Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission are leading names in the automotive repair and transmission service industry, offering a co-branded business model.
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission are leading names in the automotive repair industry, offering a one-stop solution for vehicle owners seeking high-quality maintenance and repair services. As part of the Moran Family of Brands, these co-branded franchises provide a comprehensive range of services, from routine oil changes to advanced transmission repairs. With a commitment to integrity, customer satisfaction, and franchisee support, Milex and Mr. Transmission have built a reputation for reliability, expertise, and business success.
Milex Complete Auto Care was founded in 1967 as Milex Tune-Up and Brake, providing general automotive repair and maintenance. The brand started franchising in 1972 and joined the Moran Family of Brands in 1997. In 2006, Milex rebranded as Milex Complete Auto Care to better reflect its comprehensive services.
Mr. Transmission, established in 1956, has been a trusted name in transmission repair for decades. The brand began franchising in 1976 and became part of the Moran Family of Brands in 1990.
In 2001, the brands began co-branding, offering customers a full-service repair center under one roof. Today, the Milex/Mr. Transmission co-brand continues to expand across the United States and internationally in Canada and Africa.
Mission: Milex and Mr. Transmission are committed to providing high-quality automotive repair and maintenance services with a focus on honesty, integrity and customer satisfaction. The brands aim to empower franchisees with a proven business system, strong corporate support and a reliable customer base.
Vision: The brands strive to be the go-to destination for vehicle owners seeking trustworthy, expert automotive care. By continuously improving service offerings and expanding franchise opportunities, Milex and Mr. Transmission aim to lead the industry in quality, customer service and franchisee success.
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission set themselves apart through:
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission offer franchisees a well-established business model with strong brand recognition, comprehensive training, and ongoing support. As part of the Moran Family of Brands, franchise owners benefit from:
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission are actively expanding into key markets across the United States, with a focus on Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.
For a comprehensive list of open markets, visit the Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission franchise websites.
Initial Costs: The total investment for a single location of either brand ranges from $248,600 to $323,100, while a co-branded Milex/Mr. Transmission franchise requires an investment between $275,000 and $345,000. Below is a breakdown of the associated costs.
| Type of Expenditure | Single Unit | Co-Brand Center | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 | $40,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Computer Software/Hardware | $4,600 | $5,700 | $5,700 | $6,200 |
| VOIP Telephone Equipment | $900 | $900 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Initial Parts & Inventory | $3,800 | $4,500 | $4,800 | $5,600 |
| Furniture & Fixtures | $5,500 | $6,000 | $5,500 | $6,000 |
| Equipment | $65,000 | $79,500 | $78,000 | $88,000 |
| Shop Tools & Supplies | $3,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Signs | $8,000 | $17,200 | $8,000 | $17,200 |
| Initial Marketing Campaigns | $30,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Displays & Marketing Materials | $4,800 | $4,800 | $4,800 | $4,800 |
| Warranty Fund Security Deposit | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $20,000 | $40,000 | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Rental/Utility Deposits | $12,000 | $18,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Training Fee | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Training Expenses | $1,500 | $2,500 | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Outside Sales Dev Program | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Additional Funds | $36,500 | $57,500 | $36,500 | $57,500 |
Initial Franchise Fee: The franchise fee is $40,000 for a single unit and $50,000 for a co-branded unit.
Ongoing Fees: Franchisees with Milex and/or Mr. Transmission are responsible for the following ongoing costs and fees.
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Weekly Royalty Fee | 7% of Weekly Gross Sales, or a minimum of $250 (whichever is greater). |
| Late Royalty Fee | 1% to 3% of weekly Gross Sales. |
| Creative Fund Contribution | Currently 1% of Gross Sales or a minimum of $250 per month (whichever is greater). |
| Local Advertising | For new locations the first 6 months $5,000 per month. Beginning month 7 and for the first 3 years, 7% of Gross Sales, or a minimum of $2,100 per month (whichever is greater) For mature locations 3.5% of Gross Sales, or a minimum of $1,500 per month (whichever is greater). |
| Software Subscription Fee | Currently $350 per month. |
| Fleet Services — Processing Fee | 5% of amount payable. |
| Sales Range | Average Gross Sales | High Gross Sales | Low Gross Sales |
| $1,000,000 and above | $1,529,981.95 | $2,496,896.00 | $1,026,121.32 |
| $500,000- $999,999 | $726,188.00 | $956,306.81 | $518,259.61 |
| $499,999 and below | $348,905.88 | $496,577.56 | $154,367.36 |
| TOTAL AVERAGE | $868,358.61 | $1,316,593.46 | $566,249.43 |
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission franchisees receive comprehensive training designed to ensure their success, even if they have no prior experience in the automotive industry. The training includes:
Milex and Mr. Transmission provide comprehensive operational support to help franchisees successfully launch and grow their businesses. This includes:
To streamline operations and improve efficiency, Milex and Mr. Transmission provide franchisees with cutting-edge technology and business tools, including:
Prospective franchisees are required to have $50,000 - $75,000 in liquid capital. No prior automotive experience is required. Franchisees come from diverse professional backgrounds, with many having a passion for business ownership rather than direct industry experience. Candidates should have strong business acumen, leadership skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality customer service.
Milex and Mr. Transmission franchises require active involvement from owners, particularly in the early stages of business development. While semi-absentee ownership may be an option, franchisees must have a dedicated general manager to oversee daily operations. Owners are responsible for hiring and managing a team of skilled technicians and service advisors.
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission offer third-party financing options to help franchisees secure funding. Franchisees can work with:
Additionally, veterans receive a $6,750 discount on the initial franchise fee as part of the VetFran program.
“We added Milex Complete Auto Care to our existing Mr. Transmission business in 2010 and it has been nothing but positive for us. We had to invest money for the equipment, but I have no regrets. We have recouped the investment in the time that I thought it would take and I am pleased with the return. We felt adding Milex was necessary to compete and to grow our customer base. We became even more profitable by doing that.”
— Susan Trumble, Florence, Kentucky
“My store motto is “Can’t never could, don’t never did, and won’t never will”. This is a mantra I drill into the minds of every employee because there is nothing that we can’t do. It is through this mindset, the partnership with Moran and my dedication to our customers that I was able to lead the Mr. Transmission and Milex Complete Auto Care into further success in my area. The addition of Milex Complete Auto Care in 2006 has allowed me to grow my service offerings which in turn allowed me to grow my business. The partnership with Moran Family of Brands was instrumental in making the transition work.”
— Dean Bingham, Greenville, South Carolina
The U.S. automotive market was valued at $4.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $13.8 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6% from 2024 to 2033. This strong growth reflects the increasing demand for automotive repair and maintenance services, driven by factors such as:
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission stand out in the automotive repair industry due to their comprehensive service offerings, strong brand reputation and franchisee support system. Unlike many competitors that focus solely on either general repairs or transmission services, the co-branded Milex/Mr. Transmission model provides a one-stop solution for customers, increasing revenue potential and customer retention.
Additionally, the brand’s proven business model, national recognition and extensive franchisee training give franchise owners a competitive edge. With over 50 years of experience, strong repeat business, and a recession-resistant industry, Milex and Mr. Transmission offer franchisees a stable, high-growth opportunity.
While Milex and Mr. Transmission have a unique market position, key competitors in the automotive repair and transmission service industry include:
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission use a 6-step discovery process to guide potential franchisees through the decision-making journey.
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