The automotive industry is running at 100 kilometres an hour, can Australian mechanics keep up?

Solera is a global leader in vehicle lifecycle management software-as-a-service, data, and services, working with more than 280,000 global customers and partners in more than 120 countries.
Through four lines of business – vehicle claims, vehicle repairs, vehicle solutions, and fleet solutions – Solera is home to many leading brands in the vehicle lifecycle ecosystem, including Identifix, Audatex, DealerSocket, Omnitracs, LoJack, Spireon, eDriving/Mentor, Explore, cap hpi, Autodata, and others.
“Solera empowers its customers to succeed in the digital age by providing them with a ‘one-stop shop’ solution that streamlines operations, offers data-driven analytics, and enhances customer engagement,” Solera Managing Director for APAC, Chris Iacovou, said.
“We believe these services help customers drive sales, promote customer retention, and improve profit margins.”
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries worldwide, with Solera stating that the market for this technology is expected to skyrocket from a present day value of USD $200 billion (~AUD $310 billion) to more than $1.8 trillion (~AUD $ 2.8 trillion) by the end of the decade.
“Few industries, if any, will be immune to its impact – and the automotive repair sector is no different,” Chris said.
Driven by the evolution of advanced features like AI-powered drive-assistance systems and digital diagnostics that identify issues before they escalate, vehicles are becoming more complex and advanced every year.
But as vehicles evolve, so too must the repair shops and mechanics that service them.
“This means skilled tradespeople must not only be experts at maintaining and repairing traditional parts of a vehicle, but also the advanced, often AI-based, technologies that millions of cars now contain,” Chris said.
“However, in what is a booming yet still fledgling technology compared to its long-term potential, there is a shortage of workers with relevant AI skills.
“The auto repair industry needs to be proactive if it doesn’t want to be left behind.”
Many Australian auto repair technicians hone their craft by doing, turning hands-on experience into an intimate, under-the-hood understanding of everything from engines to hydraulics and everything in between.
But as vehicles have evolved, so too have the skills required to repair and maintain them, from complex software and diagnostic systems to electric vehicle batteries.
“Many of the advances in technology and vehicles are to benefit owners. For example, it is clear to see why vehicles with self-diagnostic capabilities and automatically-generated maintenance checklists would provide great benefits for drivers,” Chris said.
“However, it also means that mechanics must develop an entirely new set of skills that include working with software, data analytics and troubleshooting modern systems like EVs, which vary significantly compared to ICE variants.
“Today, these skills aren’t a ‘nice to have’, they’re a necessity – and one that will only grow as cars become more advanced and the market for them more lucrative. Here’s how repair shops can overcome these barriers.”

The first major barrier is cost. Training programs to upskill technicians to use advanced diagnostics and AI-powered tools for repairs can be thousands of dollars for one operative, which can be a daunting investment for repair shops; especially independent businesses with smaller budgets.
“Since these repair shops often operate on smaller margins – where every dollar, vehicle and customer matters – business owners may not feel they can justify the upfront expense of training in technologies that still seem far in the future,” Chris said.
“However, it is a short-term investment for a long-term return, and without these now-critical skills, repair shops risk falling behind as vehicles evolve.
“What’s more, doing so prevents them from losing out to competitors who do invest in education and training.
“Repair shops could, for example, offer AI training through blended learning, which combines in-person classes with online-specific sessions to prevent fees from ballooning.
“As a result, technicians can benefit from the hands-on experience that remains critical in our industry, and learn about diagnostic software and AI tools through virtual learning.
“For repair shops outside metro hubs, this combination is especially beneficial. In an industry where on-the-job learning is still prevalent, even equipping one or two members of staff with formal training in advanced technologies, will permeate throughout a business.”
Training isn’t a set-and-forget task, it is an always-on commitment to growing.
“Technological and automotive innovation doesn’t stop after all, and nor should a repair shop’s efforts to stay ahead of the curve,” Chris said.
“Solutions like Solera’s Autodata take this a step further by integrating technical training directly into its platform.
“With on-demand video assistance and training modules, Autodata helps technicians diagnose specific problems faster while keeping their skills sharp.
“This approach offers a unique advantage by combining efficiency with continuous learning.”
Establishing a growth mindset is critical, at both a shop-wide and technician-specific level.
“Technicians must regularly update their certifications to keep up with the latest advances in vehicle technology, including the increasing deployment of ADAS and AI,” Chris said.

“Employers, meanwhile, should make it possible for their workforce to pursue professional development as an ongoing part of their career.
“This benefits both the technician and the repair shop. The more skilled a repair shop, the easier it is for them to attract and retain customers, and grow as the industry moves forward.
“The future of many industries will increasingly be influenced by AI. The automotive industry is no exception.
“Decision-makers can future-proof Australia’s automotive industry by investing in workforce development. This means ensuring that everyone has access to training opportunities, whether they work at a small shop or a large chain, and no matter what languages they speak.
“Every technician in Australia should feel confident to work with vehicles that run modern software as much as older software or use AI-based diagnostics tools to make the repair process more efficient.
“The auto repairs industry is being revolutionised, and the industry’s ability to adapt hinges on its commitment to accessibility, learning and growth.
“We’re at a crossroads. Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is surging – with 15 percent of car buyers planning to purchase an EV within the next 12 months – but repair shops face an accelerating skills crisis.
“It’s not just EVs driving this transformation; modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), hybrid powertrains, and even features approaching autonomous driving capabilities.
“The stakes have never been higher, and the industry must adapt quickly.”

To learn more about Solera, visit www.solera.com