20 Aug The Future of Automotive Aftersales: What Changing Vehicle Technology Means for Talent
Automotive aftersales is changing quickly. Workshops, dealerships and independent garages are no longer focused only on mechanical repairs, servicing and replacement parts. They are now supporting vehicles that combine electric powertrains, advanced software, connected systems and driver assistance technology.
This shift is creating new opportunities for automotive professionals. It is also changing the key skills employers need when hiring technicians, service advisors, diagnostic specialists and workshop leaders.
For businesses, the challenge is clear. The future of aftersales will depend on finding people who can work confidently with both traditional vehicle systems and emerging technologies. Strong automotive leadership, effective management and the right investment in people will all contribute to long-term automotive success.
Why automotive aftersales is changing
The UK vehicle market is becoming more electrified. In 2025, battery electric vehicles accounted for 23.4% of new car registrations, with 473,348 new battery electric cars joining the road. The market also offered more than 160 different battery electric models, with further growth expected in 2026. (smmt.co.uk)
The UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle mandate is increasing the pressure on manufacturers and retailers. The target for zero-emission cars is 33% of new registrations in 2026, rising to 80% by 2030. The target for vans is 24% in 2026, rising to 70% by 2030. (gov.uk)
As more electric and hybrid vehicles enter the market, aftersales teams must be ready to inspect, maintain and repair them safely. The traditional workshop model is not disappearing overnight, but it is becoming more technical and more digitally connected. This is also influencing automotive sales, car sales management and the way dealer groups plan their customer journeys.
The technologies shaping the future of aftersales
Electric and hybrid vehicles
Electric vehicles require a different approach to maintenance and repair. They have fewer moving parts than petrol and diesel vehicles, but their high-voltage batteries, electric motors, charging systems and thermal management systems require specialist knowledge.
Technicians may need to:
- Follow high-voltage safety procedures
- Diagnose battery and charging faults
- Understand electric powertrains
- Inspect battery health and performance
- Work with manufacturer-specific software
- Complete repairs in line with safety and compliance requirements
Hybrid vehicles also require a broad knowledge base. A technician may need to work on an internal combustion engine, electric motor, battery system and regenerative braking technology during the same repair. This is increasing demand for automotive aftersales management training, vehicle aftersales management training and warranty training across workshops and automotive dealer networks.
Advanced driver assistance systems
Advanced driver assistance systems, often known as ADAS, are now common in modern vehicles. These systems can include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.
Sensors and cameras can be affected by accident damage, wheel alignment, windscreen replacement or suspension work. This means some repairs now require accurate calibration before a vehicle can safely return to the road.
The Institute of The Motor Industry reported in 2026 that 11,518 technicians held an ADAS qualification, while 27% of UK vehicles included Level 2 driver assistance features. This highlights the growing need for technicians who understand both mechanical repairs and electronic calibration. (theimi.org.uk)
Connected vehicles and remote diagnostics
Connected vehicles can share information with manufacturers, dealerships and service teams. This can help identify faults before a customer arrives at the workshop.
Aftersales teams may increasingly use:
- Remote vehicle health data
- Digital service records
- Over-the-air software updates
- Predictive maintenance alerts
- Online booking and communication tools
- Cloud-based diagnostic platforms
The result is a more proactive service model. Instead of waiting for a customer to report a problem, businesses can use vehicle data to plan repairs, order automotive parts and improve the customer experience. Regular basis reviews of this data can also support measured improvements in automotive aftersales performance.
Software and cybersecurity
Modern vehicles rely heavily on software. A fault may not always be caused by a broken mechanical component. It could relate to a software update, electronic control unit or communication issue between vehicle systems.
This creates demand for people who are comfortable using digital tools and following structured diagnostic processes. Aftersales professionals will also need to understand the importance of data protection and cybersecurity when handling connected vehicle information.
How technology is changing automotive talent
The future aftersales workforce will need a wider mix of skills. Technical knowledge remains essential, but it must be combined with digital confidence, communication skills, customer management and a willingness to keep learning.
| Technology change | Talent requirement | Example roles |
|---|---|---|
| Electric and hybrid powertrains | High-voltage awareness and EV qualifications | EV technician, hybrid technician |
| ADAS and sensor systems | Calibration, diagnostics and precision | ADAS technician, diagnostic technician |
| Connected vehicles | Data interpretation and digital systems knowledge | Connected vehicle specialist, service advisor |
| Software-led repairs | Structured problem-solving and software confidence | Vehicle systems technician, technical support specialist |
| Digital customer journeys | Clear communication and online service skills | Digital service advisor, customer experience specialist |
| Changing workshop operations | Leadership, planning and training | Workshop controller, aftersales manager |
Technicians will continue to carry out core servicing and repair work. However, the role is becoming more analytical.
A future-ready technician may need to combine:
- Mechanical knowledge
- Electrical and electronic skills
- Software diagnostic ability
- High-voltage safety competence
- Manufacturer training
- Attention to detail
- Strong record-keeping
- Clear communication with colleagues and customers
This does not mean every technician needs to become a software engineer. It does mean that technicians must be prepared to work with more complex systems and use technology as part of their everyday role.
The IMI’s 2026 education report found that 71,942 technicians were EV qualified, representing 26% of the workforce. It also reported that demand could outpace supply, with a potential shortfall of more than 44,000 EV-qualified technicians by 2035. (theimi.org.uk)
For dealerships and garages, this makes workforce planning increasingly important. Waiting until a vacancy appears may leave a business competing for a small pool of qualified candidates. Structured automotive aftersales management training can help businesses develop the right aftersales business skills internally, while apprenticeship routes and motor IMI skills competitions can help attract future talent.
New opportunities for automotive job seekers
Changing technology is creating more career paths across the automotive sector. Professionals who invest in their skills can improve their employability and access new opportunities.
Potential career directions include:
- EV and hybrid vehicle technician
- High-voltage systems specialist
- ADAS calibration technician
- Vehicle diagnostic specialist
- Battery repair technician
- Technical trainer
- Aftersales data analyst
- Connected vehicle support specialist
- Workshop controller
- Electric vehicle service advisor
Job seekers should consider how they present their experience. A CV should show more than job titles. It should explain the systems candidates have worked with, the equipment they have used and the qualifications they hold.
Relevant details may include manufacturer training, diagnostic tools, EV experience, safety procedures, customer service results and examples of successful fault-finding. Experience with customer interactions, automotive service advisors, automotive aftersales advisors, accessory sales or a motor factor environment can also be valuable.
For candidates moving from traditional mechanical roles into EV or diagnostic work, a clear development plan can make a difference. Additional qualifications, practical training and workplace mentoring can help bridge the gap. Developing time management skills, customer management and the right aftersales marketing skills can also support progression into broader leadership roles.
What employers can do to prepare
Build a skills map
Start by reviewing the skills needed across the business. Consider the vehicles currently entering the workshop, as well as the vehicles likely to arrive over the next three to five years. This review should include the needs of the vehicle manufacturer, automotive dealer networks and independent operations.
Identify:
- Existing EV and hybrid capability
- ADAS training requirements
- Diagnostic equipment knowledge
- Areas where the business depends on one specialist
- Skills that could be developed internally
- Roles that may need external recruitment
This process can reveal risks before they affect productivity or customer service. It can also help dealer groups set realistic customer satisfaction targets and measure progress on a regular basis.
Invest in training and development
Recruitment alone will not solve the skills gap. Employers should combine hiring with structured training, mentoring and progression plans.
Upskilling can improve retention because employees can see a future within the business. It can also help employers develop technicians who understand their specific systems, processes and customer expectations.
Automotive aftersales management training and vehicle aftersales management training can support managers, team leaders and service teams as responsibilities evolve. Training may cover customer management, team leadership, workshop planning, sales targets and current aftersales behaviours.
Hire for potential as well as qualifications
Qualifications are important, especially for safety-critical work. However, employers should also consider curiosity, problem-solving ability and a willingness to learn.
A technician with strong electrical knowledge and a positive attitude may become an excellent EV specialist with the right training. A service advisor with strong customer skills may develop quickly when given support with digital systems and new vehicle technology.
Skills-first hiring can also help employers reach candidates who may be overlooked by traditional recruitment methods. AKA Recruitment supports this approach by helping candidates communicate their strengths, including through CV writing assistance. (akarecruitment.co.uk)
Improve the candidate experience
In a competitive market, the recruitment process reflects the employer brand. Slow communication, unclear job descriptions and long delays can cause strong candidates to accept another offer.
Businesses can improve their hiring process by:
- Writing accurate and engaging job descriptions
- Explaining training and progression opportunities
- Responding quickly to applications
- Offering clear interview feedback
- Completing checks efficiently
- Showing candidates the technology they will work with
A specialist recruiter can help manage these steps while keeping the process organised and compliant. This support is particularly valuable for businesses operating in a high pressure environment.
How AKA Recruitment can support automotive businesses
The future of aftersales requires a recruitment partner that understands both people and the industry. AKA Recruitment has more than 20 years of experience supporting businesses across automotive, commercial, engineering and construction sectors.
Our automotive recruitment service can help dealerships, local garages and electric vehicle businesses find candidates for roles such as:
- Vehicle technicians
- EV technicians
- Diagnostic specialists
- Service advisors
- Sales advisors
- Workshop controllers
- Aftersales managers
We also support businesses with commercial, administrative, logistics, engineering and construction recruitment. This wider expertise is valuable for organisations developing EV facilities, charging infrastructure or larger industrial operations.
Our additional services include CV writing assistance, right-to-work verification and DBS checks. These services help candidates prepare for opportunities and help employers move through the hiring process with greater confidence.
You can learn more about AKA Recruitment’s automotive recruitment services, or explore our guidance on skills needed in the evolving EV industry.
Preparing for the next generation of aftersales
Technology will continue to change the way vehicles are sold, serviced and repaired. The most successful automotive businesses will be those that prepare their people alongside their equipment.
That means recruiting with a long-term view, supporting continuous learning and recognising the value of transferable skills. It also means creating attractive career paths for technicians, service advisors and the next generation of automotive professionals. Businesses that invest in automotive leadership, car sales management and aftersales development will be better placed to deliver consistent customer experiences.
For job seekers, the message is equally positive. Electric vehicles, connected systems and ADAS are creating new routes into a modern automotive career.
The future of automotive aftersales will belong to businesses and professionals who are ready to adapt. With the right talent strategy, garages and dealerships can improve workshop performance, protect customer trust, build customer loyalty and develop the skilled teams needed for the years ahead.