Gabriel, the premier shock absorber brand of Control Instruments-Automotive, have introduced an eTraining shock absorber programme for Hi-Q fitment centres.
Hi-Q is believed to be the first fitment centre group to implement a web-based eLearning suite covering the installation and maintenance of shock absorbers for upskill fitment staff.
Hi-Q network development manager, Johann Hendriks, said Hi-Q franchisees are able to log onto Gabriel’s website and do each of four training courses at their own speed. On completion, candidates will do an online test for each module.
“The course will enable franchisees to gain a working knowledge of shock absorbers through the implementation of skills and knowledge,” he said.
“eLearning is a convenient method to enable fitment centre staff to do training in their own time and virtually anywhere. The training modules cover; Beginner, Intermediate, Advance and Xpert,” said Hendriks.
Once the course has been completed, a competency certificate will be issued.
Gabriel’s executive manager marketing, Sean Staley, said the aim is to teach skills in fitting shocks and assist customers in evaluating when to replace their shocks.
This is the basis of the recently launched Safe Zone 2.6 programme. It is a safety programme educating fitment counter staff, management and motorists about vehicle and passenger safety. This includes responsible driving through education-based branding and training.
“The name Safe Zone 2.6 is based on road tests performed on an average passenger vehicle travelling at 80km per hour with good shock absorbers compared to a vehicle with worn shocks,” said Staley.
“Good shocks will stop a vehicle on average 2,6 meters sooner than a similar vehicle with worn shocks because with faulty shocks the wheels loose contact with the ground when applying brakes in an emergency.”
“The Safe Zone 2.6 programme creates a simple unified two-way value proposition for each retail outlet and educates consumers on the importance of checking their shocks regularly,” he said.
About Gabriel:
Gabriel is a division of Control Instruments Automotive, a wholly owned subsidiary of the JSE listed Control Instruments Group. Control Instruments Automotive holds the manufacturing and distribution rights to the Gabriel range of shocks, struts and cartridge products for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Gabriel is now in its 76th year in South Africa. The company manufactures shock absorbers for most vehicles.
Gabriel was originally imported into SA in 1935. During that time, the company has introduced a number of world-first designs that were subsequently manufactured in plants worldwide. It was also the first shock absorber company to advertise on TV.
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