From a distance, it is a garage like the others, nestled in the heart of the Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle activity zone, in the agglomeration of Orleans (Loiret). But to look more closely, Solidarauto is not a commercial enterprise. It is a solidarity associative garage, which sells and repairs vehicles for the poorest.
Carried by Secours Catholique, the State, the communities and many partners, it has just opened its doors in a former hangar which was completely refurbished to accommodate offices and a large mechanical workshop.
Donations tax exempt up to 60 %
The association, which mobilized 500,000 euros to launch the project, recovers vehicles from individuals, which can tax 60 % of the value of their donation. They are then repaired and put in service when possible. Otherwise, they provide spare parts before being sold to scrap.
“We take everything because we can always get some value from it,” said director Guillaume Florenson, who opened a similar garage to Joué-lès-Tours (Indre-et-Loire) in 2018. On site, two mechanics have already started working in the restoration of a few cars, which will be sold between 2,000 and 4,000 euros to customers who have a family quotient less than 950 euros and would not have the means to find a correct vehicle on the market.
“We collect 300 cars per year”
“This model that is based on the donation allows us to operate without subsidy,” adds the director. “Played-lès-Tours, we collect around 300 cars per year, we install those that can be and we sell a hundred. It should be roughly the same in Orleans. »»
The association will take advantage of summer to build up its stock of vehicles. The garage will start its activity with the sale and will also offer repairs.
The technical part is ensured by professionals. But to work, you also need volunteers. If a dozen is already present, the association is still looking for good wills. “There is no need to know it in mechanics, we have all kinds of tasks like getting the vehicles, manage the administrative … You just need time!” “, Pleads the director, who was also asked to reflect on the establishment of a third garage in the region, in the Chartres sector (Eure-et-Loir).