The automobile repair industry

This industry is regarded by many people as one of the newer industries in engineering and it has rapidly developed over the past twenty years, largely due to the increasing use of road vehicles for the transportation of people and goods. The industry often regards itself as third generation — this image, no doubt, having emerged as a result of the many family businesses established today which were started by a grandfather or uncle some thirty to forty years ago. Praise‐worthy are these early pioneers who had the initiative, enthusiasm and enterprise to develop their motor repair interests, often as a side‐line to their principal line of business which could have been textile or marine engineering, while others were general carriers, shopkeepers and blacksmiths. Incidentally, the doubling‐up of a motor trade business with another type of business still exists, and in some areas flourishes, particularly in country districts where the petrol pump and mixed business or cafe are run side‐by‐side by a sole trader. But this sort of trading is nowadays largely confined to the rural areas. In our town and city centres, a more common sight is the motor repair garage or filling station impressively built and illuminated (at times other than in a power crisis) and gaily decorated with a plethora of neon signs, flags and flashing lights — all used to attract customers (both casual and regular) on to the forecourt for service, repair or perhaps a complete vehicle overhaul.