As we continue to celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are delighted to bring you a new aspect of Ancaster as we take 5 minutes with various members of our team.
In these short interviews you will find out about how our colleagues came into the automotive industry, their views and opinions on current market trends and hopefully, find some golden nuggets that will help you make decisions on how to best look after your vehicle, which car to buy next or how to start a career in our industry!
Our first interview is with our longest serving staff member, Aftersales Director, Bob Smith….
Hi Bob, Wow! 45 years at Ancaster! Can you briefly tell us about your background and how you got into the automotive industry?
My father, grandfather and brother were all technicians or mechanics as they were known then. I grew up around cars & lorries, so it seemed to be the natural to go into the automotive industry.
I started at our old Datsun, Thornton Heath dealership in 1976 as an apprentice, moved to being the Group Engineer in 1988, this included being out on the road diagnosing vehicles and went on to managing several of our aftersales departments from 1992. During this time I studied and passed a degree in management in and was promoted to Group Aftersales Manager in the 2000’s. Finally, I was invited to the Board of Directors Jan 1st 2013.
That’s a pretty impressive resume, really showing how you can start at the grass roots and work your way up! What do you enjoy most about working in the automotive industry?
I have always been fascinated with how things work, really getting into the nitty gritty and figuring out how everything comes together, whether that be the physical mechanics of a vehicle or working through the business KPI’s and linking the whole story together.
Great, what is your fondest memory of working at Ancaster?
There are too many to choose from, but the one that comes to mind is when the 300zx twin turbo was launched in 1989.
I went on tour with the press at the request of Nissan UK, we visited race circuits across the UK and my role was to ensure the vehicles performed and there was no embarrassing moments with the cars going wrong while the press teams were driving them!
That’s a great memory and a fantastic opportunity! Thinking about the present day, what trends or innovations are you most excited about in the automotive industry right now?
The future of autonomous vehicles, the next steps will focus on road safety, traffic congestion and reduction in energy use. I am excited about this although I do have concerns on what and who’s responsible for the legal liabilities of accidents.
Yes of course, that will be an interesting one to watch. How do you see electric vehicles (EVs) changing the future of the industry?
EV’s are becoming common place on the roads and we are at the beginning of change for the aftersales operations, with the different skills required for technicians, less routine maintenance and reduction in service parts, our sales workshops will evolve into specialist centres dealing with less volume and more technical repairs.
Of course, that is an interesting perspective. What advice would you give to someone just starting in the automotive industry?
Be committed and try to stand out from the crowd by never saying no to a challenge.
Of course! And what skills do you think are essential for success in this field?
People skills and making sure your team are working with you. It is also important to anticipate of the consequences of your actions.
Thanks Bob. And now some fun questions!
If you could drive any car in the world, what would it be and why?
I love to travel, so it would have to be a DeLorean a stylish car ahead of its time that featured in the iconic film Back to Future. It would bring a new dimension to my travel plans!
That would be awesome! What was your first car?
Mk 1 Ford Cortina
That is such a cool car! What's your favourite automotive innovation of all time?
In 1957 Alex Issigonis designed the transverse combined engine / transmission for the Mini, this became the foundation for the modern front wheel drive vehicles of today.
And finally….What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Just do it and never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
Thanks Bob!
If you have any questions about a career in automotive or anything you would like to know from our industry experts, send us your questions over using the button below!
