- Ultra Tune is one of Australia’s largest vehicle repair and maintenance franchise networks, with more than 270 centres according to the ACCC.
- Franchisee listings say marketing is included in the royalty rather than charged separately.
- In 2019 the Federal Court found Ultra Tune breached the Franchising Code and Australian Consumer Law in dealings with a prospective franchisee; on appeal, penalties were reduced to about $2 million.
Ultra Tune is an Australian-owned car servicing and repair network operating in every mainland state and territory. Centres provide servicing, brakes, tyres and other mechanical work for retail and fleet customers.
Like any franchise purchase, the decision should rest on the specific centre’s numbers. The brand’s regulatory history is public and worth understanding as part of your due diligence.
Ultra Tune franchise at a glance
| Sector | Vehicle servicing and repairs |
|---|---|
| Network | 270+ centres (ACCC) |
| Marketing | Included in the royalty, per franchisee listings |
| Training | About two weeks of full-time training (franchisee listing) |
| Regulatory history | ACCC v Ultra Tune: Code and ACL breaches found in 2019; penalties reduced on appeal to about $2 million |
| Customer mix | Retail, plus corporate and government fleets |
Figures come from the public sources listed at the end of this guide and can change. Treat them as a starting point and confirm current numbers in the franchise disclosure document.
How the Ultra Tune model works financially
A servicing centre earns on labour hours and parts margin. Profit depends on technician productivity, average job value, parts pricing and repeat customers. Fleet work can provide steady volume but often at negotiated rates and on account.
Because marketing is bundled into the royalty, ask what the royalty covers, how marketing spend is reported to franchisees, and how much you’ll need to spend on local marketing yourself.
The numbers to test before you buy a Ultra Tune franchise
- Labour hours billed versus paid for each technician.
- Average job value and repeat customer rate.
- Parts margin and supplier terms.
- Fleet and account customers, their rates and payment times.
- Royalty basis and what marketing it funds.
- Equipment condition and lease terms for the workshop.
Buying an existing Ultra Tune centre
Ultra Tune centres are sold by franchisees and brokers. Reconcile job card and POS data to BAS and bank statements, check technician qualifications and pay rates, and confirm the remaining franchise and lease terms. Ask for the marketing fund statements the franchisor is required to provide.
How Franchise Co. can help with a Ultra Tune purchase
We work with buyers and owners of franchise businesses across Australia. For a Ultra Tune centre we can:
- Review the numbers before you sign. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST and tests labour productivity, parts margins, fleet accounts and fees against the disclosure document and the seller’s records.
- Set up the structure and the books. Entity choice, GST, payroll and a chart of accounts that tracks billed hours, parts margin and debtors. See accounting and tax and bookkeeping, BAS and payroll.
- Check your franchise fees. We reconcile royalties to the sales they’re calculated on. See royalties and franchise fees.
- Plan the next centre. If a second site is on the cards, we model the cash flow and funding first. See multi-site reporting.
Ultra Tune franchise FAQs
How many Ultra Tune centres are there?
The ACCC has described Ultra Tune as having more than 270 centres across Australia.
Is marketing included in the Ultra Tune royalty?
Franchisee listings say marketing is included in the royalty. Check the current disclosure document for details.
What was the ACCC case against Ultra Tune about?
The Federal Court found in 2019 that Ultra Tune breached the Franchising Code and Australian Consumer Law, including in dealings with a prospective franchisee. On appeal the total penalty was reduced to about $2 million.
What should I check before buying an Ultra Tune centre?
Technician productivity, parts margins, fleet accounts, the royalty basis, marketing fund statements and the lease.
Franchise Co. is an independent accounting practice. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Ultra Tune or Ultra Tune Australia. Ultra Tune is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the brand this guide discusses.
Sources and further reading
- ACCC: Ultra Tune to pay $2.6 million penalty
- ACCC: Full Federal Court confirms franchisor obligations in Ultra Tune appeal
- SEEK Business: Ultra Tune franchise listing
- ACCC: Franchise disclosure document
Sources checked November 2026. Franchise costs and fees change. Confirm current figures with the franchisor before acting.
This guide is general information for people considering a franchise in Australia. It doesn’t take your circumstances into account and isn’t personal tax, legal or financial advice.
Talk it through
Every franchise is different. Ask us how this applies to yours.
