CAMDEN, N.J. -

David Jodat, a senior master technician at Subaru City of Milwaukee in Wisconsin, has been a technician for more than 18 years. But he offers more than just years of service. According to Subaru of America, he possesses superior technical knowledge and skill.

For Jodat’s efforts, Subaru of America honored him as the winner of its 2019 American National Technician Competition (ANTC).

The biennial event features Subaru technicians from across the country, and the event tests the technicians with written, diagnostic and hands-on challenges.

As a Zone Champion (Minneapolis) and first-place winner, Jodat received $2,000, a crystal trophy and an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan to represent the United States in competing in the Subaru World Technical Competition this November.

This year, 14 Zone Champions from across the country participated in the competition at the Subaru National Service Training Center. The center is located at Subaru’s new U.S. headquarters in Camden, N.J.

This year’s ANTC event included four events of one hour each. Participants were scored on accuracy, speed and service quality. The written test involved the use of a service manual to answer questions. On-car drivability diagnostics, on-car body electrical diagnostics and mechanical-precision measurements were the three hands-on events.

From the remaining Zone Champions, Thomas Vigeant of Saint Johnsbury Subaru in Saint Johnsbury, Vt. received a $1,500 total prize as the second-place winner. Placing third was Todd Rodman of Webster Groves Subaru in Webster Groves, Mo., who won a $1,000 total prize. The Zone Champions and runners up, in alphabetical order, are:

— Brian Barnard – Michael Hohl Subaru, Carson City, Nev.

— Pat Bonner – Lancaster County Motors Subaru, Lancaster, Pa.

— Sean Ernest – Annapolis Subaru, Annapolis, Md.

— Leo Gilmore – Ruge’s Subaru, Rhinebeck, N.Y.

— Daryl Henzlik – Subaru Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Calif.

— Brad Julitz – Prestige Subaru, Asheville, N.C.

— Micah McCurdy – Austin Subaru, Austin, Texas 

— Kjell McDaniel – McCurley Integrity Subaru, Pasco, Wash.

— Russell Stevens – Dreyer & Reinbold Subaru, Greenwood, Ind.

— Eric Taffs – Placer Subaru, Helena, Mt. 

— Tim Whalen – Cannon Subaru, Lakeland, Fla.

“This is the seventh year we’ve brought together the premiere technicians from Subaru retailers across the country to recognize the service excellence that exists in our retailer network,” Thomas Doll, Subaru of America president and chief executive officer, said in a news release. “While we are extremely proud of all our participants, we are excited to name David the worthy winner of a very competitive event, and we look forward to having him represent the U.S. at the international final in Japan.”