The issues in auto to watch in 2025

Trend reports love to focus on the next big thing, and that’s usually a technology set to change the world. In automotive, it’s all about the gear and technology that have joined the queue to make driver’s lives easier, like ADAS and rapidly advancing automation.?

But we like to think a little closer to home than just what’s going on under the bonnet.?

What’s important to the auto industry in the coming years is working together to tackle the biggest issues, and that includes the challenges we face with staffing, skills, innovation, and how to provide better working environments for everyone working in the industry. We’ve taken a quick look at the 3 biggest challenges and what to watch in auto in 2025. What else would you add to the list?

The skills gap

This is one that won’t go away. We’ve covered the story in more detail and found that automotive was top of the list for the most job shortages – hardly something to be proud of, but something to work on improving. Where can we find more skilled workers? Since Brexit, huge numbers of skilled technicians have left the UK, and many more have retired from the industry. With a high attrition rate in UK auto, how can we work towards a stronger, more skilled industry? By offering opportunities for existing staff to keep learning and improving their skills, and by encouraging older or more skilled workers to pass on their knowledge, we can help to build a stronger auto into the future.

Emerging technology

ADAS is showing no signs of slowing down, and in fact, 13% of cars on UK roads today already have some kind of ADAS technology equipped. While it’s not a flawless tech, as we explored before in a previous blog, it is a huge benefit to anyone driving and will hopefully contribute towards driving down the number of accidents on UK roads. And when it comes to tech advances, electrification is the main way forwards in this industry. Unless hydrogen-fuelled vehicles suddenly take off – which they still might – all eyes are on the future of EV technology. Will it become more affordable? Will more drivers make the switch before 2035?

Providing for people?

The automotive industry is nothing without the people who drive it forwards. From skilled technicians to sales people, to those leading the way in technology, automotive relies on a huge network of happy, healthy people. Charities like Ben are a huge helping hand for anyone currently working or who has previously worked in the UK auto industry, and provide support for physical and mental health challenges. Another focus for the future is ensuring DEI policies fairly represent everyone working in auto, regardless of race, sex, or gender. While the gender imbalance is still profound, there are policies working towards getting more women into the workforce. For example, the Automotive Council has committed to increasing the number of women working in auto to at least 30% by 2030.?

A better future

While auto clearly has a lot to work on throughout this year and into the future, we’ll be keeping an eye on the biggest issues in the industry and how we can tackle them together to make a better working environment and future for everyone.

For more information and help recruiting for roles in body shops, garages or dealerships, talk to us today.