2006 Technician Attitude Study

Keeping the pros in your corner

There are two words that are practically synonymous in today’s automotive aftermarket: technicians and training. They go together like brake pads and rotors, and everyone is having regular conversations about the subject.

Those conversations, and the benefits that usually result, seem to be paying off. In this year’s 4th Annual Technician Attitude Study, a well-educated and successful group of shop owners, managers, technicians and service writers reported their levels of training, how they like to order parts and so much more.

As far as education is concerned, there was a significant decrease in the number of technicians who reported having no National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification compared to last year. In 2005, 22 percent of technicians reported having no certification; this year, that number dropped to 6 percent.

Additionally, there was an increase in the percentage of technicians who listed their ASE certification status as Master Technician — from 54 percent in 2005 to 65 percent this year.

While this is all great news, now is not the time to let efforts waver. With the increased popularity of hybrid vehicles, growing product complexity and in-vehicle electronics, continued training is essential. Technicians are going to need constant access to repair information and diagnostic equipment. The industry must continue to learn what makes their professional customers successful and work with them to achieve even greater goals.

Our Technician Attitude Study analyzes 18 product categories. The report (published in October 2006) asked shop owners, managers and technicians to answer questions regarding why they make specific purchases and who they buy their parts from.

The following are downloadable files for the Aftermarket Business Market Research section. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files. This program is available as a free download from the Adobe website

Overview
Batteries
Battery chargers
Belts & hoses
Brakes
Climate control
Clutches
Diagnostic tools
Engine additives
Exhaust
Filters
Fuel pumps
Hub systems
Ignition parts
Motor oil
Oxygen sensors
Refrigerants
Shocks & struts
Spark plugs