Challenges

In recent years, market competition in the automobile industry in develop- ing countries is becoming increasingly fierce. Automobile users not only have higher demands for the performance of automobiles, but also have increas- ingly refined requirements for automobile after-sales service. Moreover, the dependence on and demand for automobiles in many countries has increased significantly, leading to the need for rapid and precision automobile maintenance.

However, many developing countries lack up-to-date technical knowledge, ability and experience with vehicle repair and technicians often do not understand the working principle and repair points of new energy vehicles.

To promote the sustainable development of the automobile industry and economic growth in developing countries, updated vocational skills training in automobile manufacturing and maintenance is urgently needed. Through mutual learning, experience sharing and transfer of technical knowledge the competitiveness of local automotive industries can be enhanced. In particular, effective automobile maintenance skills training can support job creation and increase individual incomes, especially for young people.

Technological exchange and cooperation can accelerate technological transformation and the progress of existing enterprises, thereby decreasing technology gaps between developing and developed countries, forming more open and harmonious competition patterns and increasing employment opportunities in participating countries.

Toward a Solution

The project “Training Plan for Popularizing the Automobile Maintenance Technology,” implemented by the Jiangxi Association for International Economic Cooperation and led by Chinese automobile manufacturer JMC, enhanced mutual technical exchanges and cooperation between China and developing countries (Angola, Bangladesh, Columbia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Lao PDR, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Viet Nam). This was done through automobile technical training and support and service management training. This South-South project enabled participating countries to fill in technical and management gaps and improve the levels of national automobile manufacturing and vehicle after- sales service.

As one of the largest enterprises in China’s commercial vehicle industry (and all industries in China), JMC has extensive theoretical knowledge and rich experience with auto repair and service. The Jiangxi Association for International Economic Cooperation, with its experience in cooperation initiatives, forged contacts and exchanges with various international and domestic non-governmental organizations and enterprises. The methodology used in this project was to first prepare and compile needs-based automobile repair technology training materials according to the situation and reality of the beneficiary countries, including parts catalogues, repair manuals, warranty manuals and typical fault teaching materials. This was followed by vehicle technical training for automobile technicians and after-sales service managers in the beneficiary countries, using a Training of Trainers model. JMC dispatched three or more experts to beneficiary countries, delivering automobile maintenance technology training to hundreds of local technicians in 13 countries.

For continuous improvement in automotive repair skills and service in project countries and to boost the sustainability of the initiative, starting in 2012, JMC moved the technical training online. 28 online training sessions were held, reaching more than 150 trainees. To improve the quality and effectiveness of the online training, JMC produced a number of video training courses, including introduction to the use of special diagnostic instruments for automobile maintenance, disassembly and assembly demonstration of a diesel engine, fault diagnosis guidance of vehicle electrical systems, repair ideas of typical fault cases, and others.

Generally speaking, the capabilities in vehicle repair technology and service improved in the project countries. Trainees transferred the new knowledge into practical operations of local technical units, laying a solid foundation for further localized training of automobile repair and service teams.

This is a replicable project as the project methodology and implementa- tion plan can be implemented in automobile service industries in other developing countries, and the training contents and methods can be adjusted according to the specific needs of each country.