Ultra Tune Archives - Sean Buckley UltraTune, Owner of Ultra Thoroughbreds Australia

Ultra Tune:

Ultra Tune is an Australian car servicing company that was founded by Sean Buckley in 1979. It began as a small operation in Melbourne, Australia, offering basic car servicing and repairs. Over the years, Ultra Tune expanded its services and locations, becoming one of Australia’s largest independent automotive servicing and roadside assistance companies.

One of the key factors contributing to Ultra Tune’s growth was its successful marketing strategy, which included memorable advertising campaigns featuring provocative imagery and slogans. These campaigns sparked both controversy and attention, and were successful in helping to establish Ultra Tune’s brand identity.

Ultra Tune has continued to expand its services beyond basic car servicing and repairs to include roadside assistance, fleet services, brake and clutch repairs, air conditioning servicing, and more. Today, Ultra Tune operates across Australia with numerous franchised locations, providing automotive services to a wide range of customers.

Ultra Tune offers a comprehensive range of car servicing options to cater to the needs of vehicle owners. Some of the key car servicing options provided by Ultra Tune include:

Log Book Servicing: Ultra Tune offers log book servicing, which involves following the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule as outlined in the vehicle’s log book. This ensures that the vehicle receives the necessary maintenance and inspections to maintain its warranty and optimal performance.
General Servicing and Repairs: Ultra Tune provides general servicing and repairs for all makes and models of vehicles. This includes routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, brake inspections, fluid checks, and more.
Brake and Clutch Repairs: Ultra Tune offers brake and clutch repairs, including brake pad replacements, brake fluid flushes, brake rotor resurfacing or replacement, clutch repairs, and clutch fluid replacement.
Air Conditioning Servicing: Ultra Tune provides air conditioning servicing to ensure that vehicle air conditioning systems are operating efficiently and effectively. This may include refrigerant recharging, leak detection, compressor repairs, and system diagnostics.
Suspension and Steering Repairs: Ultra Tune offers suspension and steering repairs to address issues such as worn-out shocks or struts, steering system malfunctions, wheel alignment problems, and more.
Engine Diagnostics and Tune-Ups: Ultra Tune provides engine diagnostics and tune-ups to identify and address engine performance issues. This may include computerized engine diagnostics, spark plug replacements, fuel system cleaning, and other tune-up services.
Battery Replacement and Testing: Ultra Tune offers battery replacement and testing services to ensure that vehicle batteries are in good condition and capable of providing reliable starting power.
Tyre Services: Ultra Tune provides tyre services, including tyre fitting, balancing, rotation, and alignment, to ensure that vehicle tyres are in optimal condition for safe driving.

Overall, Ultra Tune offers a comprehensive range of car servicing options designed to keep vehicles running smoothly and safely on the road. Specific services may vary depending on the individual Ultra Tune location and the needs of the customer.

Ultra Tune is highly rated in the Australian automotive servicing industry, known for its extensive network of locations and comprehensive range of services.

Sean Buckley – Partner with humm at participating stores

At participating stores Ultra Tune has partnered with humm where you can buy now and pay later with regular, interest-free instalments. If you’re new to humm little things, you can apply while you checkout with Ultra Tune by following the prompts. Approvals are instant (if you qualify), so you can start shopping right away.

Sean Buckley answers: What was the one big decision that made your company what it is today?

Being different, at Ultra Tune we’re not scared by doing things differently to the
competition and I believe this is what sets us apart. We did it back in the early days
with our Dyno-tuning and we continue the trend today with our controversial
television commercials. We’re different, we take pride in being different and we
aspire to be different.

Business As Usual – COVID19 Update

Valued Ultra Tune customers, please be assured Ultra Tune’s top priority is your, and our team members, safety.

If you’ve had recent contact with a confirmed COVID case, or if you are experiencing any COVID like symptoms, please do not attend any of our centres.

Ultra Tune workshops are following expert advice from the Australian and State Government Health Departments to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

Here at Ultra Tune we’ve taken a range of precautionary measures across all of our workshops that include:

Comprehensive hygiene standards for all Ultra Tune team members, including washing and sanitising hands regularly.
Avoiding skin-to-skin contact.
Wearing gloves in customers’ cars and disinfecting surfaces such as door handles and the steering wheel.
Disinfecting after handling keys and cash.
Disinfecting areas of common use, such as our service counters.
Advising all Ultra Tune team members that those who are feeling unwell and/or have been in direct contact with someone who is unwell must follow self-isolation guidelines as issued by the Australian Government.
Requiring all Ultra Tue team members who have returned from overseas to not return to work before self-isolating for 14 days.
Paid, comprehensive interior vehicle sanitation programs – at certain centres across our network.

Ultra Tune will continue to monitor this situation closely and act quickly on the advice of the Australian and State Government health authorities adapting our COVID Safe protocols as necessary.

For more visit https://www.ultratune.com.au/

Top 5 iconic road trips in Australia!

Here at Ultra Tune, we can’t get enough of a roadie! Whether it be a quick weekend trip, or a longer holiday, there is something so special about hitting the road and finding some space. In the current climate it’s not possible to travel so freely, but we thought it would be fun to highlight some of our favourite roadies to inspire you once we can all travel safely again.

Australia is known for it’s unreal landscape and this makes a driving holiday all the more amazing. Whether you want the coast or mountains or desert, there is something for everyone!

Here are our top 5 iconic and thrilling car journeys in Australia:

The Great Ocean Road – this is such an iconic drive and for good reason – the coastline in Victoria is just spectacular and awe inspiring. This roadie is perfect for a shorter trip; as you can drive it in a day. But a weekend would give you more time to explore the local beaches and towns. At the start of the road is Bells Beach which is popular with surfers for its beauty and dramatic surf. This stretch of road is famous for the 12 Apostles, huge limestone rocks which rise out of the sea and are located in Port Campbell National Park. Perfect for an all year round roadie, but especially great off season, as Summer is much more busy with tourists. At the end of the drive is Cape Otway Lighthouse – Australia’s oldest mainland lighthouse, and visit the Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre where you can learn about ancient aboriginal life.

East Coast of Tasmania – This stretch of coastline is just beautiful, including the famous Bay of Fires where the beaches have some of the whitest and finest sand in the world. Binalong Bay is a must see – it was voted the best beach in the world by Lonely Planet and for good reason. Another stunning beach here is Jeanneret Beach, framed by the orange linchen-coloured boulders which are famous in this conservation area. Another great stop on this trip would be Freycinet National Park which features the infamous Wineglass Bay. Starting in Hobart, you could easily drive up to the Bay of Fires in a long weekend but we recommend give yourself 5 days in order to really explore. You won’t want to leave!

Gibb River Road WA – This is an iconic 660km adventure and one for a longer trip, encompassing some of the most spectacular scenery Australia has to offer! It is only open outside of the wet season, and a 4WD is a must through this rugged Kimberley wilderness. Must sees on this trip are the Windjana National Park where there is a brilliant camping spot and swimming at Lennard Gorge. Also the El Questro Wilderness Park which takes you past the popular swimming spot at Durack River crossing, Jack’s Waterhole, the Cockburn Ranges and the outstanding Pentecost River. One for a longer trip, we recommend taking 2 weeks to really explore and relax.

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Alice Springs to Uluru – This trip takes you to the red centre of Australia, with the magical Uluru taking centre stage. Alice Springs is the at the epicentre of the Explorers Way (a 3000-kilometre route from Adelaide to Darwin), and is the main hub for anyone looking to explore the Northern Territory’s outback. The beautiful landscape here is simply breathtaking, with indigenous dream trails and many places to camp under the stars. Our favourite spots include swimming at Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge as well as hiking Mt Sonder.

Melbourne to Daylesford – This is a short day or weekend trip which is perfect for city dwellers to escape to the country. Driving out of Melbourne into this part of Victoria is so relaxing and when you get to Daylesford there are so many things to do. At it’s heart is Hepburn Springs, home to the largest concentration of mineral springs in Australia with Hepburn Bathouse a calming oasis and a great place for a weekend retreat. Visit the Daylesford Lake for a walk around the jetty or you could hike a trail nearby such as the Goldfields Track. A short roadtrip out of the city but well worth it.

Ultra Tune keeps you safe on the road! From car tuning, to roadside assist, we are never far away! Download our app, available on iTunes and Microsoft.

Advertising Standards Board dismisses complaints about Mike Tyson Ad

Numerous complaints to the ad watchdog about sexism, sexualisation and the promotion of convicted rapist Mike Tyson in Ultra Tune’s latest ad have been dismissed.

In a detailed response to the complaints, the brand said: “The advertisements do not promote nor endorse any sexual harassment, or assault. He [Tyson] has been punished for his crime committed over 25 years ago in accordance with the law.”

A majority of the complaints featured in the Advertising Standards Board’s ruling focussed on the inclusion of Tyson, who was convicted of rape in 1992.

In response, Ultra Tune said it takes its responsibilities – including the AANA Code of Ethics – very seriously and noted the brand “agrees sexual harassment, assault and rape has no place in our society”.

“However, we note that Mr Tyson served his punishment, publicly acknowledged his deep regret and remorse for that period in his life, and has re-joined society. Since that time, he has rebuilt his career as a celebrity personality.”

It also noted: “Our use of Mr Tyson does not promote his convictions nor condone sexual harassment in any way.”

The advertiser went on to detail its view that the ad could not be found to vilify, humiliate or ridicule women because “the advertisements are clearly designed to be hyper-realisatic and comedic”, noting “a road incident can happen to any person, regardless of gender.”

Ultra Tune also refuted the claim the ad exploits or degrades women, arguing: “At all times the female actors are fully clothed in fancy dress clothing. The fancy dress clothing was used to reinforce the comedic aspect of the advertisement. Their clothing is clearly not the focus of the advertisement.”

The Board also didn’t take issue with the women’s attire, saying it is consistent with Hen’s parties or costume parties. It said the women’s appearance was “sexy, [but] their behaviour is not sexualised”.

It also again noted the “hyper-real” nature of the advertisements, which in its view, ensured the community would not take safety pointers from the women’s actions: “The Board considered that the fantasy nature of the advertisement, the likelihood of a tiger appearing in the street, and the fact the vehicle was shown to crash all amounted to an overall impression that would be unlikely to suggest or condone swerving to avoid an animal on the road.”

The Board thus dismissed all the complaints against Ultra Tune’s ad.

Watch the full Mike Tyson ad here:

Sean Buckley Ultra Tune interviewed by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association

Sean Buckley of Ultra Tune was recently interviewed by the AAAA (Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association) regarding the inquiry into the behaviour of vehicle manufacturers attempting to monopolize the after-sales car service market and drive up the cost of car servicing.

Australia and New Zealand remain the only countries worldwide where manufacturers have been able to quarantine vehicle servicing data making it near impossible for independent service providers to properly service more recently manufactured vehicles.

After months of effort and preparation, Sean Buckley and Ultra Tune, with other independent operators, managed to address the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) regarding the anti-competitive nature of the manufacturer’s behaviour.

The ACCC weren’t impressed and legislation will be enacted in 2018 creating a level playing field upon which independent service providers, such as Ultra Tune, will be able to favourably compete on price and workmanship with vehicle manufacturers in the after sales service market.

The ACCC found that many car manufacturers have not factored consumer guarantee rights into their complaints handling systems and new car buyers are losing out as a result. These rights provide remedies for consumers if their new car experiences a failure, including a right to a repair (without charge) for a minor failure, or a replacement of the car or a full refund for a major failure.

The ACCC has identified five key issues contributing to the difficulties consumers are having enforcing their consumer guarantee rights:

car manufacturers’ focus on warranty obligations to the exclusion of their consumer guarantee obligations
there is a dominant ‘culture of repair’ underpinning car manufacturers’ systems and policies for dealing with car defects and failures
the widespread use of non-disclosure agreements by car manufacturers when resolving complaints
the lack of effective independent dispute resolution options for consumers
particular features of the commercial arrangements between car manufacturers and dealers.

Read in more detail at https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/new-car-industry-put-on-notice

Rod Cedaro attends the Mumbrella Marketing Summit 2017

Ultra Tune Business Development Manager Rod Cedaro told an audience at Mumbrella’s Automotive Summit, “The empowerment there was they [the women] actually were forward-thinking enough to actually exit the car”.

“We don’t see a problem with the ad, we get very very good cut through with the ads,” Rod Cedaro noted, drawing attention to the fact only one complaint to the Ad Standards Board was upheld and contending it was only “banned on a technicality”.

The “technicality” was the implication the women died once being hit by the train.

The ad was then re-cut to show the women walking away from the accident.

“Servicing a car isn’t the most engaging thing you could do and the fact that I am sitting here, talking to you about the ads and Kmart’s not, probably shows that we are getting a bit more cut through,” the national marketing manager noted.

“I don’t want to berate Kmart, but who remembers a Kmart ad versus Jean Claude Van Damme?

“All of our ads are designed to get cut through, are they controversial? Yes and no,” he continued.

“You have got a choice and year-on-year 19% growth would suggest we are getting the cut through from the ads.

“I look at Ultra Tune these days as really a marketing company that happens to service cars.”

Read more on this discussion at the Mumbrella Automotive Summit here
https://mumbrella.com.au/dont-see-problem-ads-women-empowered-ultra-tune-marketer-466870

Ultra Tune – Franchise Show

Our amazing franchisees are at the heart of Ultra Tune! As the company has grown, so have our franchisees and their spirit, dedication and work ethic is crucial to the success and reputation of the Ultra Tune brand. We are excited to announce a new show where you can learn more about our Ultra Tune franchisees and how they operate on a day to day basis!

Pictured here are Ultra Tune franchisees Ross, Shane, Richard, Scott and Pat, from various South East Queensland and Victorian stores, they are joined by Queensland State Manager (Joel Willing) and National Marketing Manager (Rod Cedaro).

Stay tuned for the upcoming Franchise Show, hitting Channel 7 screens at midday on Sundays in late September.

Laura Lydall on the cover of Maxim Middle East September 2016

Ultra Tune ambassador Laura Lydall is on the cover of the September 2016 edition of Maxim Middle East!

We are hugely proud of Laura who has worked incredibly hard this year as our Ultra Tune ambassador.

Laura Lydall has recently been filming a new ad with co-star Parnia Porsche and Jean Claude Van Damme for Ultra Tune which was a lot of fun!

Follow Laura Lydall on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/laura_lydall/