UD Trucks Gemba Challenge won by BB Truck & Tractor Polokwane

South Africa’s BB Truck and Tractor Polokwane team took top honours after beating 185 contestants from across the world to become the first ever international UD Trucks Gemba Challenge champions in Japan. Second and third positions went to teams from Japan.

Japan extended its local competition to global competitors for the first time last year. The Gemba Challenge is specifically aimed at aftermarket employees of UD Trucks and teams consist of two technicians, one parts expert and one service expert. Gemba is a Japanese term meaning to focus on where the real work is taking place. It is all about satisfying customers’ needs through speedy response and feedback, yet still maintaining high standards.

Another team from South Africa, McCarthy Commercial Vehicles Alrode, also took part in the finals in Tokyo, and were true ambassadors of their dealership and UD Trucks Southern Africa, finishing in eigth position.

The final round of the Gemba Challenge tested various skills and disciplines of the nine finalist teams.

The final round of the Gemba Challenge tested various skills and disciplines through practical and theoretical evaluations of the nine finalist teams.

“The aim of the competition is to showcase the high skills levels available in the UD Trucks markets, and in the process established a measurable standard of service and skill across the world,” said Gert Ebersohn, general manager for aftermarket at UD Trucks Southern Africa. “The Gemba Challenge also aims to ultimately deliver direct benefits to dealers in the form of improved knowledge and skills of their employees, which will subsequently lead to an enhanced service experience for our customers.