Newcastillian among the best in the world

When it comes to the complex workings of vehicles, few can match George Marais under the hood.

It may seem like a bold statement to make, yet the technician is officially one of the world’s best.

Mr Marais and teammates from South Africa were crowned the service division winners of Audi’s Twin Cup International competition, designed to showcase the best of the automotive brand in a number of categories.

According to Audi/Volkswagen sales manager, Suleman Limbada, this means Mr Marais is ‘world-class’. “A total of 73 teams from 37 countries competed for the championship title,” he explained.

Gaining acclaim from all corners of the globe, Mr Marais’s achievements have catapulted him to the forefront of his company, receiving complements from no less than Audi’s Director of South Africa and the Middle East, Stefan Hamberger.

“We are happy and proud to have the cup winner in the Audi family of South Africa,” stated Mr Hamberger. Mr Limbada added Mr Marais’s success proved he was ‘on top of the world’, having demonstrated teamwork, flexibility and a sound knowledge of parts and of the brand in general.

“This is truly an accolade of note,” he beamed. “Not even technicians from metros and large centres could achieve the same.” Mr Marais admitted he had not expected to be announced a divisional winner.

“The test was difficult and we really had no idea how we had done.” Mr Marais described the experience as brilliant, exclaiming his success only served to inspire his work in future, and to provide the best service for customers.

He is a born-and-bred Newcastillian and is only 29 years old. “I’ve had great support from all the people who heard about my success,” he concluded.