May 2023 - 8

The future of the
automotive industry
Some key takeaways from this year's ETI ToolTech conference.
By Emily Markham, Editor
EMarkham@EndeavorB2B.com
I
'm sure it'll come as no surprise
when I say the automotive
industry is changing.
Actually, according to Steve
Greenfield, founder and CEO
of Automotive Ventures, " The
automotive industry is going to
see more change in the next 10
years than it's experienced in
the past 100. "
Greenfield was the day one keynote
speaker at this year's ETI (Equipment &
Tool Institute) ToolTech conference. His
presentation along with many others discussed
some of the changes we can expect
to see in the coming years.
1. Electric vehicles are coming
Over the past few years, we've seen many
statements from vehicle manufacturers saying
that by 2035 or so, they'll have a fully
electric vehicle line-up. With all these new
EV offerings on the way, Greenfield notes
that EVs will overtake internal combustion
engine (ICE) vehicles in less than 10
years. He cites a study done by S&P Global
Mobility that predicts by 2027 EVs will
overtake hybrid vehicles, by 2029 EVs will
overtake ICE vehicles, and by 2032 EVs
will overtake both hybrid and ICE vehicles.
More interesting though, was Greenfield
discussing how EVs are less complex and
need less maintenance than an ICE vehicle.
Software updates will handle many vehicle
" repairs " without the need for a technician
to even touch the vehicle.
2. The impact of AI
AI has become an increasingly large part
of all our everyday lives. But what impact
does AI have in the automotive industry?
More than you'd think if utilized in the
right way.
Mark Seng, vice president of business
development for Predii, discussed how
AI can be used to " unlock your historical
data. " This means that when a vehicle
comes into your shop, AI can look up
records from similar vehicles with similar
issues to give you an idea of what parts
may need to be ordered or how to fix the
vehicle based on past repairs. No person
can remember everything, but with AI you
won't have to.
3. Challenges in today's shops
The technician shortage remains one of the
biggest challenges plaguing today's shops.
Mike Allen, owner of Carfix Auto Repair
& Tires in Raleigh, North Carolina, had
an interesting take on the root of the tech
shortage, saying that the skilled labor shortage
was created by the auto industry itself
through not paying well enough or providing
benefits. Future technicians are being
lost to other industries, not other shops.
To counteract this issue and bring new
workers into his shop, John Firm, owner
of Firm Automotive in Fort Worth, Texas,
notes he gets creative with pay and benefits,
tries to stay connected with peers in the
industry, and works with a business coach
to stay up-to-date with industry trends.
PTEN EDITORIAL
ADVISORY BOARD
TECHNICIANS
ERIC MOORE,
DeMary Trucks, Columbus, OH
LOU FORT,
K.A.R.S. Inc., Huntingburg, IN
SHOP OWNERS
KIM AUERNHEIMER,
Cool Springs Automotive, Brentwood, TN
TANNER BRANDT,
Autodiag Clinic, Welford, SC
PHIL FOURNIER,
Phil's Auto Clinic, Hemet, CA
JD GOAD,
Goad's Body Shop, Lexington, VA
EDWIN HAZZARD,
Southeast Mobile Tech, Goose Creek, SC
PETE RUDLOFF,
Pete's Garage Inc., Newark, DE
MICHELLE TANSEY,
Dubclinic, Santa Clara, CA
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PTEN (Professional Tool
& Equipment News)
EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS
KIMBERLY COTTLE
Associated Equipment
JIM O'HARA,
Clore Automotive
8 PTEN MAY 2023 www.VehicleServicePros.com
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May 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May 2023
