Diamond skills sparkle
Winners in the finals of a skills contest run by Mitsubishi Motors NZ (MMNZ) will now represent the company on a global level.
The event was part of a Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) initiative to promote after-sales excellence and give the Kiwi champions the chance to compete for a world title in Japan.
The competition is open to MMNZ’s 59 dealerships, with the finals held at the company’s HQ in Porirua, Wellington, on October 3.
The winners emerged from a pack of nine finalists, pictured above, who earned their spot through a series of online quizzes and regional training days.
Winners Gerrit van Schalkwyk and Emma Funnel from McVerry Crawford Mitsubishi Palmerston North, which fielded four finalists across all categories, now have the chance to add global crowns to their national titles with entry to the MMC Global Skills Contest in Tokyo on February 2.
Logan Pratt, of Simon Lucas Mitsubishi Auckland, will join them on the trip, although there’s currently no global competition for parts advisers.
“We are proud of our three winners and of the overall standard of after-sales care across our network,” says Warren Brown, MMNZ’s chief executive.
“We’ve always put a strong focus on that side of our customer relationships. It’s an integral part of our offering. Our strength in this area was recognised by Kantar last year, naming us best automotive brand for customer experience and third best brand overall.
“I have no doubt Emma, Gerrit and Logan will represent MMNZ on the world stage with the same expertise and professionalism they demonstrated in our national competition.
“Having such knowledge and dedication on the ground is a win for Mitsubishi owners. We also see it as a win for our wider MMNZ family. But, just as importantly, this is a win for each individual. They fully deserve the chance to showcase their considerable talents in Japan and to enjoy the experience.”
The other finalists were technical – Wataru Suematsu, of McVerry Crawford Mitsubishi in Palmerston North, and Matthew Pester, of Southern Lakes Mitsubishi Queenstown.
Service – Tiri Tipuna, of Delaney Mitsubishi, of Paraparaumu, and Shanla Campbell, of Bay City Mitsubishi, Tauranga. Parts – Karl Dear, of McVerry Crawford Mitsubishi, and William Pringle, of Wairarapa Mitsubishi, Masterton.
