Autogem’s Under Pressure ’23 praised for inflating TPMS standards

Protyre’s Liam Healy and Hometyre’s Craig Schwartz were crowned TPMS Experts in the large and small retailer categories respectively, while Lewis Marshall from Formula One Autocentres prevailed in the under-23s category of Autogem’s second competition to find the country’s leading tyre pressure monitoring system technicians and raise standards and awareness within the industry. More than 1,000 retail sites entered Under Pressure ’23, with 12 technicians beating hundreds to make the final, putting their problem-solving skills to the test at the Pirelli Performance Centre (PPC) in Burton-upon-Trent on Wednesday 28 June. The finalists were praised for detecting various TPMS faults in a quick and efficient manner and communicating them clearly thereafter. Following a successful first outing, Autogem expanded the competition with its third award, focused on young and emerging talent.

(Photo: Autogem)

Autogem states that Pirelli’s state-of-the-art facility is “one of the most impressive workshops in the UK” making it a fitting location for the climax of this year’s event. Thanks to the location, Autogem was able to add a new practical test, putting finalists under even more pressure than in the event’s inaugural year. A judging panel consisting of motoring journalist Rob Marshall, Autotech Training’s head of operations Alistair McCrindle, and Tyrepress editor Chris Anthony observed and questioned each finalist after they tended to a specially prepared car with hidden TPMS issues and faults, with scores being given for all aspects of their performance.

Under Pressure ’23 is the industry’s only dedicated campaign to celebrate excellence in TPMS customer engagement and technical resolution. It’s a further commitment from Autogem to position the technology as a stand-alone category on a par with brakes, batteries, tyres or any other aspect of motoring care.

Autogem managing director Prashant Chopra spoke of the organisers’ pride in seeing talented technicians in competition.

“We feel we’ve created something really special with Under Pressure ’23, Chopra continued. “To see so many customers embrace this initiative meant a lot, and reminds us that TPMS is a vital area of the aftermarket that really matters to retailers. I’m happy to warn our wonderful TPMS gladiators to get ready for even more pressure in ’24.”

Look out for more from Under Pressure ’23 on Tyrepress in July and Tyres & Accessories’ August issue.

Finalists and judges gather at the Pirelli Performance Centre in Burton-upon-Trent for Under Pressure ’23 (Photo: Autogem)