Isuzu Motors of Mexico recognized the best operators and chief mechanics during the second edition of the Takumi Awards: Leaders of the Route 2026 , through tests designed to evaluate their driving skills and their knowledge of the units.
The competition involved 30 operators from Grupo Lala , who faced a circuit that simulated different situations of daily operation, from narrow streets and speed bumps to commercial areas and passenger pick-up and drop-off areas.
José García, Isuzu Fleet Manager, explained that the route included obstacles representing food and newspaper stands, an alley with awnings and tables, a grocery store and a street market, with the objective of evaluating the precision and control of the units.
In addition, one of the aspects evaluated was driving smoothness, using a glass of water placed inside the vehicle. At the end of the journey, the amount of liquid spilled was measured to determine the participant’s performance.
The winners of the Takumi Awards 2026
In the Takumi Challenge for operators , Margarito Bañuelos took first place with 134 points, followed by Israel Bustamante Fuentes with 119, and Javier Ayala Arellano with 118 points.
Meanwhile, in the category of Chief Mechanics , the first place went to José Paredes Sánchez , with an evaluation of 8.3 points; the second went to Osiel Cárdenas , with 7.3, and the third to Julián Ernesto Juárez Velázquez , with 6.7 points.
In this last category, participants carried out inspections of two vehicles without using a checklist , testing their ability to identify technical conditions and apply their knowledge during the inspection.
During the meeting, Hiroshi Ikegawa, CEO of Isuzu Motors de México, highlighted that this second edition brought together participants from different regions of the country and recognized the experience of the operators, who face complex conditions daily during their routes.
On behalf of Grupo Lala, Emilio Granados Carmona, Road Safety and Engineering Manager, highlighted the strategic relationship that the company has built with Isuzu and noted that this competition represents an opportunity to recognize the performance of its employees.
The executive explained that the participants were selected from among thousands of operators who are part of the company, so their presence in the competition already represents a recognition of their abilities and experience.
“The fact that you are all here already implies recognition; you are already winners from the start,” Granados Carmona said.
He also stressed that safety must remain the priority during vehicle operation, above speed or being the first to complete a route.
In that regard, he emphasized that the goal is not only to arrive before everyone else, but to carry out the maneuvers safely and ensure that the operators can return home without incident.
Another highlight of this edition was the participation of the operators’ families, who accompanied the competitors throughout the day. Granados Carmona noted that their presence has special significance for Grupo Lala, as the daily work of its employees is also linked to the well-being of their families.
With this second edition, Isuzu and Grupo Lala continued an initiative that combines recognition of the talent of operators and chief mechanics with the promotion of safe driving practices and technical knowledge applied to the daily operation of road transport.
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