With Mr McLaughlin recently winning Honda Australia’s 2015 Technician of the Year competition, and Mr Davis taking out the 2014 title, the pair took on representatives from 10 other countries – the Philippines, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam – in the biennial regional final.
The two Australian technicians performed with distinction but finished outside the placings after tackling a series of ‘modules’ which assessed speed and skill in general vehicle repair work and diagnostics.
All competitors won praise from Asian Honda Motor Co president and CEO Noriaki Abe, who said the contest was designed to test, improve and showcase the knowledge and expertise of Honda’s technicians – and “ultimately aims to increase customer satisfaction”.
“This contest is inseparable from Honda’s commitment to always provide the best service for its customers worldwide,” Mr Abe said.
In action: Nicholas McLaughlin (right) and Jarred Davis in action at the 2015 Honda Asia and Oceania Technician Contest, with Asia Honda Motor Co president Noriaki Abe, customer service chief Hiroyuki Suzuki, PT Honda Prospect Motor president Tomoki Uchida and marketing and sales chief Jonfis Fandy.
PT Honda Prospect Motor president Tomoki Uchida added: “Every activity in this contest was specifically designed to foster professionalism of each participant which will directly engage with Honda customers.
“Through the competition, we simultaneously ensure that our customers always get service and satisfaction provided by personnel of the best dealers in their respective fields.”
In the Australian competition, Mr McLaughlin shared the limelight with Ron Wilson from Hornsby Honda in NSW, who took out the 2015 Apprentice of the Year award.
Honda Australia director Stephen Collins described the national awards as “a fantastic opportunity for our technicians and apprentices to showcase their skills and knowledge of the Honda range”.
“The winners and finalists should all be very proud of their achievements,” he said.
All 10 Australian finalists were flown to Thailand and Indonesia as part of a study tour, which included a visit to Honda’s production facilities in Ayuthaya province in Thailand and also took in the regional technician contest in Jakarta.
By Terry Martin
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