AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

(Article published in Automotive Innovations magazine, June 2024)

By Marc Bardiaux

The automotive world is in the midst of a revolution. How can the industry keep pace with the many challenges it faces?

From its very beginnings, the automobile has always been a matter of imagination, inventiveness, genius and adaptation. However, its evolution has been linear, punctuated by innovations and improvements to existing systems. The arrival of the first electronic components for powertrain and body management represented a major change in direction. But it was a mere blip in comparison with the intense upheaval that is now shaking both the surface and the depths of this industry.

The challenges of the aftermarket are manifold. Rising interest rates and a slowing global economy are driving consumers to repair rather than buy new, putting increased pressure on repair workshops. In addition, labour shortages are hampering parts supply chains and limiting access to specialized technicians. And finally, the arrival and growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) are introducing new requirements in terms of parts and technical skills that the automotive industry sometimes struggles to meet.

Big Challenges, Big Solutions

Given the foregoing, evolution will be a matter of service rather than sales. It is therefore important to focus on solutions that target this sector in particular, some of which already exist. Diversifying parts supply chains is one such solution. At present, in our latitudes, parts supply is dependent on the global market and its vagaries. Investing in the research and development of “in-house” components would shorten waiting times and promote greater fluidity of supply, while reducing lead times and the duration of work in the shop.

What’s more, given the shortage of manpower, training existing staff is becoming essential to ensure the health of service companies. Indeed, few organizations have the budget or physical space to add new workers. Yet, with the advent of EVs, and eventually autonomous vehicles, it will be vital to maintain a level of knowledge adapted to the latest market requirements.

Staying On Top of Things

That’s why it’s so important to keep up with new technologies, and use your imagination to develop unusual working methods. For example, the latest vehicles are powered by a multitude of software packages that regulate and adjust a large number of functions in real time. It is becoming increasingly possible to diagnose and update these systems remotely, just as you would with a telephone or a computer.

The automotive industry thus finds itself at a turning point in its history, facing unprecedented challenges that will not be able to resist the passion and imagination of its players.

PICTURE CREDIT: Pixabay (image générée par IA)