A recent poll done by the International Automotive Technicians’ Network (iATN) indicates that 67 percent of respondents expect an increase in business in 2010. Of those responding, 50.9 percent anticipate a slight increase, while an additional 16.1 foresee a dramatic increase. Business is expected to stay the same as last year for 19 percent of respondents, and 14 percent predict a slight or dramatic decline. The online poll concluded in March 2010 with 4,050 votes from iATN members.
“This year’s results reflect greater optimism about business expectations than the previous year when 60 percent of respondents indicated a slight or dramatic increase was in store for 2009,” said Brent Black, iATN founder. “While the majority of iATN members feel their business will increase in 2010, we still have shops that are struggling or do not see signs of improvement.”
iATN members were given the opportunity to add comments to the poll, with several suggesting the increases in business would be due to people keeping their cars longer, rather than buying new, and a better understanding by the motoring public about the cost-savings of properly maintaining a vehicle. Members who anticipate a decline in business attribute it to several factors, including the economy, increases in taxes and insurance, and that people continue to be cautious about spending.
Results of a subsequent iATN poll about hiring expectations also show an upward trend. In May 2010, iATN members were asked if their company is currently looking to hire an automotive technician. Of the 3,761 iATN members who voted in this poll, 29 percent responded “yes,” up from 22 percent when the same poll was done in 2008.
“Overall, our poll results indicate that business is moving in the right direction for the majority of iATN members and that the future of the auto repair industry looks promising,” added Black.
iATN was founded in 1995 and is the largest online community of automotive technicians, repair shop owners and other allied service professionals in the world with more than 71,000 members from 157 countries. The members of this group exchange technical knowledge with their peers around the globe, sharing more than 1.6 million years of experience.
The iATN Mission of Excellence: To promote the continued growth, success and image of the professional automotive technician by providing a forum for the exchange of knowledge and the promotion of education, professionalism and integrity. For additional information about iATN or to join, visit www.iatn.net. For poll results, visit: http://www.iatn.net/press/surveys.html.
