Celebrating Excellence in Volkswagen After-Sales Staff at the SQJC 2026 Finals

On August 20, 2026, Volkswagen Japan held its prestigious Service Qualification Japan Championship 2026 (SQJC 2026) finals at the Toyohashi Training Center in Aichi Prefecture. This event aimed to recognize the skills of after-sales staff from authorized Volkswagen dealerships across Japan, focusing on enhancing customer satisfaction and staff motivation.

The SQJC 2026 featured a rigorous assessment process. Service technicians were evaluated on their high-level diagnostic and repair skills, along with their ability to compile precise reports on repair findings. Simultaneously, service advisors were tested on their capability to engage customers through dialogue reception (where the vehicle is checked together with the customer) and their problem-solving and proposal skills.

Leading up to the finals, the competition began with an online written preliminary round on June 4, 2026. Numerous staff members from across the country participated, with 100 service technicians and 100 service advisors progressing to a second preliminary round on July 9, which included both written and descriptive tests.

From this intense selection process, 24 finalists emerged, consisting of 12 from each category, to compete face-to-face in the finals. These finalists showcased their skills through several practical tests under a tense atmosphere, all vying for the title of the best in Japan.

To further engage the community, the finals were live-streamed on YouTube, allowing fellow staff and their families to support the participants and witness the high-stakes competition unfold.

The SQJC not only serves as a platform to highlight the expertise of after-sales staff but also aims to improve motivation and highlight the importance of customer proposals and practical repair processes. Initiated in 2023, this annual event strives to elevate the overall service quality and customer satisfaction within the Volkswagen brand.

Overview of the Championship

- Title: Service Qualification Japan Championship 2026 (SQJC 2026)
- Participants: Service technicians and advisors from Volkswagen dealerships across Japan
- Preliminary Round 1: Online written test on June 4, 2026
- Preliminary Round 2: Online written and descriptive tests on July 9, 2026
- Finals: Face-to-face practical competition on August 20, 2026
- Location: Volkswagen Group Japan Toyohashi Training Center, Aichi Prefecture
- Finalists: 12 participants from each category (24 total)
- Awards: The top three winners from each category (6 total) received rewards, including a trip to Germany scheduled for 2027.

Results by Category

1. Service Technician Category
- 1st Place: Kousuke Endou, Volkswagen Matsudo Route 6 (Import Cars Inc.)
- 2nd Place: Yuichi Takeda, Volkswagen Matsudo Route 6 (Import Cars Inc.)
- 3rd Place: Ayahiro Aoki, Volkswagen Narita (Import Cars Inc.)

2. Service Advisor Category
- 1st Place: Shoya Takagi, Volkswagen Adachi (Audi Volkswagen Retail Japan Inc.)
- 2nd Place: Souta Yuuki, Volkswagen Edogawa (Audi Volkswagen Retail Japan Inc.)
- 3rd Place: Tatsuya Shiratori, Volkswagen Gifu Rokujou (D. A. MITSUOKA Inc.)

The SQJC 2026 stood as a testament to the dedication and skill of Volkswagen's after-sales staff, ensuring the excellence of service continues to enhance customer experiences across Japan.