Hyundai Motor hosts World Skill Olympics for top mechanics

[Courtesy of Hyundai Motor]

South Korea’s top automaker Hyundai Motor Co. hosted the 14th World Skill Olympics, a global competition for car mechanics, at Global Learning Center in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, this week.

The event, which began in 1995 and was held every two years, made a return after a four-year hiatus since its last edition in 2019.

A total of 75 top mechanics from 56 countries, recognized for their exceptional skills at Hyundai Motor service centers around the world, participated in this year’s event.

The participants included 19 from Europe, 14 from Africa and the Middle East, 14 from Central and South America, and 12 from ASEAN countries.

The competition divided participants into three categories – passenger cars (internal combustion engine and electric vehicles), and commercial vehicles. They were assessed through written examinations and practical tests to evaluate their diagnostic and repair capabilities.

In a new move, Hyundai Motor introduced virtual reality (VR) evaluations in the passenger car category.

This addition tested skills such as front radar replacement for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the internal combustion engine section and high-voltage battery detachment and coolant replacement abilities in the electric vehicle section.

The final winner of the event was Haydar Ali from Indonesia, who achieved the highest score among the participants.

“As the automotive industry increasingly emphasizes data-driven vehicle services and related technological capabilities, we will continue to make innovative efforts to contribute to the strengthening of mechanics’ skills,” said Hyundai Motor’s spokesperson.

As part of the event, Hyundai Motor offered participating mechanics an opportunity to visit Hyundai Motor’s Asan plant and the Hyundai Steel Co.’s Dangjin plant, allowing them to experience the automotive production process in person.