A leading automotive organisation has unveiled a new look website to deliver an improved service to motorists looking to locate a local garage.

And – because of the increasing use of the internet on mobile phones – the UK-wide Good Garage Scheme is also launching a new initiative which could prove a godsend for drivers breaking down in remote locations, or an area outside their home town – a free iPhone app.

The revamped Good Garage Scheme web site has a wider screen design to accommodate laptops, is easier to navigate and has more features.

Feedback from motorists who fill out a customer satisfaction form using the Scheme’s five star rating of members will also be featured on daily changing basis on the home page. By clicking a link website users can instantly see how a garage has been rated by customers.

The design of the new web site has been influenced by feedback from an increasing number of garages and motorists going online to access information about the Good Garage Scheme.

The launch of the iPhone app also reflects today’s trends. The number of iPhones registered in the UK is set to rise by 195% this year – to 6.4 million – according to research firm MobileSquared. Drivers can download the free app by going to the Good Garage Scheme website and following the link.

Good Garage Scheme Marketing Manager, Anndi Sheppard commented: “Because more and more people want access to information while they are on the move we are rolling out our own iPhone app so that motorists will have even better access to services from our members.

“If you are away from home apps are great for finding a restaurant, hotel, petrol station or maps, and the same applies to finding a garage you can trust

“It will be particularly useful if you have broken down or have a problem with your car and haven’t got access to a PC or a laptop. You’ll instantly be able to find a local Good Garage Scheme member and get all the contact details you need no matter where you are in the UK,” she said.

“We are proud to launch the first app of this type and it will give motorists peace of mind to know that if they break down away from home they will be able to locate a reliable garage quickly – and without getting out of their car!

Launched by Forté over four years ago, the Good Garage Scheme has more than 3,000 members comprising of independent garages and workshops where customers are assured of service excellence.

Now widely accepted as a mark of quality for independent garages across the UK, Good Garage Scheme garages are recognised as providing exceptional service to their customers based on a rigorously monitored mandatory code of practice. Customers looking for their nearest Good Garage can quickly locate one using the easy-to-use search facility on the Good Garage Scheme website – www.goodgaragescheme.com.