Auto-Lab®
What Is Auto-Lab?
Auto-Lab is a franchise in the Automotive Services category that develops and operates Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Centers offering full-service, diagnostic-oriented automotive repair and maintenance. The operational model is brick-and-mortar, with Franchise Stores typically in stand-alone or retail locations of approximately 4,500–5,500 square feet and an average of six repair bays. It serves individual consumers (B2C), and its key assets and core service bundle include proprietary operations software and comprehensive automotive and engine diagnostics, electrical, air conditioning, engine repair and related maintenance services.
Auto-Lab Franchise: Pros and Cons
The franchisor's unusually clean record — 0 franchisor-initiated enforcement actions (bottom 5% for automotive) — suggests low enforcement disruption to operators, but a key risk is the lack of mandatory ongoing training (an uncommon absence given about 88.9% of franchises require it), which could leave operators with less structured support.
Pros
Cons
Lawsuits & Legal Risk
A franchisee (Empower) filed Chapter 11 and sought to reject its franchise, confidentiality and non‑compete agreements to operate a competing business; the Bankruptcy Court held the franchisor’s contractual and IP rights survived rejection, enjoined competition, the franchisee later assumed the agreement, and the case closed—prospective franchisees should review post‑termination obligations, the scope and remedies of confidentiality and non‑compete provisions, and consult franchise counsel on bankruptcy‑related enforcement implications.
Territory Protection
Grants a protected operating area where the franchisor will not place other physical units. The franchisor retains e-commerce and alternative distribution channels, retains the right to develop additional units in the surrounding market, may operate under different trademarks, and conditions protection on performance contingencies; the franchisee retains site-specific relocation rights.
Training & Support
The brand provides a comprehensive 144-hour training curriculum designed as a deep-dive program to prepare franchisee personnel for launch; the initial franchise fee does not include any training slots. The program includes on-site launch support focused on operational readiness, with franchisees responsible for travel and living expenses, and on-site assistance may incur additional fees.
Unit Growth Analysis
This franchise is essentially stable: unit count fell from 19 in 2023 to 18 in 2024 then recovered to 19 in 2025, so the trend is a short-term decline followed by recovery rather than accelerating growth. The 5.6% YoY gain in 2025 (18 → 19 units) signals a modest turnaround but no net expansion over the two-year span, and because the change is a single unit the system is small and growth is fragile and sensitive to individual openings/closures.
How Much Does It Cost to Open an Auto-Lab Franchise?
Opening an Auto-Lab franchise requires a total initial investment of $111,000 to $746,000, according to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. This range covers the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and initial working capital needed to launch and operate through the early months.
Minimum Investment
Maximum Investment
Minimum Investment Breakdown
Maximum Investment Breakdown
Investment Analysis
This investment analysis is coming soon. Have ideas for other analyses you'd like us to add? Get in touch.
The initial investment amounts shown are estimates only. Actual costs may vary based on location size, business model, and multi-unit ownership arrangements. We recommend reviewing the full Franchise Disclosure Document for complete details.
How Much Do Auto-Lab Franchise Owners Make?
Auto-Lab franchise locations reported average gross sales of $969,708 and median gross sales of $932,308 in 2025, based on financial performance data disclosed in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open an Auto-Lab franchise?
The total initial investment for an Auto-Lab franchise ranges from $111,000 to $746,000, according to the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the franchise fee, real estate, equipment, training, and working capital.
What is the Auto-Lab initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee for Auto-Lab is $19,500, as stated in the 2025 FDD. This fee is paid upon signing the Franchise Agreement.
How much do Auto-Lab franchise owners make?
Auto-Lab franchise locations reported average gross sales of $969,708 and median gross sales of $932,308 in 2025, based on Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document. Actual earnings vary by location, market, and operator experience.
Does Auto-Lab have any franchise lawsuits or legal issues?
Auto-Lab received a legal risk score of 100 out of 100 in the 2025 FDD analysis. A franchisee (Empower) filed Chapter 11 and sought to reject its franchise, confidentiality and non‑compete agreements to operate a competing business; the Bankruptcy Court held the franchisor’s contractual and IP rights survived rejection, enjoined competition, the franchisee later assumed the agreement, and the case closed—prospective franchisees should review post‑termination obligations, the scope and remedies of confidentiality and non‑compete provisions, and consult franchise counsel on bankruptcy‑related enforcement implications.
Does Auto-Lab offer exclusive franchise territories?
Auto-Lab received a territory protection score of 49 out of 100. Grants a protected operating area where the franchisor will not place other physical units.
What training does Auto-Lab provide to new franchisees?
Auto-Lab received a training and support score of 89 out of 100. The brand provides a comprehensive 144-hour training curriculum designed as a deep-dive program to prepare franchisee personnel for launch; the initial franchise fee does not include any training slots.
How many Auto-Lab franchise locations are there?
Auto-Lab had 19 total locations as of the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document.
What type of business is Auto-Lab?
Auto-Lab is a franchise in the Automotive Services category that develops and operates Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Centers offering full-service, diagnostic-oriented automotive repair and maintenance.
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