Training in the motor vehicle repair and sales sector in the Netherlands was examined in a study that included the following approaches: review of the sector's structure/characteristics, institutional and social context, employment practices, changing conditions, and available education and training; in-depth case studies of four auto repair shops and dealerships (two small, one medium-sized, and one large firm); and identification of economic, employment, and training trends. It was discovered that, in response to stagnation of the Dutch motor vehicle sales and repair industry in the 1990s, both the Dutch government and the industry have increased their commitment to vocational training and inservice courses and have created a training infrastructure that compares favorably with those of other sectors in the Dutch economy. All four businesses studied in depth were managed by individuals who were very involved in training, had access to good facilities and opportunities for on-the-job teaching/training, and could avail themselves of good external provisions for inservice training. Quality of service was an important element of training philosophy. Training needs were not always analyzed in a very structured way, and none of the businesses studied evaluated systematically the costs/benefits of training. Contains 20 references and 19 tables/figures. (MN)