Evolving with the Gear: Adapting to Changing Needs in the Auto …
Last Updated on: 16th November 2023, 06:09 pm
Technological advances are progressing at an accelerated pace, so there are a lot of things people within the sector need to know to keep up. At the moment, smart technology, AI and energy efficiency are a particular focus.
Here are a few basics to understand about how the sector is developing.
Understanding technological shifts
The focus of the car industry in the UK now is to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic and Brexit. As of 2022, it was estimated that the UK exports 55 percent of its cars[1] to the EU. As such, the evolving auto industry must understand the changing demands of the market. This isn’t just to do with the British market, but also of Europe and the wider world.
The car market has exploded with smartphone connectivity features and advanced safety options. Along with that, there’s the rising demand for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Embracing electric vehicle technologies
For the everyday car mechanic, there’s a huge need to adapt to the demands of a changing industry. The number of hybrid and electric vehicles on the road is only likely to grow, so everyone must be ready.
Retraining an entire industry is no small ask. To understand electric technology, the emphasis is going to be much more on computer programming than on car parts.
Garages will need to retool so that they can safely deal with such vehicles. For example, Class 0 high-voltage lineman’s gloves rated to 1,000 volts protect workers from electric shocks while dealing with car batteries.
In fact, full protective body suits to guard against the toxic electrolytes in some of these batteries are also necessary.
Skill diversification
Auto mechanics must also know about the purpose of electrical components, such as the battery itself and the electric air conditioning system.
The wire harness system is also more complex in an electric car, so technicians will need to understand this. Shielded high-voltage electric vehicle cables connect the battery, DC/AC converter and electric motor together.
Customer-centric service
With customer requirements changing so rapidly, it’s a priority for garages to keep pace. As ever, a trusty business premises policy can help[2] offer a layer of security.
One of the difficulties is that some garages are short-staffed and feel they can’t afford to lose time[3] to send employees for training.
It’s a tough problem to solve. The only certain thing is that customers’ needs are changing. Anything an auto business can do to grow in line with this is going to help, even if it doesn’t happen as fast as might be desired.
References
- ^ 55 percent of its cars (www.statista.com)
- ^ a trusty business premises policy can help (www.roadrunnerinsurance.co.uk)
- ^ can’t afford to lose time (www.ft.com)