Last month, Capricorn, Australasia’s largest automotive cooperative, revealed the results of its third in-depth industry study, the Capricorn State of the Nation 2022 report.

The report takes a look at current state, issues and emerging challenges facing automotive industries in Australia and New Zealand and more than 1,900 Capricorn members across the two countries responded to the 2022 survey.

According to the 2022 report, maintaining a good work-life balance and finding time to take a break remains a significant challenge for many. Parts shortages and the rising costs of parts have also affected the industry and finding and retaining qualified staff is still a major challenge for many business owners.

The report also found that 62 per cent of respondents were “extremely happy” or “very happy” with their career in automotive, and that “making customers happy” was the leading positive of working in the industry.

Amongst a series of recommendations, the report suggests that businesses invest in training, invest in technology, charge customers fairly (including for such services as diagnostics), plan for spare parts shortages, take on an apprentice, and get ready for electric vehicles.

In a statement, Capricorn CEO of Automotive, Brad Gannon, said that despite whatever challenges and changes might impact the industry, there is a theme of resilience that can be found within the report.

“Whether it’s Covid, electric vehicles, diagnosing more complex vehicles — whatever it is — the industry finds a way to adapt to it, to evolve with it, to meet that new reality. The industry has shown itself to be a great group of problem solvers.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (November 2022)

25 November 2022