15 Best Car Companies To Work For As a Mechanic - 2024

Are you a grease monkey with a wrench in your hand and a passion for automobiles? Do you dream of a job where you can follow your love for cars and earn your bread? Then you have reached the right place. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the 15 best car companies to work for as a mechanic.

For a car mechanic, the workshop isn't merely a place to clock in and out—it's the hub where you must showcase your expertise, hone your skills, and shape your career journey. Becoming a professional car mechanic is a lengthy process. You must learn from the experts and work on various car brands for years.

Topics Covered in This Blog:

• 15 Best Car Companies to work for as a mechanic

• Salary Insights: How much do car mechanics make in different companies

• Benefits of working at premier car companies

• Other automotive sectors where they need car mechanics

• Training programs for new/fresher car mechanics

• Tips for building a client base and gaining experience

15 Best Car Companies to work for as a mechanic

1. Toyota:

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Toyota is a Japanese multinational company founded in 1937. It is one of the largest car makers in the world and produces around 10 million vehicles annually.

Toyota cars are known for their reliability and safety. The Camry, Corolla, and Land Cruiser are some of the most famous models of Toyota, which sell in millions worldwide.

Career Page: Work at Toyota

2. Mercedes-Benz:

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Mercedes-Benz is a legendary German car brand founded in 1926. It is synonymous with luxury and innovation. Mercedes makes high-performance cars and is known for its luxury interiors, powerful engines, and top-of-the-line safety features.

The Mercedes G-Wagon, S-Class sedan, and GLC SUV are iconic vehicles in their fleet. Mercedes-Benz is also at the forefront of developing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and is constantly developing new automotive technologies.

Career Page: Work at Mercedes-Benz

3. BMW Group:

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BMW is another iconic German brand founded in 1916. BMW cars are a mix of performance, handling and luxury. Some of their popular cars are the 3,5 and 7 Series sedans, the sleek X3, X5, and X7 SUVs, and the performance-driven M series.

BMW cars are known for their precise handling and powerful engines. The BMW Group is comprised of BMW, Mini Cooper, and the premium car brand Rolls Royce.

Career Page: Work at BMW Group

4. Honda:

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Established in 1948, Honda is one of the biggest and most globally recognized Japanese car brands. Honda makes safe, fuel-efficient, and practical vehicles and is known for their reliability and fuel efficiency, making them a popular choice for families and everyday drivers.

Some of the iconic Honda cars are the Accord sedan, CR-V SUV, and the Type-R hatchback. Beyond cars, Honda is a powerhouse in motorcycling and has pioneered advancements in hybrid and electric vehicles.

Career Page: Work at Honda

5. Ford Motor Company:

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Ford, the American automotive giant founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, is a cornerstone of the auto industry. Renowned for innovation and practicality, Ford revolutionized car manufacturing with the assembly line, making cars affordable for the masses with their iconic Model T.

Today, they offer a diverse range of vehicles, from the fuel-efficient Fiesta hatchback to the powerful F-Series trucks, catering to a wide range of drivers.

Career Page: Work at Ford

6. Volkswagen Group:

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The Volkswagen Group is the largest car manufacturer in the world. They produce 8-9 million cars in a year. The Volkswagen Group was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The Volkswagen group is known for iconic cars like the Polo, Golf, Beetle, and Passat. The company owns some famous premium car brands, such as Porche, Bentley, Audi, and Bugatti. Volkswagen is also a leader in electric vehicle technology with models like the Volkswagen ID.4.

Career Page: Work at Volkswagen

7. Tesla:

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Tesla, the American electric vehicle (EV) giant that revolutionized the electric car market was founded in 2003. Led by the visionary Elon Musk, Tesla is synonymous with innovation and sustainability. They have a fleet of reliable electric vehicles, like the Model S sedan, Roadster, Cybertruck, and the affordable Model 3.

Tesla is not just producing cars; it's also building a sustainable ecosystem with solar panels, battery storage solutions, and a growing network of charging stations.

Career Page: Work at Tesla

8. Subaru:

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Subaru is a Japanese automaker established in 1953. Like every other Japanese car, Subarus are known for their safety, reliability, and iconic all-wheel drive.

Subaru's all-wheel-drive system, a hallmark of the brand, provides superior handling in all weather conditions. The brand's iconic models are the Outback wagon, Forester SUV, and Impreza.

Career Page: Work at Subaru

9. Volvo:

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Volvo is a Swedish carmaker founded in 1927. It has a reputation for building some of the world's most secure vehicles. The Volvo brand is known for its safety and reliability. Some of its cars run for even a million miles. Its popular fleet of vehicles includes the XC60, S90, and the Volvo Station Wagon.

Career Page: Work at Volvo

10. Stellantis:

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Stellantis is a new automotive giant that was formed in 2021 when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Peugeot Group (PSA) merged. This European-American conglomerate boasts a diverse portfolio of brands such as Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. They offer a wide range of cars, from fuel-efficient cars to heavy-duty mini trucks.

Career Page: Work at Stellantis

11. General Motors (GM):

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General Motors is a cornerstone of the American automotive industry. It was founded in the year 1908. It operates under four major brands: GMC, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Buick. The company has been a leader in the development of electric cars with successful models like the Chevy Volt and its successor, the Bolt.

Career Page: Work at General Motors

12. Nissan Motors:

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Nissan is a Japanese multinational automobile company that designs and manufactures various vehicles and related parts. Some famous Nissan models include the Altima, Sentra, Maxima, Pathfinder, Patrol, and the LEAF electric car. The company has a performance car department too and develops legendary sports cars like the Nissan Skyline GTR R34.

Career Page: Work at Nissan Motors

13. BYD Co. Ltd:

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BYD is a multinational corporation from China that is heavily involved in manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs). Founded in 1995, BYD isn't just an automaker; it's a tech giant with expertise in batteries and renewable energy.

BYD offers a growing range of electric vehicles, from the popular Han sedan to the Tang SUV. BYD cars are known for sleek designs, features, and competitive pricing.

Career Page: Work at BYD

14. Hyundai Motors:

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Hyundai is a South Korean multinational car maker that was founded in 1967. Known for its reliable, affordable, and feature-rich cars, Hyundai offers a diverse range of vehicles to suit a common man's needs. Some popular Hyundai cars include Accent, Elantra, Sonata, and Palisade.

Hyundai Motors employs over 121,000 people worldwide and sells over 3.94 million cars. It is also investing heavily in developing electric cars and infrastructure.

Career Page: Work at Hyundai

15. Mazda:

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Mazda is another Japanese automobile giant with footprints in over 140 countries. Established in Hiroshima, Japan, in 1931, Mazda is known for vehicles such as the Mazda CX-5, MX-5 Miata, and CX-90. Mazda is also known for developing innovative technologies such as the Wankel engine and SkyActiv platform.

Career Page: Work at Mazda

Salary Insights: How Much Do Car Mechanics Make in Different Companies

On average, Car technicians and mechanics make $47,770 per year or $22.96 per hour. Let's have a look at the breakdown of average salaries across top 15 car companies:

Toyota

• Hour: $30.34

• Month: $5,441

• Year: $76,844

Mercedes

• Hour: $23.95

• Month: $4,295

• Year: $60,656

BMW

• Hour: $25.00

• Month: $4,483

• Year: $63,322

Honda

• Hour: $35.69

• Month: $6,400

• Year: $90,393

Ford

• Hour: $23.83

• Month: $4,081

• Year: $57,636

Volkswagen

• Hour: $25.38

• Month: $4,552

• Year: $64,291

Tesla

• Hour: $29.43

• Month: $5,277

• Year: $74,531

Subaru

• Hour: $21.12

• Month: $3,540

• Year: $50,000

Volvo

• Hour: $20.91

• Month: $3,581

• Year: $50,571

Stellantis

• Hour: $31.96

• Month: $5,473

• Year: $77,307

Genral Motors

• Hour: $25.60

• Month: $4,267

• Year: $51,199

Nissan Motors

• Hour: $25.62

• Month: $4,595

• Year: $64,905

BYD Co. Ltd

• Hour: $29.35

• Month: $4,919

• Year: $69,477

Hyundai Motors

• Hour: $25.61

• Month: $4,292

• Year: $60,617

Mazda

• Hour: $27.18

• Month: $4,555

• Year: $64,340

Factors Affecting Salary

Several factors that affect a car mechanic’s salary:

1. Experience: This point is valid in every profession. Experienced mechanics often get higher salaries due to their previous experience and ability to handle complex issues and a wide range of car brands.

2. Certifications and Training: Mechanics with specialized certifications, such as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications, will get higher wages.

3. Location: A mechanic's salary heavily depends upon geographic location. A mechanic in Miami, US, will get a higher amount than a mechanic in Asian counties. Also, urban areas with a high concentration of automotive businesses may offer higher wages.

4. Employer Type: Mechanics working for big brand dealerships or high-end repair shops typically earn more than those at independent garages or smaller service centers.

5. Unionization: A mechanic union in your state or country can also help you get a good minimum wage and other benefits.

6. Specialization: Mechanics with expertise in specific areas, such as diesel engines, hybrid vehicles, or car diagnostics using an OBD scanner, can get you a higher salary due to the demand for these specialized skills.

7. Benefits Package: A prestigious car manufacturer will provide extra benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, and employee discounts.

Benefits of Working at Premier Car Companies

Premier car companies like Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Bentley, and Bugatti are at the forefront of automotive excellence, and the level of experience you'll get there will outweigh the experience you get in regular car companies. Some of these benefits are:

1. Exposure to cutting-edge technology: These companies tend to service high-end vehicles with the latest technologies. You'll gain experience working on complex car systems.

2. Advanced Training Opportunities: Premier companies often invest heavily in training their technicians.

3. Competitive Salary and Benefits: These companies often offer high salaries and comprehensive benefits because they cater to luxury or super cars only.

4. Job Stability: Premier car companies have strong brand recognition and customer loyalty, which can translate into more consistent work for mechanics.

5. Quality Work Environment: Premier car companies often maintain clean, organized, and well-equipped workshops to perform their tasks.

Other Automotive Sectors Where They Need Car Mechanics

• Car Restoration: Car Restoration businesses specialize in restoring older cars to their former glory. As a mechanic, you'd work mostly on classic and vintage cars.

• Car Customization Shops: In custom shops, you must modify vehicles for performance or aesthetics. This involves installing aftermarket parts, upgrades, and body kits.

• Car Tuning Shops: They focus on modifying engines to make them more powerful or fuel efficient.

• EV Startups: EV infrastructure is increasing daily, and we see many EV startups coming up. So, the need for mechanics in these companies is growing rapidly.

Best Training Programs for New/Fresher car mechanics

For fresher car mechanics starting their careers, focusing on companies that provide comprehensive training programs and courses is essential. These certificate programs provide opportunities for skill and career development. Here are a few recommendations:

• Toyota-Technician Training & Education Network (T-TEN)

• Honda-Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT)

• Subaru-Subaru University

• Ford-Automotive Student Service Education Training (ASSET)

• General Motors-GM ASEP

Tips for Gaining Experience and Building a Client Base:

• Networking: Always try to connect with other mechanics and customers to build relationships and expand your network. Word-of-mouth is crucial in this field and helps attract new clients.

• Certificate Programs: Certificate programs and training help new mechanics learn about the latest automotive technologies and industry trends and build expertise in specific areas.

• Provide Excellent Customer Service: Focus on delivering exceptional service to every customer. As a mechanic, you must build trust and loyalty.

• Focus on Specialized Services: Consider specializing in certain services, such as electrical diagnosis, engine tuning, or hybrid/electric vehicle maintenance.

• Utilize Online Platforms: Create a professional online portfolio and use social media platforms to showcase your services, share tips, and engage with potential customers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right company is essential in automobile repair to become a successful mechanic. Each brand has advantages, from Toyota's reliability to Mercede's luxury.

But beneath the surface, mechanics face daily challenges that require specific skill and dedication to repair a vehicle. With proper training and experience, these challenges become opportunities for advancement.

Mechanics can thrive in this field by mastering their skills, networking with other mechanics, and delivering excellent service. So, gear up, embrace the journey, and let your passion drive you toward a brighter future in the automotive world.