The small island of Cyprus has much to offer. Sun, sea, sand, and decent beer are just a few of its qualities. It also seems to have a thriving independent automotive aftermarket too, if the abundance of back-street garages are anything to go by.
On a recent holiday to the island (if you tried emailing me last week and I didn't reply, you now know why) I got the opportunity to see a few of these workshops first hand.
On first appearances at least, they might not look like much.
[caption id="attachment_7762" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The waiting room is a plastic chair in the road"]
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[caption id="attachment_7763" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The forecourt - in the middle of the street"]
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However, despite appearances these workshops are overflowing with business. The main reason for this, at least from what I could decipher, is that while there are many independent workshops on the island there are very few franchised dealers to capitalise on business. A quick look on Cypriot directory websites like Auto in Cyprus reveals that nearly all of the garages listed are independents.
Speaking to locals it seems that while there is also nowhere else to turn, motorists enjoy the service and relationship they get from an independent technician.
It's always nice to see the independent sector thriving abroad. However there are very few garages on the island catering for the ever-growing ex-pat community. Relocation, anyone?
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