Industry challenges revealed

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】The IMI annual report reveals challenges in the automotive industry, with a decrease in businesses and job roles but a rise in vacancies. The sector has 758,000 jobs, 78% in retail and 22% in automotive. The number of businesses has fallen to 98,500, and job roles have decreased due to increased technology. Only 19% of the sector are female and 39% are under 35. The CEO of IMI emphasizes the need for upskilling, addressing the skills gap, and increasing diversity in the industry.

FutureCar Staff Aug 22, 2023 10:14 AM PT

The annual Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Baseline Report has highlighted some key findings regarding the automotive industry. According to the report, there has been a decrease in the number of businesses and job roles in the sector, while vacancies have reached a 21-year high.

The report reveals that there are currently 758,000 jobs in the automotive sector, which is a slight increase from the previous year's figure of 742,600. Out of these jobs, 78% are in retail and 22% are in other areas of the automotive industry.

In contrast, the number of businesses has declined from 100,000 in 2022 to 98,500. The majority of these businesses, 97%, are involved in automotive retail. Additionally, the number of job roles has decreased from 218 to 213 due to the adoption of new technologies.

Furthermore, the report highlights the lack of diversity within the sector. Only 19% of the workforce is female, while 39% are under the age of 35.

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, expressed concern over the high number of vacancies and the declining number of businesses in the industry. He emphasized the importance of upskilling to meet the demands of evolving automotive technology, as well as the need for more support and training to bridge the skills gap. Nash also stressed the importance of increasing diversity within the sector to attract the best talent and ensure its long-term success.

He stated, "A more diverse sector will be stronger, more successful, and more resilient, better able to serve every motorist in the UK."

Overall, the IMI Baseline Report highlights the challenges faced by the automotive industry, such as a growing skills gap and a lack of diversity. It calls for urgent action to address these issues and ensure the sector can continue to evolve and provide the necessary services to customers.