How independent workshops survive change

How independent workshops survive change

AUTOMOTIVE.AT:What are the biggest challenges currently facing independent workshops?

ROMAN KEGLOVITS-ACKERER: From my point of view these are the following five points:

1. Technologischer Wandel: Die Automobilindustrie befindet sich in einem raschen technologischen Wandel, insbesondere im Bereich Elektrifizierung, autonomes Fahren und vernetzte Fahrzeuge. Freie Werkstätten stehen vor der Herausforderung, sich kontinuierlich über neue Technologien und Systeme zu informieren, um den Anforderungen moderner Fahrzeuge gerecht zu werden.
2. Komplexe Diagnose- und Reparaturprozesse: Moderne Fahrzeuge sind mit komplexen elektronischen Systemen und Sensoren ausgestattet, welche die Diagnose und Reparatur erschweren. Werkstätten müssen in hochentwickelte Diagnosegeräte und Software investieren, um effizient und präzise arbeiten zu können. Gleichzeitig müssen sie über qualifizierte Fachkräfte verfügen, die in der Lage sind, diese Geräte effektiv einzusetzen.
3. Zugang zu technischen Informationen: Die Verfügbarkeit von technischen Informationen, insbesondere zu neueren Fahrzeugmodellen, kann eine Herausforderung darstellen. Werkstätten benötigen detaillierte Informationen über Reparaturverfahren, Teilestandards und Spezifikationen, um effizient arbeiten zu können.
4. Wettbewerb mit Markenwerkstätten: Freie Werkstätten stehen in einem intensiven Wettbewerbsumfeld, insbesondere mit den Markenwerkstätten der Fahrzeughersteller. Kunden neigen oft dazu, Reparaturen und Wartungsarbeiten bei den Markenwerkstätten durchführen zu lassen, um die Fahrzeuggarantie zu wahren. Freie Werkstätten müssen sich durch qualitativ hochwertige Arbeit, guten Service und transparente Preise profilieren, um Kunden zu gewinnen und langfristige Kundenbeziehungen aufzubauen.
5. Fachkräftemangel und Nachwuchssicherung: Die Gewinnung qualifizierter Fachkräfte stellt eine Herausforderung für viele Unternehmen dar. Ich denke, dass es wichtig ist die Lehrlingsausbildung auch in kleinen Werkstätten zu forcieren und verstärkt in die Aus- und Weiterbildung zu investieren, um qualifizierten Nachwuchs zu gewinnen und langfristig zu binden.

How should workshops best prepare for the coming requirements?

Some important aspects that workshops should focus on are their competencies in the areas of electromobility, diagnostics and telematics, as well as the handling of the various vehicle communication interfaces. The automation of work processes will also become more important in the future. Data and IT security will become even greater challenges in the future. The issue of sustainability and environmental awareness will also remain, as the focus on this is becoming increasingly important in the automotive industry. Workshops should prepare to use environmentally friendly technologies and materials. This can include the proper disposal of batteries and other environmentally harmful substances, promoting recycling practices and supporting sustainable mobility solutions.

In your opinion, can a workshop survive the next ten years if it completely rejects the topic of electromobility?

That's unlikely. Electromobility is a significant and unstoppable trend in the automotive industry that will continue to develop and gain in importance. One of the reasons why a workshop should not ignore electromobility is the growing market share of electric vehicles and therefore the increasing demand for workshops capable of carrying out maintenance, repairs and diagnostics for electric vehicles. Customers will be looking for workshops that can offer them comprehensive support for their vehicle, regardless of the type of drive. Workshops that deal with electromobility at an early stage and expand their offerings accordingly have a better chance of maintaining their competitiveness and continuing their business successfully in the long term.

How big of an investment will those independent workshops that want to service and repair hybrid and electric vehicles face? 

It is difficult to give specific figures for investments as it depends on the size of the workshop, geographical location, scope of services and quality of equipment. However, it is recommended that workshops carry out a careful cost analysis when planning their investments in hybrid and electric mobility and, if necessary, seek expert advice in order to create a realistic investment plan. Training, education and further training will also make up a significant proportion here. 

Is a decline in repair business to be expected because electric cars require less service?

Electric cars are expected to have lower service requirements compared to traditional combustion vehicles. However, there are also other aspects to consider, such as the maintenance and inspection of high-voltage batteries as well as specific components such as electric motors, power electronics and chargers. Accident repairs when repairing high-voltage vehicles also require special know-how. Electric cars will benefit from software upgrades and updates in the future to improve performance, efficiency and new features. Workshops can offer these services and support their customers in updating vehicle software.  

Can a solution be expected at the political level in the foreseeable future that will ensure the survival of the independent workshops?

There are already initiatives and discussions at the political level aimed at ensuring independent workshops have access to repair data and information. Ultimately, the survival of independent workshops does not solely depend on political measures. Workshops can also strengthen their competitiveness and be successful through their own adaptability, investments in training and technology, and strong customer loyalty. 

Can apprenticeship training still keep pace with rapid technological developments?

Ensuring that apprenticeship training keeps pace with rapid technological development requires close collaboration between training institutions, industry, professional groups (guilds) and governments. Through this collaboration, the training content can be updated, teaching methods can be adapted and the quality of the training can be improved.

What measures should be taken to combat the shortage of skilled workers?

It is important that young people are informed about the attractive career opportunities and that training in the automotive industry is seen as a high-quality and promising option. Collaboration between schools, training institutions and companies can help to stimulate young people's interest in skilled trades. In order to address the shortage of skilled workers, it is important to make the profession attractive. This includes appropriate remuneration, good working conditions, opportunities for advancement, further training opportunities and recognition of the performance of specialists. Positive public perception and recognition of the importance of the automotive industry can also help improve the profession's image.

Are you expecting a wave of insolvencies among independent workshops due to the increasingly difficult conditions in the repair business?

It is difficult to make a prediction about a possible wave of insolvencies among independent workshops. The general conditions of the repair business can depend on the region, the competitive situation, political decisions and many other factors such as free access to repair data, investments in alternative drives and mobility concepts.