What began as a promising business opportunity has turned into a genuine nightmare for many shops. Mechanics across Alicante are swamped by a surge in demand driven by delays in new car production and serious hiring difficulties. Industry estimates suggest that about a thousand skilled workers are needed in the province to meet the rising activity, yet the available workforce remains insufficient. Fears of a recession also push people to keep older vehicles on the road longer, further straining workshops.
The shortage of components has persisted since the Covid outbreak and remains unresolved in the wake of the Ukraine conflict. This situation affects nearly every sector, but its impact on the automotive industry is especially acute. Average waits to purchase a new car have stretched to six months, and for certain models, particularly luxury ones, delays are even longer.
Economic uncertainty plus inflation dominating global markets have caused many to postpone buying decisions. Doubts about choosing between internal combustion engines and electric powertrains add to the hesitation. As a result, car fleets age, and breakdowns become more frequent.
As a consequence, mechanical workshops in Alicante see activity climb toward saturation. This trend is echoed in data from the Spanish Federation of Professional Automotive Entrepreneurs (Conepa), which reported a 7% rise in industry turnover nationwide in the first half of the year, totaling €6.33 billion. Yet rising parts costs, tires, and paints can distort that percentage. Experts warn that workshops are operating harder and billing more, but profit margins shrink, threatening ongoing investments in equipment and training during a period of high demand.
Lack of microchips for auto manufacturing continues to depress state registrations, highlighting the broader supply chain pressures that affect the local market.
Guillermo Moreno, president of the Automotive and Allied Workshops Entrepreneurs Association of Alicante Province (Atayapa), notes a clear growth in business, yet stresses severe service delivery challenges caused by staffing shortages. He explains that the most difficult phase occurred during the harshest lockdowns, when workers from other sectors did not return. The association estimates the need for nearly a thousand workers and emphasizes ongoing collaboration with vocational training programs to bridge the gap.
Alejandro Rico, a workshop director in Alicante, concurs with these assessments. He points out the strong demand for mechanics who have up-to-date skills and certified training. He highlights that the job is demanding and that qualified professionals are essential to keep pace with repairs, spare-parts shortages, and the resulting garage backlogs.