Hino Torque Issue #2 2014

ISSUE #2 2014

HINO HIGH HORSEPOWER More power, greater capacity

500 SERIES AUTO UPGRADE Get ProShift for the price of a manual

AFTERSALES SUPPORT Warranty and Roadside Assist expanded

MOTORSPORT Hino delivers high performance

2

ISSUE #2 2014

In this issue 4

NEWS

The latest Hino and truck-related news

COVER STORY

Inside line A little while ago I was standing at the base of Mt Panorama, Australian motor racing’s Holy Grail.

The Mountain is all about high horsepower, so naturally Hino was there to launch our new 300 Series 920 and 921 High Horsepower models to the commercial vehicle and motoring media of Australia. They’re the most powerful trucks in their class and you can read about them extensively in this issue of Hino Torque. We drove the trucks up to Bathurst, then around the track and had dinner that night in the pits surrounded by the sounds of the Bathurst 1000 played through speakers into the pit bay.

In that high octane environment talk naturally turned to what makes a winner. It goes without saying, it’s about a lot more than the vehicle itself. It was no surprise to learn that a top V8 Supercar team relies on the specialist services of up to 50 people, not including external associates. In my view there’s a direct correlation there to the Hino dealer network. Only recently Hino held its annual Dealer of the Year award night, this time under the international banner of Total Support.

If you consider that our customers are in a sense like race drivers – the people who extract maximum performance from our trucks – then our dealers are their pit crew. Their job is to keep them on the road and minimise downtime. In this issue you’ll read about our Dealer of the Year awards and the extraordinary investment in facilities, and people, our dealers have made.

To keep the analogy going, V8 Supercars is about to enter the endurance phase of its year-long championship. Cars that were built for explosive performance during the start-of-season sprint races are now being rebuilt to guarantee their reliability over the longer events like Bathurst. Hino has just put together an optional Five Year Extended Warranty program which we truly believe is the best in the business, covering drivetrain, chassis body and interior. A bit like the V8s, it’s a very strong statement of our confidence to back our vehicles for the long-run.

Motorsport is part of Hino’s DNA. Not only has our Dakar team won its class in the world’s most gruelling off road race for the fifth straight year with its 500 Series, but we’re now the truck of choice for Australia’s most successful off-road motorcycle team. Former Australian motocross champion Jeff Leisk, a member of the motorsport Hall of Fame, has chosen Hino to carry his works KTM team to events all around the country. And a special guest of Hino at Bathurst, Neal Bates, Australia’s most awarded rally driver and four times national champion, has given us a ringing endorsement through his ownership of a 700 Series. You can read about both racers in this edition.

Just like the racers, Hino’s motto is to seek continual improvement. While last year’s race car is usually last year’s news, our trucks give years, sometimes decades, of worthwhile productivity. But there’s no denying that like motor racing our best truck will be the next one we build. In this issue you’ll read about innovations that continue to improve the breed – and every time we do that we’re doing our customers a service.

Steve Lotter Chairman and CEO Hino Motor Sales Australia

6

HINO LAUNCHES HIGH HORSEPOWER MODELS The new 300 Series High Horsepower models add more power and greater payload capacity to the 300 Series’ renowned safety and comfort features

10

AFTERSALES SERVICES EXTENDED Hino announces extensions to its vehicle warranties and roadside assistance package

11

500 SERIES AUTO UPGRADE

12

DEALER OF THE YEAR

14

DEALERSHIPS IN FOCUS

16

HIGH PERFORMANCE

18

FLEET TRAINING

Get a ProShift for the price of a manual

Hino celebrates its top dealers at glittering awards ceremony

We find out what lies behind the success of CMI Hino Adelaide and Newcastle Hino

Hino trucks play a key role in the motorsport success of rally ace Neal Bates and the KTM motocross team

Hino takes its comprehensive local government training to Melbourne’s east

Torque

3

news

Hino Team Sugawara welcomes new member Hino Team Sugawara has welcomed motorsport writer and editor Yoko Wakabayashi to the team as Car 1’s navigator.

“I’ve been involved in editing automobile

Ms Wakabayashi will race with drivers Yoshimasa Sugawara and Katsumi Hamura in next year’s Dakar Rally.

Wakabayashi said.

Car 2 driver Teruhito Sugawara said that adding another member will greatly benefit the team.

“With three people … we will be able to expand our vision and boost our racing capability,” he said.

Ms Wakabayashi was inspired to make the leap to motor racing while covering Rally Mongolia as a writer.

magazines for many years, and had the chance to cover Rally Mongolia for the first time in 2005,” Ms “I prepared over the next few years and entered Rally Mongolia as a navigator for the first time in 2009.”

She went on to finish the 2010 race as a driver, and in 2011 won the class championship as Yoshimasa Sugawara’s navigator.

“I am very honoured to have been offered a place

Yoshimasa Sugawara and Yoko Wakabayashi at Rally Mongolia.

on the team,” Ms Wakabayashi said.

Hino skills contest heats up their respective regions to Sydney to compete against each other in the final for the coveted title and cash prizes.

Hino National Training Centre Manager Sergio Bonvini said the National Skills Contest was a great way to acknowledge the skills of Hino staff while contributing to a better customer experience.

Hino technicians, parts interpreters and sales staff from dealerships all over Australia are competing in the preliminary rounds of this years’ National Skills Contest for the chance to take part in the finals on 23 October.

Held annually at Hino’s National Training Centre since 2009, the Hino National Skills Contest tests the skills and knowledge of Hino’s parts and service employees and rewards those who have reached

the pinnacle of their professions.

The 20 contestants who will compete in this year’s final will be drawn from service technicians, parts interpreters and sales staff throughout the Hino dealer network who respond to a series of questionnaires sent to entrants from June to September.

Those with the highest scores will be flown from

“It’s about developing the skills of individuals and recognising them for their achievements, which then flows down to improving the customer experience.

“With highly trained and motivated service, parts and sales staff we can deliver the best service to our valued customers,” he said.

“This years’ contestants are hard at work in the preliminary stages of the competition and we’re looking forward to another display of customer service excellence in October.”

Podium finish for Toyota at Le Mans Toyota Racing pushed the performance and economy limits of hybrid technology to stage a stunning comeback from an early crash and grab a podium position in the world’s most demanding sports-car race, the 24-hour classic at Le Mans in France in June.

A solid haul of points from a race of remarkably fluctuating fortunes left Toyota leading both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles in the World Endurance Championship with five rounds remaining in the 2014 season.

Toyota Racing team members worked miracles in the pits to enable the #8 Toyota TS040 Hybrid to take a podium finish after it was involved in a multi-car crash in treacherously wet conditions within the first 100 minutes.

4

ISSUE #2 2014

Remarkably, the car was repaired inside an hour and the #8 crossed the line for a bittersweet third place.

The second Toyota was not as fortunate; it started from pole position and built a sizeable lead before being forced to retire due to an electrical fault in the 15th hour.

Team president Yoshiaki Kinoshita praised the team after an unpredictable and challenging race where the TS040 Hybrid race cars demonstrated the speed required for victory.

“All team members, including the drivers, performed brilliantly in this race – not only to repair the damage, but to stay positive and bring home third position,” Kinoshita said.

news

Hino on display at Melbourne truck show Hino Australia’s attendance at the 2014 International Truck, Trailer and Equipment Show (ITTES) in Melbourne in April generated interest in the brand with the media and public alike over the four days of the growing event.

From the light duty 300 Series to medium duty 4x4 and Hybrid plus the range-topping 700 Series, Hino had a wide range of models on display, each demonstrating the brand’s core values of safety, performance, efficiency and comfort.

While for many attendees the Hino 500 Series rally truck driven to second place in the Under 10-litre class at the 2011 Dakar Rally was a big attraction, the revealing of the new ‘High Horsepower’ versions of Hino’s 300 Series trucks was Hino Australia’s biggest highlight.

“The Melbourne truck show was a worthwhile event for the interest it created with buyers – it generated significant sales leads and reinforced our values of quality, durability and reliability with the general public,” said Hino Australia Divisional Manager, Sales, James Morris.

“We also previewed one of our most important new models – the High Horsepower 300 Series – and we expect the new 920 and 921 models to increase the range’s already broad appeal.”

Mr Morris added that the 500 Series Dakar rally truck was a huge drawcard that enabled Hino to engage with motorsport fans, making the effort bringing it to the show from Japan worthwhile.

Hino 300 Series safety and technology boosts sales Demand for the 300 Series’ unique safety and technology features in the light duty truck segment has helped Hino Australia to drive sales in a difficult market in the first half of 2014.

While Truck Industry Council sales figures show a 4.7 per cent downturn in the truck market overall, Hino Australia Divisional Manager, Sales James Morris said efforts to promote the availability of vehicle stability control as standard and genuine automatic gearboxes on the 300 Series is having a positive effect.

“We recognised the potential sales advantage the 300 Series’ full automatic gearboxes give us and ran a free automatic transmission upgrade promotion from October last year through to March,” Mr Morris said.

“The result was terrific – the promotion, combined with the other outstanding

qualities of the 300 Series, generated a 140 per cent increase in sales to retail buyers.

full suite of safety equipment to provide the safest light duty truck working environment.

“The interesting thing for Hino is that this increase in sales didn’t come at the expense of manual transmission models.”

“The interest in the recently launched High Horsepower 300 Series models should help us continue with strong sales in the light duty segment,” he said.

Hino sold a total of 875 light duty trucks in the first half of 2014, or 21.9 per cent of the light duty truck market.

Mr Morris said the 300 Series’ position as the safest light duty truck on the Australian market added to the strong result.

“The 300 Series comes with a high level of specification, such as the ergonomically designed cabin, state-of-the-art multimedia unit and the availability of fuel efficient hybrid drivetrains,” Mr Morris said.

“However, a recurring theme was the number of customers who chose a Hino 300 Series because they offer the lifesaving vehicle stability control as standard, and a

Mr Morris said that the success of the auto upgrade campaign on 300 Series is something Hino plans to replicate with its 500 Series.

“Our 500 Series medium duty models are also equipped with market-leading features, and the quality, durability and reliability that Hino is famous for,” he said.

“We believe that there is potential for even better sales for the Hino 500 Series, and we’re now running a similar campaign where customers can upgrade to a ProShift Automated Manual Transmission for the price of a manual.”

Torque

5

cover feature

Hino’s High Horsepower 300 Series hits the road The eight new models that make up the Hino 300 Series High Horsepower range offer even greater performance than the existing 300 Series models while providing Hino’s market-leading safety, efficiency and comfort features.

The Hino 300 Series 920 and 921 High

easily the most powerful truck in its class and is

medium duty truck-like 600Nm of torque.

Horsepower models feature more powerful

the first light duty truck in Australia to break the

The 920 has a six-speed overdrive manual

engines and a revised chassis for bigger

magical 200Hp rating.

transmission and delivers 189Hp (139kW) and

payloads and market-leading performance.

Its JO5E five-litre four-cylinder intercooled

510Nm.

The 300 Series 921, with six speed double

turbo-diesel engine delivers over 200Hp

The engines deliver their torque in a flat,

overdrive true automatic transmission, is now

(205Hp/151kW) and teams high power with a

linear fashion which results in an unrivalled

6

ISSUE ISSUE #2 #2 2014 2014

cover feature

combination of driveability and efficiency.

Available in both single and crew cab configurations, the High Horsepower 300 Series models provide capacity for larger towing capability and bigger payloads thanks to a new, wider, straight-frame chassis featuring stronger steel rails and a grid hole design that allows for easier installation of bodies and auxiliary items.

The High Horsepower models are equipped with the same comfort features and classleading safety equipment as the rest of the 300 Series range, with vehicle stability control, dual SRS airbags, magnetically suspended driver’s seat and 6.1-inch multimedia systems as standard equipment.

Externally, the new High Horsepower models are differentiated from the rest of the 300 Series by a slightly tougher stance, their 920 and 921

“Hino now has the most powerful light truck to be sold into the Australian market, and it’s coupled with a real automatic transmission” badges and eye-catching chrome grille and bumper accent.

Hino Australia Chairman and CEO Steve Lotter

“Many of us at Hino have now spent a fair bit of time behind the wheel of the High Horsepower 300 Series models, and it has become apparent just how special they are,” Mr Lotter said.

“Hino now has the most powerful light truck to be sold into the Australian market, and it’s coupled with a real automatic transmission.

“The 920 and 921 models are joining a range of trucks that offer the best available safety in class, a range of efficient turbo-diesel engines and a Hybrid option, and a comprehensive body and chassis range.

“We really believe we’ve got the product mix right, and combined with Hino’s High

said that the launch of the High Horsepower

Performance people and culture, we’re

models has made the Hino 300 Series the most

expecting great things from this exciting addition

competitive light duty truck range in the country.

to the 300 Series,” Mr Lotter said.

Torque

7

cover feature New engines provide more power

High performance gearboxes come standard Hino’s new High Horsepower 300 Series models are available with either a six speed overdrive manual or a six speed double overdrive true automatic transmission.

The 300 Series 921, which has the most powerful engine in its class, has an Aisin six speed double overdrive true automatic gearbox.

It has full 12-tonne GCM capacity and an electronically controlled torque converter lockup ensures exceptional fuel efficiency.

Fifth and sixth gears are both overdrive ratios, and in sixth gear it travels at a relaxed 2220rpm at 100km/h.

The High Horsepower 300 Series trucks live up to their name with the most powerful engines in their class, without sacrificing fuel efficiency or clean emissions.

The 5.1-litre inline four-cylinder Hino JO5EUJ engine in the 300 Series 921 automatic transmission model generates 205Hp (151kW) at 2,500rpm and 600Nm of torque from 1400rpm.

These figures put the Hino 921 300 Series’ engine output ahead of the next most powerful truck in the category by 12kW and 90Nm. The JO5E-UH engine, tuned for compatibility with the 300 Series 920 manual transmission, also delivers top-of-class power with 189Hp (139kW) and 510Nm of

torque, provided with an extremely flat torque curve and from low engine speeds.

Both engines achieve Euro 5 emissions compliance along with power and efficiency through the use of the latest generation common-rail fuel injection, a variable nozzle turbocharger and a diesel particulate active reduction filter (DPR). They do not require the use of urea additive for selective catalytic reduction to meet Euro 5 requirements.

Both engines use an overhead cam and four valves per cylinder for efficient breathing.

They also use an under-square bore and stroke of 112 x 130mm for maximum torque.

Hino 300 Series High Horsepower models come with a column-stalk operated engine brake as standard.

The vehicle seamlessly links the gearbox’s ECU with that of the engine and down shifts the transmission for effective speed reduction during deceleration or on descents when using the engine brake, which is operated using a column stalk.

The automatic gearbox’s shift lever can also fold out of the way when in Park, for easy cabin access.

The 300 Series 920 comes with a synchromesh six-speed manual transmission. It has an overdrive sixth gear for relaxed highway driving, and travels at 100km/h at 2180rpm. The manual transmission uses a vacuum-assisted hydraulic single-plate clutch for ease of operation.

As with all 300 Series manual and Hybrid models, the 920 comes with Easy Start technology, which is designed to automatically prevent the truck from rolling backwards when starting off on inclines – and works both uphill and downhill.

Drivers can customise the automatic brake release timing to suit their driving habits by selecting a fast or slow release speed via a dash-mounted toggle switch.

8

ISSUE #2 2014

cover feature High Horsepower models maintain safety leadership Hino’s new 920 and 921 models maintain the 300 Series’ position of the safest light duty COE trucks on the Australian market, with a range of safety equipment not found on other trucks in the segment.

The current-generation Hino 300 Series pioneered the introduction of vehicle stability control (VSC) to the Australian light-duty truck market when launched in 2011 and the 920 and 921 models continue with this lifesaving technology.

While VSC is mandatory on all passenger vehicles sold in Australia, Hino is the only light duty COE truck manufacturer to offer VSC as standard equipment on all its light duty trucks.

VSC is designed to reduce the chance of truck accidents which involve a roll-over or

loss of traction in corners.

It uses a computer system to sense and assist the driver to correct oversteer (where the rear axle slides sideways) and understeer (where the front wheels slide and reduce steering inputs), or will more simply apply the brakes and slow the vehicle when a risk of roll-over is detected.

Hino’s VSC system works by monitoring the steering angle of the front wheels and comparing the vehicle’s intended and actual directions of travel.

The VSC system integrates with the ABS braking system, traction control and engine management system to use either throttle control or braking inputs to maintain control of the vehicle.

The 300 Series range are the only light duty

trucks on the market offered with ventilated four-wheel disc brakes, for improved fade resistance during repeated applications.

The class-leading brake system comes standard with ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

The 6.1-inch high-definition touch-screen equipped multimedia unit has the option of running up to three cameras, for comprehensive rear and blind spot vision.

The new 920 and 921 models continue with the 300 Series’ passive safety features, including driver and passenger SRS airbags and emergency locking retracting (ELR) pretensioning seatbelts.

All Hino 300 Series models meet the internationally recognised UNECE Regulation No. 29 for cabin strength.

High performance accessories enhance new models A wide range of Hino Genuine accessories are available to ensure the Hino High Horsepower 300 Series light duty trucks suit a wide range of applications.

Additions to the 300 Series’ class-leading safety include Hino Genuine polished alloy bullbars that offer increased protection while integrating with the 300 Series’ lighting and engine cooling systems.

They are designed to integrate with the 300 Series’ SRS airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner systems, front crumple zone and crash characteristics, for protection that minimises impact on vehicle occupants and chassis components.

Additional rear vision cameras are available to add to the vehicles’ standard infrared and sound-enabled reverse camera, providing even better rear vision and blind spot elimination.

These combine with the standard Hino multimedia system, which is also upgradable with a Hino Genuine truck-specific satellite navigation system offering three years free mapping upgrades.

Also improving vision from the High Horsepower vehicles are Hino Genuine sun visors, which fit to the top of the windscreen and further reduce sun glare.

The Hino Genuine UHF CB radio makes communication with other road users easy, with its large display, easy-to-use backlit softtouch keys and a big speaker built directly into the speaker-microphone for clear audio.

Hino Australia has engineered its own towbar which integrates perfectly with the 300 Series High Horsepower 920 and 921’s new wide frame chassis to help carry more equipment.

It features as standard fitment a 50mm tow

ball capable of towing a trailer with a load of up to 3,500kg or can alternatively be upgraded to a 75mm tow ball or a pintle hook for a towing capacity of up to 4,500kg, with all ratings dependent upon the fitment of any required auxiliary brake compatibility equipment Hino also offers a range of items to protect and enhance the appearance of the 300 Series’ interior and exterior.

These include Hino Genuine dash mats, rubber foot well liners and seat covers.

Hino Genuine seat covers are available in a range of materials including sheepskin, canvas and charcoal cloth material, and are fade resistant with a flame retardant foam backing.

Exterior accessories include Hino Genuine mudflaps, stone guards, weather shields, headlight covers and chrome wheel covers.

Torque

9

support

Hino launches extended aftersales services Hino Australia has boosted its range of aftersales support options by announcing extensions on its vehicle warranties and roadside assistance.

At the time of purchase Hino customers can choose to extend their vehicle’s standard three-year warranty, which includes Hino Roadside Assist, to the new Hino Five Year Extended Warranty.

This means that all drivetrain, chassis, cab and interior components are guaranteed from defects for five years from purchase.

Additionally Hino’s Roadside Assist, which covers Hino owners 24 hours a day, seven days a week, can be extended (exclusive of warranty choice) for either one or two years.

Hino’s Roadside Assist contains a range of services including mechanical assistance, tyre

and wheel changing, flat battery assistance, out-of-fuel assistance, lost or locked-in key recovery and glass repair.

Warranty and extended Roadside Assist,

Hino Australia’s Technical and Service Support Manager Gus Belanszky said that the new warranty and Roadside Assist extensions are good additions to Hino’s aftersales service products, which already includes Hino’s Maintenance Agreements.

using Genuine Hino Parts fitted by factory

“While Hino’s values of quality, durability and reliability are built in to each Hino model we sell, it makes good business sense to be prepared for the unexpected,” Mr Belanszky said.

Roadside Assist is fully transferable to a new

“By taking advantage of our 5 Year Extended

your Hino dealer.

you’ll not only have peace of mind but also the security of knowing your vehicle will be repaired trained Hino technicians.

“For a minimal outlay it protects your business should the unexpected happen.”

Hino 5 Year Extended Warranty and extended owner, adding value to its resale.

For more information on Hino 5 Year Extended Warranty and 5 Year Roadside Assist, speak to

“It makes good business sense to be prepared for the unexpected”

10

ISSUE #2 2014

Hino Australia has launched new extensions on its warranties and roadside assistance, which cover vehicles for up to five years.

500 Series

Auto upgrade on 500 Series

For a limited time the Hino ProShift transmission versions of Hino’s proven and reliable medium-duty 500 Series range are available for the price of a manual.

According to Hino Australia’s Division Manager for Sales, James Morris, the transmission upgrade to Hino’s 500 Series makes the case for Hino’s diverse medium duty range more compelling than ever.

“Usually only available on select variants, Hino’s six-speed automated manual transmission – ‘ProShift 6’ – will be available at no extra cost across the full 500 Series medium duty FC & FD range from now until the end of September,” Mr Morris said.

“The comfort of our customers has always been at the forefront of our minds at Hino, and the Hino ProShift 6 AMT was developed in response to the emerging needs of medium-duty truck operators in Australia as they negotiate increasingly busy and congested roads.

Hino’s ProShift 6 AMT eases fatigue by reducing the impact of heavy traffic on the driver while providing the operator with the benefit of reduced fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Hino Australia estimates

crew cab variants; manual, ProShift and automatic transmissions; and 4x4 models – the Hino 500 Series range offers a medium duty truck for almost any application.

Internal comfort features include fully adjustable ISRI 6800 drivers’ air suspended seat,

“The simplicity and ease of use of Hino’s ProShift 6 AMT means drivers can concentrate on the task at hand”

advanced Hino multimedia system (with 6.1inch high-definition touch-screen, DAB+ radio and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity) and factory-fitted Denso air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking and poweroperated windows.

Hino’s 500 Series safety package includes ABS brakes and drivers’ SRS airbag as standard, Front Underrun Protection technology that

“The simplicity and ease of use of Hino’s ProShift 6 AMT means drivers can concentrate on the task at hand and their immediate environment.”

a fuel consumption reduction of 10 to 15 per cent when compared with an identical vehicle fitted with a torque-converter type automatic transmission.

protects other drivers in the event of a collision

It features a two-pedal only driveline – there is no clutch pedal – with mechanical clutch operation controlled by the on-board computer and shift actuator.

Four powerful, fuel-efficient Euro 5 emissioncompliant diesel engines are available across the range, and with more than 30 models available – including standard, wide cab and

“With everything that the 500 Series has to

and all cabins meet European Structural Standards Regulation No. 29 (ECE-R29) for cabin strength. offer, this upgrade means that right now is the ideal time to pick up a new 500 Series truck,” Mr Morris said.

Torque

11

dealer of the year

Hino rewards top dealers of 2013 Strong sales combined with excellent customer care has resulted in truck dealers from Adelaide and Newcastle winning Hino Motor Sales Australia’s most prestigious dealer award.

2013 Hino dealer of the year major award recipients METROPOLITAN DEALER OF THE YEAR: CMI Hino Adelaide REGIONAL DEALER OF THE YEAR: Newcastle Hino NUMBER ONE SALES VOLUME: WA Hino Sales and Service REGIONAL NUMBER ONE SALES VOLUME: Newcastle Hino SALES EXCELLENCE (METRO): GOLD – Adtrans Hino, SILVER – CMI Hino Adelaide, BRONZE – WA Hino

Hino’s Metropolitan Dealer of the Year award was won by CMI Hino Adelaide and the Regional Dealer of the Year title went to 2006 Dealer of the Year winner Newcastle Hino.

“Hino Australia would like to congratulate all of the top achievers from 2013, and we look forward to their ongoing support throughout the rest of 2014 and beyond,” he said.

SALES EXCELLENCE (REGIONAL): GOLD – Wideland Hino, SILVER – FRM Hino, BRONZE – Newcastle Hino

Both awards were presented by Hino Australia Chairman and CEO Steve Lotter at the official gala awards dinner held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney.

The Metropolitan award for CMI Hino Adelaide was accepted by Chris Morrison, who said that perseverance in all areas of the business helped them get the result.

PARTS EXCELLENCE (METRO): GOLD – CMI Hino Adelaide, SILVER – CMI Hino Melbourne, BRONZE – SciFleet Hino Brisbane

The theme for the event was ‘Total Support’ – a global Hino initiative aimed at eliminating downtime and providing customers with the highest level of customer service.

“It’s terrific, we were very pleasantly surprised,” Mr Morrison said.

There was also a strong focus on the recently launched High Horsepower 300 Series 920 and 921 light duty trucks.

“The collective of all the departments – service, parts and sales – combined with an improvement in our fleet sales helped us achieve this great result.”

Mr Lotter said that the awarded dealers epitomised the Hino Total Support mantra and are important partners for the brand.

Sean Lynch, who accepted the Regional award on behalf of Newcastle Hino, said that people make all the difference when running a successful Hino dealership.

“Hino’s sales have been getting stronger – they reached 4,156 in 2013 and our market share grew to 15.8 per cent,” Mr Lotter said.

“It’s always down to people – you’ve got to have the right ones and you need to have all of the team working as one,” Mr Lynch said.

“No matter how good Hino’s trucks are, this growth wouldn’t have been possible without a strong dealer network.

“It’s always an honour to win a prestigious award like Hino Dealer of the Year – it’s hard to do it and we’re over the moon at Newcastle Hino.”

12

ISSUE #2 2014

PARTS EXCELLENCE (REGIONAL): GOLD – Jacob Hino, SILVER – ISR Hino, BRONZE – Vanderfield Hino Toowoomba SERVICE EXCELLENCE (METRO): GOLD – Prestige Hino, SILVER – SciFleet Hino Nerang, BRONZE – Sci-Fleet Hino Brisbane SERVICE EXCELLENCE (REGIONAL): GOLD – Newcastle Hino, SILVER – Wagga Trucks, BRONZE – Bendigo Truck Centre HINO FINANCIAL SERVICES AWARD: – Prestige Hino, Dandenong, Victoria

dealer of the year

Hino hosts dealer conference Hino warmed up its dealers for the 2014 Dealer of the Year Awards by sharing insights and the goals of the company at the annual Hino Dealer Conference, held at Hino Australia headquarters.

The theme for this year’s conference was ‘Total Support’, and the dominant focus of the event was the then-upcoming launch of the new 300 Series High Horsepower light duty trucks.

CMI Hino Adelaide’s Chris Morrison (left) and Newcastle Hino’s Sean Lynch.

Presentations by Hino Australia Chairman and CEO Steve Lotter, President and COO Sean Takahashi and a number of Hino Australia’s management team gave a comprehensive overview of the business’ current achievements in sales and customer satisfaction, and future focus areas, including new products on the horizon.

Senior General Manager for Asia and Oceania Takeo Saito presented Hino’s global sales figures, and explained Australia’s importance and its place in the top 10 most important countries. He also expanded upon the Total Support message, and defined its purpose as “all business activities fostering and deepening trustworthy relationships with our customers”.

After the business presentations dealers were split into two groups for a detailed presentation on the High Horsepower 300 Series trucks, given by Manager – Product Strategy Daniel Petrovski and Divisional Manager, Sales James Morris, as well as a presentation on the latest in parts and accessories.

The Hino-ettes.

The proceedings took a different direction following afternoon tea, with a performance by the Hino-ettes, who sang their song ‘Hino is a Girl’s Best Friend’. The Hino-ettes then assisted Steve Lotter and respective managers with the presentation of the qualitative and quantitative awards for sales, parts and services to regional and metropolitan dealers.

Torque

13

dealerships

CMI Hino Adelaide A renewed focus on sales to capitalise on its existing parts and service strength has seen CMI Hino Adelaide take out the Metropolitan Dealer of the Year Award.

You could say CMI Hino Adelaide’s ties with Hino run deep. In fact, it is the country’s oldest Hino dealership, having been established in 1970 (CMI Hino in Melbourne’s Laverton North opened its doors in 2002).

Prior to the creation of Hino Motor Sales Australia, CMI Hino Adelaide imported and distributed Hino trucks in Australia directly.

CMI Hino Adelaide has a current staff of 35 and is part of the CMV Group, a third generation family-owned commercial vehicle business based in South Australia with a history stretching back 80 years.

General Manager Chris Morrison says the service and parts division of the business has always been a real strength.

The CMI Hino Adelaide team.

14

ISSUE #2 2014

“It’s really a matter of getting sales, parts and service working in unison to achieve the best results” “We’ve won the Gold Award for Parts at the Dealer of the Year Awards five or six times, and last year’s top parts interpreter at the Hino National Skills Contest, Ryan McCauley, is part of the team here.”

Mr Morrison says CMI Hino’s recent sales success has come on the back of that legacy.

“We have a new and enthusiastic sales team on board, and the results we’re seeing – culminating in winning the Hino Metropolitan Dealer of the Year title – are a direct result of us focusing on sales while leveraging off that parts and service strength.

“Traditionally a lot of our customers have been small businesses. More recently some significant fleet purchases and mining-based activity have pushed the sales along, and we’re definitely looking to maintain that momentum into the future.

“It’s really a matter of getting all three parts of the business – sales, parts and service – working in unison to achieve the best results, and we’re really seeing the fruits of that now,” Mr Morrison says.

dealerships

Newcastle Hino Newcastle Hino’s Regional Dealer of the Year title is the product of a steady and concerted effort from everyone at the dealership located in NSW’s Hunter Valley.

With origins going back 20 years, Newcastle Hino was officially born a decade ago before becoming part of the AHG Group in 2012.

Dealer Principal Gary Davey came on board at that time and says that while being part of the AHG Group allows it to adopt proven systems and processes from other dealerships in the group, the business was already in good shape.

“We really didn’t have to change too much.

Things were already in good order, with the right people on board and the right structures in place to get the job done,” he says.

Newcastle Hino enjoys a broad mix of customers from a diverse range of industries.

“Given our location in the Hunter Valley with a number of nearby coal mines, it’s no surprise that mining makes up about a quarter of our sales business.

“Our sales, parts and service divisions all perform well in unison”

“But we also have a lot of small business clients like couriers, building tradespeople and small freight operators as well,” Gary says.

“With the recent slowdown in the mining sector that diversity has been a good thing for us. These other areas of the business have remained strong and that’s helped pick up the slack.”

When asked about the strengths of the business, Gary says consistency is the key.

“While there may be patches where one aspect is stronger than another, generally speaking our sales, parts and service divisions all perform well in unison,” he says.

“We didn’t sit down at the start of last year with a clear goal of winning the 2013 Regional Dealer of the Year award. We just set about putting the right structures in place so the business could operate as effectively as possible.

“We’re very proud of winning the award and it’s a great recognition of the effort put in by all staff,” Gary says.

Newcastle Hino Dealer Principal Gary Davey (left) with Sales Manager Sean Lynch.

Torque

15

motorsport

Driven to succeed

e t, and today h h ig e e g a t a is first truck r they are in h e tes drove his a th B e l h a w e – N s n e io champ ck to rac ustralian rally 700 Series tru o ks. in H n w o Four times A is gh ylor love truc in Ta v l ri d ra o s y C a r e lw v a ri t of nd co-d makes a poin Perth. Neal, a in r o a rr e b n f Ca home town o Q: Neal, how did you become an eight-yearold truckie?

A: M y dad Dick made his living out of moving gravel, and my twin brother Rick and I were riding dirt bikes as very young kids. Dad was using his truck to build a new moto-x track so naturally I climbed on his knee and steered.

Q: What sort of trucks did Dick have?

A: O ver his life just about everything. Inters, Peterbilts, even an Oshkosh. If I hadn’t made a career out of motor racing I guess truck driving would have been the next best thing.

“If I hadn’t made a career out of motor racing I guess truck driving would have been the next best thing” only got 120,000km on it. It’s B-rated but we usually only haul 24 tonnes including car and equipment. It’s just back from the Finke Desert Race at Alice Springs and it was, as usual, faultless.

Q: What trucks have you had?

Q: Why do you enjoy truck driving so much?

A: M y first was a Hino FF rigid. I used it to transport my World Rally Corolla – the first WRC car in the southern hemisphere and the first in the world to win an FIA championship event.

A: I t’s a lot like rally driving. You need to think and plan ahead, always trying for the perfect gear (Neal uses a classic 18-speed Road Ranger box because it gives him so much satisfaction).

On a trip to Perth I’d use the top nine in the box, but in the hills you’re really on the splitter.

I love it.

Q: But then your motor sport business got bigger.

A: D riving for Toyota we ended up needing a prime mover to carry all the cars. It turned out to be a Hino too: inherited from Colin Bond and the Team Toyota Road Racing team. Coral learned to drive on this (Coral Taylor has been Neal’s rally co-driver since the early 1990s).

Q: …and then you strayed.

A: Yep. I followed Dad into big-bonneted Peterbilts.

One with an 11-litre Detroit and the other with a C15Cat. They were great long-distance trucks and both were great resale propositions because I bought them well. But reliability and running costs were another thing altogether.

Q: So, back to Hino then?

A: I ’ve got a 700 nose. I bought it new and it’s

16

ISSUE #2 2014

The pair in action last year at Coffs Harbour.

Q: What about Coral?

A: I t’s hard to get her from behind the wheel. Like me she’s a true enthusiast. Unlike me she’s also a great administrator. A few years ago she was invited on the board of the NRMA to help represent the needs of motorists. Now she’s become a board member of the Heavy Vehicle Regulatory Board, so she’s really contributing to the industry.

Q: What’s been your best trip?

A: A couple of years ago we did Canberra to Perth two up in 41 hours. It was a dream trip. The feeling of satisfaction was better than when we won the rally.

Coral and Neal on their way to Rally South Australia in 2007.

motorsport

KTM racing shifts up with Hino trucks

“Hino stands out because the trucks tick the right boxes, from airbag suspension to cruise control”

KTM Racing relies on two Hino trucks to carry its highly tuned road and off-road motorbikes to national championship races, with the smoothness of Hino’s airbag suspension being a clear winner with the motocross team.

KTM Australia General Manager Jeff Leisk said his decision to expand KTM Racing’s fleet with Hino trucks was inspired by the reliability and trouble-free operation of the 500 Series FD 1027 Air the company has used since 2010.

The Perth-based team uses Hino’s heavy duty 700 Series FS 2848 ProShift 16 Air and 300 Series 616 Auto Medium Wheelbase models to service the needs of its racing team.

“It was my decision to use Hino from the outset – I’ve come into contact with the product in the past and it’s always been reliable and performed well,” Mr Leisk said.

transmission with an integrated retarder.

The 700 Series FS also offers operators a range of features including a digital radio, DVD player, Bluetooth, heated power mirrors, cruise control and ISRI seats as standard, but Mr Leisk has added a few non-standard options to set his new truck apart.

“We’ve fitted a decked-out, nine-metre body on the back of it so our racing team can attend the national racing events – inside there’s water tanks, compressors, generators… everything we need for a race weekend,” he said.

“Hino stands out because the trucks tick the right boxes, from airbag suspension to cruise control.

The Hino 700 Series FS 2848 ProShift Air is powered by a 13-litre Hino engine rated at 480Hp fitted with a ZF 16-speed automated manual

“We’ve put a specialised Pantech body on the back of it,” Mr Leisk said.

“It’s used for testing and training during the week, and it’s kitted out with a small workshop in the back so we can make adjustments at the track.”

The Hino 300 Series 616 Auto utilised by KTM Racing benefits from Australia’s most comprehensive safety features on a light duty truck with dual SRS airbags, four-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control, traction control and a driver’s suspension seat all as standard.

According to Mr Leisk, the growing needs of KTM Australia’s racing program required new trucks capable of meeting tough deadlines with no room for error.

“We’re carrying around expensive race bikes and spare parts across some pretty varied terrain, so we want something that rides smoothly – that’s why we opt for the Hino range fitted with airbag rear suspension.

“The engine performance and driveability is always very good with Hino trucks, and that’s why we’ve added a 300 and 700 Series to our fleet.”

Rounding out the KTM fleet is a Hino 300 Series 616 Auto light duty truck that helps KTM Racing riders and technicians fine-tune their machinery.

“Races don’t wait for you if something goes wrong – you have to be there on time, every time,” he said.

“There’s an awning that extends out to the side so team members have a large protected area to work and rest under, and both trucks are painted in the full KTM livery – they look fantastic.”

“We needed trucks that were reliable, easy to drive and helped our drivers stave off fatigue.

“With Hino’s range of trucks and nationwide dealer and service network, we can rely completely on our equipment and focus on the race.”

Torque

17

training

Hino takes training to Melbourne’s east side Local government maintenance staff in Melbourne’s east and south-east benefited from Hino’s policy of taking factory-level training to its customers.

Ten plant mechanics and diesel fitters from four councils attended a one-day session at the City of Monash training centre in Notting Hill.

The four councils represented were Cardinia Shire, Knox City, Manningham City and City of Monash.

Hino Australia Technical Training Manager Sergio Bonvini led the team of presenters and instructors, and managed the training day.

City of Monash Fleet and Depot Services Coordinator Richard Scott said he received very favourable feedback from his council’s attendees on the training.

“The relevance of the training is the important aspect and they are now even better equipped to service the Hino product,” he said.

Mr Scott said the City of Monash has operated Hino trucks for a quarter of a century and currently

has its largest-ever Hino fleet of 16 trucks.

“They are 300 and 500 Series models and are generally tippers, but we also have a pit-cleaning truck and a drain-cleaning truck mounted on a 500 Series.”

Mr Bonvini said the same level of tailored service training is also available to private-sector fleet operators.

“Hino Australia also offers state-of-the-art technical instruction at its training headquarters in Sydney and in dealerships nationally.

“Serviceability has always been a key design feature of Hino trucks,” he said.

Hino fleet customers who would like to learn more about these training programs should contact Sergio Bonvini, Hino Australia Technical Training Manager, on (02) 9914 6633 or at sergio.bonvini@hino.com.au.

Hino Australia Technical Training Manager Sergio Bonvini (left) leads Hino’s training session.

18

ISSUE #2 2014

“The relevance of the training is the important aspect and they are now even better equipped to service the Hino product”

shift to a better class of truck.

Hino’s ProShift Automated Manual Transmission provides the ultimate choice.

Featuring state-of-the-art electronic control for swift gear changing it has the potential to not only improve driveability, but also increase fuel savings. Versatile, powerful and efficient, this is what makes Hino’s 500 Series a better class of truck.

MS00200/PS

hino.com.au

hino.com.au

AustrAliA’s most powerful light duty truck.

And it’s An Auto.

With 205Hp, 600Nm of torque, HINO’s new 921 High Horsepower has 8% more power and an impressive 18% more torque than any other truck in its class.

Including manuals. And it’s the only true automatic transmission offering unrivalled on road performance and off highway tractability with full payload and towing capabilities.

Plus with Dual SRS airbags, 4 wheel ventilated discs and

HMS00472/TQ

Vehicle Stability Control, it’s also Australia’s safest light duty truck.

A Toyota Group Company

Visit hino.com.au to learn more about Australia’s most powerful light duty truck.

20

ISSUE #2 2014