Omniplus BusTech Challenge 2023/24 Crowns European BusTech Master Thomas Schlatter from Switzerland clinched the gold at the BusTech Challenge 2023/24, earning the title “BusTech Master Europe” in a ceremony held in Munich. Lukas Schindler of Germany secured silver, while Jan van Steeg from the Netherlands took home bronze.
This internal competition, themed “Compete with Friends,” marked its sixth year, drawing over 500 bus and coach mechanics from 19 European countries. Participants showcased exceptional skills in both theory and practice.
Mirko Sgodda, Head of Marketing, Sales, and Customer Services at Daimler Buses, highlighted the event’s significance in bolstering employee networks and fostering motivation and appreciation.
The challenge culminates in a grand final where national winners demonstrate practical prowess in maintaining and repairing Mercedes-Benz and Setra buses. The “BusTech Master Europe” award awaits the overall winner.
The competition is rigorous and fair, featuring three digital qualifying rounds followed by a two-day final contest at Neu-Ulm, excluding certain specialized areas to ensure equal opportunity.
The 2023/24 challenge began with online questionnaires testing theoretical knowledge, leading to live sessions determining national champions. In the final round held in April 2024, mechanics tackled various technical tasks across eleven stations, from air-conditioning repairs to electrical system diagnostics.
Winners received attractive prizes like workshop trolleys and cases, celebrating their exceptional skills and dedication to excellence in bus technology maintenance and repair.
