Hyundai Hosts The Orange County Automobile Dealers Association (OCADA) 26Th Annual Automotive Technology Competition

March 28, 2019 by Hyundai

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 26, 2019 – On Saturday, March 23, high school automotive technology students from around Orange County visited Hyundai Motor America as part of the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association 26th Annual Automotive Technology Competition for a chance to earn their share of $30,000 in college scholarships.

The competition is designed to recognize and cultivate students' automotive expertise and attract other individuals with a passion for or interest in the automotive industry.

Fifty students from twelve Orange County high schools competed. They had opportunities to inspect, test and conduct repairs on various automotive systems. Their hands-on skills and knowledge of automotive theory were tested across the following categories: shop safety, brakes, engine mechanical performance, service information systems, STEM: electrical theory and circuits, wire harness repair and connector theory.

'The growth of automotive driving and alternative-fuel vehicles means automotive technology is becoming increasingly complex,' said Dave VandeLinde, director of dealer service process, Hyundai Motor America. 'Today's automotive engineers and service technicians need to be increasingly skilled at these new technologies and problem solving. Competitions like this not only give them exposure to situations they may encounter in the field, but also give them the tools and lessons they need to succeed.'

Adam Candela, a runner-up in the Hyundai Motor America National Service Advisor Skills Competition and a future World Skills contestant in Korea, shared his experience in the skills competition and the importance of providing outstanding customer service and satisfaction as part of the automotive service experience.

'Automotive retail sales and service is a $12 billion industry in Orange County,' said John Sackrison, executive director for OCADA. 'These bright students have a tremendous career opportunity, and we are excited to help share the wide range of options and growth for automotive technicians in the high-tech automotive profession.'

The event was held in the lobby and atrium of Hyundai Motor America National Headquarters. The all-new fuel cell, NEXO, Veloster N and Kona EV were on display, and Hyundai product engineers and technicians provided vehicle walk-arounds and overviews during the event.

Orange County Automobile Dealers Association

Established in 1932, the Orange County Automobile Dealers Association serves 121 franchised new vehicle dealers in Orange County. The association represents the interests of member dealers and provides them with information, services and other programs that enhance their collective businesses.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America is focused on delivering an outstanding customer experience grounded in design leadership, engineering excellence and exceptional value in every vehicle we sell. Hyundai's technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assurance—our promise to deliver peace of mind to our customers. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide and the majority sold in the U.S. are built at U.S. manufacturing facilities, including Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.

Photo credit: Hyundai
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