A poor image, record vacancies and a growing skills gap are among the serious challenges facing the motor industry, according to a new report from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).
'Driving auto forwards' identifies 10 issues as vehicle technology and the market evolve that, if not addressed, put the industry at risk of being left behind and motorists underserved.
"The report is a hard look at the motor industry and doesn't pull its punches," said Hayley Pells, policy and public affairs manager at the IMI. "However, there's been no opposition to its findings and recommendations and it has been very useful to put in front of government departments."
Pells, who served in the military before training and working for 16 years as a vehicle technician, acknowledges the problems are many and serious but believes the workforce will adapt and that training is key. She said: "Things are serious but we have a highly adaptable workforce. Technicians who trained in the early 1980s have liked the technology they work with, evolved and kept pace so that they can maintain and repair today's vehicles. This situation is nothing we can't train our way out of."
Another problem highlighted by the report is the motor industry's poor image. "I can't deny it but I believe it's a perception that's 20 years out of date," said Pells. "The fact is as vehicles have changed so have working environments. The majority of garages are bristling with technology and are well run. There are still a few 'under the arches' businesses but just as the car parc is diverse, so are the workplaces. The wonderful thing about the motor industry is that there's something for everybody."
Unfortunately, according to the report, it's an argument that may not hold much water with outsiders considering entering the industry, which is suffering its highest vacancy rate in 21 years. "Vacancy numbers are a serious, serious issue," said Pells. "There's a perception that wages in the industry are low and skills undervalued. When I talk to parents and relatives of young people considering their career choices, they are concerned about wanting something more for them than, as they see it, just a career as a mechanic. That really gets to me. We need to support learners entering the sector, including people making career changes or returning to work."
Despite the challenges highlighted by the IMI report, Pells believes the motor industry is better placed than ever to weather the next few years as the market transitions to electric and as vehicle technology advances. She said: "The most exciting thing about the industry is the diversity of work presented to garages, from classic combustion vehicles to the latest, feature-rich EVs. They're giant puzzles on wheels. I don't know of any other sector having that experience of looking after 50-60 years of technology. That's exciting."
Below, we highlight five of the most pressing issues identified by the IMI report 'Driving auto forwards'.
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