This August, Cox Automotive held its much-anticipated Top Tech competition, an event highly regarded in the automotive industry that gathered the most talented technicians from its various branches. Over 800 technicians initially participated, and only the top 150 advanced to regional competitions. Ultimately, only thirty finalists earned a place in the Top Tech Finals held this month.
The finalists were tested in three distinct categories: Heavy-Duty Truck, Light/Medium-Duty Truck, and Trailer. The competition was intense, featuring both written materials and hands-on tests that assessed the contestants' technical proficiency and their ability to resolve complex challenges within time constraints.
The Grand Champions of each category included
- - Jason Miller from Fleet Services Ohio in the Heavy-Duty Truck category,
- - Todd Mareno from Manheim Milwaukee in the Light/Medium-Duty Truck category, and
- - Jameson "Bud" Haney from Fleet Services Minnesota in the Trailer category.
Alongside them, the runner-ups were also impressive, showcasing excellent skills. They were
- - José Feliciano (Heavy-Duty Truck),
- - David Logalbo (Light/Medium-Duty Truck), and
- - Dillon Grimes (Trailer).
The champions are set to participate at the nationwide TMC SuperTech competition in Raleigh, North Carolina, this September, where they will face competitors from across the industry.
Patrick Brennan, Senior Vice President of Fleet Services, expressed his pride in witnessing the aptitude of technicians from Manheim and Fleet Services. He noted that the spirit of collaboration and knowledge sharing among competitors was impressive.
“Excellence is achieved not only through personal accomplishment but also through the community we create. I am grateful for our winners, finalists, and all competitors this year,” he stated.
Alan Lang, Senior Vice President for Physical Services and Auctions at Manheim, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of these world-class technicians in ensuring the delivery of outstanding service to clients.
In addition to the overall championship accolades, several individual awards were given for specialized skills in categories like Safety and Environmental standards, Service Information handling, Wiring Diagrams competency, and more.
The contributions and expertise of Cox Automotive's technicians reveal a community committed to excellence and a forward-thinking approach to vehicle services that enhance customer satisfaction. As these professionals strive to set benchmarks in the industry, their dedication is crucial in shaping the future of automotive services and which ensures the ongoing success of Cox Automotive brands such as Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, and more.
The Top Tech competition serves not just as a testing ground for skills but as a celebration of the collaborative spirit that propels Cox Automotive to remain a trusted partner in the automotive ecosystem. With a state-of-the-art approach and unmatched industry insights, the company is poised for continued innovation and growth.
For further information on Cox Automotive and to catch up on their latest developments, visit their official website at coxautoinc.com.