CARS 2026 Executive Outlook: Emily Chung

CARS reached out to leaders in the automotive repair and service sector of the automotive aftermarket to ask them about their thoughts about the industry over the next 12 months: How will this year be different, what will drive change and what will be the biggest challenge. We will present their answers in alphabetical order over the coming weeks…

You can view the full feature in the February 2026 issue.

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Emily Chung, President, CEO | AIA Canada

When it comes to attracting new talent and improving retention, the issue is less about interest in the trade and more about how work is structured.

Shop leaders must prepare their facilities for today’s increasingly complex vehicles by investing in continuous education and upskilling, not just tools and equipment. Industry research has shown that while there is a shortage of technicians, there is also a significant shortage of skills. Forward-thinking shops that want to remain effective and profitable must prioritize developing their people so they can diagnose and repair both current and future vehicle technologies accurately and efficiently.

When it comes to attracting new talent and improving retention, the issue is less about interest in the trade and more about how work is structured. Survey data published in the CARS October 2025 issue show that 35 per cent of service advisors feel they are too busy, while 42 per cent of technicians say they are not given enough time to properly diagnose or repair vehicles. This points to time as a critical challenge. Operating understaffed or with inefficient processes creates stress, safety risks and dissatisfaction. Innovation does not always mean new programs or more hiring. In many cases, it means going back to the basics and improving workflows, scheduling and overall process efficiency.

In 2026, burnout remains a major challenge. Technicians continue to leave for other industries due to constant time pressure. However, there is also a strong opportunity. More than half of industry respondents say they enjoy their work, and nearly one-third say they love it. This indicates that people value the work itself. Shops that address time constraints and process inefficiencies have a real opportunity to improve retention, job satisfaction and long-term sustainability.

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