NEWS www.aftermarketonline.net JULY/AUGUST 2023 AFTERMARKET 7 Garage of dad first port of call for driver advice 78% of drivers turned first to their father or other male role model for automotive advice in the past 12 months, not a garage, according to a study from eBay. 40% wanted a steer on changing a wheel, while 38% wanted help with changing the oil. A further 34% sought illumination around the topic of changing a bulb. 22% sought such paternal advice at least twice in the last year, and almost 15% asked three times. On why they went to their dad first, 39% said they liked to learn from their father, with 23% classifying it as a bonding experience. The survey is part of eBay UK’s Built Different campaign, which is looking to encourage motorists to undertake more car maintenance themselves. Dr Tony Tong, Head of Automotive at eBay UK, said: “It’s no surprise that motorists are enlisting the help of dads and other family members to help carry out minor car repairs. Not only is it easier and more costefficient, but fixing a car together can be a great bonding experience and a lot of satisfaction comes from finding and fitting a part yourself.” Beyond Built Different, eBay is also looking to encourage garages and bodyshops to go green via its Certified Recycled Parts programme. To find out more about eBay, turn to pages 54-55. Some vehicle technicians may be among those least at risk of losing their job and being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI), according to recent research. According to the research, performed by the University of Pennsylvania, OpenResearch and OpenAI, those who work on some vehicles are is least likely to be superceded by AI in place of a human worker. The study considered the possible outcomes of using large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT. Those in higherincome roles are predicted to be impacted the most. Automotive job roles deemed AI-proof in the study include: n Automotive glass installers and repairers n Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists n Motorcycle mechanics n Tyre repairers and changers Commenting on the issue, IMI Policy Manager Hayley Pells said: "The advancement of new technologies has brought many benefits to the automotive sector at every level for both the motorist and those that work in it. AI will undoubtedly bring new challenges and its impact on the workforce in the longer term is yet to be fully understood, but the automotive industry is already on a journey of technological change and embracing the opportunities that that brings." Many professions are expected to see severe impact from the roll-out of AI. British Telecom (BT) recently announced it expected 55,000 jobs to go by 2030, with 10,000 replaced by AI. A YouGov survey taken before the BT announcement suggested that, 62% of UK workers believe robotics and AI will erase more jobs than they make. For more on the expansion of AI and how it might affect garage businesses, look out for ‘Big Issue: Rise of the machines’ in the exciting September issue of Aftermarket. Mechanics safe from replacement by AI? Take the High Road... Highland Motor Parts, based in Inverness, continue to credit MAM software’s business management system Autopart for helping the business develop. MAM’s team recommended using the Driversboard vehicle load planning and delivery despatch module that runs with Autopart. Highland Motor Parts M.D Donald McLellan said: “We have taken Driversboard and loaded this onto a large screen in the warehouse. Every member of staff can see this and know what is being despatched, to where and when.” He added: “MAM Software have released ePOD, a proof of delivery app which works directly with Driversboard. I’m very interested in adding this into our system.” MAM Automotive Software Sales Manager Ben Nicholls concluded: “The roadmap for Driversboard and ePOD is an exciting one and highlights how digitisation is at the forefront of success for businesses.” For more information, visit: www.mamsoftware.com
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