Overcoming Challenges as The Auto Sector Transitions

The Mother of All Disruptions

After seeing most other industries disrupted by technology and business model innovations, it is now the turn of the auto industry!

The pandemic and a looming threat of war have only added to the chaos. Chip shortage and rising raw material prices are creating supply-side issues. Meanwhile, the consumer is getting mixed signals- there is growing traction for EVs on the one hand, as the government
seems to be pushing for flex fuels to prolong the life of vehicles with conventional power trains on the other.

On top of this, contracting disposable incomes, shifts in post-covid life priorities & emerging credible alternatives to owning a vehicle are forcing a potential buyer to think harder before deciding. Governments and large corporations are working to tackle many of these issues through policy, alliances and product development.

But here is an issue that needs immediate attention- the problem of skill inadequacies, chronic talent shortage and the lack of attractive careers in the auto-service industry.

Why Is Having a Vibrant Auto-Aftermarket More Necessary Than Before?

As the onset of EVs and new vehicle ownership models force consumers to evaluate their options, ease of getting quick service and care for their vehicles is a factor. Along with an adequately-staffed and well-trained OEM-franchised workshop, the possibility of getting their car or 2-wheeler fixed at a nearby garage is also going to be necessary.

How Can We Make a Difference?

The starting point of it all is having organized, tech-enabled training that will democratize technical knowledge and skills. Physical and classroom training is necessary for advanced skills. But digitally enabling knowledge transfer and making it accessible is the first step to increasing the talent pool in this space.

This needs to be topped up with training for garage owners and experienced technicians to use diagnostics tools. This will also help OEMs learn what problems their vehicles are developing in the later stages of their product life-cycle. When independent garages start generating data that OEMs can use, it will automatically create a symbiotic relationship between the two entities. Light-touch OEM-agnostic garage management systems can revolutionize the industry.

Finally, the auto-service industry needs to package itself as an attractive employer. Mentoring programs for workshops and young recruits will go a long way in attracting quality talent into the industry and in making it a rewarding and fulfilling career. The task is made more challenging by career alternatives today that pay better in the short term for a far less skilled job. Our industry has to cope with the realities of Swiggy, Zomato and Blinkit.