How quickly is the automotive repair industry changing, and are you ready for what's next?

Tom Ham, shop owner and founder of the Automotive Management Network, joins Carm Capriotto for a fast-paced conversation covering 12 major trends shaping the future of auto repair. From autonomous vehicles and solid-state batteries to the changing value of trade careers, AI, government regulation, 3D printing, and vehicle reliability, Tom and Carm explore the technologies and economic shifts shop owners need to understand.

What You'll Learn

• How autonomous vehicles could reshape vehicle safety and the repair industry.
• What advances in solid-state batteries could mean for EVs and vehicle range.
• Why trade careers are gaining momentum as technology changes traditional employment.
• How the technician shortage is creating new opportunities for shops to develop talent.
• How government regulation and emissions enforcement could affect vehicle owners and repair shops.
• What current vehicle reliability trends reveal about today's automotive brands.
• How 3D printing could help shops solve parts availability challenges.
• Why AI is becoming a powerful tool for reducing friction and improving efficiency.
• Why shop owners need to stay curious and adapt as automotive technology continues to accelerate.

The automotive repair industry is changing faster than ever. The shops that thrive will be the ones willing to understand emerging technology, embrace new tools, develop their people, and continually rethink how they operate. The future isn't coming someday. It's already showing up in the service bay.

Tom Ham, Automotive Management Network. Tom’s previous episodes HERE.