STOCKHOLM, Sweden — The world’s largest competition for workshop and personnel and mechanics is about to get underway thanks to Volvo Trucks.

The truckmaker is hoping for at least 12,000 participants from all over the world. The goal is to raise the level of competence of the personnel as well as the status of working as a heavy-duty mechanic.

A competition for workshops has existed in Sweden for 50 years, but it became global in 1977 and took on its current form and the name VISTA. Its purpose is to develop the competence of personnel working in the service workshops. The competition is decided through theoretical and practical exercises in which the participant’ skill and knowledge of trucks and heavy engines are put to the test.

The competition is first decided on the national level in three theoretical rounds. Thereafter, the competitors go on to regional finals. The new feature in conjunction with the 30th anniversary is the global final that will be held in Gothenburg in June, 2007. Thirty competing teams, consisting of two to four participants each, will have qualified for this final. The final is decided through both theoretical and practical competitive tests.

“This is more a matter of developing competence than a competition. VISTA 2007 will be a true world championship in workshop quality. With the best service personnel in the business, we can attract more young people to this exciting occupation, and provide our customers with the best mechanics,” says Staffan Jufors, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks.