Cox Automotive recently concluded its 2026 Top Tech Finals in Nashville, bringing together technicians from Cox Fleet and Manheim for an annual skills competition. The competition included light/medium-duty, heavy-duty, and trailer categories.

The competition began with nearly 900 technicians completing an initial qualifier exam. Competitors then advanced through five regional competitions, with the top performers earning spots among 30 finalists at the finals.

Finalists competed across 30 written and hands-on stations covering diagnostics, electrical systems, safety, service information, braking systems, customer service, and emerging vehicle technologies.

The 2026 winners include:

• Light/medium-duty: AJ Snyder, Manheim; runner-up Tyler Wright, Manheim.
• Heavy-duty: Jonathan Kelly, Cox Fleet; runner-up Jeff Nichols, Cox Fleet.
• Trailer: Dillon Grimes, Cox Fleet; runner-up Bud Haney, Cox Fleet.

The winners will compete against other industry technicians at the American Trucking Associations' TMC SuperTech competition in Pittsburgh in September.

The competition also recognized station winners across areas including ADAS, EV high-voltage systems, wiring diagrams, aftertreatment, engine performance, brakes, wheel ends, trailer alignment, and fleet customer service. You can read the full list of station winners on Cox Automotive’s website. 

“The level of talent on display at this year’s Top Tech Finals was remarkable,” said Patrick Brennan, Cox Fleet’s SVP. “Across every challenge, competitors demonstrated the skill, professionalism and commitment to excellence that help our customers keep their fleets moving every day. I’m incredibly proud of this year’s competitors and the passion they bring to their craft.” 

What this means for the trucking industry

The competition highlights the expanding range of technical skills required to maintain today's commercial vehicles. The inclusion of ADAS, EV high-voltage systems, aftertreatment, networking, and advanced diagnostics alongside traditional braking, electrical, and wheel-end skills shows the breadth of knowledge technicians increasingly need.