Toronto, Ontario — May 27, 2019 — Auto repair shops face great changes as the popularity of electric cars grows.
At an event hosted in Bologna, Italy, leaders from the auto repair market and automotive engineering industry met to discuss the recent increase in popularity of electric cars and the challenges they may pose.
The Autopromotec EDU conference focused on tackling issues related to the arrival of technological advancements in vehicles, including changes to the skills required by those repairing them.
Michael Pennesse, the director of Mecaprom, a prototype production company, and a keynote speaker at the event, told delegates that technological changes appeared to be inevitable.
“the future of mobility will be electrical, autonomous and shared,” he said. “A change is already afoot. Business must get ready to face it.”
According to Domenico Ferrara, the business development manager of the German diagnostics company Hella Gutmann, reiterated Penesse’s concerns.
Ferrara also stated that underestimating the further potential popularity in new vehicles is risky, therefore it’s important for auto repair shops to prepare now.
“Training is a crucial step to operate on very complex systems,” said Ferrara. “This may also have some consequences in terms of safety.”
He also highlighted how the increasing interest in electric vehicles would hasten the proliferation of some of these technologies—adding that some repair providers may stand to benefit.
“[The popularity of electric vehicles] can be an opportunity for businesses,” Ferrera told delegates during his speech.
Autonomous driving, thermal management, new sensors, and cameras will be major changes in the new age of vehicles and according to Ferrara, having a team with the specific skill set on how to manage these new technologies will be crucial.
“The goal of repair shop is to get specialized in order to stand out thanks to high added value services and therefore seize the new market opportunities”.
Autopromotec is an international exhibition for automotive equipment and aftermarket products. For more information on the exhibition, or to stay updated on the future of the automotive industry, visit autopromotec.com.
