The automobile was invented just before the end of the nineteenth century and in less than 150 years it has become one of the largest employers of people across the world. Proliferation of vehicles has also meant the proliferation of hundreds and thousands of small repair shops and an opportunity for individual auto mechanics to fix vehicles without having the need to always go back to the manufacturer or their authorized dealers who would invariably be more expensive.

This trend may, however, be changing. Technologies, which opened up huge opportunities for employment, are now threatening to destroy them. Advancement in technology has taken the automobile from being an assembly of mechanical and electrical parts to a far more sophisticated level. The use of electronics, computers and specific software are now essential to troubleshoot and fix vehicles. Will this spell doom for the small, neighbourhood repair shop and auto mechanics?

Here???s what they had to say

??? Labour and good technicians are not available.

??? To even touch KTM and other big bikes now we need scanners and electronic machines. The scanner is very expensive.

??? Every company has different tools, and every model of each company requires a different set of tools. Sometimes, for a 100-rupee job, we have to buy tools for Rs.500!

??? Where do I store my tools and spares? Rents are high, security is poor.

??? I had to get some spares from Chor Bazaar all the way up in the north to fix a bike.

??? Certificate and permits are costly, then ramps, compressors, and scanners. We have no access to loans and working capital.

??? EVs will bring about a revolution ??? it has low need for service, only a few parts and a motor.

??? This business is getting difficult. We find it inadequate to support our families. We work very hard to survive