Personnel Articles , ,

TOYOTA has announced the winners of its annual National Skills competition with six dealer employees recognised as “the best of the best” from the country’s technical, sales and customer service teams.

5000 entrants were whittled down to 30 finalists who were pitched against each other in a series of practical tests and role-play scenarios designed to simulate the challenges experienced in their respective roles.

Final fight: Finalists in Toyota’s National Skills contest were pitched against each other in a series of tough challenges at the Australian finale.

Final fight: Finalists in Toyota’s National Skills contest were pitched against each other in a series of tough challenges at the Australian finale.

The finals took place at Toyota Australia’s headquarters in Caringbah, New South Wales where the final six victors were decided and awarded as the company’s top performers.

With 500 more entrants than the 2015 contest, the National Skills event continues to be the country’s largest annual automotive skills development program and Toyota Australia president Dave Buttner congratulated all entrants.

“It’s about celebrating the skill and knowledge of the people who face our guests every single day,” he said.



“In our respective businesses, whether it be Toyota Australia or our dealerships around Australia, it’s all about people striving to offer an exemplary experience to our guests that can set us apart from each and every one of our competitors.

“Since 1984 we’ve conducted this event all around Australia and in 2016 we’ve had 5000 contestants. So to get to where we are now when we actually celebrate the final series, we get to experience the best of the best.”

Simon Genrich of Toowoomba Toyota, Queensland took out the best diagnostic technician award, Dalton Randall of CMI Toyota, South Australia was awarded best technician, while the top service advisor award went to Mark Oppedisano from Patterson Cheney Toyota in Dandenong, Victoria.

Sales Walkaround Champion Andrea Gehan

Sales Walkaround Champion Andrea Gehan

Hayley Brown of John Madill Toyota, Queensland was recognised as the country’s top guest experience manager, the parts sales award was given to Zachary Dean of Clintons Toyota, New South Wales and Andrea Gehan of CMI Toyota in Christies Beach, South Australia took out the title for best sales walk-around.

For her efforts, Ms Gehan won a $5000 Panasonic equipment voucher, while all other winners are jetting off to Japan for a study tour and a tenure with the International Assembly of Customer Service Champions.

National Skills is a global Toyota initiative that includes 90 countries around the world with all dealerships invited to submit their most talented staff. Winners are inducted into the company’s International Assembly of Customer Service Champions.

By Daniel Gardner

Service Advisor Champion Mark Oppedisano

Service Advisor Champion Mark Oppedisano

Manheim
Gumtree
Manheim
Manheim
PitcherPartners
AdTorque Edge
DealerCell
MotorOne
Gumtree
Schmick