LAS VEGAS — The auto repair shop of the future will run on "devices, data and dirt," according to Interstate Batteries President and General Manager Tyler Reeves during a keynote address at AAPEX.
While knowledge of dealing with technology will be an important skill for auto techs, they will still need to use basic tools and equipment to service a vehicle, even in the near future.
They will not be just programmers, but rather "super users," Mr. Reeves said.
Newer vehicles are becoming more complex with assisted driving features and electrification, however, Millennials are becoming a large percentage of service shop customers, and they are usually driving old cars, he said.
A Millennial's first car is usually 8-11 years old, he noted.
"The industry will be serving the youngest consumers with the oldest cars," Mr. Reeves said.
This younger generation researches everything on the Internet, so auto service shops should make sure they provide access to information about vehicle maintenance needs and repair options through their websites and social media platforms to build trust with these consumers, he said.