Knowledge Base

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is committed to being the primary source for labour market intelligence (LMI) and research on skills across all the industries of the automotive retail sector. The research team aims to provide a detailed picture of the current state of the sector by providing information on the current and future skills needs of the workforce.

IMI Research Request

Please complete this attached form for all requests for information from the research team, providing as much information as possible, especially deadlines.   Complete and return to research@motor.org.uk.

Download the Research Request Form » 

Latest Published Reports

In 2011/12, the IMI conducted its largest ever research project investigating the skills needs of the automotive retail sector. 
Working with over 1,600 employers and stakeholders, we investigated the skills and training needs of the industry covering the next 18 months to two years and have been able to identify and prioritise the skills needs for each key job role within each of the 12 sub-sectors of our industry. 
A series of reports entitled Preparing for the future: 'Understanding the skills and training needs of the automotive retail sector' have been produced which provide a summary of the project and its main findings and recommendations along with 12 individual, detailed sub-sector reports.

Preparing For The Future Summary Report »

List of sub-sector Reports »

IMI Sector Skills Assessment 2010

This paper describes the current and future skill priorities for the sector. It draws on research undertaken by the IMI and a range of secondary sources.

IMI UK Full SSA 2010 » 
IMI Wales Full SSA 2010 »
IMI England Full SSA 2010 » 
IMI Northern Ireland Full SSA 2010 »
UK Summary 2010 »

Latest Research Published

• State of the Automotive Sector  »  
• Automotive Retail Employer Skills Survey » 
• Sector Skills Assessments - Skills priorities for the UK , England, Scotland,  Wales and Northern Ireland »

Employer Skill Survey 2010

This summary outlines key findings from independent research commissioned by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and undertaken by CFE between June and August 2010. The purpose of the research was to establish from automotive retail employers: skill needs and gaps; recruitment and training practices; the implications of the recession; and awareness of IMI.

Employer Skill Survey 2010 »

Scenario Analysis of Potential Skill Requirements

This report sets out the findings of the Automotive Retail Sector 2020 Scenarios Project, commissioned by The Institute of the Motor Industry from SAMI Consulting to address this question.

In particular, the report analyses the general and industry specific issues, trends and drivers which may have a significant bearing on the size and shape of the UK automotive retail sector over the coming decade. (Chapter Two)

Automotive Retail Sector - Scenario Analysis of Potential Skill Requirements In 2020 »