Trends in the automotive repair industry: key changes you need to know in the next 5 years

As automotive technology continues to upgrade, the repair industry is rapidly changing. From the rise of electric vehicles to the proliferation of smart diagnostic tools, the automotive repair industry is on the verge of a major transformation. If you’re in the automotive repair field, or if you’re looking for training solutions to help your employees upgrade their skills, it’s crucial to understand these trends. In this article, we’ll look at 5 key trends in the automotive repair industry over the next few years, and how you can stay competitive with high-quality training equipment for new energy vehicles.

1. Popularization of electric vehicles and new energy technologies

Over the past few years, electric vehicles (EVs) have gradually become mainstream. According to statistics, global EV sales have exceeded 10 million units in 2023, accounting for 13.4% of global vehicle sales (according to the International Energy Agency IEA). This trend will continue to accelerate in the coming years, and EVs are expected to reach a market share of more than 30% by 2030.

The popularity of EVs not only provides consumers with a greener travel option, but also poses a huge challenge to the automotive maintenance industry. Electric vehicles not only require specific maintenance knowledge and skills, but also the ability to handle high-voltage battery systems, which means that traditional automotive maintenance training needs to be significantly updated. Trainees need to be skilled in how to handle electric vehicle batteries, drive motors and electronic control systems.

As these needs increase, so does the importance of electric vehicle training equipment. CCTE offers Electric Vehicle Training Equipment that helps technicians simulate the disassembly and repair of high-voltage batteries, drive motors, and other components, so that trainees can practice these skills in a completely safe environment, thus preparing them for the growing demand for electric vehicle repairs.

2. Advanced automotive electronics and intelligent systems

Modern cars are no longer just a mechanical device; they are increasingly dependent on electronic control systems, sensors, and intelligent technologies. According to a report by McKinsey, the global market for electronic devices in the automotive industry is expected to grow from $90 billion in 2020 to $230 billion in 2030, indicating an irreversible trend towards automotive electrification.

Intelligent features such as intelligent driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving technology, and in-vehicle infotainment systems have not only increased the complexity of automotive maintenance, but also placed higher demands on maintenance personnel. To meet this challenge, repairers need to master how to deal with the malfunctions of these electronic and intelligent systems.

3. Intelligent diagnostic tools and software

While most automotive troubleshooting in the past relied on manual experience and manual testing, more and more automotive repairs are now being done using smart diagnostic tools. These tools not only identify problems more quickly, but also analyze data to predict potential failures. For example, Hyundai’s diagnostic tools can read data from the vehicle’s ECU (electronic control unit) in real time, helping technicians predict impending problems with the vehicle.

According to market research firm MarketsandMarkets, the global automotive diagnostics market will grow from $26.6 billion in 2020 to $36.8 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 6.8%. The popularity of this technology has made the repair process more accurate and efficient.

Intelligent diagnostic tools and software allow repairers to diagnose automotive faults faster and more accurately. This not only improves the efficiency of repairs, but also reduces the probability of misdiagnosis. Therefore, trainers need to be equipped with how to use these tools to accurately read and analyze diagnostic data.

4. Changes in the demand for automotive maintenance personnel

With the increasing complexity of automobile technology, the market demand for highly skilled personnel is also changing. Especially in the popularization of new energy vehicles and intelligent systems, technicians not only need to understand the traditional internal combustion engine, but also be proficient in new technologies such as electric systems and intelligent diagnostic tools. This poses a higher challenge to the requirements of traditional maintenance technicians.

According to the BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), the demand for automotive service technicians is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, especially in the area of electric and smart vehicle repair. As the pace of technological change accelerates, the training of maintenance personnel is especially important.

To help training organizations respond to this change in demand, our Electric Vehicle Training Equipment allows trainees to learn about the inner workings of new energy vehicles through simulation, which not only improves trainees’ hands-on skills, but also helps them understand the complexity of the new engine systems and adapt to market demand.

5. Future developments: how to seize opportunities in the automotive repair industry

Looking ahead, the automotive repair industry will continue to be driven by technological advances. Autonomous driving, smart diagnostics, and the proliferation of electric vehicles will continue to change the nature of repair work. As a result, those working in the repair industry must continue to update their skills to keep pace with the industry.

If you are a maintenance business or training organization, investing in the right training equipment is key to ensuring competitiveness. Our range of vehicle maintenance training equipment, including the Pure electric vehicle drive system training bench, Pure electric vehicle integrated training system and more, can help you develop the skills and competencies that will meet the challenges of the future vehicle maintenance industry. Our training equipment range includes the Pure electric vehicle drive system training bench and the Pure electric vehicle integrated training system.

Conclusion: Continuous Learning is the Key to Staying Competitive

As technology continues to advance in the automotive repair industry, it’s becoming increasingly important to stay sensitive to new technology and the ability to learn. Whether it’s electric vehicles, intelligent diagnostic systems, or other emerging technologies, staying up-to-date with the latest repair skills will help you stay ahead of the competition. And with state-of-the-art automotive repair training equipment, you can not only improve the skill level of your repair staff, but also ensure that your team is always up-to-date with industry developments.

Explore our complete line of training equipment to help you and your team stay on top of the future of the auto repair industry.