Australian automotive services and insights company mycar underwent a series of leadership changes earlier this year, bringing in two new faces to lead the company as it expands across Australia.
The company, formerly known as Kmart Tire and Auto, recruited Ashley Stephenson as chief operating officer, bringing more than 20 years’ experience in senior roles at companies including Qantas and Nestle, while Sylvain Borré stepped in as managing director.
Mr. Borré brings more than 25 years of experience in the automotive industry, including senior management positions at Continental AG and Cooper Tire Europe. He wants to use this experience at mycar as the company expands its service network across Australia, which currently includes over 280 locations nationwide.
Daily Sparkz We sat down with Mr Borré to discuss mycar’s next steps, the opportunities it has as a source of information for the automotive industry and what he believes the future of car buying and ownership will look like in Australia.
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You started at mycar in the last few months; What do you want to bring to the company and what, if any, impact will it have on the operations of your service centers?
mycar is truly a people first company based on caring for our customers, employees and partners – and that’s exactly what drew me here. It is this focus, which means “care beyond the car” in our stores, that I want to continue to build on and further strengthen the culture across the company.
This means we need to ensure our employees feel valued, supported and equipped to do their best work. When our teams are empowered and engaged, it naturally leads to a better customer experience – more care, more trust and more efficiency.
So while the focus starts with our employees, the result will be a more consistent, customer-focused experience across our nearly 280 stores.
Overall, I look forward to leading mycar into the next chapter, with a team that is deeply committed to the company and the industry, and a national presence that gives us a real edge.
What opportunities do you think mycar has when it comes to providing insights and knowledge to the wider automotive industry?
mycar’s annual mobility index gives us a unique insight into how Australians think about their vehicles – from maintenance habits to electric vehicle adoption and new technologies.
With nearly 280 branches across the country and a growing range of mobile services, we are well placed to conduct an annual pulse check on the country’s attitude to the future of mobility.
These insights allow us to inform the broader industry about the trends and forces shaping how Australians drive, maintain and care for their vehicles – helping to address today’s mobility challenges while unlocking tomorrow’s opportunities.
Based on what you have seen in your time at mycar, what challenges are facing mechanics and the wider industry in Australia? Does the shortage of skilled workers have an impact?
The shortage of skilled workers remains one of the biggest challenges in our industry.
As vehicles become more complex – with electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems – we need engineers who are ready for the future. At mycar, we have invested heavily in technical change and upskilling to meet this need.
Since 2022, we have introduced an EV-ready program across our network, training dedicated technicians and equipping workshops with specialist tools and safety systems for the maintenance of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Beyond our own network, we believe industry collaboration and government support will be key to building the next generation of skilled automotive professionals.
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, there is a great opportunity to rethink the way we train, certify and promote technicians.
Recent mycar studies have shown that people are reducing car maintenance costs due to economic pressures. What is mycar doing to address this issue?
Cost of living pressures continue to impact the way Australians maintain their vehicles.
Our mobility index shows that two-thirds of drivers (66 percent) have changed their maintenance habits, with many putting off regular checkups and 12 percent attempting to perform maintenance themselves.
While these habits are understandable, they can impact safety and long-term performance. We’re helping to change attitudes by making the service more accessible and transparent – offering affordable, high-quality care alongside accessible tools like Auto Translate, which simplifies jargon into simple language.
Our goal is to provide drivers with understanding while ensuring that the actual maintenance is carried out by experts.
What risks have you seen when people, for example, do their own maintenance or fail to maintain their car regularly?
Shortcuts or DIY repairs may seem cost-effective, but they can lead to serious safety issues and higher costs down the road.
Our data shows that many Australians are extending the time between checks, with some waiting 10 to 12 months between checks – well beyond the recommended six month interval.
While it can be tempting to procrastinate, preventive maintenance improves safety, fuel efficiency and reliability – and helps drivers avoid expensive repairs in the long run.
We have also seen Mycar reports outlining that people are hesitant to switch to electric vehicles. Is this feeling still noticeable and if so, what do you think contributes to it?
Yes, this hesitation remains. Our latest mobility index shows that only 23 percent of internal combustion engine (ICE) drivers plan to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles, a decline of 12 percentage points compared to last year.
Most often it comes down to concerns about battery life, maintenance costs, and resale value. However, hybrids are often considered a more viable stepping stone with lower upfront costs and greater familiarity.
Ultimately, the data suggests that Australians are not fundamentally opposed to electric vehicles; They simply need more security. That’s why we’re focused on building trust across our network through expert service, transparent advice and EV-ready infrastructure.
Is mycar still working on equipping its workshops for electric vehicles? Has this had a measurable impact on people feeling more comfortable purchasing an electric vehicle, or are there other factors at play?
Absolutely. We continue to invest in the e-capability of our branches and mobile vans so that customers can service their vehicles safely and conveniently, whether at home or in business.
While infrastructure helps build trust, wider adoption depends on affordability, education and access. Our job is to bridge that gap – providing drivers with the expertise and reassurance they need as they transition.
What does Australia’s transition to electrified vehicles look like for mycar? Are we prepared for widespread electric vehicle adoption, or will hybrids (and PHEVs) be the majority for the foreseeable future?
The transition will be gradual. Even today, only one in four ICE drivers are planning to switch.
Despite concerns, there is reason for optimism – many drivers say they would consider an electric or hybrid powertrain with a strong warranty and access to the latest technology.
This shows us that it’s not about interest, but about trust. At mycar, we’re focused on building that trust through EV-ready stores, mobile service and expert advice to help drivers make the switch to EVs when they’re ready.
Mycar recently discovered that drivers are also reluctant to fully utilize driver assistance technology. Why do you think this is the case and does mycar have any plans to help change this sentiment?
Although most cars now have advanced driver assistance systems, many drivers do not use them.
Our research shows that 76 percent have features like lane assist or adaptive cruise control, but only 19 percent would feel comfortable in a fully autonomous vehicle. This hesitation is based on trust and understanding.
We see an opportunity to close this gap through education and practical guidance.
Initiatives such as Austroads’ ADAS service help to demystify these technologies and we are committed to supporting drivers with clear advice and transparent service to enable them to use these features safely and securely.
Is there any impact on security or delays/self-services of concern to mycar, such as: B. distracted driving or unsafe vehicles?
When drivers don’t use safety features like adaptive cruise control or lane departure warning, they miss out on technologies designed to prevent collisions and reduce fatigue.
While these features provide clear security benefits, we understand the natural reluctance to embrace new and emerging technologies.
The more data and evidence supporting their positive impact, the more confident drivers will be in adopting these measures.
What are your top three tips for car owners as the summer holidays begin?
From overheated engines to overloaded air conditioning systems and blown tires, the summer heat is one of the biggest tests on vehicles. To keep your car safe and reliable during this rush hour, preparation is the key to success.
My three most important tips are:
- Tires: Check tread depth and tire pressure to avoid flat tires in extreme heat.
- Cooling and fluids: Refill oil, coolant, brake fluid and windshield washer fluid to prevent overheating and maintain performance.
- Brakes and Lights: Test the responsiveness of the brakes and ensure that all lights and indicators are working to ensure optimal visibility.
These simple checks can make a big difference in safety and help prevent unexpected mishaps on the road.
MORE: Australian drivers are reluctant to trust new car safety technologies, a study says
