Audi of America Takes 1st Place on Worldwide Stage in the Audi Twin Cup Challenge
- Annual event tests the world's best Audi service and technical experts - Some 3,000 Audi teams participated this year with 61 teams in finals - Categories include skilled diagnosis of an Audi A8 and the mechanical repair of a transmission
NECKARSULM/INGOLSTADT, Germany, Sept. 24 -- Audi of America took 1st place in the international 2009 Audi Twin Cup Challenge, an annual event designed to rigorously test service and technical experts on their know-how of Audi vehicles and customer care.
The Audi of America team competed against 61 teams from 35 countries, at final rounds held in Neckarsulm, Germany. The Audi of America team of three service consultants and three technicians were tested on their combined skill set in vehicle diagnostics, best service practices and product knowledge. The testing and scoring evaluated teams as cohesive units emphasizing the working relationship between the service consultants and technicians to achieve Audi Top Service standards.
The individuals who made up the Audi of America team that achieved this pinnacle award were: John Czernenko, technician from Audi of Charlotte (N.C.); Edward Furness, technician from Maplewood Audi in Maplewood, Minn.; Jeff Massey, service consultant from Gossett Audi in Memphis, Tenn.; Jason Nye, service consultant from Carousel Audi in Minneapolis, Minn.; Jason Turner, service consultant from Owasco Audi in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, and Noah Zibung, technician from Sunnyside Audi in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.
Their teamwork allowed the Audi of America team to finish ahead of the second-place team from Germany and the third-place finishing team from the Czech Republic.
"Audi of America is pleased to participate in this program, providing the opportunity to recognize and reward the individuals within the dealership that have one of the greatest impacts on customer satisfaction," said Marc Trahan, Audi of America Director of After Sales and Technical Service.
To become one of the six Audi of America team members for the Audi Twin Cup global competition, technicians and service consultants from US and Canada had to complete all of the Audi Academy certification requirements in their job category. Then they participate in a three-round elimination testing process. The first and second rounds involved online testing, while the third round involved hands-on practical skills. This testing format required time and commitment on the part of the participants, bringing forward the best service consultants and technicians in America to be prepared to compete on the worldwide stage of the Twin Cup Challenge.
Altogether, more than 9,000 service technicians and advisors participated worldwide in the 2009 Audi Twin Cup.
"We strive to provide all of our customers worldwide with top service from Audi. Moreover, the service spectrum must be perfect: from a 100% focus on the customer through first-class service to fast and flawless repairs. At the Audi Twin Cup, our service and technical teams once again impressively proved that Audi embodies and resolutely exemplifies these virtues," said Bernd Hoffmann, Head of After Sales and Audi Original Parts at AUDI AG.
This was the 5th annual Audi Twin Cup. Including the national competitions, the Cup lasts around six months. All Audi dealerships in possession of a service contract with AUDI AG may participate. The respective victors of each participating country's championship qualify to compete in the international Audi Twin Cup Practical Final.
Photo availability
A downloadable photograph of the winning Audi of America Twin Cup Challenge team can be found at www.audiusanews.com.
ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi lineup is one of the freshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. In selling one million vehicles worldwide in 2008, AUDI AG recorded its 13th consecutive record year for sales growth. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.