Automotive Speech

by Bob Vancavage, President NYSADA
SUNY Morrisville, September 28, 2001

Thank you for inviting me to this special occasion of the grand opening of this truly impressive automotive technology training center. I thank you on behalf of my 1,200 new car and truck dealer members throughout New York that will benefit from the graduates who will be educated here.

The fact that this facility is built to resemble an actual automotive dealership will provide for the best possible experience for each student, and they will be the most sought-after by my members.

I was equally impressed to learn that this school has the oldest automotive education program in the state of New York, with over 2,800 alumni. This school is critical to our industry's success because we need a different skill set than in the past to repair and maintain today's high-tech vehicles. In fact, the average vehicle being produced today has no less than 16 computers onboard that control approximately 1,000 functions, linked together by 7-1/2 miles of wiring.

The vehicles of the 21st century demand 21st century skills. As indicated in various publications, dealerships across the country need 60,000 trained technicians at the current time. Few in the automotive field would disagree — we have a severe shortage of qualified technicians. Today's automotive industry requires a completely different skill set than only a decade or so ago. The 21st century demands technicians with solid academic training, computer skills, electronic skills and employability skills. The traditional school system cannot provide the students with these skills.

I'm joined here today by the chairman of NYSADA, Steve Scoville who is the owner of five dealerships, and NYSADA's past chairman and legislative guru, Tom Morrone who also operates a multi-franchised dealership. I guarantee that either of these gentlemen would hire a qualified technician on the spot. I wish that our country would follow Europe's lead and emphasize the trades and benefits thereof. In today's world, a highly trained technician, like those trained here, will have the opportunity to live a productive life and earn an income well above average.

Through my nearly 20 years in the automotive association business, I have seen on many occasions technicians taking on management roles and even becoming dealers like Steve and Tom. The fact that this institution is developing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Automotive Technology Management degree will provide students the skills necessary for those who aspire to running or owning a dealership to realize their potential.

I commend the management of this great facility for a job well done in training so many individuals capable of keeping America's vehicles moving and on the road.

Thank you.