ASSESSMENT OF MODERN EQUIPMENT, AND LOCATIONAL FACTORS FOR INDIGENOUS AUTOMOBILE WORKSHOPS IN KANO STATE METROPOLIS

Abstract

This study assessed modern equipment and locational factors in the establishment of standard automobile workshops by indigenous mechanics in Kano State Metropolis. Two research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study was 162 automobile stakeholders comprising API Staff 50, TATA Motors 15, PAN Company 50, Hamza Motors 20 and Roadside Automobile Mechanics 27. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 108 respondents who are indigenous workshop owners. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled "Assessment of Modern Tools, Equipment and Locational Factors Questionnaire (AMTELFQ). The instrument was validated by three experts in Technical Education Deppartment from Bayero University Kano. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation with a decision mean of 2.50. Findings revealed that modern equipment such as diagnostic scanners, hydraulic lifts, and wheel aligners strongly influence the establishment of standard automobile workshops, and that locational factors such as accessibility, visibility, proximity to spare parts markets and security also influence standard automobile workshop establishment and patronage. The study recommended that NADDC should subsidize modern equipment for indigenous mechanics and enforce minimum locational standards for workshop approval in Kano State Metropolis.