Final answer:
A mechanic traditionally handles a range of general vehicle repairs, while an automotive technician is often more specialized, focusing on electronic systems in computerized vehicles and requiring specialized training.
Step-by-step explanation:
The implied difference between someone who is called a mechanic and one who is called an automotive technician often relates to the complexity of tasks they perform and the level of education or training they have received. Traditionally, a mechanic might be thought of as someone who performs a range of repairs on vehicles, typically using their hands and mechanical know-how. This can include anything from changing oil to fixing brakes. An automotive technician, however, is often associated with having more specialized training, especially with modern vehicles, which means they are skilled in diagnosing and repairing the electronic systems found in today's computerized vehicles.
As automotive technology has evolved, the role of an automotive technician has become more specialized, requiring knowledge of electronic systems, diagnostic software, and sometimes even programming skills. It is this electronic and computerized expertise that mainly distinguishes an automotive technician from a traditional mechanic.