#Japan #Tokyo #D&D Group #Bank Rent-A-Car #Mechanic Workforce Lab

Launch of Mechanic Workforce Lab

On July 21, 2023, the founding ceremony of the Mechanic Workforce Lab took place, featuring participation from three companies of the D&D Group: D&D Holdings, Bank Rent-a-Car, and Hokkaido Mitsubishi Motors Sales. This initiative aims to collaboratively address pressing challenges such as labor shortages and the need to enhance the productivity of the automotive repair industry.

Objective of the Council

The Mechanic Workforce Lab focuses on the issue of latent mechanics – those who, despite holding automotive repair licenses, are currently not active in repair work due to various reasons such as retirement, childcare, caregiving responsibilities, or concerns about working conditions. The council seeks to create an environment that supports these qualified individuals in returning to the workforce or exploring new work opportunities.

D&D Group is aligned with the council's mission, emphasizing the necessity to create opportunities for mechanics and improve operational efficiency to contribute towards a sustainable mobility infrastructure.

Founding Ceremony Highlights

The founding event gathered over 30 representatives from 20 organizations and companies including government officials, automotive repair associations, media, and mobility-related companies. Participants discussed the challenges faced by the industry, shared the background and mission of the council, and presented themes for initiatives in 2026.

The automotive repair industry is grappling with challenges such as an aging workforce and recruiting difficulties, alongside the inefficiencies caused by mechanics spending time on non-repair tasks. The council's mission is to ensure sustainable repair systems through a collaborative industry framework, focusing on research, system development, and information dissemination.

Key Initiatives for 2026

• - Research on Mechanic Demographics: Conducting surveys to understand how many latent mechanics are willing to return to work and identify barriers.
• - Utilization of Senior Mechanics: Creating an environment where experienced mechanics, including retirees, can contribute and pass on their knowledge to the next generation.
• - Information Dissemination: Advocating for the contributions of latent mechanics and sustainability in the repair industry by sharing findings and recommendations with stakeholders.

Addressing Barriers to Mechanics’ Return

During the ceremony, barriers faced by latent mechanics were highlighted, including not just compensation and benefits, but also working hours, physical capacity, past workplace experiences, and concerns about technological advancements. Addressing these factors through flexible working arrangements and divisional tasks could provide opportunities for mechanics to leverage their skills according to their lifestyles and abilities.

Additionally, creating an environment where mechanics can focus on their core duties is essential. To achieve this, enhanced operational efficiency and digital transformation (DX) are necessary. The council aspires to create concrete frameworks rooted in the industry by collaborating with all parties involved.

D&D Group’s Commitment

D&D Group, under the principle of linking people and happiness through mobility, provides mobility services ranging from rental car operations to automotive sales and maintenance. Securing skilled mechanics and ensuring the transition of their expertise represent significant challenges that extend beyond the group itself but affect the entire industry.

By participating in the council, D&D aims to leverage knowledge and networks from its subsidiaries in rental services, car sales, and maintenance, contributing to industry-wide improvements.

Insights from Bank Rent-a-Car CEO

Hiroshi Oguma, president of Bank Rent-a-Car, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the establishment of the Mechanic Workforce Lab, stating, "Having our D&D Group involved in this initiative is incredibly important. In the rental car business, safe and reliable vehicle operation depends heavily on proper maintenance. Addressing both the shortage of mechanics and creating an environment where they can take pride in their work is vital. It's crucial to develop support systems that align with individual lifestyles and experiences to encourage latent mechanics to rejoin the workforce. Collaboratively working with all council participants to ensure mechanics can utilize their expertise in a fulfilling way will be our focus."

Overview of the Mechanic Workforce Lab

Name: Mechanic Workforce Lab
Establishment Date: May 21, 2026
Chairperson: Maki Chimura, CEO of Seibii
Main Activities:

• - Support for the reinstatement and active involvement of latent mechanics
• - Promotion of digital transformation in repair facilities
• - Establishing supportive systems in repair environments
• - Developing industry regulations and operational frameworks

Website: Mechanic Workforce Lab

About D&D Holdings

D&D Holdings operates 19 automotive-related companies globally. With the slogan "Connecting people and happiness through mobility," D&D promotes new mobility services that enhance community living by integrating car rentals, vehicle sales, maintenance, logistics support, and other services while supporting societal infrastructure.