HENDERSON, Nev. -

Dealership service department diagnostic solution provider MPi is again orchestrating a skills competition to determine who is the best service technician.

With Lexus of Henderson serving as the host, MPi is expecting 7,000 technicians from 455 dealerships nationwide to compete in REV It UP — a series of four races designed to test technicians’ skills and speed using MPi’s software system for the vehicle inspection process.  

The third annual competition is set for March 10.

Organizers explained five technician finalists will be tested in a live scenario, using their skills to diagnosis a purposely debilitated vehicle using the EDGE WorldClass system.

MPi highlighted the REV It UP national champ will receive $5,000 cash, a $5,500 scan tool from OTC and two grand prize custom trophies — one for the winner and one to display at the dealership.

The company also pointed out the grand prize winner additionally receives a NASCAR race ticket weekend with the venue based upon winner’s home location from Phyzix Automotive. Phyzix will provide VIP passes for two, pit passes, airfare and accommodations.

“Changes in automotive technology over the past 10 years have profoundly changed the way auto dealers now have to work on cars,” MPi emphasized. “The average technician skills today go far beyond the conventional image of the mechanic. In fact, today there are more computers in a typical new car than there were in the first U.S. lunar landing module. Modern vehicles are very sophisticated, computer-driven machines requiring technicians who can work with cutting-edge high-tech tools. Today, the auto mechanic is truly a technician, and a diagnostic computer is equally important as a wrench. These skills can go unrecognized, which is part of the reason this contest was developed, to recognize the skills and hard work of these valuable technicians, as we all need our cars well cared for.

“As well, consistent policies and practices are vital for a proper inspection process to be in place, the company continued. “Consumers need to be driving vehicles that are operating at an optimum level. Auto dealers would not want a situation whereby a customer comes in for an oil change, leaves for vacation and their vehicle breaks down the next day, as something simple was missed due to an improper inspection.

“One of the positive outcomes of this effort is that it has demonstrated that consistency with vehicle inspections is greatly important to both the auto dealership and the consumer,” MPi went on to stress. “It reinforces the consumer confidence that their vehicle is receiving the most complete analysis for both safety and longevity. In addition, it helps the service department management team evaluate their inspection processes and ensure that every vehicle is being inspected every time with the highest quality.”

More details about MPi and its tools can be found at www.mpifix.com.