Automotive supplier Genuine Parts Company (GPC) – better known locally as Repco, NAPA, SAS and Sulco – has unveiled its new specialist vehicle training centre in Penrose.

Uniquely positioned with both local and international insights, GPC has invested in a solution to fill the immediate and long-term training gap brought about by rapidly changing technology.

New Zealand’s vehicles are changing rapidly, with circa 50% of arrivals being electrified (hybrid and EV) – currently acccounting for 9% of the overal car parc. Workshops are about to see one in every 10 cars on their hoists being EV or hybrid. That provides a significant opportunity for the industry to grow with these changes.

“GPC’s training centre is set up to provide a springboard to help workshops negotiate the vehicle technology changes they’re seeing in their workshops,” says Jonathon Maddren, executive general manager GPC NZ.

“GPC’s investment in the Future Technology Training Centre will support our workshop partners in developing their team’s skills for the new future of servicing and repairs.”

It’s not just electric vehicles driving these changes, it is also predicted that up to 50% of the country’s fleet will have advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard features by 2030. These advanced systems introduce a new level of complexity to maintain their safety characteristics. For example, replacing the windscreen can affect distance perception, and so with windscreen replacements, sensor recalibration will become an increasingly crucial step for trained technicians to maintain vehicle safety and function. Similarly, changes to wheel alignment may have potential consequences for lane assist function.

“GPC sees its role as a supply partner who can source global and national knowledge to share with the New Zealand workshop owners and technicians,” says Maddren.

“We want to help to ensure the information relating to future technology vehicle servicing and repairs is easily accessible for New Zealand workshops.“

Upskilling independent workshops has an additional benefit for the industry, with drivers of EV and hybrid vehicles likely to appreciate workshops that have formal accreditations or training specific to their cars.

Aligning with New Zealand tertiary studies provider Unitec, GPC has not only created a state-of-the-art training location, but will also collaborate and provide latest trends and practical insights to support Unitec’s curriculum – creating the ultimate hybrid solution. GPC training will be available for both current trade technicians, bridging the knowledge gap in the short-term, and of course, providing the practical know-how for the next generation.

“We are excited to be partnering with GPC and acknowledge their significant investment into the new training centre to support the New Zealand automotive industry,” academic programme manager for Unitec trades and service, Bryan Davis says.

“Moving forward, GPC and Unitec trades and services are working to leverage their academic programme development and delivery expertise, world-class facilities, and experienced industry staff to co-develop and co-deliver industry-relevant programmes.”

GPC launches a purpose-built 350m 2 training facility this month, welcoming air conditioning trainer Grant Hand with in-depth workshops covering automotive, earthmoving and agricultural equipment training.

It will offer a range of formats in this multipurpose space that cater for hands-on practical training for small groups through to a 150-person auditorium setting. Training will span all industry sectors – mechanical, auto electrical, air conditioning, EV, hybrid, ADAS and commercial.

GPC has built the training centre alongside its new Technical Centre of Excellence – an expert call centre team of highly qualified technicians dedicated to sourcing EV, hybrid and ADAS parts and products, and any other future tech advancements that come their way.

For more trade details on training opportunities, contact your local NAPA, REPCO, SAS, or SULCO representative.