ZF Australia Pacific, together with the University of Ballarat (TAFE Division), the BMW National Training Centre and the VACC has launched the SACHS Masters, to take place in July 2008, as a rare chance for experienced (Certificate III qualified, and at least 22 years of age) Automotive Technicians to put their talents and abilities to use in a competitive environment.

Skilled automotive technicians can register to compete in the SACHS Masters and win prize money of $10,000.

Positioned as Australia's first team-based auto tech skills competition, it aims to recognise excellence in the ever-growing Australian automotive servicing and repair industry.

Twenty-four teams from across the country will compete in a three day challenge where they will be required to service, diagnose and repair various aspects of a number of late model vehicles in a limited timeframe of 2.5 hours.

ZF Australia Pacific is a part of a corporate group with over 55,000 employees at 120 locations in 25 countries, a world-wide leading automobile supplier in driving system and chassis technology. Included in ZF’s group of brands are SACHS shock absorbers and clutches, BOGE shock absorbers & steering components, LEMFÖRDER steering & suspension components and ZF Parts.

The University of Ballarat's TAFE division provides vocational education, including automotive mechanical education, with close links to industry.

BMW Group Australia operates Australia's most advanced automotive training centre at its Mulgrave, Victoria headquarters as part of the Group's constant drive to provide the most comprehensive total ownership experience for BMW owners. Representing an investment of more than $3 million, the BMW National Training Centre is three times the size of the facility it replaced and is used to train, or retrain, people at all levels of the BMW Group Australia and its National Dealer Network, from sales, service and all support operations.

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) was established in 1918 and today represents the interests of over five thousand small and medium sized businesses in regional and metropolitan Victoria.

First-place will walk away with a cash prize of $10,000 and the inaugural SACHS Masters trophy.
Registrations close on May 16th 2008 at www.sachsmasters.com