UK Claire Automotive Support - BlogUK Claire Automotive Support - Bloghttps://www.claireautomotive.com/blogsThu, 07 May 2026 12:44:58 +0200http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[UnameIT strengthens automotive software suite through acquisition of Claire Automotive Support]]>https://www.claireautomotive.com/blogs/post/unameit-strengthens-automotive-software-suite-through-acquisition-of-claire-automotive-supportJuly 31, 2025, Woerden – UnameIT announces the acquisition of Claire Automotive Support ("Claire"), a Dutch provider of digital work order a ]]>

UnameIT strengthens automotive software suite through acquisition of Claire Automotive Support

July 31, 2025, Woerden – UnameIT announces the acquisition of Claire Automotive Support ("Claire"), a Dutch provider of digital work order and aftersales management software for automotive businesses. This acquisition strengthens UnameIT's market position as the leading provider of solutions that support the entire dealer process.


Strengthening UnameIT's aftersales capabilities

Claire, based in Ede, offers a cloud-native SaaS platform focused on digitalizing and optimizing aftersales workflows and work order processes for automotive dealers and garages. With a proven track record and a customer base that includes leading dealer groups such as Van Mossel, Emil Frey, and Jaguar Land Rover, Claire has developed into a trusted partner for small, medium, and large (multi-site) dealerships, independent automotive businesses, and OEM networks.


By joining forces, UnameIT and Claire combine two complementary product suites into one integrated platform that covers the complete dealer process: from lead generation and sales to aftersales, service, and procurement. Claire's in-depth expertise in the aftersales domain forms a natural extension of UnameIT's commercial solutions.


Shared vision and integration plan

UnameIT and Claire already have several shared customers in their client base and are actively working on product integrations to further enhance the seamless user experience of their combined offering.


Antoine van den Eijnden, CEO of Claire, responds: "I am enthusiastic about this next step in Claire's growth strategy. In this collaboration, we are even better positioned to serve our valued customers and to grow together with our customers to other European markets as part of the UnameIT organization."


Robert Adelerhof, CEO of UnameIT, adds: "We are very pleased to announce this acquisition, which marks an important step in our growth strategy since our partnership with Main Capital Partners. We see a natural match between our solutions that focus on the commercial processes of dealers and the aftersales automation capabilities that Claire has been providing to its loyal customers for years. We look forward to collaborating with the entire Claire team and to leveraging the innovative opportunities that this combination brings for our shared customer base."


About Claire Automotive Support

Claire Automotive Support, founded in the Netherlands, is a provider of SaaS solutions for workshop management and aftersales optimization in the automotive sector. The platform enables dealers and repair companies to digitalize work orders, streamline communication, and improve customer experience. Claire serves a broad range of customers, including leading dealer groups and OEM networks in the Benelux.


About UnameIT

UnameIT is a Dutch provider of automotive software solutions. The company offers a wide range of solutions, including SAM (order and sales management), LEF (lead management), MAX (marketing automation), and other complementary products. UnameIT serves more than 500 customers and was founded in 1996. Since then, UnameIT has grown into a prominent provider of automotive solutions for dealers, independent automotive businesses, importers, and leasing companies in the Benelux.

]]>Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:30:00 +0000<![CDATA[How do you handle change?]]>https://www.claireautomotive.com/blogs/post/how-do-you-handle-changeThe world around us is constantly changing, which is why it's important to be prepared and learn how to adapt. However, this is often easier said than ]]>

Make change discussable!

The world around us is constantly changing, which is why it's important to be prepared and learn how to adapt. However, this is often easier said than done.

We frequently encounter resistance to change, both within and outside of the organization. To help you tackle this challenge, we’re offering a few tips on how you and your team can better handle change.

First, it's essential to communicate the core reasons for the change - why is it happening, and what do we stand to gain? When this is made clear, it’s easier for people to understand the necessity and benefits, reducing resistance.

Change happens gradually, so guide your team through each step and provide regular updates. By being transparent about what will happen and when, you create a sense of control and predictability, which eases fear and uncertainty.

As the saying goes, "well begun is half done," and this applies to change as well. Make sure to prepare your team thoroughly so they understand what’s expected of them and what their role is in the process. Foster an environment where questions and concerns are welcomed, encouraging open communication to avoid misunderstandings and boost engagement.

In short, effectively managing change within your organization requires clear communication, step-by-step guidance, and a supportive, open environment. By explaining the reasons for the change and sharing updates frequently, you can reduce resistance, increase engagement, and drive success!
]]>Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:57:59 +0000<![CDATA[Patience is a virtue, even in the workshop!]]>https://www.claireautomotive.com/blogs/post/patience-is-a-virtue-even-in-the-workshopWe often tend to give up on something if it does not bring immediate results.  But how do you achieve that quality and maintain it in the long ter ]]>
We often tend to give up on something if it does not bring immediate results. But how do you achieve that quality and maintain it in the long term?
The key lies in identifying and implementing both 'quick wins' and 'long-term wins'.

Quick wins

Quick wins are small adjustments that deliver immediate improvements, such as taking more photos per work order to keep customers fully informed, sending a comprehensive diagnostic summary to customers, or timely reporting finished work orders, a step that is often overlooked!

Long-term wins

On the other hand, we have long-term wins, actions that bring huge improvements in the long term. For example:


  • Postponing unperformed additional work, resulting in higher work order rates in the future.
  • Actively updating work order statuses in Claire, leading to a tidy dashboard and overview across all departments.
  • Transparent communication with your customers, resulting in higher customer satisfaction.
  • Organising periodic 'Claire progress meetings' with staff to promote involvement and encourage continuous improvement.
Are you curious about what Claire can do for your automotive company? Discover the possibilities here on our website or contact us!
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]]>Wed, 16 Oct 2024 07:57:59 +0000<![CDATA[Starting with Claire? This is how it works! ]]>https://www.claireautomotive.com/blogs/post/starting-with-claire-this-is-how-it-worksIn this blog, we will describe as to how Claire implementation at Bariseau Mottrie in the cities of Kortrijk and leper was successful. It is quite a ch ]]>

In this blog, we will describe as to how Claire implementation at Bariseau Mottrie in the cities of Kortrijk and leper was successful.
It is quite a challenge to switch your working method from a paper to a digital. That is why proper preparation and supervision is important.

The preparation

Once the choice to go ahead has been made, we then started with an online meeting, where all back-office employees were included. The basics of Claire's missions were explained, and everyone's questions were answered. By right away involving employees, we are receiving valuable feedback on how we can best organize Claire for them before the implementations start date.

 

During the online meeting, we visited a customer who has been working with Claire for several years with a limited group. It was giving employees insight as to how Claire works in practice, meanwhile it was also allowing them to ask questions to users. This way they were hearing the benefits from people who work with Claire on a daily basis.

The implementation!

Two locations were starting in the same week. Each of the location received two days of "on-site" guidance on the work-floor from Claire consultant(s).

On day one, everyone is adjusting, letting go of the familiar work-order on a sheet of paper and learning to read Claire's dashboard. On that day, resistance is quite normal. On the second day it is already more comfortable and everyone is starting to find their way in the system.

 

The first two days were devoted to learning the basic functionalities of Claire.
For mechanics this meant:
  • Recording additional work(and therefore no longer handwritten);
  • Learning which checklists is to be used;
  • Taking photos and videos.

For service advisors this meant:

  • Making optimal use of the Claire dashboard;
  • Processing quotation and customer agreement in Claire;
  • Learning to make assignment to the mechanic;
  • Pinning an item in Claire as related to a warranty claim.

The aftercare

Our consultants were monitoring their progress online. Daily short call with the aftersales manager was being scheduled to discuss the progress and report any comments or tips. A commitment was made that Claire will have a "return day" to ensure a successful transition was done. 

Contact
]]>Thu, 29 Dec 2022 11:15:25 +0000<![CDATA[Research: Paper vs. Digital in after sales]]>https://www.claireautomotive.com/blogs/post/research-paper-vs.-digital-in-after-salesAn independent time study has recently been conducted on the usefulness of a digital service process. Several car companies were compared with each ot ]]>

An independent time study has recently been conducted on the usefulness of a digital service process. Several car companies were compared with each other and the differences between a paper aftersales process and a digital aftersales process became clear.

The most important facts:
  • The average time spent per order processing (from appointment to invoice) is 

    almost 28% lower in a digital process than in a paper process.

  • The turnover per work order in the digital process is no less than 36% higher than in the paper process!

In addition, the study drew the following conclusions:

  • The digital process steps show a time saving of 28% and 16% fewer meters walked.
  • In the digital process, more time is spent on customer contact, especially during acceptance/issuance.
  • Working digitally shows a 36% higher work order amount.
Contact
]]>Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:16:31 +0000<![CDATA[Do you get the most out of your tire changes? ]]>https://www.claireautomotive.com/blogs/post/do-you-get-the-most-out-of-your-tire-changesThe tire is a crucial product, not only for the safety of the car and the driver, but also when it comes to after sales. It is a product that generate ]]>

The tire is a crucial product, not only for the safety of the car and the driver, but also when it comes to after sales. It is a product that generates a lot of customer contact and is also an important revenue generator within the company, especially during the tire change weeks.

The tire change weeks start every year around the last week of October and the last week of March and most dealers mainly focus on changing as many winter tires as possible to summer tires (and vice versa). But the tire change weeks are about much more than just changing tires as quickly as possible, it is the perfect opportunity to check the customer's car extra. Think about:

- Checking the air conditioning.
- Top up coolant.
- If the customer changes from winter to summer tires in time, the car consumes less fuel. Your customers will be grateful for that with the current gas prices ;)

These points are often skipped because we believe that the customer does not want to have them checked. But in reality, the customer would rather wait 10 minutes longer, so that you have time to check these points, than have to come back in a few weeks for a new appointment.

 

Contact
]]>Wed, 13 Apr 2022 14:25:24 +0000<![CDATA[VIDEO: success story Janssen van Kouwen]]>https://www.claireautomotive.com/blogs/post/video-success-story-janssen-van-kouwenThe employees of Janssen van Kouwen started digitalizing their aftersales process in September of 2021. After 6 months they are completely used to wor ]]>

The employees of Janssen van Kouwen started digitalizing their aftersales process in September of 2021. After 6 months they are completely used to working with Claire and would not want to work without it.

In this video you hear from 3 different employees how they experience working with Claire and how they think about the change from paper work orders to digital work orders.

'Claire benefits us in: peace of mind, efficiency and customer satisfaction'

Contact
]]>Wed, 13 Apr 2022 14:20:40 +0000<![CDATA[Hey car salesman, have you reached your targets yet?]]>https://www.claireautomotive.com/blogs/post/hey-car-salesman-have-you-reached-your-targets-yetIn the automotive industry we are always busy to get as many leads as possible for the sellers. We see all kinds of things: advertisements on soc ]]>

In the automotive industry we are always busy to get as many leads as possible for the sellers. We see all kinds of things: advertisements on social media, promotions and sales-related events. But have you ever thought about generating leads from aftersales?

When the workshop department works with Claire's digital work order, a lot of valuable information is recorded. Not only for aftersales, but also for the sales department. Thanks to Claire, customers have the opportunity to indicate, in the online check-in module, whether they would like a no-obligation valuation of their car.

Practice shows that 5% of these workshop appointments request a valuation. Without anyone having to do anything for it. Of those appraisals, an average of 30% buy another car. A fact: thanks to the low-threshold way of asking for a valuation, you sell 15 more cars per 1000 workshop appointments!

Leads are also created for the after-sales department by working with Claire. The service advisor has the option to postpone work that we were not allowed to perform today to the next workshop visit or a specific date.

Start generating leads from aftersales today.

For more information, please contact Tim Hoogerwaard at tim@claireit.eu.

Contact
]]>Wed, 13 Apr 2022 14:17:32 +0000<![CDATA[Traditional aftersales processes need to be replaced!]]>https://www.claireautomotive.com/blogs/post/traditional-aftersales-processes-need-to-be-replacedThe pressure on aftersales is growing. On the one hand, there is an (apparent) shortage of skilled personnel. On the other hand, fixed costs are high ]]>

The pressure on aftersales is growing. On the one hand, there is an (apparent) shortage of skilled personnel. On the other hand, fixed costs are high and employees experience a high workload due to the amount of work available and changing consumer behaviour. Partly due to inefficiency within the traditional after-sales process, the billed hours per mechanic decreased from 1,353 hours in 2017 to 1,339 hours in 2018. This resulted in an absorption ratio (coverage of fixed costs by the after-sales activities) of 75%, while, with the meager margin on sales, 90% is desirable.

 

40% inefficient
When we start to observe the after-sales process, we see that 40% inefficiency arises within the process. This is partly due to unnecessary waiting, walking, writing, explaining and transferring. In addition, we only what the car came in for, which causes repeat visits too often. This makes the customer suspicious and therefore less loyal. How can we solve this I hear you think…

The key
The key to a more efficient and effective aftersales process is the Claire working method, supported by a digital aftersales process and effective customer and market communication. Using the Claire working method, the Claire software helps the employees to always do the work properly and completely in 1x. Mechanics are constantly looking better, seeing more and recording transparently, supported by photos and videos. This enables us to proactively guide the consumer in his/her choices. This offers direct commercial opportunities and very satisfied customers.

What is the result?
More peace of mind in the work process, so more rest on the work floor and more time for the customer, which leads to higher customer satisfaction. More turnover per workshop passages and an improvement of the wage-parts ratio from 1:1.1 to 1:1.4. A higher efficiency whereby 1650 invoiced hours per mechanic is the rule rather than the exception. Are you counting?

Start your transformation from ad-hoc, chaos and history to structure, potential and realization now! Towards a digital aftersales process!

Contact
]]>Wed, 13 Apr 2022 14:12:21 +0000<![CDATA[How a transparent aftersales process can contribute to customer satisfaction]]>https://www.claireautomotive.com/blogs/post/how-a-transparent-aftersales-process-can-contribute-to-customer-satisfactionDo you recognize this too? Lived by the issues of the day in the after-sales department, something that applies every day and which not only has an ef ]]>

Do you recognize this too? Lived by the issues of the day in the after-sales department, something that applies every day and which not only has an effect on customer satisfaction, but also on the workload of your employees.

The chaos within the process creates ambiguity and miscommunication, which causes actions to be performed that the customer has not asked for or actions to not be performed that the customer has requested. A digital after-sales process ensures that all customers are optimally served by means of a standardized working method and digital recording.
Your customer feels more involved in the process when he/she is kept informed about possible costs and progress by means of a photo or video, processed in a transparent overview.


With the transparent and clear communication of all completed work (including photos and videos) and any additional work that is found on the basis of predefined (and adjustable) checklists, your customer feels involved in the process. In addition, a digital after-sales process ensures that everyone in the process can keep track of the status of the work order in real time. This ensures that there is less unnecessary walking and that waiting times for the customer are shorter.

So, by working clear, faster and transparent with the help of a digital aftersales process, you ensure that customer satisfaction increases. And we all know that a happy customer is a returning customer!

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