Technician Survey

Last September, Nissan and Infiniti technicians had the opportunity to participate in the first annual OE (original equipment) Technician Survey. Over five thousand OE technicians were surveyed.

The survey focused primarily on issues impacting Technician recruiting and retention, but also investigated many other service job-related issues. Like; “What can the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) do to help you achieve your career goal(s)?”

We heard plenty, and listened intently, because we understand that our technicians are a tremendous asset to our brand and our most important “Quality Ambassadors.” What struck us most was the number of positive comments we received about the opportunity to provide feedback, and by the depth of your comments. We were impressed by the depth of your comments and by your strong desire to be part of Nissan’s quality focus and customer satisfaction efforts. We are also very pleased to learn that our technicians are attracted specifically to the Nissan brand by our technology, and that you are among the most satisfied of all OE technicians.

But we didn’t rest there. Based on responses from the survey, we already improved available dealership management training, included technicians in the invest-in-the-best program, provided technicians greater access to technical training through bigger and better training centers. We are also improving programs to recognize individual technician accomplishments. Based on your comments, I can tell you that technician surveys are now a part of our future!”

Technician Survey Prizes

Each Nissan and Infiniti technician who completed the first annual OE Technician Survey was registered to win one of three prizes, which consisted of: a Lista technician toolbox, a Signal Tech II, or a Tech Cam Video Borescope. The random winners who received the prizes were.

1. Alfredo Ruiz of Austin Infiniti, won the grand prize of a Lista Tool box

2. Don Sturtevant of Landers/McLarty Nissan, won the Signal Tech II

3. Michael Iverson of Jim Click Nissan won the Tech Cam Video Borescope.

Congratulations guys!

And again, I’d like to say to all technicians thank you on behalf of Nissan, for taking the time to provide such honest responses to the Technician Survey, and for all of your hard work and customer support!

Regards,

Warren DeBardelaben

Nissan North America, Inc.

Director of Dealer Support

The First Annual OE Technician Survey Prize Winners

Alfredo Ruiz

Austin Infiniti

Austin, TX

Disappointed with the inability of the local mechanics to repair his Nissan Pulsar, Ruiz decided to learn how to fix it himself. “I worked in a print shop as a press operator at that time from 3 in the afternoon ‘till midnight,” states technician Alfredo Ruiz, ”and then attended automotive Tech school in Los Angeles, California from 8 in the morning ‘till 2 in the afternoon.” Ruiz kept that grueling schedule for two

years. During that time he learned how to repair his own car, earned his associates degree and then went to work at Pep Boys in 1992. Ruiz said he’s never stopped learning, and is currently studying for his last remaining ASE certification.

Sometime later Alfredo moved to Texas and went to work at Town North Nissan in Austin for 11 years before moving to Austin Infiniti in 2004. Ruiz said, “I still like working on cars, especially electrical problems, because figuring out the problem is satisfying and rewarding.”

Winning the toolbox was important for Alfredo Ruiz said, “I was in Mark Bailey, Austin Infiniti’s service manager’s office when first shown a picture of the Lista tool box that I had won. I was really excited to have an opportunity to choose the drawer configuration and color.”