The Evolution of Florida’s Automotive Industry
By Space Coast Daily // April 24, 2023
Florida has quickly become one of the country’s most influential and flourishing economies. With a population surpassing 22 million, the state’s economy is growing across a wide range of sectors — across entertainment, education, healthcare, and its burgeoning automotive industry.
The auto industry in Florida is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the country. With a growing number of manufacturers and brands available in the sunshine state, Floridians see first-hand how much the automotive industry is changing and evolving.
In this article, we take a closer look at the advancements and trends found across Florida’s auto sector and what’s to be expected in the future.
Advanced Measurement Technologies
The automotive industry has seen significant growth and innovation in recent years, primarily thanks to the involvement of new portable arms and portable CMMs that are available for manufacturers and shop floor leaders. CMMs — coordinate measuring machines — are designed to collect data points and measurements that help industry leaders streamline production and ensure every piece in every car fits like a glove.
The industry in Florida is seeing this growth first-hand, with more manufacturers looking to metrology suppliers to provide them with quality new or used CMMs that promise efficiency and accuracy.
State-Wide Population Growth
Florida’s population growth is a direct contributor to its economic growth — contributing more than 23 billion dollars to its economy. Additionally, the state’s population growth can also be directly linked to the growth of the automotive industry.
Currently, there are over 300 thousand jobs in the auto sector, contributing billions in labor income and selling millions of more cats each year. This growth is showing no signs of slowing down.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles
Electric cars are changing the way we drive for the better — using electricity rather than fossil fuels to power vehicles and keep drivers safe while simultaneously bettering the planet in the process.
Florida is, in fact, the second nation for electric vehicle sales, according to an interview with Dr. Evelyn Cardenas, President and CEO of the Central Florida Automobile Dealers Association. While this is an impressive statistic, it’s important to note that there is also a significant need for electric vehicle technicians — without which, transitioning to 100 percent electric vehicles may not be possible.
In many cases, automotive engineers and technicians are looking for hybrid solutions to bridge the gap.
What’s Next?
When we think of Florida’s economy and its potential, one of the most important questions to ask is, what’s next?
Following the information regarding the rise of electric vehicles, many experts note the need for hiring and training more technicians and apprentices to ensure there is a sufficient number of specialists to service the number of electric cars on the road.
As the population continues to grow, Floridians will look to the leaders in the automotive industry as to the new trends — ranging from self-driving cars to new safety and connectivity features to make driving easier and safer for everyone.
