. David and his team provide a very high standard of service to customers and are very progressive with their thinking. This makes it a business that will fit in well with the rest of the network and the Bosch team looks forward to a long and successful relationship with Langs over the coming years.”