ISSUE No.16 WInter 2011

FIrst euro 5s ArrIveCouncil cleans up with Hino

HIno CAresRonald McDonald and Hino go west

A Toyota Group Company

HMS00051/FP

Thing.gOODhinOs are aMOre efficienTnew cleaner

all new MODelsWith the new range of Euro5 trucks, Hino has set the highest of environmental and performance standards. Depending on the model, there are new engines and innovations that offer new levels of power, fuel efficiency, safety and comfort. To see all the ecotech that makes a new Hino such a good thing to have in your fleet, go to:

hino.com.au/euro5

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Hino trucks have long been trusted by Australian customers and it’s with pleasure we’re able to once again set the benchmark for quality, durability and reliability in the light-duty truck market.

Our continued success in the marketplace has been recognised globally, with Hino Australia given the opportunity to reveal the all-new 300 Series range to the country’s media and customers at the Brisbane Truck Show in May.

We’re proud to be able to bring you the first details and images of Hino’s groundbreaking all-new 300 Series in this edition of Torque. Due on sale in August, the new 300 Series introduces Australian customers to new levels of safety, performance, efficiency and comfort.

In fact, Australia has played a very important role in the global development of the all-new 300 Series, the first light-duty Hino cab-over style truck to be marketed in the competitive North American market.

Australia’s unique and unrelenting climatic conditions provided the perfect testing-ground for engineers to push the new model to its limits, proving its ability to withstand the punishment of long-term, around-the-clock operation.

Importantly, this extensive testing has provided engineers with the opportunity to tailor the truck to meet the needs of Australian customers.

Not only is the suspension and engine performance optimised to suit Australian drivers, a host of technological

innovations make their debut in the new 300 Series.With ABS braking, dual airbags and vehicle stability

control as standard across the range, it’s also one of the safest light duty trucks in Australia.

This year’s Brisbane Truck Show, the first to be held at the city’s impressive new Convention and Exhibition Centre, proved a resounding success for Hino.

Both the recently upgraded 500 Series and all-new 300 Series were well received by show patrons, who once again flooded through the doors of the southern hemisphere’s largest truck show.

It’s been a busy few months for Hino Australia, culminating in our annual Dealer of the Year awards in May.

Congratulations must go to WA Hino Welshpool and Kempsey Hino, respectively named metropolitan and regional dealers of the year for 2010.

The night provided a perfect platform for rewarding the ongoing initiative and passion exhibited by all of the Hino dealers nationwide.

Everyone within the Hino family is excited about the new 300 Series light duty range, and we know you will be too!

Steve LotterPresidentHino Motor Sales Australia

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Hino showed its support for the Tasmanian community at the recent Agfest Field Days 2011.

Over 67,000 patrons attended the event, held from 5 to 7 May at Quercus Rural Youth Park, south-west of Launceston.

Agfest is organised by volunteers from the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania.

FRM Toyota’s involvement with Agfest began in 1993 with materials handling equipment and has since grown to include Hino trucks.

Agfest features showcase displays from over 700 commercial exhibitors, such as manufacturers of farm equipment, trucks, cars and camping suppliers.

It also includes animals, horticulture displays and food

within a carnival atmosphere.FRM Hino regional sales manager

Andrew Spencer said it continues to be one of the largest and most important field days in Tasmania, and FRM is proud to have been involved from the start.

This year the dealership had seven Hino trucks on display, including a 700 Series AMT as well as a number of new light and medium duty Euro 5 models.

“There was a lot of interest in the Euro 5 trucks,” Mr Spencer said.

The display provided an opportunity for potential customers to better understand the benefits of FRM’s statewide dealer network, with branches in Launceston, Hobart and Devonport.

Illawarra Hino recently hosted a meeting of the Illawarra Business Chamber at their Albion Park dealership.

The chamber hosts Business After Hours events each month, providing an opportunity for local businesses to meet, network and discuss each others’ businesses.

Each event is held on the premises of one of the chamber’s member companies and in May, as a prominent member of the organisation, Illawarra Hino was selected to host that month’s meeting.

“It was a fantastic opportunity for us to introduce a lot of local businesspeople to Illawarra Hino, and to show those who are familiar with our company the business in greater detail,” said Kurt Hofer, Illawarra Hino sales manager.

“We had the current range of Hino vehicles on display, and the members were quite interested in looking them over and finding out more information about them.

“Obviously in the truck industry we are marketing to businesses that run

fleets, so being involved in community business groups is a good opportunity to actively network among other businesses.

“The Illawarra area is such a close-knit community, and the businesses really work together – you’ve just got

to look at the way local businesses get behind local causes, like the Illawarra Hawks basketball team, for example.

“It really is like a small town – organisations like the Illawarra Business Chamber help to foster that in the area.”

AgFest A suCCess For Frm

ILLAWArrA HIno meAns BusIness

Hino Australia has awarded hard-working parts managers with a new incentive program for Hino Genuine Parts and Accessory purchases.

The “Kick Start 2011” Parts Managers Incentive Program has produced six winners.

Prizes were awarded to the parts managers with the highest percentage achievement over sales target for the months of February and March.

Dealerships were divided into three weight groups based on their size and number of vehicles in operation.

The heavyweight winners were David Jones from SciFleet Hino and Ray Gargett from Newcastle Hino who were each awarded prizes to the value of $3,000. Middleweight and lightweight winners won $2000 and $1000 worth of prizes respectively.

Hino Australia parts manager Peter Michetti said this program was

structured around promoting good customer service as well as sales results.

“It is exciting to develop programs which motivate dealer staff and encourage excellence,” he said.

The middleweight winners were John Roberts from Southern Truck Centre and Nick Seymour from ISR Truck City, while Nigel Irvine from Wagga Trucks and John Maiore from Tait Motors won the lightweight division.

KICK stArt For PArts mAnAgers

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Hino dealer Vanderfield has started a Facebook page to help it keep in touch with customers.

Vanderfield CEO Bruce Vandersee said it had received a great response so far.

“We can use this portal to get information out quickly and easily, and we plan to run promotions and competitions and keep customers up to date with what is happening at our dealerships.”

The company opened its first Hino dealership in 1993 and it has been named Hino Regional Dealer of the Year on a number of occasions.

It employs approximately 200 staff across its various businesses, with branches in Toowoomba, Darwin, the Gold Coast and Lismore.

“We have achieved a lot of success with Hino over the years and we hope this Facebook page gives us another way to engage with customers and a further opportunity to grow our business,” Mr Vandersee said.

HIno on sHoW At CIvInex

vAnderFIeLd HIno noW on FACeBooK

Hino Australia was a proud participant in the 2011 Civenex Infrastructure Expo on 18–19 May at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway.

The annual construction and public works expo provided the perfect opportunity for Hino to showcase its impressive range of trucks and world-class technology.

With the release of Euro 5 models to meet the more stringent vehicle exhaust emission regulations in Australia (ADR80/03), Hino has set even higher standards of environmental and performance

benchmarks, including additional power and torque, new levels of safety in some models, reduced noise and further advances in driver comfort across the Hino range.

The Hino stand at the show was shared by the City Hino and Adtrans Hino dealerships.

Hino displayed a 500 Series 1022 tipper, a 300 Series 714 hybrid, and a 500 Series 1024 with a unique tipper/tilt-slide body.

Adtrans general manager Jeff Morgan said the 500 Series 1024 was by far the most popular of the three with patrons, given it was

designed specifically to cater for the needs of the government sector and construction industry.

“The quality of the enquiries at the show means it was two days well spent,” Mr Morgan said.

He added that another highlight was the contacts made with other suppliers, which may result in more trucks being equipped for specific applications.

“All up it was the most successful

Civenex show I’ve been involved with.”The Civenex Expo showcases new

products and innovations across a range of fields, including engineering, construction, excavation, trucks, and roads and traffic.

A council in regional Queensland has taken delivery of the first two Euro 5 FS 700 Series Hino trucks ordered in Australia.

Hino Australia met the January 1 introduction of the Australian Design Rule 80/03 (ADR80/03) for vehicle emissions, commonly known as Euro 5, by making only minimal changes to the design and operation of its full range of light, medium and heavy duty trucks.

The Cassowary Coast Regional Council selected FS 2844 700 Series Hino trucks with air suspension and fitted with rigid tippers and dog trailers.

This regional council is comprised of the former shires of Cardwell and Johnstone that includes Innisfail, Tully,

Cardwell and Hinchinbrook Island, which were all significantly impacted by Cyclone Yasi.

Co-ordinator Fleet and Business Services Paul Valente said these two trucks will join a fleet of 15 trucks at the Cassowary Coast Regional Council used for a variety of jobs, including road construction and waste removal.

“There has obviously been a very large clean-up and we have been using

the fleet for a lot of clearing work post-cyclone Yasi.”

He said these Hino trucks met his requirements for performance features, cost and local content.

The tipper body and hydraulics, and the dog trailers are locally

supplied and fitted.Pacific Hino Cairns supplied the

trucks and sales executive Mike Grant facilitated their prompt delivery.

“Hino Australia’s ability to deliver within my expected timeframe was also a big part of my decision to purchase these trucks,” Mr Valente said.

Hino Australia divisional manager product strategy, marketing and dealer development, Alex Stewart, said Hino’s transition to Euro 5 for

its 700 Series medium and heavy duty trucks had been simple and straightforward.

“The 700 Series required only minor modifications and changes to exhaust treatment systems to meet the Euro 5 standard.”

He said the introduction of ADR80/03 would lead to the trucks on Australian roads being among the cleanest in the world.

“Hino has long been a leader in developing truck and bus technologies for safeguarding the environment and improving fuel efficiencies.

“It has also been dedicated to improving safety and ease of operation of the vehicles,” Mr Stewart said.

The FS 700 Series Hino models are equipped with 18-speed RTLO Eaton transmissions and Hendrickson (HAS) air bag rear suspension.

CASSOWARY COAST

WELCOMES FIRST

EURO 5 HINOS

6 | Torque

“Hino trucks met His requirements for performance features, cost and local content.”

RONALD McDONALD & HINO GO WEST

RONALD McDONALD & HINO GO WEST

The first ever Ronald McDonald Care Mobile – a mobile care unit built on the back of a Hino 500 Series 1727 truck – has been launched in Australia to provide child health services and health promotion to families living in rural and remote NSW.

The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is a purpose-built, 12-metre-long vehicle containing two clinical consulting rooms.

The Hino 500 Series 1727 truck carrying the specialist mobile care unit will be utilised by a team of Royal Far West clinicians to provide specialist health services to children.

Hino dealer West Orange Motors sold the charity the cab chassis before it was sent to a body builder in the US called Lifeline, which specialises in these types of bodies.

The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile will make accessing specialist services easier for hundreds of families in rural NSW each year.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and Ronald McDonald House Orange have partnered with Royal Far West to further their shared goal of improving the lives of children.

“We are truly thrilled about our partnership with Royal Far West and the opportunity to help more children and families in rural and remote areas

of NSW,” said Malcolm Coutts, RMHC CEO.

Royal Far West clinicians will provide a range of health and promotion services which include paediatrics, speech therapy, dietetics, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, psychiatry and social work.

The use of technologies such as video conferencing will be integrated into the services provided.

West Orange Motors dealer prinicipal Aaron Daniel said Hino was thrilled to supply this quality truck to the charity organisation.

“This Hino 500 Series is ideal for this application as it offers clever engineering, the latest technology and safety, and comfort features that will hopefully make their job that little bit easier,” he said.

“We believe Hino offers ongoing product quality and delivers exceptional service, even in the most remote areas.”

RMHC program manager Barbara Ryan said reliability was very important for this project and that a Hino was selected as they are popular and easy to maintain, with lots of services centres and back-end support available.

“Access to specialist healthcare is the right of every child regardless of where they live,” said Jann Kingston, Royal Far West CEO.

Dr Jane Lesslie, Royal Far West clinical director, said: “Now we can go directly to children and their families

and provide a range of healthcare and promotion services where they live.”

The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile will be managed cooperatively by Royal Far West and the board of the soon-to-be-built Ronald McDonald House in Orange, NSW.

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Hino is poised to launch a comprehensive all-new 300 Series light-duty truck range.

NEW-GENERATIONHINO LAUNCHES

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The 45-model variants of the new-generation 300 Series range has standard and wide cab models, and a greater choice of crew cab models.

The entire range has been redesigned outside and inside, and was subject to record levels of Australian development input.

Hino Australia divisional manager, product strategy, marketing and dealer development, Alex Stewart, said the new 300 Series offered improved safety, driveability, aerodynamics, vision, cabin ergonomics, comfort and convenience, ease of maintenance and vehicle security.

“Hino 300 Series has an extensive list of both active and passive safety features to claim the title of safest light-duty truck on the Australian market,” he said.

“Specification levels are impressive: all models have dual SRS airbags, ASR traction control, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and, for the first time, vehicle stability control (VSC) incorporating

anti roll-over and anti-skid safety measures.

“Performance and economy have also been improved, with the latest Euro 5-compliant 4.0-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel delivering a class-leading combination of power and torque, with 121kW of power at 2500rpm and 464Nm of torque from 1400rpm to 2300rpm.

“All wide cab diesel models have a six-speed transmission in either manual or automatic, with the automatic transmission now available on a greater range of models.”

Mr Stewart said Hino is the only Japanese truck manufacturer to offer Euro 5 with full automatic transmission in the light-duty market.

“All manual 300 Series models also have Hino ES (Easy Start) hill-start assist,” he said.

The Hino 300 Series cabin has been completely redesigned, outside and inside.

The new exterior design offers class-leading aerodynamics for improved fuel economy; the new

wide-cab model’s coefficient of drag is 30 per cent better than that of similar trucks from other manufacturers.

“Driver vision has been improved with new multi-position power-operated and heated main and spotter mirrors, and unique Hino designed slim A-pillars that greatly reduce forward blind spots,” Mr Stewart said.

“In another important safety first for the light-duty market, Hino has high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights available as an option on wide cab models.

“Cabin entry and exit has been improved with larger door apertures, wider-opening doors and larger steps.

“The cabin interior has been completely redesigned for improved comfort, convenience, storage and driving ease, including new seats, instruments, switches, audio systems

and remote central locking with integrated engine immobiliser. There is increased foot and leg space, and even a collapsible gearshift lever.”

All wide cab models have a driver’s suspension seat as standard equipment.

All models have factory-fitted air conditioning, while the five crew cab models have an additional independent rear air conditioner unit.

Medium, long and extra-long wheelbase wide cab models have an increased driving range, thanks to a new 70-litre sub tank – giving a total fuel capacity of 170 litres.

An expanded range of Hybrid 300 Series models will be launched later this year.

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Hino has refined its 300 Series light-duty range to better suit customer needs.

The new range has 45 model variants, with more crew cab models and more models in the 8 to 8.5-tonne payload segment.

Hino Australia’s Alex Stewart said

the new range would allow customers to better select the correct truck for their particular needs.

“We want to make our customers’ businesses more profitable, while providing a truck that is more pleasurable to drive,” he said.

“Whichever Hino 300 Series

truck they choose, buyers will have the safest, best performing, most efficient and most comfortable truck in the segment.

“We’ve redistributed models to offer the maximum payload for the various car licence and light-truck licence categories,” he said.

“In the crew cab range for example, we now offer two 5.5/4.5-tonne models (manual and auto) which can be operated on a car licence, as well as a manual 6.5-tonne model, and auto 7.3-tonne model and a manual 7.9-tonne model.”

Hino’s new-generation 300 Series will be the safest light-duty truck in the Australian market for active and passive safety.

It is the first light-duty truck with vehicle stability control (VSC).

Standard equipment on all models includes dual SRS airbags, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).

New pretensioning seatbelts with Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) have been added to complement the dual SRS airbags.

The 300 Series safety package also includes a Japanese safety standard 18-02 compliant front under-run protection system (FUPS) on wide cab models, a first for a light-duty truck in Australia.

The cabin in both the new

standard and wide cab models is also compliant and certified to the ECE-R29 crash test standard.

Special attention has been paid to maximising visibility, for increased safety. The front A-pillar on new wide cab models is 65mm wide, compared with 100mm or more for its nearest competitors.

New exterior power-operated and heated mirrors are standard

equipment on all models, with a flat main and convex spotter mirror for increased visibility.

A reversing camera is available as an option, with the image displayed on the dashboard in a 2DIN high definition liquid crystal display screen.

Attention to detail in safety features includes a tilt-cab warning light on all single cab models.

Model Range Refined

Safety Benchmark re-Set

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Hino has completely redesigned its 300 Series cabin, for increased comfort and convenience.

Wide cab models have a driver’s suspension seat as standard equipment and all models have factory-fitted air conditioning.

Hino is the only make with an additional independent rear air conditioner in crew cab models.

Entry and exit have been improved with larger door apertures, wider doors, larger steps and increased foot and leg space.

The gearshift lever is now collapsible, so the driver can more easily slide across to the passenger side if the driver’s door opening space is restricted.

Hino 300 Series’ new cabin features include a floor-mounted auto-shift lever for a more natural shift feel, and an inclined seat slide to allow drivers of all heights to better tailor the seat position to their needs.

Cabin features include a new easy-to-read LED backlit instrument cluster with multi-information display and Eco Driving light, improved switch operability and increased storage space.

Storage space includes a wide open shelf, bottle holders, convenience hooks and multiple DIN spaces.

Crew cab models have additional cup holders in the rear air conditioner unit.

The Wide cab models have three spare DIN-size slots in the centre of the dashboard, as well as door pockets, centre console storage, a centre-seat tray and overhead console.

They also include two coat hooks in the rear trim and the industry-first of a long-life LED cabin light.

Hino 300 Series has the option of a reversing camera, with the image displayed on a 2DIN high definition LCD screen.

The brake-fluid reservoir inlet, washer fluid reservoir inlet and coolant reservoir are all accessible from both the driver and passenger doors in single-cab models.

All-new CAbin

Hobart City Council commissioned three Hino 500 Series and three Hino Hybrid 300 Series trucks in January for a variety of general construction, parks, city cleaning and playground maintenance tasks.

The new trucks join a fleet of Hino street-sweepers and earlier model Hino light-duty trucks at the council, which is Tasmania’s largest municipality.

The new trucks are two 500 Series FG 4x2s, a 500 Series FT 4x4, two Hybrid 300 Series automatic models and a Hybrid 300 Series with manual transmission.

Hobart City Council’s general manager Nick Heath said the operators on the purchase evaluation panel noted the comfort of the latest-generation Hino 500 Series cabin.

“In addition to the cabin comfort, the nine-speed Eaton transmission in the FG models was a telling item for the panel,” he said.

“The operators are in trucks all day, so their comfort and safety is vital.

“We chose the three hybrid trucks to help reduce the Council’s carbon footprint and fuel costs, and to suit the stop-start nature of city cleaning works.

“The two 15-tonne FG models are assigned to general construction works, while the 10.5-tonne FT 4x4 does track duties at Mountain Park.

“Two of the new hybrids are used for general cleaning in the city, with the other one on playground maintenance.”

The Hino 500 FG has a 7.6-litre high-pressure injection turbocharged and intercooled engine that delivers 190kW of power and 794Nm of torque.

It can be matched to a six-speed direct-drive Hino synchromesh transmission or a nine-speed Eaton synchromesh transmission.

In addition, Hino offers the FG Short Auto, with five-speed Allison automatic transmission.

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Six New HiNoS atHobart City CouNCil

Six New HiNoS at

“We cHose tHe tHree Hybrid trucks to Help reduce tHe council's carbon footprint and fuel costs.”

A progressive city council has commissioned six new Hino trucks based on a thorough evaluation by its truck operators.

Nick Heath, Hobart City Council general manager

(left) with Hobart Lord Mayor, Alderman Rob Valentine.

Torque | 13

HINO BACKS INDUSTRY EVENTSHino’s relationship with the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) was strengthened in May by its sponsorship of the Hino Australia annual golf day and convention.

The ATA, the national peak body for the trucking industry, invited delegates to attend the golf day at Vikings Capital Golf Club in Narrabundah, ACT.

Despite the cool temperature the sun shone throughout the day and the mood was high.

Hino trucks added some flavour to the surroundings, with several on display across the course throughout the day.

Thankfully, none of the participants targeted the trucks, and all came away unscathed.

The day was highly enjoyable and the quick greens provided a good challenge for all players.

The team of Grant Sanders, James Telfer and Ty Tong took out first prize with a net score of 53, narrowly beating Simon Wynne, Craig Carmody, Owen Driscoll and Robert Wass with a net score of 54.75.

The golf day was followed by the ATA’s annual convention, this year held

at the National Convention Centre in Canberra. Hino displayed a range of new Euro 5 models at the event.

Focusing on road freight transport issues, the convention was attended by both industry and government representatives.

Delegates said that the convention covered a fantastic range of relevant topics, and they came away with ideas that could be implemented immediately in their businesses.

An accompanying exhibition, called ‘Trucks on Show’, was open to the local trucking industry and the general public, free of charge.

Tom Ayrton, Hino’s national government sales manager, said that the event was a great demonstration of the strength of the trucking industry.

“Hino are strong supporters of the ATA, and this year’s convention was one of the best yet,” Mr Ayrton said.

“The golf day provided the perfect start to the event, putting everyone into a great frame of mind leading into the convention.

“It’s an event that Hino is proud to be associated with.”

Hino also supported the recent Landscaper’s Association

Conference awards dinner, where association members and

industry representatives met at Old Parliament House in

Parramatta, NSW.

Graham Ross, from Channel Seven’s Better Homes and Gardens

program, acted as MC for the evening and announced the awards

while providing anecdotes on his many decades in the industry.

“The landscaping industry is an avid consumer of Hino tip trucks,

and we want to support an industry that supports us,” said Tom

Ayrton, Hino’s national government sales manager.

“It was a great night, and one that Hino looks forward to being a

part of in the future.”

Six New HiNoS atHobart City CouNCil

The Hino stand at the ATA annual convention.

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Hino dealers in Perth and Kempsey have been recognised at the company's annual national Dealer of the Year Awards.

WA Hino in the Perth suburb of Welshpool was named the 2010 Hino Metropolitan Dealer of the Year and Kempsey-based Mavin Hino was awarded Regional Dealer of the Year at the function held at the Sunshine Coast's Hyatt Coolum on 5 May.

WA Hino dealer principal Paul McGovern said he was very proud that the dealership had won the title five out of the 10 times it has been awarded since 2002.

“Continued customer care is crucial to our success. The longevity of my staff is very important because customers like dealing with an experienced sales team they know and trust,” he said.

“Customers come back after two or three years and can still deal with the same person.”

Mr McGovern said developing staff to occupy key positions in WA Hino had been a key factor in maintaining stability and raising skill levels among his staff.

Mavin Hino dealer principal Dean Mavin said it was a great honour to be recognised as the Regional Dealer of the Year.

“We were delighted to receive our first Dealer of the Year award after being a Hino dealer for only two years,” he said.

“We put our success down to the relationships that exist between customers and our staff.”

The dealers also visited the 2011 Brisbane Truck Show to see the Hino stand and for the unveiling of the two new 300 Series trucks due for release later in 2011, as part of

Hino's all-new light duty range.

These two new models are pre-production units and were made by Hino Japan for display at the show.

Hino also had its brand-new Euro 5 medium and heavy duty trucks on show.

The biennial truck show took place from 5–8 May and was held for the first time in the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre at Southbank.

Hino has 44 dealers located across Australia.

The annual awards are based on performance in sales, service, parts and accessories.

With comedian Vince Sorrenti as MC, the event was attended by Hino's dealer principals as well as senior managers from Hino Australia.

Five guests from Hino Motors Limited of Japan, including Hiroto Kawai (executive officer), Masahiro Kumasaka (chief engineer), Shunichi Takahashi (general manager), Masashi Imaoka (manager) and Hiroshi Aoki (manager) also attended.

TOP HINO DEALERS HONOURED

2010 Hino Metropolitan Dealer of the Year award winners are congratulated by Hino

executives (L to R): Ken Sekine, chairman Hino Australia; Bruno Cirillo, sales manager, WA

Hino; Paul McGovern, dealer principal, WA Hino; Steve Lotter, president Hino Australia; and

Hiroto Kawai, executive officer Hino Motors Limited, Japan.

Ken Sekine, chairman Hino Australia (left) with: Dean Mavin, dealer principal, Mavin Hino; Darren Collins, sales manager, Mavin Hino; Steve Lotter, president Hino Australia; and Hiroto Kawai, executive officer Hino Motors Limited, Japan.

HINO AND THRIFTY MOVING WESTERN

AUSTRALIA

Torque | 15

The Hino 300 Series model was delivered earlier this year to bolster Thrifty’s ever-expanding range of rental Hinos based in WA. Each of Thrifty’s Hinos is typically in service for up to four years.

Thrifty in WA is a locally owned franchise of the global Thrifty network.

Thrifty WA’s fleet manager David Hendry said it provides customers with a unique rental experience.

“Thrifty WA has the heart of a local family business, with the backing of the internationally renowned Thrifty brand,” Mr Hendry said.

“Over recent years the Hino range of trucks has proved widely popular with our customers in WA. The WA market is unique in that we must cater for a range of retail-type customers, as well as those in industry and mining.

“The versatility of the Hino range means we are able to provide

customers with single and dual cab tray models, which have proven extremely popular with the rapidly expanding commercial customer base.

“At the other end, the van-configuration trucks provide novice drivers and private customers with a range of operational features more at home in a passenger car.

“The automatic transmissions are particularly appreciated by customers, and they widen the trucks’ appeal as they can be driven on a standard car licence,” he said.

The Hino trucks currently in service with Thrifty WA have a range

of features – including ABS braking, electronic brake-force distribution and dual airbags.

These safety features are becoming increasingly important to business customers when meeting strict occupational health and safety requirements, and they come as standard in Hino trucks.

Mr Hendry said that dealing with Hino allowed him to stay abreast of the latest

technology and best equipment levels available in the light duty truck market.

“Being locally owned, supporting WA business is a key platform for Thrifty. Paul McGovern and the team at WA Hino are a pleasure to deal with – and this means we can continue with the ethos of keeping it local.

“Thrifty prides itself in offering customers modern, reliable vehicles, and Hino allows us to deliver on this promise,” he said.

More than a decade of cooperation between Hino and Thrifty rentals in Western Australia has culminated with the delivery of its 150th Hino

light duty truck since 2007.

A driver for Australia’s largest vegetation services company had a lucky escape recently when his truck veered off an embankment and hit a tree.

The Hino GD Ranger 7, owned and operated by Active Tree Services and fitted with an elevated work platform for tree-lopping and cutting duties, was severely damaged in the accident earlier this year near Windsor, NSW.

Active Tree Services’ fleet services manager Michael Lundberg said the truck was “a complete write-off: the chassis was bent and the cab was smashed in”.

Thankfully the driver survived the incident, although he did sustain some serious injuries, including

sprains and cracked vertebrae.“Given the extent of the damage

it’s a wonder the guy survived,” Mr Lundberg said.

The truck had been in service for five years and was one of nearly

120 Hinos operated by Active Tree Services, among a total inventory of 550 trucks and other equipment.

Adtrans Hino sales manager Mick Neskes said Active Tree Services was

a long-standing customer and had placed an order for a replacement truck – a 500 Series SE 1426.

“To be honest, safety isn’t always a huge priority for customers – they want a truck that has the features

they need to do the job,” he said.“But the quality of construction

and safety features of Hino trucks means that Hino customers are getting the best protection available.

“And the new 500 Series in particular, with safety features like cabin strength certification to ECE-R29 standards and driver’s SRS airbag, will provide added protection and peace of mind.”

Mr Lundberg said Hino trucks were well-suited to Active Tree Services’ requirements, and one of the main reasons for having so many in its fleet lay in their adaptability to the company’s broad range of needs.

“We’ve always found Hinos to be reliable, the bodies are easy to fit and parts are easily available,” he added.

Active Tree Services employs over 450 staff nationally. Its key services include arboriculture, power line vegetation management, vegetation recycling and emergency response.

16 | Torque

Lucky escape for Hino driver

“tHe quality of construction and safety features of Hino trucks means tHat Hino customers are getting tHe best protection available.”

Hino Australia has launched the Technicians Development Program for dealerships around Australia.

The Technical and Service Support Department is running the Hino Technicians Development Program (HTDP), which began on 2 May and continues until 30 September.

The objective of the HTDP is to evaluate the skill levels of Hino technicians and select participants for the 2011 National Skills Contest.

The National Skills Contest involves service technicians from across the country who compete against each other by using their diagnostic and mechanical skills to address real-world service situations.

The top contestants will then compete in the Diagnostic category of Hino’s International Service Technical Contest in Japan.

Sergio Bonvini, Hino’s technical training manager, said the National Skills Contest has helped develop an understanding of future training needs by identifying participants’ key strengths and limitations.

The HTDP consists of a monthly questionnaire, each containing at least 10 multiple choice questions.

There are rewards for participants who demonstrate a high level of proficiency, with monthly prizes.

The eight technicians with the highest scores will win a spot in the 2011 National Skills Contest.

“Staff development throughout the dealer network is an important priority for Hino Australia,” Mr Bonvini said.

“The National Skills Contest is a highly regarded benchmark for

achievement and we encourage our dealers and service technicians to excel,” he said.

Since Hino launched its Dealership Network Technical Training Program in 2007, over 320 service technicians have spent a combined 6400 hours honing their skills at the training centre in Sydney.

Service technicians from across the country receive basic and advanced training at the centre for all models in the Hino range.

The addition of an exhaust extraction system in the training centre workshop is another example of Hino’s commitment to provide real-world servicing situations for technicians.

Mr Bonvini said this training program places Hino at the forefront of commercial vehicle industry training.

“We think it sets the precedent in terms of what a well organised and well patronised service training centre should be. Our feedback from participating service technicians and dealerships backs this up,” he added.

The Dealership Network Technical Training Program was initially set up to train technicians in all aspects of advanced electrical and electronic systems, including Hino Hybrid 300 Series.

Hino has since invested thousands of hours in developing training modules for the program.

Core components are being offered repeatedly throughout 2011 and include engine diagnostics, automotive electrical and electronics, hybrid systems and transmissions.

Torque | 17

Hino Australia has been globally recognised by its parent company HML after receiving an award for improvements made to its parts network.

Hino Australia was recognised alongside a select group of other global distributors when it won the 2010 Hino Parts Department of the Year award.

This is the third year in a row Hino Australia has received this prestigious award. Hino Australia parts manager Peter Michetti said the award reflected the growing number of customers that recognise the long-term value of using Hino genuine parts.

A trophy presentation will take place at an upcoming Oceania regional meeting. The parts department held a lunch in Sydney to celebrate winning the award.

18 | Torque

Hino Australia’s Product Support and Business Development Division is once again conducting the annual Parts Proficiency Program in 2011. Due to conclude on 31 October, the final exam will be held in Sydney in November.

The program is open to all parts interpreters from across the Hino dealer network, with the objective being to evaluate various skills of counter and phone room staff.

Contestants are emailed 15 questions relating to parts interpretation and basic product knowledge over a six-month period, and are given two weeks to submit their answers.

Throughout the program the contestants’ scores are tallied,

resulting in the top five parts interpreters with the highest scores being invited to compete in the final in November.

During the final contestants participate in a half-day of thorough testing across all aspects of parts interpretation to determine the winner.

Hino Australia’s parts manager Peter Michetti said this information is then used to determine what further training may be required.

“This form of training offers mutual benefits for dealerships and Hino Australia,” Mr Michetti said.

“This initiative is also another way of ensuring the best service for Hino customers. It is an added measure we

can take to educate and train dealer parts staff.

“The questions are largely based on practical examples and new models, which means that we can use the program to keep dealer parts

interpreters at a consistently high level,” he said.

Contestants have the opportunity to win a monthly prize of a PlayStation 3, and major prizes at the conclusion of the final.

PROFICIENCyPartsPromotes Know-how

Hino wins third

Parts Award

Torque | 19

NEW SOUTH WALESAlbion Park Rail Illawarra Hino ���������������������(02) 4256 7111

Beresfield Newcastle Hino ����������������������������(02) 4974 7800

Fairfield City Hino �������������������������������������������(02) 8724 8222

Grafton Black Hino ������������������������������������������(02) 6644 3000

Kempsey Mavin Hino ��������������������������������������(02) 6562 6211

Lismore Vanderfield Hino ��������������������������������(02) 6626 2828

Mascot Adtrans Hino ���������������������������������������(02) 9700 9554

Muswellbrook Wideland Hino �������������������������(02) 6543 3066

Narellan Adtrans Hino �������������������������������������(02) 4655 5755

Orange West Orange Motors ����������������������������(02) 6361 1000

Tamworth Wideland Hino Tamworth ����������������(02) 6765 2000

Queanbeyan Southern Truck Centre ����������������(02) 6299 6433

Wagga Wagga Trucks Hino ������������������������������(02) 6971 8000

Wyoming Adtrans Hino Gosford ����������������������(02) 4323 3879

VICTORIABendigo Bendigo Truck Centre ������������������������(03) 5440 9111

Dandenong Prestige Hino �������������������������������(03) 9212 5555

Melbourne CMI Hino (Laverton) ����������������������(03) 9931 6500

Mildura Sunraysia Hino �����������������������������������(03) 5021 2999

North Geelong ISR Truck City��������������������������(03) 5278 9844

Wodonga Jacob Hino ��������������������������������������(02) 6055 9800

TASMANIADevonport FRM Hino ���������������������������������������(03) 6424 9855

Hobart FRM Hino (Derwent Park) ���������������������(03) 6272 3822

Launceston FRM Hino (Invermay) �������������������(03) 6334 5877

QUEENSLANDAyr Don West Hino �������������������������������������������(07) 4783 1600

Brisbane Sci Fleet Hino (Coopers Plains) ������������(07) 3722 2888

Brisbane Sci–Fleet Hino (Kedron) �����������������������(07) 3361 0024

Cairns Pacific Hino ������������������������������������������(07) 4052 4708

Goondiwindi Tait Hino �������������������������������������(07) 4671 7300

Gympie Hi–Way 1 Truck & Tractor �������������������(07) 5480 5000

Forest Glen Hi–Way 1 Truck & Tractor �������������(07) 5453 5000

Mackay Carlisle Hino���������������������������������������(07) 4952 1088

Maryborough Hi–Way 1 Truck & Tractor ���������(07) 4190 4190

Mt Isa Bell & Moir Hino ������������������������������������(07) 4743 3066

Nerang Vanderfield Hino ����������������������������������(07) 5596 3599

Rockhampton Ian Weigh Motors���������������������(07) 4924 5200

Toowoomba Vanderfield Hino��������������������������(07) 4633 4822

Townsville Primemovers NQ ���������������������������(07) 4727 5200

NORTHERN TERRITORYAlice Springs Peter Kittle Motors ��������������������(08) 8952 5500

Darwin Vanderfield Hino (Pinelands) ����������������(08) 8932 4200

WESTERN AUSTRALIAPerth WA Hino (Welshpool)�������������������������������(08) 9351 2000

Bunbury Bunbury Trucks Sales & Service ������������(08) 9725 6880

SOUTH AUSTRALIAAdelaide CMI Hino (Regency Park) ������������������(08) 8243 8100

Mt Gambier Barry Maney Group ���������������������(08) 8721 3400

Port Augusta Northpoint Hino �������������������������(08) 8642 3433

hino.com.auHMS00070

IN THE LONG RUN.VALUE

A TOYOTA GROUP COMPANY

BETTERPARTS & SERVICE AREGENUINE HINOREASON WHYANOTHER

Your Hino truck is a key part of your business. Our

business is to help you make as much money with it

as possible. So in order to help you do so, we offer an

industry leading warranty. Buy any Genuine Hino Part

or Accessory fitted by an authorised Hino dealer and

we’ll give you a three year warranty with unlimited

kilometres during this period. And since it applies both

to the parts and labour it makes brilliant business

sense no matter what

model Hino you drive.hino.com.au

The 3 year / unlimited kilometre warranty applies to defects in workmanship and materials only, and does not cover fair wear or tear of the part / accessory. The 1 year / 100,000 kilometre warranty applies to defects in materials only, and does not cover defects in workmanship or fair wear or tear of the part / accessory. If the genuine Hino part or accessory is modified in any way, any Hino warranty that may have been applicable to that genuine Hino part or accessory, including but not limited to the 3 year / unlimited kilometre warranty and the 1 year / 100,000 kilometre warranty is voided. HMS07232