When it comes to innovation, there are few industries that deliver new products, services, and technologies quite as often as the automotive industry. With every new vehicle built by automakers, there are products and services that can be purchased. 



Newsworthy information about the industry occurs daily, but apart from media companies like MotorTrend or Car & Driver, you do not see much automotive news that rises to the same social popularity as other pop culture trends. 

There is so much going on in the industry alone. From small repair shops to major automakers, the updates we will be discussing today will help breakdown possible updates you would want to make in your business. With that, here are some interesting updates happening within the industry. 

Ford Invests in The Future 

Ford Motor Company and SK innovations, a South Korean energy company, will be investing an incredible $11.4 billion to build factories dedicated to building electric vehicles. With Ford expecting 40% of vehicle sales to be EVs by 2030, this investment means that Ford is doubling down on EV technology and production. 

The locations for both factories will be in Kentucky and Tennessee and will employ around 11,000 people. Both the batteries, as well as the body of electric trucks, will be built in those factories. The Tennessee factory, dubbed “Blue Oval City”, will be used for truck production and battery manufacturing, while the Kentucky site, called “BlueOvalSK Battery Park,” will house the other two battery factories. 

This news comes at a time when many feel like the technology just is not there yet, while others believe that we must accelerate the production of EVs for the preservation of our environment. With divided opinion on the issue, one can only trust that when the time comes for transportation to be fully electrified, the results will guide our perspective on the issue. 

Different Generations of People Think Differently 

Speaking of perspective in the world – Millennials have adopted more do-it-for-me behavior as it pertains to auto repair and maintenance, according to Aftermarket iReport, Generation Changes Alter DIFM Buying Habits. This study found that Generation X makes up 35% of the market share, Baby Boomers make up 29% of the market share, and Millennials rounds out the study with 36%, respectively. 

The report also stated that almost half of Millennials prefer inquiring and even purchasing auto repair and maintenance online versus visiting or calling to schedule an appointment. This change in consumer behavior comes down to many factors, but it comes as no surprise because purchasing behavior has shifted from brick-and-mortar to online stores. 

As a business, understanding consumer behavior is a great way of determining how your business can market your products or services. by breaking down age groups to determine their behavior, your content schedule, ads, and job listings can be tailored to meet consumer expectations. 

The Difficulties of Staffing 

You know the phrase, ‘good help is hard to find.’ That statement rings true for every industry, especially the automotive industry. Skilled technicians are out there but finding candidates with the necessary intangibles can be difficult given that the market is so competitive. 

As we approach the winter season, companies will need employees to fulfill demand, and that can be to the detriment of the auto industry. Although money is the main factor, companies are trying to find ways to keep valued employees. Throughout the industry, bonuses have become popular, according to Ted Hughes, the marketing director of Mahle Aftermarket. 

He says that providing incremental bonuses can increase your chances of retaining employees, but if you do not provide competitive wages, those people may not take the job or stay, so finding the right balance between employee morale and compensation is key. 

If you are one of our clients who is looking to hire or want relevant content to reach your audience, then Optimize can take you there. Our trained staff can help you with a content schedule, as well as assist in developing ads for your business’ social media platforms. 

“We manage your presence online, so you can be present offline.”