The American Team Wins Big at the 2017 International Automotive Technicians Challenge!

South San Francisco, CA, October 03, 2017 --(PR.com)-- In a truly stunning outcome, Team U.S.A. took first, second, and third place at the 2017 International Technicians Challenge in Poland. The American team was sponsored by SSF Imported Auto Parts, which tested automotive technicians from across the nation to assemble three finalists who made the U.S. team.

Bernard Tripp, from Troutman, North Carolina, took home the grand prize of 5,000 Euros and the right to call himself “Best Tech,” winning top honors at the International Challenge. Enrico Manuele, President Bosch Automotive Aftermarket NA, and Honorary Captain of Team U.S.A, congratulated Bernard, and the entire American team for its first, second, and third place finishes among five participating countries. “Our team of James Koppenhaver of Portola Valley, CA, Bryan Warman of Jeffersonville, IN, and of course, Bernard, made us in the U.S. Aftermarket proud with an extraordinary finish, besting Europe's top techs,” said Manuele.

Automotive Technician Teams from America, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, competed at the AP Expert International Technicians Challenge held on September 15th and 16th. Competitors were chosen after testing their skills in a series of timed, on-line exams. In all, over 2,000 technicians across two continents tested to qualify to be one of 15 finalists who competed for the championship. The International Challenge judged finalists on a variety of written tests and practical hands-on expertise.

The challenge, held on September 16th, was the highlight of the AP Expert automotive sports festival, an annual event hosted by Auto Partners. Auto Partners is a leading Polish based WD and member of the Global One Alliance together with SSF and WM Group . The tournament showcases the skill sets required to be a top technician in today’s highly advanced automotive repair industry. This year, AP Expert surpassed all attendance records as visitors enjoyed all of the festivities at Autodrom Słomczyn track near Warsaw. This was also the first year for the international competition category, however, Dean Thebeau, SSF’s VP of Sales and Marketing is already looking forward to next year. “We are absolutely thrilled that our team came out on top of this challenge,” said Thebeau, “we can’t wait to compete again next year!”

For more information about the International Technicians Challenge or the American team, please contact Dean Thebeau at 650-742-7055 or email dthebeau@ssfautoparts.com.

About SSF Imported Auto Parts:
Started in 1976, SSF is the nation’s leading distributor of high quality OEM parts dedicated solely to European vehicles. Today SSF is part of the German-based WM Group and has seven locations serving all 50 states. With perhaps the largest inventory of European parts in America, combined with over 40 years of industry expertise, SSF is dedicated to building on its strong partnerships with thousands of automotive installers and collision repair professionals. SSF also supports its customers by championing industry standards and offers a variety of success focused programs, including the most advanced automotive technical training classes in the nation as well as comprehensive consultation and shop design services. Visit SSFautoparts.com for more information.