Hyundai Techs In Olympic Contest

Hyundai techs in Olympic contest

Twenty-four Hyundai technicians around the country are studiously brushing up their technical skills ready for next month's national skills competition.

The winner of that competition will represent New Zealand at the Hyundai World Skill Olympics in South Korea.

New Zealand is a former podium-place getter in the bi-annual contest, which brings together the best worldwide.

"That's quite an accomplishment for a small nation like New Zealand ... we'll be hoping we can do as well, or maybe even better this year," said Mark Harrison, National Service Manager from Hyundai Motors New Zealand.

The rigorous contest is staged by the fast-rising South Korean manufacturer among national distributors of Hyundai vehicles. This October sees the seventh event.

In the New Zealand selection process, which is now underway, technicians face practical and written assignments. The top four placings go to Hyundai head office in Auckland on 11 August for the national final, a grueling day of vehicle diagnostics and repair.

The four finalists that will be travelling to Hyundai's head office include John Hunter and Isaac Powell from Gary Cockram Christchurch, and Hayden Firth and Steven Niethe from Bayswater Vehicles Napier.

It's a worthwhile berth for any aspiring technician: valuable prizes are awarded in the national final, which involves a written theory paper plus four tough technical tasks.

But the big prize is the trip to October's contest at Chonan, 100km south of Seoul. Conducted in English, the Olympics offers valuable prizes plus international kudos.

Peter Dick of Dunedin represented New Zealand in 2005.

"As well as being a glamour event, it's also an important part of our training calendar here in New Zealand," says Mr. Harrison.

"Each Olympics incorporates some aspects from the ongoing technical challenges of hi-tech Hyundai vehicles.

"Internationally that reflects the drive to lead the world in skill levels as Hyundai emerges as a global leader in the industry."

* Hyundai is on a meteoric rise in New Zealand with almost 400 percent growth in four years and numerous new locations among its 23 dealerships. The brand has been imported into New Zealand by the Giltrap Group for the past 25 years.

* Worldwide Hyundai was the sixth largest automaker in 2006, selling in 193 countries and employing 50,000 people. Forty years old, Hyundai has targeted customer satisfaction as its 2007 keynote, part of the brand's overall aim to become global quality leader.

* Hyundai is a committed sponsor of sports and cultural organisations in New Zealand and worldwide. See www.hyundai.co.nz

ENDS

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