In a showcase of technical prowess and automotive expertise, the top five Subaru Automotive Technicians in Australia have once again vied for glory in the 2024 Subaru Australia Technician Competition for a spot in the Subaru World Technician Competition held in Tokyo, Japan, this November.
Last year, the Australian Technician Champion, Richard Fergusson of Eblen Subaru Glenelg, achieved the ultimate success, winning the highly competitive 2023 Subaru World Technician Competition, asserting Australia’s dominance in the global arena.
To continue this legacy and select the finest Subaru Technician to represent Australia on the world stage, Subaru Australia hosted the 2024 Australian Technical Competition Finals at Bosch Oceania HQ in Melbourne. Australia’s five finalists were:
- James Daly – Eblen Subaru Glenelg, SA
- Graham Dell - Subaru Aspley, QLD
- Jake Brandley - Llewellyn Subaru, QLD
- Ben Figdor – Subaru Glen Waverly, VIC
- Noriel Llanetta - Bathurst Subaru, NSW
Each contestant faced rigorous challenges, diagnosing and repairing both electrical and mechanical issues pre-programmed into their assigned vehicles.
Under the watchful eyes of Subaru Australia’s expert Technical and Training team, the technicians had a total of two hours to complete four tasks and showcase their skills.
After an intense competition, James Daly of Eblen Subaru emerged triumphant and will proudly represent Australia at the upcoming World Technician Competition in Japan this November. James said, “It’s a huge honour to win first place.
After falling short in last year’s competition, I have put in many hours studying and training which has paid off. It was a difficult series of challenges that tested our skills and brand knowledge, and everyone performed well.
The competition doesn’t end here though, the next challenge in Japan will be the hardest yet and I will work hard to give myself and Australia the best chance of success”.
James has been presented with the Gary Mathews Memorial Award, a tribute to the legacy of Gary Mathews, a revered long-term Subaru Master Technician at Eblen Subaru, whose expertise and dedication left an indelible mark.
Subaru Australia’s General Manager Ownership Experience, Mark Robinson, commented: “Congratulations to all five finalists who did a stellar job to make it to the 2024 Subaru Australia Technician Competition.
“This competition not only showcases the exceptional skill within the Subaru Retailer Network but also highlights the dedication and expertise of our technicians nationwide.
"A huge congratulations to James who demonstrated excellent skill and composure under immense pressure. We stand behind James wholeheartedly and wish him the very best of luck in Japan in November!