A brand new instrument from the Auto Technician Collaborative will enable these automakers’ franchisees to evaluate their workplaces’ probability of retaining technicians.
Analysis by the collaborative — made up of Ford, Normal Motors, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Infiniti, Subaru, Volkswagen and Volvo — has recognized factors important to technician retention, Carlisle & Co. Affiliate Director Meredith Collins informed the Automotive Information Retail Discussion board on Thursday.
Collins mentioned the collaborative discovered dealerships profitable in retaining technicians do properly in 5 areas: compensation, coaching, administration, supplier circumstances and rewards and recognition. The group’s new instrument lets dealerships consider their efficiency in these areas.
“It’s essential to know the way you are doing on them,” she mentioned. “Do [technicians] have any points throughout any of those classes?”
The instrument collects information from nameless technician surveys, permitting dealership personnel to find out what areas deserve extra consideration, in keeping with Collins.
Collins mentioned Auto Technician Collaborative members’ dealerships will obtain entry to the instrument within the “subsequent couple of months.” She inspired different manufacturers’ franchisees to ask their very own techs about the identical areas.
An preliminary pilot concerned about 200-250 dealerships, Collins estimated. She mentioned no laborious information existed but on the initiative, however described technicians as “overwhelmingly constructive” of their suggestions.
“Having the channels opened of communication and being requested this stuff was so significant to them,” she mentioned.
Collins singled out the compensation inquiry, describing technicians as “type of blown away” to be requested in the event that they have been proud of their compensation plan and revenue.