WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 26, 2024 – The Automotive Service Association (ASA), a national trade association governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals and dedicated exclusively to their interests, commends U.S. Representative Marc Molinaro (R-NY) for acknowledging the national labor shortage’s acute impact on the automotive industry. Congressman Molinaro is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee’s Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development Subcommittee, which held a hearing this week on “Avenues to Success: Examining Workforce Training Programs for Employees”.

Congressman Molinaro stated in his opening remarks of the hearing that, “…many businesses [are] struggling to find qualified talent amid rising costs and inflation. The construction, health care, and automotive sectors are particularly in need, facing significant deficits in skilled labor that could hinder growth and increase project delays. These on-the-ground issues small businesses face are exacerbated in rural and underserved communities.”

This statement accurately reflects the frustrations of many independent automotive repair businesses today, especially those in rural communities. The lack of qualified technicians has resulted in repairs taking longer to complete, which reduces the number of customers they can serve.

Independent auto repairers also worry that government policies resulting in a drastic surge of electric vehicles (EV) on the roads will aggravate the problem. Safely and properly repairing EVs requires specialized training. Providing such training comes at a significant cost to automotive repair businesses. More EVs will also necessitate that repair facilities have sufficient commercial property for safe EV storage, purchase new and costly equipment, and make other pricey investments, just to remain competitive.

ASA appreciates the efforts of policymakers, like Rep. Molinaro, to improve this situation and looks forward to our continued collaborations. 

ASA is the largest and oldest national organization committed to protecting the automotive repair industry with ONE VOICE. Our members own and operate automotive mechanical and collision repair facilities responsible for the majority of all, post warranty, repair services in the United States. ASA advocates for the interests of its members and their customers in Washington, D.C. The education, resources, and services ASA provides empowers its members in all 50 states to remain trusted stewards of mobility in their communities. www.ASAShop.org