Technology Drives Auto Repair Shop Transformation Zainal Abidin, 21/09/2024 Technology changes in and outside the automotive service repair shop are keeping customers on the road and business operations flowing. In uncertain times, ensuring “business as usual” is much easier said than done – but with rising costs impacting all industries, “business as usual” is now a necessity. For automotive service providers, maintaining “business as usual” will require a business model rethink to better serve customers, remain competitive, and keep profitability high. It’s all about operational gains, new repair models, and supporting software that will ensure these benefits come to fruition inside and outside the repair shop. Forbes reports significant cost-of-living pressures on consumers. Just under 20% of consumers have had to withdraw money from “rainy day” savings or take out a loan to cover the basic operating costs of a vehicle, with two-thirds admitting that the rising cost of living has made owning a vehicle more challenging – this includes worries about affording fuel to perform basic journeys such as driving to work or taking their children to school. The effects of the cost-of-living crisis are widespread – not only are vehicle owners feeling the pinch, but repair shops and automotive service providers are experiencing their own unique set … Continue Reading
AIA Canada: Collision repair sector is losing talent to other sectors Zainal Abidin, 16/09/2024 The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) released a new labor market research report that sheds light on the collision repair talent shortage. Its study found that as 65% of mechanical and collision shop owners experienced an increase in technician turnover last year, nearly half of the technicians who quit did so for higher-paying jobs. Others abandoned the space due to poor perception of the industry, lack of career development opportunities, and better working conditions elsewhere, the report found. Among the talent that left the industry for better-paying alternatives, 13% moved into the construction space, AIA Canada said. It noted that the average $1,483 weekly income from construction was higher than the approximately $983 earned in auto repair and maintenance per week. “The skills acquired in auto repair, such as mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, etc., are transferable to roles in construction, such as equipment and other specialty contractors,” the report said. “The transportation and warehousing industry also attracts workers seeking higher earning potential. For example, machinery and transportation equipment mechanics (except motor vehicles) is a common destination for auto care workers, offering higher hourly wages compared to automotive service technicians. “The overlap of required qualifications, such as the completion … Continue Reading