Business / Automotive
Monitor automotive industry strategy, production shifts, competition and long-term business transformation through curated summaries.
March 27, 2026 | WrenchWay’s Jay Goninen talks about what technicians are looking for; Hyundai pl...
Summary
Dealerships are encouraged to create a workplace culture that employees value, with applications now open for the 2026 Best Dealerships to Work For program. Hyundai aims to produce 80% of its U.S. vehicles domestically by 2030, while General Motors reports a significant increase in technician employment due to investments in training and recruitment. Jaguar Land Rover has temporarily halted production at a UK plant due to supply chain issues.
The segment discusses the complexities of selling and leasing used electric vehicles, emphasizing the need for dealers to educate customers about battery health and longevity. Mixed responses from dealers indicate a cautious interest in the used EV market, with concerns about consumer demand and pricing strategies.
Recruitment and retention of service technicians remain critical challenges in the automotive industry, prompting WrenchWay to partner with educational institutions to enhance the technician pipeline. The recent Voice of the Technician survey reveals significant dissatisfaction among technicians regarding their work environment and compensation structures.
Survey results indicate that 84% of technicians prioritize higher pay, with only 36% willing to recommend their dealership to a friend. This dissatisfaction highlights potential crises in employee satisfaction and workplace culture within the industry.
Perspectives
summary of automotive industry trends and technician insights
Pro-Employee Initiatives
- Encourages dealerships to foster a positive workplace culture
- Highlights the importance of educational partnerships to address technician shortages
- Emphasizes the need for better pay structures to improve technician satisfaction
Market Challenges and Concerns
- Raises concerns about the sustainability of Hyundais domestic production goals
- Questions the viability of the used EV market amid consumer uncertainty
- Critiques Stellantis fines for parking competitor vehicles as potentially damaging to employee morale
Neutral / Shared
- Reports on the increase in technician employment at General Motors due to training investments
- Notes Jaguar Land Rovers production halt due to supply chain issues
Metrics
production_goal
80%
vehicles produced domestically by Hyundai by 2030
This goal reflects Hyundai's commitment to local manufacturing and supply chain integration.
Hyundai aims to build 80% of the vehicles it sells in the US domestically by 2030.
parts_sourcing
80%
parts sourced from the US for Hyundai vehicles
This sourcing strategy aims to enhance local economic impact and reduce supply chain risks.
It also aims to assemble those vehicles with about 80% US supply chain content.
growth
a lot of used Tesla's around units
availability of used Teslas in certain areas
Indicates regional differences in EV market maturity.
there's just like a lot of used Tesla's around.
growth
a lot of these cars coming back to market in the next couple of years units
future supply of used EVs
Suggests a potential influx of used EVs that could impact pricing.
there's a lot of these cars coming back to market in the next couple of years.
depreciation
these cars depreciated more than the captive's thought they would %
value loss of leased EVs
Highlights the financial risks for lenders and dealers.
these cars depreciated more than the captive's thought they would.
other
a six-step approach
ASC Connects program methodology
This structured approach aims to systematically address the technician shortage.
It's a six-step approach that we've built out with ASC.
other
a lack of reliable data
Data on automotive programs in schools
Understanding the educational landscape is crucial for addressing the technician shortage.
We found that there wasn't a lot of good data around how many schools were out there with automotive programs.
satisfaction
36%
percentage of technicians recommending their dealership
Low recommendation rates indicate significant dissatisfaction among technicians.
only 36% of technicians that would recommend their dealership to a friend.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
Dealerships are encouraged to foster a workplace culture that employees value, with applications now open for the 2026 Best Dealerships to Work For program. Hyundai aims to produce 80% of its U.S.
- Dealerships are encouraged to create a workplace culture that employees take pride in, with applications now open for the 2026 Best Dealerships to Work For program. This initiative offers valuable insights into dealership operations and areas for improvement
- Hyundai has set an ambitious goal to produce 80% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. domestically by 2030, which includes sourcing 80% of parts from the U.S
- General Motors has seen a 23% increase in technician employment since 2021, driven by investments in training and recruitment. This is crucial for addressing the ongoing technician shortage in the automotive industry
- Jaguar Land Rover is temporarily halting production at its UK plant due to a parts issue linked to a suppliers facility fire. This disruption highlights the vulnerabilities in the supply chain that can impact production schedules
- A significant number of electric vehicles are expected to enter the used market this year, but many may depreciate faster than anticipated. This trend poses challenges for dealerships as they navigate the unique aspects of selling used EVs
- The used EV market is still developing, requiring dealerships to cater to a specific customer base that may have different needs and concerns. Understanding these dynamics is essential for successfully selling used electric vehicles
05:00–10:00
The segment discusses the complexities of selling and leasing used electric vehicles, emphasizing the need for dealers to educate customers about battery health and longevity. It highlights the mixed responses from dealers regarding their willingness to engage with this market amid uncertainties about consumer interest and pricing strategies.
- The segment primarily promotes the sale and leasing of used electric vehicles, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for dealers in this emerging market
10:00–15:00
Dealers are facing significant challenges in recruiting and retaining service technicians due to a nationwide shortage. WrenchWay is addressing this issue by partnering with educational institutions to enhance the pipeline of skilled technicians through initiatives like the ASC Connects program.
- Dealers are struggling to recruit and retain service technicians due to a nationwide shortage, highlighting the need for effective apprenticeship and recruitment initiatives
- WrenchWay is focusing on education to address the technician shortage by partnering with educational institutions to enhance the pipeline of skilled technicians
- The ASC Connects program, launched by WrenchWay in collaboration with the Automotive Service Council, aims to gather data on automotive programs in schools through a structured six-step approach
- WrenchWays efforts to identify high schools and technical schools with automotive programs have uncovered a lack of reliable data, which is essential for ensuring a steady supply of qualified technicians
- The initiative seeks to maintain updated contact lists for schools and dealers, facilitating better connections within the automotive industry to bridge the education-employment gap
- By prioritizing education, WrenchWay aims to create a sustainable solution to the technician shortage, rather than simply redistributing personnel among dealerships
15:00–20:00
The segment discusses the challenges in recruiting and retaining service technicians in the automotive industry, highlighting the importance of educational partnerships. It also addresses the dissatisfaction among technicians regarding their work environment and compensation structures.
- The segment primarily promotes industry insights and technician needs, focusing on dealership practices and technician compensation
20:00–25:00
The survey indicates that 84% of technicians prioritize higher pay, revealing significant dissatisfaction with current compensation structures. Additionally, only 36% of technicians would recommend their dealership to a friend, highlighting a potential crisis in employee satisfaction.
- The survey revealed that 84% of technicians prioritize higher pay as their top concern. This highlights a significant dissatisfaction with current compensation structures in the industry
- Many technicians expressed a preference for flexible pay options rather than a one-size-fits-all flat rate. This suggests that dealerships should consider offering varied compensation plans to meet diverse technician needs
- A concerning statistic showed that only 36% of technicians would recommend their dealership to a friend. This indicates a potential crisis in employee satisfaction that dealerships need to address urgently
- The report indicated that over half of the technicians are unwilling to work weekends. Dealerships may need to rethink their scheduling strategies to retain talent and improve job satisfaction
- Experienced technicians often feel frustrated when assigned the most challenging jobs while being compensated on a flat rate. This disparity could deter new talent from entering the industry if not addressed
- Dealerships are encouraged to engage in open discussions with their technicians about the survey findings. This could foster a more collaborative environment and help identify areas for improvement
25:00–30:00
Sony Honda Mobility has decided to discontinue its affiliate electric vehicles, indicating a strategic shift. Stellantis is imposing fines on employees for parking competitor vehicles, reflecting efforts to maintain brand loyalty.
- Sony Honda Mobility has decided to discontinue its affiliate electric vehicles, signaling a significant shift in their strategy. This move may impact the competitive landscape in the EV market
- Stellantis is implementing fines for employees who park competitor vehicles at its North American headquarters. This decision highlights the companys efforts to maintain brand loyalty and control within its workforce
- There have been instances where security mistakenly ticketed older vehicles that were previously owned by Stellantis. This situation underscores the potential for confusion and the need for better communication regarding vehicle ownership
- Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on the topics discussed in the show. Engaging with the audience can foster a sense of community and provide valuable feedback for future episodes
- The podcast invites listeners to leave reviews and subscribe to ensure they stay updated with the latest episodes. This call to action is crucial for building a loyal audience base
- The discussion reflects broader trends in the automotive industry, including the challenges and decisions companies face in a competitive environment. Understanding these dynamics is essential for stakeholders in the sector