Intro to Automotive Industry: Project Plan

Project Overview

This automotive industry project combines hands-on mechanical skills with business entrepreneurship, teaching students the fundamentals of automotive service, maintenance, and business operations. Students research, purchase, and work on a vehicle throughout the semester, applying skills across six key areas and culminating in a complete business plan for "Full Throttle Automotive."

Project Goals

Research and purchase a suitable vehicle for Jackson (lab work and transportation)
Master fundamental automotive service and maintenance skills
Understand business fundamentals and entrepreneurship
Develop a complete business plan and financial pro forma
Build technical competency in six key automotive areas
Create professional documentation for college admissions portfolio

Timeline

Task	Start Date	End Date	Section	Status
Orientation & Vehicle Research	Jan 5	Jan 19	Intro	Pending
Business & Entrepreneurship	Jan 6	Feb 9	Section 1	Pending
Workshop Setup	Feb 10	Feb 23	Section 2	Pending
Basic Engine Servicing	Feb 24	Apr 6	Section 3	Pending
Basic Drivetrain Servicing	Apr 7	Apr 27	Section 4	Pending
Performance Tuning	Apr 28	May 18	Section 5	Pending
Electronics	May 19	May 25	Section 6	Pending
Business Plan & Pro Forma Finalization	May 26	May 31	Final	Pending

Major Phases

Phase 1: Orientation & Business Fundamentals (Weeks 1-5: Jan 6 - Feb 9)

Orientation and course overview
Vehicle research and purchase process
Business fundamentals and entrepreneurship
Market research for automotive services
Business plan structure and components

Phase 2: Workshop Setup (Weeks 6-7: Feb 10 - Feb 23)

Tool selection and procurement
Workshop organization and layout
Safety protocols and procedures
Equipment setup and maintenance
Workspace optimization

Phase 3: Basic Engine Servicing (Weeks 8-12: Feb 24 - Apr 6)

Oil changes and fluid services
Filter replacement procedures
Cooling system maintenance
Basic engine diagnostics
Service documentation

Phase 4: Basic Drivetrain Servicing (Weeks 13-15: Apr 7 - Apr 27)

Transmission service procedures
Differential maintenance
Drive shaft and CV joint service
Drivetrain diagnostics
Preventive maintenance

Phase 5: Performance Tuning (Weeks 16-18: Apr 28 - May 18)

Performance theory and principles
Intake and exhaust systems
Engine optimization techniques
Tuning basics and adjustments
Performance documentation

Phase 6: Electronics (Weeks 19-20: May 19 - May 25)

Electrical system fundamentals
Modern vehicle electronics
Diagnostic equipment usage
Troubleshooting procedures
Electronic system documentation

Phase 7: Business Plan & Finalization (Week 21: May 26 - May 31)

Complete business plan documentation
Financial pro forma finalization
Portfolio compilation
Final presentation preparation
Project reflection and assessment

Key Deliverables

Vehicle Research & Purchase Documentation
Vehicle selection criteria
Purchase decision process
Initial inspection and assessment
Business Plan for Full Throttle Automotive
Executive summary
Market analysis
Operations plan
Marketing strategy
Management structure
Financial Pro Forma
Startup costs
Revenue projections
Operating expenses
Break-even analysis
Financial projections (3-year)
Technical Portfolio
Service documentation
Before/after photos
Skill demonstration evidence
Improvement documentation
Final Presentation
Business concept presentation
Technical achievements showcase
Financial analysis summary
Q&A preparation

Success Criteria

Successfully research and purchase appropriate vehicle
Complete all service procedures in each section
Demonstrate competency in all six key areas
Produce professional business plan
Complete comprehensive financial pro forma
Document all work with photos and notes
Present final business concept and technical achievements