Automotive Transport is an applied engineering and technological field covering technical operation, computer diagnostics, service maintenance, repair, retrofitting, and testing of wheeled vehicles, as well as the organization of motor transport enterprises (MTE) and infrastructure facilities.
Unlike automotive transport in the context of logistics (where the focus is on transportation management), specialty J8 focuses directly on the technical condition, reliability, and life cycle of motor vehicles: from conformity assessment and computer diagnostics of modern vehicles (including hybrids and electric vehicles) to managing auto service businesses and dealership centers.
The training of specialists in automotive transport is built around the following key focus areas:
- motor vehicles: passenger cars, trucks, buses, specialized and special-purpose vehicles, electric vehicles (EV), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV/PHEV);
- components, assemblies, and systems: internal combustion engines, electric motors, power battery packs, transmissions, running gear, braking systems, onboard electronics, and ADAS systems (autonomous driving, lane keeping assist, etc.);
- technological processes of maintenance and repair: computer and bench diagnostics, technical condition inspection, routine maintenance, restoration of parts and assemblies;
- automotive transport infrastructure: motor transport enterprises (MTE), service stations, auto service complexes, dealership centers, fueling and charging stations;
- technical inspection and expertise: mandatory technical inspection, expert assessment of technical condition after traffic accidents, certification, and conformity assessment to technical regulations.
Educational goals by higher education levels:
First (Bachelor's) level — training mechanical engineers and automotive specialists capable of solving complex specialized and practical tasks in the technical operation, maintenance, diagnostics, and repair of motor vehicles and infrastructure facilities.
Main focuses of Bachelor's degree training:
- mastering modern vehicle designs, operating principles of electronic engine management and safety systems;
- mastering computer diagnostics technologies (OBD-II, scanners, engine tuners/analyzers) and instrumental testing;
- organizing technological processes at service stations and MTEs, calculating production areas, selecting equipment;
- studying technical operation standards, occupational safety rules, environmental standards (Euro-5/Euro-6), and vehicle certification.
Second (Master's) level — training leaders, senior engineers, experts, and scientists capable of solving complex engineering problems and challenges in automotive transport operations, involving research, innovation implementation, and management under conditions of uncertain requirements.
Main focuses of Master's degree training:
- research into vehicle reliability, durability, and fuel environmental efficiency;
- optimization and digitalization of auto service processes (CRM, ERP systems for service stations / MTEs);
- implementing innovative technologies: maintenance of electric vehicles, adaptation of autonomous driving systems;
- automotive technical expertise (including forensic auto-technical examination), investigation of accident and failure causes, transport safety management.
Key graduate competencies:
- Diagnostics and Service — troubleshooting complex electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic systems of vehicles;
- Service Station / MTE Management — organizing auto service operations, planning repair bay workload, managing staff and spare parts inventory;
- Technical Expertise — evaluating vehicle technical condition, determining material damage following traffic accidents, conducting mandatory technical inspections;
- Electric Vehicles and Hybrids — servicing high-voltage systems, battery packs (BMS), and electric drives;
- Standardization and Certification — verifying transport compliance with environmental standards and traffic safety regulations.
Graduates of Specialty J8 Automotive Transport hold key technical and managerial positions in the auto business and transport operation sectors:
- auto service enterprises and service stations: Service Manager, Diagnostic Engineer, Service Advisor, Repair Zone Supervisor, Service Station Director;
- official dealership centers (Toyota, BMW, Volkswagen, etc.): Warranty Engineer, Network Technical Expert, Service Department Manager;
- motor transport and logistics companies (MTE): Chief Mechanic, Fleet Manager, Traffic Safety Engineer, Dispatch Safety Officer;
- insurance and appraisal companies: Claims Adjuster, Forensic Auto Technical Expert, Vehicle Loss Assessor;
- government bodies and technical inspection centers: Inspector of state transport control bodies, Specialist at certification and technical inspection centers;
- distributors of auto components and equipment: Technical Sales Consultant for auto parts, garage and diagnostic equipment;
- science and education (for Master's degree holders): researcher at specialized research institutes, lecturer at professional pre-higher and higher education institutions.
Training is provided by the Department of Automobiles and Transport Infrastructure (107).
Education is provided under the following educational programs:
| Educational Program | Degree | Mode of Study | Duration of Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automobiles and Automotive Fleet | Bachelor based on complete general secondary education | Full-time and part-time | 3 years and 10 months |
| Automobiles and Automotive Fleet | Master, professional educational program | Full-time and part-time | 1 year and 4 months |