8 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2023 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net Last month, in part one, we considered the growing influence artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to have on the sector. In this issue, we are looking at how it is likely to affect garages on a day-to-daybasis. According to Laurence Abbott, Autotech Group’s Marketing and Technology Director, there are aspects of AI that could be advantageous for garage businesses: “While the role of a vehicle technician or MOT tester may not be superseded by AI, incorporating technology and assisted reality into a garage or workshop to supplement skills and streamline business processes will become increasingly prevalent.” Indeed, the company recently formed a new division in order to help bring this kind of new tech within the reach of garages. Laurence explained: “One of the reasons we founded our Autotech Connect division was to help the aftermarket effectively implement technology into their businesses, not only to counteract the growing risk of cybercrime threats, but to utilise technology in the workplace and help them innovate and flourish in a connected age. Transforming mobility Laurence continued: “It’s no secret that technology is transforming mobility. As software-defined vehicles enter the market and the proliferation of connected vehicles continues, consumers are increasingly expecting their cars to be an extension of their smartphones. While this brings a need for a robust digital infrastructure to protect against potential cyberattacks, it is also having a knock-on effect on automotive skills and knowledge, pushing the aftermarket even further when it is already suffering from a depleted pool of talent. Without doubt, training remains important, particularly as the industry evolves from repairing ICE vehicles to electric/hybrid and hydrogen powered cars. “As drivers adapt to more efficient modes of vehicle technologies, we will undoubtedly see the role of the vehicle technician irrevocably shift and those quipped with knowledge around ADAS and the ability to resolve software-related issues will be in high demand. While vehicles might have fewer moving parts, there will be an extra layer of complexity and implementing technology will increasingly become commonplace.” There is a range of technology that could help garages as far as Laurence is concerned: “The use of assisted reality devices for example represents an exciting opportunity to help streamline processes and empower vehicle technicians, since the most up-to-date technical information they need will be right in front of them. Once a major concern that it would take jobs away from humans, this type of technology has proven to be a lifesaver in other industries as it helps PART TWO AI: RISE OF THE MACHINES? Aftermarket’s look at the potential impact of AI on the garage sector concludes with a further examination of how tech could affect garages
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