Why Are You Passionate About the Automotive Industry?

November 4, 2024
November 4, 2024 Terkel

Why Are You Passionate About the Automotive Industry?

Imagine a world where passion fuels innovation and drives progress—this is the automotive industry. In this insightful Q&A, a Managing Director and Co-Founder share their profound enthusiasm and experiences. The discussion kicks off with the opportunity to change the world and wraps up with bonding over family automotive projects. Discover all four unique perspectives that highlight the industry’s dynamic spirit.

  • Opportunity to Change the World
  • Sparked by Early Hands-On Tasks
  • Thrill of High-Performance Engines
  • Bonding Over Family Automotive Projects

Opportunity to Change the World

I really love the automotive industry because it is an amazing opportunity to change the world. To me, it’s not about cars or tech; it’s about being in an industry that is constantly advancing and breaking boundaries. There’s this amazing engineering, sustainability, and innovation happening right now, and if you are here, you get the opportunity to build something that actually affects how people live, travel, and communicate.

What makes me most excited is the opportunity to change the way we think about transportation and mobility in a way that’s more intelligent and better for the world. For instance, moving to electric/autonomous vehicles isn’t merely exciting tech—it’s an actual chance to revolutionize efficiency and sustainability on a colossal scale. Being in this business means that I have the opportunity to contribute to that future, and that’s the reason I love this industry.

James McNallyJames McNally
Managing Director, SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]


Sparked by Early Hands-On Tasks

My passion for the automotive world started with the little jobs my dad would give me around his car. Honestly, those tasks—tightening bolts, changing light bulbs, or even holding the fuel dispenser—may have seemed minor, but they sparked something. Each time I learned a bit more, it made me curious about how the whole machine worked together. It wasn’t just maintenance; it felt like I was discovering a new language piece by piece.

Then I stumbled onto YouTube channels, and Nightride became my main go-to. Watching these Polish JDM enthusiasts dive deep into every step of modifying cars, from sourcing parts to tuning for performance and style, only further fueled that spark. Showing off flashy results is not what they do (for the most part); they bring you along for the entire ride. Seeing the process laid out, how they problem solve and add their own spin to each car, taught me to appreciate the artistry and engineering behind every build.

All that combined is what drives my passion for the automotive industry today. It’s a world that’s always evolving, and to me, that’s where the thrill lies.

Filip ZielińskiFilip Zieliński
Co-Founder, artmarkt


Thrill of High-Performance Engines

I come from the automotive racing/performance industry. My passion comes from the excitement of seeing high-performance engines tested to their absolute limits. It’s incredible what engine builders and mechanics have been able to achieve in just the last 100 or so years since the first car manufacturers started prioritizing performance. We’ve seen this shift from traditional combustion cars to electric cars, but the culture of gas-powered engines is as strong as ever. And if you have any doubts about that, you need to come out to an NHRA drag race!

Melanie JohnsonMelanie Johnson
Marketing & Sales Manager, Quantum Fuel Systems


Bonding Over Family Automotive Projects

My passion for the automotive industry began in my childhood, working side by side with my dad on weekends. He owned a paint-and-body shop, and those weekends spent fixing up cars weren’t just about learning skills—they were about building a deep bond through something we both loved. The shop was our haven, a place where he passed down his knowledge, patiently teaching me each step and sharing his insights into the craft. Over the years, those hands-on experiences became the foundation of my enthusiasm for cars.

Today, my dad and I run the shop together, turning what started as weekend projects into a full-time family business. Every day, we’re reminded of how much we enjoy this work and how much it means to us both. It’s more than just a business; it’s a shared journey, blending our passion for cars with the values and skills he passed down to me. Working together to build and grow something we both love has brought our family closer, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Javier GutierrezJavier Gutierrez
Owner, Northside Collision Paint & Body Inc.


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