Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve jumped into a service bay last month at TransEdge Truck Centers in Allentown, Pa., to recognize the dealership's strong performance in Volvo's global VISTA service competition.
Volvo's VISTA competition started in 1957 and is now the largest and oldest aftermarket competition in the world. Voorhoeve says this year's contest featured more than 16,000 participants across 92 countries, including 1,300 participants and 350 teams in the United States. With an annual goal to foster and reward learning, improvement, skills and teamwork abilities, the competition features three virtual rounds of various challenging scenarios, with a "pit stop" challenge focused on the teamwork aspect of the competition. Teams also compete in problem-solving with a time component for added pressure.
TransEdge's team managed that pressure incredibly well this year, and has the two highest North American finishes in the history of the competition, placing tenth and 15th in the past two competitions.
[RELATED: Volvo Group selects Monterrey for new Mexico truck plant]
Voorhoeve says TransEdge's impressive success was a major reason he wanted to visit the dealership and meet the team.
"I think we must give credit to the dedication of their team members, and leaders that emphasize excellence," he says. "Adding to this impressive accomplishment is that in North America, we have a more unique product from the rest of the world with the conventional truck range, different from the cabovers range from most of the other teams who are competing."
And while competition amongst dealers throughout the program is fierce, it's also a wonderful learning experience for all who participate.
"There are certainly some bragging rights because all our dealers perform at such a high level," Voorhoeve says. "This kind of free training and team building is hard to replicate any other way. The teams will tell you, they become more knowledgeable and more in tune with teammates for having participated, and we typically see that carry over in the highest performing dealerships on a day to day basis."
Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve, right, poses with the TransEdge Truck Centers' VISTA team.Volvo Trucks North America
He adds Volvo also works tirelessly to support that competition and in-house learning with corporate guidance at The Volvo Trucks Academy in Greensboro, N.C.
"The Academy provides several hundred online courses that lead to numerous in person instructor led courses at eight training academies around the U.S. and Canada. This training is essential to Volvo Trucks vision to maintain the highest level of customer satisfaction and protecting the investment of our customers, protecting their peace of mind and being true partners to their business success," Voorhoeve says.
During his time at TransEdge, Voorhoeve had the chance not just to speak with the dealer's incredible team but also see them in action and join them in their repair bays. It was time he enjoyed and valued.
"It’s always a pleasure to get out in the field with the dedicated men and women who ensure maximum uptime and top-notch service for our customers," he says. "Visiting TransEdge and working alongside the Edgers gave me firsthand insight into the incredible skill and expertise these professionals bring every day. Witnessing the careful, meticulous work carried out across our dealer network to protect our customers’ investments fills me with immense pride in our total offering at Volvo Trucks North America. These individuals are at the heart of keeping America moving, and experiencing their commitment up close is truly inspiring."
[RELATED: Volvo starts production on all-new VNL at New River Valley]
Voorhoeve also notes that programs like VISTA and the company's training academy can serve as recruitment and retention tools for the next generation of heavy-duty truck technicians.
"Technician education is so important because there are new capabilities all the time," he says. "Connectivity is a great example. Volvo makes the most connected truck ever, allowing the dealer to start diagnosis and have parts on hand before the truck arrives at the service bay. Training allows Volvo dealers to master these technical advances so they can increase uptime for customers. We also have 64 dealers in North America certified on the VNR Electric, because our dealers know training prepares them for the future. When techs really know their stuff, they are confident and well respected, and they make the Volvo customer experience great."
Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve working on a truck at TransEdge Truck Center.Volvo Trucks North America
