Lyft Mechanical, Collision Centers

Lyft to Open Its Own Mechanical, Collision Centers

Lyft believes it can make its service centers more efficient than existing repair shops by using a system similar to an assembly line or NASCAR pit stop.

Photo Credit: Jon McNeill, Lyft

Ride-share company Lyft recently announced it is planning to open several dozen mechanical and collision repair shops across the nation in order to provide its drivers with discounted and expedited service.

As part of what’s being labeled “Lyft Driver Services,” the first prototype service center opened in San Francisco in March. Also, a test center opened in Philadelphia. The company hopes to have 35 repair centers by the end of the year with a focus on large cities. The end goal is to have these shops provide services such as oil changes, brakes, alternators, auto body repairs, carwashes and other basic service items.

Each center will have 12 to 14 full-time mechanics and technicians who are all Lyft employees. Currently, shops will only be servicing active Lyft drivers, but Lyft CEO Jon McNeill said that in the future, anyone might be able to have their car repaired by Lyft.

“A Lyft shop tailormade for our community is designed to operate twice as fast, at up to half the cost for drivers,” wrote McNeill in a Medium post announcing the service. “Drivers will be served by Lyft team members, including certified mechanics, selected for their expertise and passion for helping our community.”

Lyft believes it can make its service centers more efficient than existing repair shops by using modern manufacturing techniques, according to a CNN article. To achieve this, McNeill said shops will use a system similar to an assembly line or NASCAR pit stop.

“That car can pull in, four people can attack those tires, get them off at the same time and get them replaced,” McNeill told CNN. “What can take a half hour can take less than 10 minutes.”

Prior to Lyft, McNeill worked at Tesla, which also opened its own repair centers during his tenure. Earlier in his career, McNeil co-founded Sterling Collision Centers.

You May Also Like

Automotive Parts Associates to Host Annual General Meeting

APA will be hosting its 2024 Annual General Meeting March 26-28, 2024 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio, Texas.

Automotive Parts Associates (APA) announced it will be hosting its 2024 Annual General Meeting March 26-28, 2024 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio, Texas.

Every year, shareholders of APA, members of TruStar and supplier partners gather to mix, mingle and network with one another. The event kicks off with a group welcome reception and "date night," where a supplier takes a shareholder or member to dinner. From group breakfasts, lunches and dinners to shareholder and member one-on-one sessions with suppliers, there will be ample time to make connections and discuss business. On the final night, there will be a special awards dinner at the Buckhorn Saloon & Museum.

Auto Care Association Launches REPAIR Act Video Campaign

In the new campaign, shop owners from across the U.S. share their stories on the increased challenges independent repair shops are facing with accessing repair data to service their customers’ vehicles.

AkzoNobel Using 100% Renewable Electricity in Latin America

The milestone — reached late last year — follows similar achievements in North America and Europe.

AASP/NJ Mourns Loss of Board Member Sam Mikhail

Mikhail was an AASP/NJ Hall of Famer and served on the AASP/NJ board for decades.

Auggie Calibrations Meet EURO NCAP Standards

AirPro Diagnostics announced that the Auggie mobile static calibration device has now met the EURO NCAP safety standard.

Other Posts

SCRS Announces Podium as Newest Corporate Member

Podium provide solutions that allow collision repair centers to capitalize on messaging, customer feedback, online reviews, selling products and requesting payments.

Jerry’s Abra Sponsors Uniforms for South Central College

Auto body students at the college in North Mankato, Minn., will now have the proper attire to wear to class.

LKQ FinishMaster, CREF Announce 5th Annual Hood Master Challenge

The 5th Annual Hood Master challenge event will take place Aug. 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tenn.

U.S. House Holds Hearing on EV Fires

The hearing dealt in part with concern for auto repair technicians and their need for training.