The shortage of automotive service technicians is indisputable, even as the industry debates its numerous causes. That gap threatens the financial health of new-vehicle dealerships.
"Everybody sees profitability in the service drive as the future," says Adam Robinson, CEO of Chicago-based Hireology, which sells technology-based human resources services to dealerships and other businesses. "But nobody has changed the strategy for talent."
Robinson cites key factors underlying the tech shortage: "Career path is murky, pay plans are highly variable, the hours aren't great — so we're 0-for-three on this. Dealers who can change that dynamic before their competitors do are going to have a real advantage in the market" for techs.