Multi-brand workshop as a strategic addition to the OEM workshop network

For fleet operators with mixed fleets, the question „Authorised dealer or independent workshop?“ rarely arises - rather: How can the two be sensibly combined? The Multi-brand workshop is a strategic addition to the authorised dealer network. This is because it covers several brands in one operation, reacts flexibly to unplanned processes and works with a clear legal basis. For garages themselves, it is also about margin freedom and capacity utilisation - see the Profitability guide. In addition, the RMI Regulation (EU 2018/858) access to manufacturer-specific repair information. The diagnostic standard ISO 14229 (UDS) therefore forms the technical basis for cross-brand service.

A multi-brand workshop is a commercial vehicle service operation without exclusive ties to a single manufacturer or an OEM operation with strategic multi-brand additions. It offers cross-brand diagnostics, maintenance and repairs. The legal basis for access to original parts, repair data and diagnostic functions is the Block Exemption Regulation and EU Regulation 2018/858 (RMI).

The OE service contract remains an important component for many fleets, for example for new vehicle warranty work, recalls and highly specialised software versions. In addition, however, the day-to-day operations of a mixed fleet regularly give rise to needs that are difficult to fulfil via a single brand: several makes in one company, appointments at short notice, regional coverage. This is precisely where the independent multi-brand workshop comes in as a supplement. In addition, the EU Block Exemption Regulation has ensured since 2010 that technical information and original spare parts are also available outside the OE dealerships without invalidating the manufacturer's warranty. Further perspectives on fleet cost management are also provided by the article on Reduce fleet costs.

• Mixed fleet composition: Operators with vehicles of several brands bundle maintenance and repair in one company instead of coordinating several service partners in parallel.
• Short-term appointments & emergency service: Flexible time slot management and 24/7 breakdown assistance throughout Europe via Assist24 in the Alltrucks network.
• Regional coverage: In regions with a sparse OE network, the multi-brand workshop reduces empty journeys to the nearest service point.
• Stable contact persons: Owner-managed companies typically offer long-term customer relationships - a planning advantage in the fleet business.
• Mixed orders: For processes involving several makes or components (tractor unit + trailer), cross-brand expertise is operationally helpful.

Modern independent commercial vehicle workshops are specialised businesses with structured equipment, certified processes and a digital workflow. It is also worth taking a look at neighbouring concepts - such as the one-stop shop model.

In the Alltrucks network, the Alltrucks multi-brand diagnostics on the basis of the KTS Truck V3 (Bosch + Knorr-Bremse integration) is used. In combination with Gateway passthrough solutions safety-relevant control units can also be edited. PIN authorisations (Bosch PIN 2 Trailer, Knorr-Bremse PIN TEBS 4) are provided via Alltrucks.

Modernity Lifting platforms with a load capacity of up to 30 tonnes, calibratable ADAS calibration stands and High-voltage workstations for electric lorries are already standard at many network companies. Workshop equipment in the Alltrucks network therefore runs under partner conditions at WESP CV (close to the Knorr-Bremse start-up).

In independent multi-brand workshops, technicians work with different makes every day. These Multi-brand expertise is therefore operationally relevant for mixed fleets because maintenance, diagnostics and repairs for several brands can be bundled in one operation.

Die wirtschaftliche Betrachtung einer Werkstattleistung umfasst immer mehrere Ebenen: Stundenverrechnung, Teilestrategie, Service life und planerische Verlässlichkeit. In einer gemischten Flotte wirkt der Mehrmarken-Ansatz dabei vor allem auf der Prozessebene. So lassen sich mehrere Marken in einem Betrieb bündeln und ungeplante Aufträge strukturierter einplanen.

• Bundling in one company: One workshop partner is sufficient for several makes. Fewer interfaces, less coordination effort.
• Parts strategy: Depending on the vehicle and application profile, original parts or approved OE quality parts are available. Which parts logic suits the fleet is agreed in the order. Background to the calculation in the article Calculate hourly rates correctly.
• Structured order acceptance: In the Alltrucks network, the Alltrucks Process Compass standardised order structuring as the basis for reliable Throughput times.

A key lever lies with the Service life. More flexible appointment allocation, weekend emergency service and short response times in the event of unplanned breakdowns have a direct impact on availability in fleet operations. In addition, the 24/7 breakdown service Assist24 covers breakdowns throughout Europe in the Alltrucks network.

A central question in multi-brand service concerns the Manufacturer's warranty. EU legislation provides a clear framework for this: A manufacturer may not refuse the warranty simply because maintenance work was carried out in an independent workshop. However, the work must comply with the manufacturer's specifications and be fully documented.

• EU-GVO (Block Exemption Regulation): Guarantees independent workshops access to technical information, diagnostic software and original spare parts.
• Documentation obligation: Independent workshops must document maintenance work in full and comply with the manufacturer's instructions (maintenance intervals, specifications, torques).
• Reversal of the burden of proof: The manufacturer must prove that damage causal was caused by the work of the independent workshop, not the other way round.

Integrating multi-brand service into the existing service structure is a planned process alongside OE service. The following steps therefore help to set up the framework properly.

Quality assurance in independent multi-brand workshops is based on our own standards, network certifications, continuous audits, training obligations and process standards.

• Certifications: ISO 9001, Alltrucks certification as a multi-brand system technician.
• Diagnostic expertise: Work with manufacturer-independent diagnostic systems (in the Alltrucks network: Alltrucks multi-brand diagnostics / KTS Truck V3).
• Parts quality: Original parts or approved OE quality parts.
• Documentation: Digital service history with seamless traceability.
• Further training: Alltrucks training (levels 1/2/3) - especially for e-mobility, ADAS and trailers.

For fleets with a mixed composition, the independent multi-brand workshop is a strategic addition to the authorised dealer network - not a counter-model. Multi-brand expertise and regional flexibility help to bundle maintenance and repair across several brands in one operation. This is legally secured by block exemption and EU 2018/858 (RMI), and technically by platforms such as Alltrucks multi-brand diagnostics (KTS Truck V3).

In the Alltrucks network, partner companies also combine the proximity of the owner-operated business with the building blocks of a European multi-brand service network - Assist24 (24/7), Alltrucks Fleet (fleet programme), Alltrucks training (levels 1/2/3) and the Alltrucks Process Compass.

Further practical insights are also provided by the experience report From OEM workshop to independent business and the profitability analysis Running a profitable workshop.