I've watched our industry evolve from carburettors to fuel injection, embrace hybrid powertrains, and pioneer electric vehicles. The steady upswing in Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) isn't just another chapter in our story—it's a complete rewrite of our industry's DNA. Unlike previous transitions, its consistency and momentum signal something more significant than any technical evolution we've seen before.

The Shifts We've Already Mastered:

We've already proved we can adapt:

• 1990s: From mechanical to electronic diagnostics
• 2000s: From isolated systems to integrated vehicle networks
• 2010s: From traditional dealerships to omnichannel retail
• 2020s: From pure hardware to software-defined vehicles

Each time, we didn't just survive – we thrived. This next step is no different.

How Traditional Roles Are Evolving

Service Technicians → Mobility System Specialists

• Before: Focusing on mechanical repairs and diagnostics
• Now: Managing fleet health, predictive maintenance, and over-the-air updates
• Future: Orchestrating autonomous fleet operations and system optimisation

Sales Professionals → Mobility Consultants

• Before: Vehicle transactions and financing
• Now: Subscription services and mobility packages
• Future: Personalised mobility solution architects

Parts Managers → Supply Chain Orchestrators

• Before: Individual vehicle components
• Now: Managing both physical and digital parts inventory
• Future: Predictive fleet maintenance logistics

New Business Models Emerging

Traditional Dealerships

• Then: Sales, service, parts
• Now: Mobility hubs offering:
  • Vehicle subscriptions
  • Fleet management services
  • Mixed mobility solutions
  • Charging infrastructure

Service Centres

• Then: Repair and maintenance
• Now: Technical hubs managing:
  • Software updates
  • Battery health monitoring
  • Connected vehicle services
  • Autonomous system calibration

Skills We're Carrying Forward

Our industry's core strengths remain invaluable:

• Deep understanding of vehicle lifecycles
• Customer service excellence
• Technical problem solving
• Safety first mindset
• Quality control expertise

What's Next for Us?

The next five years will see:

1. Integration of traditional vehicle services with new mobility platforms
2. Hybrid business models combining ownership and subscription services
3. New revenue streams from data-driven mobility services
4. Increased focus on fleet operations and management
5. Evolution of aftermarket services for connected and autonomous vehicles

The Opportunity Ahead

For every traditional role that's changing, three new positions are emerging. Did you know that major automotive groups are now hiring:

• Mobility Platform Architects
• Fleet AI Specialists
• Connected Vehicle Security Experts
• Autonomous System Calibration Technicians
• Transportation Network Optimisers

The Road Ahead: A Personal Reflection

After 30+ years of watching engines roar to life and turbos spool, firstly as an industry insider and now as a mobility talent specialist, you might expect me to resist this change. But here's what I've learned:

The essence of our industry has never been just about the machines – it's about movement, freedom, and progress.

The fuel that runs through our veins isn't just telling us stories of the past; it's fuelling our journey into the future. The workshop floors might look different, and the tools in our hands might be more digital than mechanical. However, our fundamental role remains unchanged: we're still the professionals keeping the world mobile.

To my automotive colleagues: this isn't the end of our era – it's the beginning of an even more exciting one. Our experience isn't becoming obsolete; it's becoming invaluable in bridging the gap between what was and what will be. The satisfaction of solving complex problems, the pride in maintaining high standards, and the joy of improving people's mobility – are priceless.

The future of mobility needs people who understand both where we've been and where we're going. We're not just adapting to change; we're driving it. I haven't felt this level of excitement for our industry's future since the exhilarating moment I first heard a performance engine roar to life.

Let's embrace this journey. After all, isn't that what our industry has always been about – moving forward?

#AutomotiveEvolution #MaaS #FutureOfMobility #AutomotiveCareers #MobilityInnovation

What excites you most about our industry's future? Please share your thoughts, and let's keep this conversation going.