Subaru technician scores back-to-back victory for Australia

Eblen Subaru Glenelg technician James Daly has won the 2024 Subaru World Technician Competition. 

Daly’s achievement marks the second consecutive year that Australia has claimed the top spot in this esteemed global competition.

Last year, Richard Fergusson—also from Eblen Subaru—won the gold medal, making this an outstanding double win for the Eblen team.

Held in Tokyo, Japan, the competition gathered the top 13 Subaru technicians from 13 countries. Participants faced tight time constraints and immense pressure as they diagnosed complex electrical and mechanical issues, showcasing their technical expertise and problem-solving skills.  

Daly’s success highlights his skills and reflects Subaru Australia’s collective commitment to excellence in service and the talent within its service network across the country.

“The competition was so tough. It’s been a privilege and honour to compete here to represent Australia and my dealership back home. Winning is a dream come true,” Days says.

“I want to thank Subaru Corporation for hosting us in Japan this week, as it’s been an incredible experience. Thanks for all the support as well, especially to my wife EJ, Marc Grobler from Subaru Australia and the team back at my dealership, Eblen Subaru, for providing me with all the training, advice and guidance that I needed to be able to compete and become world champion for 2024.

This experience has proven invaluable for Daly’s career. It gave him the cultural opportunity of a lifetime and enriched his understanding of the brand’s rich heritage. 

The insights gained during this competition will undoubtedly enhance his contributions to the Subaru community in Australia and inspire other automotive technicians in the industry. 

 “We are incredibly proud of James and extend our warmest congratulations to him. His victory is a testament to his superb skillset and knowledge and a significant representation of the exceptional talent within our network,” Subaru Australia general manager Scott Lawrence says. 

“It also highlights our unwavering commitment to customer service excellence, reflecting our network’s exceptional knowledge and expertise that supports Subaru customers daily. We hope James’s story inspires other automotive professionals, emphasising the vital role skilled technicians play in shaping the industry’s future,” he says.