From local success to a global competition

Meet Emerson Baptista from Volvo Penta Brazil and hear how a local technician competition grew into the global Volvo Penta Masters. The Volvo Penta Masters competition is going global — but it was inspired by a strong local idea in Brazil. We spoke with Emerson Baptista, Service Market Manager for Volvo Penta in Brazil, about the story behind the Technical Cup and why it has meant so much to technicians and dealers.
Image of Emerson Baptista

Hi Emerson. In Brazil, you have been running something called the Technical Cup. Can you tell us what it is?

The Technical Cup is a competition where the best technicians from each dealer come together to show their knowledge and skills. During the week, they take part in different stations with both theory and practical tests at Volvo do Brasil’s facilities.

It has become the most important technical event of the year for our team and for the dealers.

 

Why did you decide to start the Technical Cup?

We saw that field technicians are one of the most important points of contact with our customers. They love what they do, and they are naturally very competitive when it comes to taking care of customers. We created the Technical Cup to recognize that professionalism and let technicians compete with each other in a positive way.

 

How many times have you held the Technical Cup?

We held six Technical Cups. Unfortunately, we had to pause the competition during the pandemic.

 

Was it difficult to get Volvo Penta dealers to enter the competition?

Not at all — quite the opposite. The dealers embraced the idea right away. Today, it is an event that technicians really look forward to.

 

What are the main benefits for a dealer taking part in a competition like this?

It gives the dealer pride and visibility in the market, especially when they share their participation and results on social media and with customers. It also helps dealers keep good technicians, because people feel recognized and motivated.

 

What positive effects have you seen in Brazil after running the Technical Cup?

When customers need support, they expect a technician who really knows Volvo Penta products and can solve problems in a professional way. Since the Technical Cup started, I have seen technicians pushing themselves to learn more and improve their technical skills.

 

Now the Brazilian Technical Cup is becoming the global Volvo Penta Masters competition. What do you think about that?

It is fantastic. Taking the competition global brings it to a new level, and I believe it will be an important moment in Volvo Penta’s history.

 

Based on your experience in Brazil, what would you say to dealers in other markets that have not been part of this before? Why should they enter?

When I welcome technicians to the Technical Cup, I can see how proud they are to be there, wearing the shirt and representing their dealer. That says a lot about their engagement and their wish to make their dealer the best. And if someone brings that much pride and energy to a competition, just imagine how they will be when supporting a Volvo Penta customer.

 

Thank you for sharing your experience, Emerson. Is there anything you would like to add?

One important part of the competition is having fun. There is nothing better than doing what you love and enjoying it at the same time. That is the Technical Cup.

See you there!