Automotive Technology and Mechanics

The First Automobile

• The first gasoline-powered automobile was the Benz Motorwagen in 1886.
• The Daimler Benz company was started by automotive pioneers Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler.
• The first gasoline-powered car generated 1.5 horsepower and reached a top speed of 3-5 mph.

Automotive Technology and Usage

• (CAN) stands for complex controller area networks.
• Individuals not living in major metropolitan areas often rely on automobiles for transportation.
• According to Hedges and Company, approximately 286.9 million registered vehicles were on the road in the USA in 2020.
• The U.S. Department of Labor projects that automotive service technicians and mechanic jobs will remain steady between 2020 and 2030.
• The top ten percent of automotive service technicians earn more than $71,000 annually.
• People spend a significant amount of money on fuel, maintenance, and insurance for their vehicles.
• There are no seasonal or regional restrictions, meaning technicians can typically work year-round.
• The Chevrolet Volt used over 50 computer modules.
• The computer levels in today's cars and trucks are similar to those in a jet aircraft.
• (ASE) stands for Automotive Service Excellence.
• (NATEF) stands for National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.

Career Opportunities in the Automotive Industry

• The widespread use of automotive vehicles creates many career opportunities.
• People in rural areas use their vehicles more often to get to work, leading to more maintenance opportunities.
• Both hot and cold weather conditions can stress vehicles, causing problems and breakdowns.
• Most automotive service technicians start by working in an established business to gain experience.
• Many automotive manufacturers provide apprenticeship programs.
• Approximately 22,150 new car/light truck dealerships operate in the U.S. today.
• There are several hundred medium/heavy-duty truck dealerships.
• A single dealership may employ people with as many as 57 different job titles.
• Individuals without prior experience typically start in entry-level positions.
• Two primary job classifications exist: general service technician and specialist.