Mr Clutch Autocentres combines traditional expertise with cutting-edge technology to enhance the garage experience
Mr Clutch Autocentres is nationally recognized as one of the premier autocentre groups in England. With over 40 branches across England and Wales, the company offers a comprehensive range of garage services, including the fitting of clutches, brakes, and manual transmissions. Additionally, Mr Clutch Autocentres can carry out full car servicing, general repairs and, in the majority of centres, MOT testing – including Class 7 MOTs in selected locations. Sef Yussuf, Co-Owner and Director of Operations, shares insights into Mr Clutch Autocentres’ evolution and adaptability in the face of a changing industry landscape.
“The business was started in 1978 by my two older brothers, Joe and Will. I was only 14 at the time, so I would help out on Saturdays and during school holidays. As the business grew, they specialized and branded themselves as Mr Clutch. They soon moved to a larger garage that could accommodate three-to-four ramps and a small team. Business really started to take off from there. Joe had the idea to franchise, while Will, who was our engineer, figured out the processes involved from a more technical side. I handled the administrative side, while Joe focused on sales. By 1984, we needed bigger premises again to support our growth, which led us to expand to open a garage in Croydon, where we were doing around 120 clutches a week.
“For context, in the 1980s, an average car would require three-to-four clutches over its lifetime. However, as clutches became more dependable, our sales began to decline, prompting us to further invest in Mr Clutch. From the mid-1980s onward, we began opening more garages through franchising and company-owned branches, mainly in smaller premises. As clutch-related work reduced, we explored expanding our offerings to include brakes and other services, such as MOT testing. This prompted us to relocate to larger premises and rebrand as Mr Clutch Autocentres. It was during this transition that we began to create more comfortable waiting areas for customers while they awaited their MOTs.
In recent years, Mr Clutch Autocentres has made substantial investments in technology and digitalization. Sef sheds light on the impact these investments have had on daily operations. “As a medium-sized company, we take pride in our continual investments in technology. In fact, our accountants, Kreston Reeves, and HSBC often remark that our technological investments are impressive for a company of our size. We were pioneers in adopting features like electronic diaries and online booking, being one of the first in our industry. Additionally, we have always invested in our MOT servicing and other critical areas.
“Moreover, we diligently measure all product lines and sales. Currently, we are actively exploring AI solutions with our developers at Wirebox, in order to improve
the customer experience, and our efficiencies. It is crucial to note that many people now use their mobile devices to make bookings, so we aim to create a mobile-first, user-friendly booking experience on our website. We continuously seek feedback and often receive compliments about our website, which we are always committed to improving. Ultimately, we prioritize understanding and meeting our customers’ needs.”
Advancements in technology have also influenced Mr Clutch Autocentres’ offerings with the growing popularity of electric cars, leading the company to begin servicing hybrid and electric models. “Initially, sourcing parts for electric vehicles was a challenge, which is why we hesitated to enter that market until recently. We did not want to disappoint customers by scheduling a service only to inform them that we could not supply necessary parts. Now, with Tesla comprising about 40 percent of the electric car market and many of these vehicles aging, we are ready to launch our electric car services. In the next couple of months, we will be introducing our new service with qualified technicians, having invested £30,000 in purchasing the necessary equipment and tooling. Given the significant demand in London and the South East, where electric vehicles are increasingly common, we plan to dedicate one of our sites here to do this service. Over time, we aim to expand our electric car servicing across multiple locations.”
By embracing technological innovations and evolving customer demands, Mr Clutch Autocentres solidifies its position as an industry leader in comprehensive automotive services.