Service Adviser, Michael Scheiffers, (27) of Glenalta, from Solitaire Automotive in Adelaide, has been recognised for the second year in a row for his outstanding contribution to the Audi brand, winning the 2004 ‘Service Adviser of the Year’ award.
The national Audi ‘Service Adviser of the Year’ award recognises excellence in product knowledge, core technical business processes, workshop management and customer service management and is an event which is hotly contested amongst the entire Audi Dealer Network.
The second win for the Adelaide dealership’s service department was achieved by Gavin Messenger, awarded 2004 ‘Technician of the Year’. Gavin (28) of Netley won this award for his outstanding knowledge of the Audi brand and his ability to translate this knowledge into practice to ensure customer vehicles are always maintained at their optimum level. Messenger also won the award for Technician of the Year in 2002 and placed third in 2003.
Last, but by no means least, the third award for Solitaire Automotive is the 2004 'Parts Interpreter of the Year', won by Audi parts specialist, Grant Weber. Again, this year’s award is the second consecutive win for Weber, 25, of Littlehampton.
Weber will now represent Australia against New Zealand in the Trans Tasman Challenge to determine the No. 1 Parts Interpreter from the region. Weber won the Trans Tasman Challenge in 2003 and will now defend the title.
A thorough and skilled approach to their respective roles in the After-Sales Department (Service and Parts) and professionalism towards Audi customers has earned Scheiffers, Messenger and Weber Audi Australia’s top prize in the second year of competition.
Audi Australia’s Managing Director, Mr Joerg Hofmann says the After-Sales Awards are designed to promote healthy competition amongst skilled individuals within the national Audi Dealer Network.“ The Audi brand is fortunate to have many dedicated and professional individuals within the network, all of whom pride themselves in achieving best practice and excellent customer service,” Mr Hofmann said.
“Once a customer purchases their Audi vehicle, our highly motivated and professional Service and Parts teams step in to ensure the customer always receives the best-possible service from the dealership. The After-Sales team is the backbone of the National Dealer Network, working largely behind the scenes to ensure customers have an optimum Audi experience,” Mr Hofmann said.
Solitaire’s Dealer Principal, David Smoker, says the Service Adviser, Parts Interpreter and Technician of the Year program is very effective in highlighting and recognising the most skilled individuals within the network.
“The Awards program is also very effective in motivating the entire dealership team, who rally around their colleagues and encourage them to perform at their peak, ensuring the highest standards are maintained in the desire to repeat the win each year,” Mr Smoker said.
“Audi owners in Adelaide again have clear proof that their vehicle will be in safe and skilled hands when they visit Solitaire Automotive for parts and service needs.
“Whilst we as a company know that we have a strong and expert After-Sales team, it is nonetheless gratifying to have this knowledge rewarded as part of a national awards program that promotes stiff and healthy competition amongst professionals,” Mr Smoker added.
The Parts Interpreter, Service Adviser and Technician of the Year awards process incorporates a mix of written, Q&A and practical exams. To ensure that all competitors have a well-rounded approach to their career and don’t just concentrate on technical topics, aspects such as general product knowledge and occupational health and safety are incorporated, as well as use of service materials, vehicle maintenance, repairs and diagnosis, quality testing, workshop equipment and customer handling and workshop management.
In recognition of their achievement and to promote their ongoing career development with the company, Michael Scheiffers, Gavin Messenger and Grant Weber will travel to Audi headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany, for a week of intensive training and development. |
