Kia Holds 12th Skill World Cup To Identify Top Global Mobility Technicians
- HMG Newsroom
- 2026.05.22 (KST)
- 분량5min
- 조회수 621Views
- Global competition to enhance service excellence and technical expertise across Kia’s worldwide service network
- 42 technicians from 40 countries compete in theory and practical evaluations of vehicles and components
- EV-related assessment introduced to strengthen capabilities in electrification era
SEOUL, May 22, 2026 – Kia Corporation has successfully concluded the 12th Kia Skill World Cup, held from May 19 to 21 at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul and Kia Osan Training Center in Yongin, Korea.
The Kia Skill World Cup is a global technical competition designed to identify outstanding global service technicians and enhance overall service capabilities. First launched in 2002, the event has been held biennially as one of Kia’s flagship global training and skills initiatives.
This year, 42 technicians representing 40 countries, selected through regional preliminary rounds, competed in both written and practical assessments, evaluating their expertise in service theory as well as vehicle and component diagnostics.
How does the Kia Skill World Cup strengthen technical expertise?
The competition is designed to enhance real-world diagnostic and repair capabilities across Kia’s global service network. Participants were tested on:
• Service theory knowledge through written examinations
• Vehicle diagnostics and repair skills in practical evaluations
• Component-level analysis to assess precision and technical depth
Notably, the 12th edition introduced new evaluation criteria related to electric vehicles (EVs), reflecting the industry’s ongoing shift toward electrification. In addition, the range of vehicle models used in practical testing was expanded to better simulate diverse real-world service scenarios.
Who were the winners of the 12th Kia Skill World Cup?
Tom Sharples from the United Kingdom won the Gold Award with a total score of 708 points.
Other top performers included:
• Silver Awards: Guo Wenlei (China), Aaron Addison (United States)
• Bronze Awards: Jorian van Harten (Netherlands), Max Umbs (United States), Maciej Podlecki (Poland)
Winners received trophies and medals along with prize money:
• Gold: USD 5,000
• Silver: USD 3,000
• Bronze: USD 2,000
In addition, six participants received Excellence Awards, each with a plaque and USD 500.
How does this align with Kia’s future strategy?
Through the Kia Skill World Cup, Kia continues to strengthen service capabilities aligned with the transition to electrified mobility. The company aims to further enhance technician expertise to deliver a higher level of customer service worldwide, ensuring readiness for rapidly evolving vehicle technologies.
Beyond the competition, the event also served as a collaborative platform for cultural exchange and global networking. Participants engaged in programs to experience Korean culture, including its heritage, lifestyle, and contemporary trends, while building stronger connections with peers from around the world.
