She didn’t know much about cars at first, but as she started studying automotive maintenance, she gradually fell in love with the world of cars, particularly the allure of Mercedes-Benz. Shin Sol-ji, a 24-year-old mechanic at Hanseong Motors’ Yangjae Service Center, is a testament to this passion.
Since discovering her interest in automotive maintenance, Shin Sol-ji has immersed herself in learning about cars, choosing to specialize in Mercedes-Benz and, particularly, Hanseong Motors. We conducted a one-hour interview with her at the Yangjae Service Center of Mercedes-Benz Hanseong Motors on the 28th of last month.
Her connection to cars began in the second year of high school.
“In my second year of high school, there was an information session for vocational schools that included automotive maintenance. After that, I prepared for a national qualification certification as a mechanic from my third year. During that year of preparation, my grades were decent, so I managed to prepare for college entrance as well,” she recalled.
Shin is passionate about cars. She makes it a point to attend automotive-related events whenever her schedule allows, often hearing her friends say, “You should slow down.” She’s a dedicated motorsports enthusiast who visits events like the Seoul Mobility Show and Auto Salon to catch up on industry trends, and she even personally attends races such as the Hyundai N Festival and CJ Super Race. Naturally, she watched ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’ as well.
However, her journey in automotive maintenance was full of challenges. The unfamiliar terms, structures, and principles of parts presented obstacles. There were times she felt like giving up, but she pushed through. “I promised myself I would obtain the maintenance technician license,” she stated, adding, “After classes, I would rush to the teacher to ask questions and review on my own in the dorm.” Those challenging moments have shaped the Shin Sol-ji we know today.
Her connection with Mercedes-Benz dates back to her second year of college.
Through a mobile academy program, she gained detailed knowledge about Mercedes-Benz. After that, she combined work and study for a year and a half in the AMT (Automotive Mechatronic Traineeship) program offered by Mercedes-Benz. “I felt that my two years of education at school were too short, so I was glad to gain specific knowledge through AMT,” she emphasized. She also expressed her endless affection for Mercedes-Benz, stating, “Mercedes-Benz is not just a brand that sells cars well but has history and tradition, offering a diverse lineup from compact to large vehicles.” She added with a smile, “Plus, the three-pointed star of Benz is just so beautiful.”
The AMT program that she went through has now evolved into the AET (Automotive Electric Traineeship) program, a training program tailored for the new era of electric vehicle maintenance staff.
Shin Sol-ji’s decision to choose Hanseong Motors is rooted in her beliefs. “Hanseong Motors was the first in the import car industry to have all 22 service centers certified by KS. To have the longest history and the largest network is possible because of the high level of expertise within the workforce. Choosing Hanseong Motors among many Mercedes-Benz dealers was the best decision for someone who wanted to learn.”
She can’t forget the moment she yearned to be selected for the AMT program hosted by Mercedes-Benz Korea. “I really worked hard. Compared to my male peers, I felt I didn’t have any advantages. I needed to show my determination. I had to manage my grades carefully as well.”
On her days off, Shin trains her physical strength by cycling. The weight of the maintenance tools and parts can be challenging even for adult men, so she believes that being physically fit is critical for effectively managing these. Initially, she struggled to change tires on her own, but now she can effortlessly replace tires that are 20 inches or more in diameter by herself.
She also has quite a few stories about fixing difficult faults by herself. One notable experience was with the front passenger seat of a W222 model Mercedes S63 AMG, which wouldn’t move back and forth. While all switches attached to the door functioned, the seat cushion intermittently failed to budge. There were no fault codes displayed, and there were no issues with the power supply to the door or seat control units, making accurate diagnosis difficult.
Upon thorough inspection, she found that the insulation of the wire signaling the motor had been stripped. Remembering how long it took to locate it in the thick wiring bundle on the vehicle’s floor was quite bewildering. Once she identified the problem, the repair went smoothly. Replacing the faulty part exemplified the importance of paying attention to every little detail.
“I felt an immense sense of pride. This experience taught me the significance of meticulous focus. I approach each repair with that mindset.”
Now, we’re curious about her dreams.
“I want all my customers to be satisfied with my skills and Hanseong Motors’ service. The company’s image ultimately rests in my hands. Even now, if I encounter a situation that doesn’t resolve during work, I come home, study the wiring diagrams, and research various methods through videos on how to fix it. In the near future, I want to advance to the final round of the Hanseong skill contest. I also aspire to witness an F1 race in person someday.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr