An inspector calls – the role of the inspections team in driving vendor value

Adrian Holz

A keen eye for detail and an encyclopaedic knowledge of a wide range of vehicles are both essential attributes for members of the grs inspections team, which plays a key role in ensuring maximum value for every vehicle de-fleeted through Cold Meece. 

Both speed and efficiency are vital components of the process, which begins with vehicles being assigned a unique barcode to track their progress through the site. “As soon as a vehicle arrives at Cold Meece, the clock starts ticking, so there’s no time to waste,” says Adrian Holz, Vehicle Inspections Manager, whose eight-strong team aims to have the process completed in just four hours. “The inspection is an important part of de-fleeting so we never rush, but from the vendor’s perspective the sooner it’s completed the better. Our unique combination of highly trained experts and streamlined processes ensure there’s no delay,” he continues.

A thorough interior and exterior examination is carried out inside a purpose-built inspection tunnel, with any defects such as scratches or dents carefully logged to build a detailed description of each vehicle. The inspectors then recommend the level of refurbishment and repair work required, which will depend on a number of factors including the vehicle’s age and mileage, along with guidelines set by each vendor. “We either work to a pre-agreed set of standards or use our own judgment to assess the amount of work required,” explains Adrian. “We are the vendor’s eyes and only recommend essential work which will add to the value of the vehicle.”

The inspectors also use their in-depth knowledge of vehicle specification to note any other factors which might boost the sale price for vendors, such as the addition of audio systems, sat navs, alloy wheels or run-flat tyres. “Our inspectors are familiar with the manufacturer specification of a wide range of vehicles, though we also have access to reference guides and online resources if we need them,” says Adrian. While the latest systems and processes play an essential role in ensuring quick turnaround times, there’s no substitute for the experience and expertise of the team, according to Adrian Holz.

“They understand cars,” says Adrian. “They know what to look out for and what needs to be done. It’s not about trying to make cars perfect by removing every single scratch or chip – it’s about doing what’s necessary to achieve the best possible price for the owner. “That’s exactly what my team does and I believe they’re the best in the business.”

Efficiency, flexibility and quality – de-fleeting at its best

It’s often said that time is money, a phrase which could have been coined specifically for the motor industry, where the spectre of depreciation follows every vehicle from the moment it first leaves the factory.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that every hour of every day makes a difference to a vehicle’s value, and that’s precisely why we think in terms of hours rather than days when de-fleeting vehicles on behalf of our clients,” says Theo Kortland, Managing Director of grs.

In translating this thinking into action, grs has developed arguably the most efficient and sophisticated de-fleeting operation in the industry, combining cutting-edge technology and processes with the very best people.

Based close to the M6 at Cold Meece in Staffordshire, every aspect of the 36-acre logistics centre has been designed with efficiency in mind, bringing a fresh approach to the traditionally time and labour intensive de-fleeting process. Every aspect can be undertaken on-site – from arrival and inspection through refurbishment and repair to preparation and collection or dispatch.

“Cold Meece has been designed on a production line basis, to make the de-fleeting process as quick and cost-effective for clients as possible. Time really is money and we ensure that neither are wasted!”

In addition to efficiency, flexibility is also important, with vendors able to make use of as many – or as few – services as they need. They can also define the way in which they work with grs. Continues Theo, “The flexibility of our Cold Meece operation puts vendors in the driving seat, as they can specify the precise services they need to meet the needs of their businesses.”

Quality is another given at Cold Meece. Bespoke hand-held technology and computer systems unique to grs ensure the flow of vehicles around the facility, while cutting-edge techniques employed by highly skilled technicians produce stunning results when repairs are required. “Our job is not only to de-fleet vehicles, but also to maximise the value of each one,” says Theo. “By continually investing in the most efficient systems and using the latest SMART repair processes for example, we can not only increase the speed but also reduce the cost of de-fleeting, both of which help to achieve the best return for our clients.”