Cox Automotive Honors Top Technicians at Nashville 2026 Top Tech Finals
Cox Automotive recently completed its annual showcase of technical excellence, known as the 2026 Top Tech Finals, held in the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee. This event gathered some of the most skilled technicians from across its fleet and Manheim operations, highlighting their talent in a competitive environment that not only tested their knowledge but also celebrated their hard work and dedication.
The journey to the finals began with an impressive turnout of nearly 900 technicians who entered an initial qualifying exam. Over the course of several months, these competitors participated in five regional contests held throughout the United States in various categories, including Light/Medium-Duty, Heavy-Duty, and Trailer. Ultimately, the top performers from each region secured a coveted spot among the top 30 finalists who made their way to Nashville for the grand challenge.
The Finals
During the finals, the competitors faced an intense series of evaluations that involved 30 written and hands-on stations meticulously designed to test their technical expertise, in-depth knowledge, and critical problem-solving abilities. These stations covered an array of important disciplines crucial for today’s technicians, such as diagnostics, electrical systems, safety practices, service information, braking systems, customer service, and cutting-edge vehicle technologies.
Patrick Brennan, Cox Fleet's senior vice president, praised the unparalleled level of talent displayed at this year's finals. "The skill, professionalism, and commitment to excellence exhibited by every competitor were truly remarkable," he noted. He emphasized how their dedication plays an essential role in ensuring that customers' fleets remain operational and efficient.
Winners and Recognition
The 2026 Top Tech Finals concluded with exciting results. Here are the overall winners for each category:
Winner: AJ Snyder, Manheim
Runner-Up: Tyler Wright, Manheim
Winner: Jonathan Kelly, Cox Fleet
Runner-Up: Jeff Nichols, Cox Fleet
Winner: Dillon Grimes, Cox Fleet
Runner-Up: Bud Haney, Cox Fleet
In recognition of their outstanding performance, the winners will have the opportunity to represent Cox Automotive at the highly regarded nationwide American Trucking Association's TMC SuperTech competition in Pittsburgh this coming September.
Alan Lang, the senior vice president of Physical Services and Auctions at Cox Automotive, shared his thoughts on what the competition signifies. "The talent showcased at Top Tech reflects the expertise that powers Manheim's vehicle services every day. The critical role of our technicians underlines our business's dedication to quality and consistency. This year's competitors are a testament to why Manheim remains a trusted partner in the wholesale marketplace."
Individual Station Winners
Recognizing the diverse skills present among the competitors, station awards were given for various categories, such as:
- - Safety Environmental: AJ Snyder, Manheim
- - Light Service Information: Matt Screnci, Manheim
- - Heavy Duty Written: Jonathan Kelly, Cox Fleet
- - Fleet Customer Service: Cameron Dozanti, Cox Fleet
Numerous individuals exhibited exceptional skills in areas involving wiring diagrams, high voltage systems, and precise measurements. It was an event that not only recognized technical prowess but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among technicians from different backgrounds and locations.
About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive stands as the largest automotive service and technology provider globally, using vast amounts of first and third-party data to deliver tailored solutions to various stakeholders, including dealers, lenders, and fleets. With a presence spanning four continents and over 29,000 employees, Cox Automotive leverages its industry-leading brands to create innovations and efficiencies in the automotive marketplace.
In conclusion, the 2026 Top Tech Finals exemplified the spirit of excellence that drives Cox Automotive's mission while reinforcing the importance of skill and dedication in the automotive industry, fostering technological advancements and high standards in service. The legacy of this event continues to inspire the next generation of technicians.