Automotive manufacturers expanding abroad need to be sure that their operations run smoothly at all levels. Employees, partners, suppliers, clients, and the end-user need error-free documents in the right languages, without delays. Automotive translation services support your business by translating these documents and enabling communication.
What are automotive translation services?
Automotive translation services cover everything from technical design specifications to manufacturing guides and user manuals. They also handle documents that need to comply with local industry regulations in the target countries.
Top translation agencies usually work with native-speaking translators who have an in-depth knowledge of the automotive industry. They are adept at dealing with complex or niche subjects and use technology consistently across documents.
It’s important to hire experienced, professional translators. That way, you can be confident that your documents are of the highest quality at every stage of the process.
5 surprising areas where car manufacturers need translation
Technical documents usually spring to mind when we talk about manufacturing translation, including:
- Safety manuals
- Legal documentation
- Technical design drawings
- Parts systems
- Electronic database files
- Service manuals
- Manufacturing guidelines
These are all crucial to successful international manufacturing. But there are many other important areas in car manufacturing translation that may come as a surprise.
Technology – HMI
The translation isn’t just for documentation. It’s easy to overlook text that designers need to integrate into the vehicle itself.
One of the main areas to consider is the human-machine interface (HMI) that connects the person and computer. Interactions need to be just as intuitive and simple in the new language. Otherwise, the overall user experience will fall.
Messages and labels need to be clear to avoid confusion. Functionality can also be affected if the new text is too long for the screen or international characters don’t display properly.
Many translation agencies are equipped to work on technical projects. They usually have a team of technical engineers, translators, and project managers to handle language, functionality, and quality control.
Renewable energy documentation
It’s thought that electric vehicles will account for 18% of global car sales by 2030 (Statista). As many countries turn towards environmentally friendly technology, communicating clear information about energy efficiency is key.
It might be that you need to prove your vehicle meets certain local renewable energy requirements. You may need to translate documents from reputable suppliers or convey your USP to customers. You might want to conduct market research in specific countries and translate results for investors and partners.
Automotive translation services can support your project. Whatever you need, it’s important to work with translators who understand the industry in your target country and the terminology used.
Marketing materials
Having a perfectly manufactured vehicle isn’t enough for global success if people don’t hear about it. Your marketing efforts need to be replicated for all target countries. This is where manufacturing translation services and marketing translation services crossover.
Brochures, billboard campaigns, social media posts, websites…Almost all marketing materials can be localized so that they resonate with potential customers. This means looking beyond purely linguistic factors and considering how culture and customs affect marketing campaigns. We offer extensive marketing localization services that cover these areas.
Automotive employee training
Employees working in different countries might need to be brought up to speed on manufacturing regulations, health and safety, and company guidelines. Creating internal e-learning videos or platforms can streamline this process and ensure that all employees receive relevant information.
It’s important to make these resources available to employees in their own languages, to minimize the risk of misunderstandings. This might mean using automotive translation services to add subtitles, adapt voice-overs, or edit learning modules.
Find out more about e-learning translation services.
Interpreting
Interpreting and translation are separate services. While translation deals with written documents, interpreting is the term used for spoken conversations.
When working internationally, you can’t guarantee everyone speaks the same language fluently. To avoid communication barriers, interpreters can attend meetings in person or remotely (via video or telephone) to facilitate all-important conversations.
It’s a good idea to hire native-speaking, qualified interpreters who understand the automotive industry.
Future Trans – Expert automotive translation services
At Future Trans, we have over 25 years of experience in the translation industry. As an ISO17100 certified company, you can be confident in our high-quality standards.
We’re here to help you access new markets and boost your business. Please get in touch to talk to us about your next project.
