Hino Torque Winter 2009

ISSUE No.8 WINTER 2009

Hino conquers Dakar

Top DecaHino does heavy duty driver training

House WinsFour new dealers join the fray

MONSTER TRUCK

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

Torque | 3

Fifty per cent – that figure has become a beacon for successful small businesses.

Under the Federal Government's 50 per cent investment allowance, owner-operators can order new trucks up to 31 December this year and take delivery up until the end of next year.

It is providing stimulus to businesses with turnovers below $2 million per annum – and that describes a substantial number of Hino's customers, as Hino is the truck of choice for many owner-operators.

Alongside the Government's $22 billion infrastructure investment package, business is starting to move again. In fact we're now forward-ordering more vehicles to keep up with demand, and this reaction is coming not only from the small business community.

Larger operations qualified for an investment allowance of 30 per cent until the end of June. We saw many companies take advantage of this unique offer as it is unlikely to happen again in the foreseeable future.

This economic downturn is different to any we've experienced before – it is all-encompassing and the countermeasures are radical. At Hino Australia, we've done our fair share of redefining objectives, ensuring the size of our business is pitched to forecasts of demand.

The goal for all of us in business is to ensure we are positioned to emerge strongly from the recession, and the upturn in the economy is getting closer every day.

At Hino, instead of decreasing our offerings and services,

we are strengthening them. Our rationale is that our customers, caught in the downturn, need our help more than ever.

So, we have invested in more training, better parts supply and new model development and we've strengthened our commitment to environmental requirements through our hybrid program. This has already resulted in Hino acquiring a larger share of the total heavy vehicle sales mix – an outcome further assisted by our continued drive to appoint new dealers at strategic locations, including three dealer appointments in the last three months.

Have we reached the bottom of the recession? If not, it feels like we're getting mighty close, and we will then start climbing the other side of the U-curve.

I think of what we're doing right now as building the foundations for a house much larger than the one currently on the block. Solid foundations will continue to let you put on more storeys until you've got a skyscraper.

There are some who'll build their foundations only to accommodate current conditions: they're the ones who won't be able to grow with future demand. Hino's foundations have always been based on quality, durability and reliability – QDR.

Right now, in a business environment in which every move has to be right, those qualities are more relevant than ever before.

Steve LotterChief Operating OfficerHino Motor Sales Australia

Torque | 3

4 | Torque Torque | 5

Vanderfield Hino and WA Hino shared top-billing at the Hino National Dealers Awards where they were both named the 2008 Hino Metropolitan Dealer of the Year.

Vanderfield Hino's Darwin branch and WA Hino, located at Welshpool (10km south-east of Perth's CBD), were adjudged the best, based on performance in sales, service, parts and accessories, and customer satisfaction.

It was a successful night for

Vanderfield Hino as their Toowoomba branch claimed its fourth Rural Dealer of the Year award since 2002.

"We are delighted to have won both the rural and metro awards, as they are as much a tribute to our customers as to the Vanderfield team," said Bruce Vandersee, managing director of Vanderfield Hino.

"The recent economic downturn shows how strong the culture and stability of a business is. I must commend my two

branch managers – Aaron Heath in Darwin and Jason Jones in Toowoomba – for the leadership they have shown in keeping our customers happy and loyal to Hino.”

WA Hino dealer principal Paul McGovern agreed with Mr Vandersee, saying the truck business rewards dealerships who build a strong rapport with their customers.

"When it comes down to it, trucks are bought by people and sold by people, so

establishing that bond between our staff and our clients has been crucial to WA Hino's success," Mr McGovern said.

"I've been in the business for 25 years and I am still selling trucks to the same people who started dealing with us all those years ago, because customers like dealing with an experienced sales team they know and trust. The 'newest' member in our sales team has been with us seven years."

Prestige Hino in Victoria has promoted the benefits of Hino’s hybrid technology and made one person the very happy new owner of a Toyota Prius following a recent radio promotion.

In conjunction with Nationwide Towing – Victoria’s biggest commercial towing company – and the breakfast show of Vega 91.5FM, Prestige held a two-week promotion that took Hino’s 714 Hybrid truck to the masses.

Dubbed 'Dicko, Dave & Chrissie's Suburban Tour' (after the show’s presenters), the promotion involved a Nationwide 500 Series tow truck, Hino 714 Hybrid and a Prius visiting a different suburb each day to teach residents about the benefits of hybrid technology.

Visitors to the suburban tour were

given the chance to win a Prius, and on the final day of the promotion Mount Waverly resident Cheri Grant was named the winner.

Prestige Hino dealer principal Sam Nixon was on hand to present Ms Grant with the keys and hail the promotion a success.

“The Dicko, Dave and Chrissie Suburban Tour was a huge success and took Hino and Toyota’s hybrid technology to the masses,” Mr Nixon said.

“A member of our sales team was present at each location during the promotion to handle any enquires and

CMI Hino Adelaide has made the most of the Federal Government’s decision to extend the investment allowance by displaying a wide range of 300 and 500 Series trucks at the recent National Tradesman’s Expo in Adelaide.

The expo, held across three days in mid-May, showcased everything from hand tools to excavation equipment and trucks.

CMI Hino Adelaide’s stand featured varying combinations of 300 Series trucks, alongside two 500 Series models, one of which was displayed carrying a skid-steer supplied by Toyota Material Handling.

CMI Hino Adelaide sales manager Chris Morrison said the dealership had been involved in the last five expos and found it an ideal opportunity to showcase Hino product to interested customers.

“The expo is the main chance in Adelaide to fly the Hino flag to the

customer base,” Mr Morrison said.“It is an opportunity to demonstrate

our trucks to a prequalified customer base, as the people in attendance are tradespeople. People who visited our stand were those who have a need for a Hino truck, and particularly an interest at the light end.

“We purposely didn’t target heavy trucks as for the most part tradespeople only need a light truck. The government’s investment allowance also proved the ideal opportunity to show tradespeople they can buy a truck at a comparable price to a light commercial.”

Mr Morrison said the stand’s other strong drawcard was a Hino 714 Hybrid that received a lot of customer interest.

“The hybrid we displayed drew a lot of enquiries,” Mr Morrison said. “People were very interested in the hybrid technology as it was the only truck of its kind on show.”

New Hino dealer FRM Hino in Launceston, Tasmania has just sold the Tasmanian Bus Association (TASBUS) a specially-modified 300 Series tilt tray to perform a unique role.

TASBUS’ new truck will be used to carry a portable brake testing machine around the state for use in conducting bus safety inspections.

FRM Hino’s regional sales manager Andrew Spencer said TASBUS deputy president Ian Garth was very impressed with the association’s new Hino.

“I have a long association with TASBUS and Ian. He was impressed with the Hino – in fact after his first drive he described its handling as ‘excellent’,” Mr Spencer said.

TOP DEALERS SHARE SUCCESS PRIUS PROMOTION A WINNER

CMI ADELAIDE TALKS TO TRADESPEOPLE

TASBUS TAKES A HINO

Left to right: Masakazu Ichikawa, John Conomos and Junsuke Ando present Bruce Vandersee and (far right) Paul McGovern with shared Hino National Dealer of the Year Awards

promote Hino's hybrid technology, which meant people left with a thorough understanding of its benefits.

“Prius is a globally recognised symbol for hybrid technology.

Throughout the promotion we found people genuinely interested in how that technology is now, thanks to Hino, making the truck industry greener,” Mr Nixon said.

Genuine Hino Accessories have gone digital with accessory items for Hino Australia’s entire truck and bus ranges now available to view on the company’s website.

Visitors can now view 84 accessory items – including images and product descriptions – for 300, 500 and 700 Series trucks as well as the bus range.

Among the list of Genuine Hino Accessories available to view are popular items such as weathershields, sun visors, bull bars, stone guards and wheel covers.

The website also lists Genuine Hino seat covers, mud flaps, rear vision camera, foot-well liners, floor mats and a multi-media sound system.

“The new link to Genuine Hino Accessories is a comprehensive shop-front for Hino customers who are into accessorising their trucks,” said Hino

Australia chief operating officer Steve Lotter.

“Many of our customers like to improve the comfort, toughness and protect the appearance of their Hino. The website offers them a way to check out all the latest Genuine Hino Accessories with just a few clicks.”

Visit www.hino.com.au and click the ‘Genuine Hino Accessories’ button to view the range.

HINO ACCESSORIES GO ON-LINE

CMI Hino Adelaide saw a genuine increase in interest due to the government’s investment allowance at the recent National Tradesman’s Expo

TASBUS deputy president Ian Garth (right) receives the key to the Association’s new Hino 300 Series tilt tray from FRM Hino's Andrew Spencer

Prestige Hino dealer principal Sam Nixon presents Cheri Grant with the keys to her new Prius which she won as part of the dealership’s recent hybrid technology promotion

6 | Torque

The initiative in the recent Federal Budget increases the proposed Business Tax Break to an additional 50 per cent for eligible assets purchased before the end of 2009 by small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $2 million.

The government stated the increased tax break “provides small businesses with an even greater incentive to invest in new capital items, such as computer hardware and business vehicles, and to

make capital improvements to existing machinery and equipment.”

The Business Tax Break is part of the government's $42 billion economic stimulus package and aims to increase small business confidence.

Hino also welcomed the $22 billion to be spent on infrastructure and road projects that will assist road transport efficiencies in the years ahead.

"The Federal Government's tax initiatives come at an opportune time

for truck operators, large and small," said Steve Lotter, Hino Australia chief operating officer.

"For smaller businesses, there is a fantastic opportunity to take up the 50 per cent tax break until the end of 2009, which is a huge benefit in anyone's language.

"I think any company that has been holding off replacing trucks in their fleet will be seriously considering the ramifications of not taking up these tax incentives – those who don't may regret

their decision in the years ahead." In relation to larger companies, Mr

Lotter praised the government’s earlier initiative that, although now expired, provided an additional 30 per cent tax deduction for eligible assets purchased before 30 June, 2009. Larger companies can still claim an additional 10 per cent tax break if a truck is purchased by the end of 2009.

To contact your nearest Hino dealer, visit: www.hino.com.au.

HINO WeLcOMeS TaX BReaK eXTeNSIONHino Australia believes now is the time for small businesses to invest in new trucks following the Federal Government’s decision to increase tax breaks to 50 per cent.


ON HINOS.AVAILABLENOWTRANSMISSIONSAUTOMATICFULLY

Hino’s range of light duty trucks are the

only trucks on the market to offer a choice of

fully automatic six-speed transmissions. As you’d

expect of Hino, they’re highly advanced with Idle

Neutral technology to minimise load on the drive

train and maximise fuel economy and ‘Fuzzy

Logic’ to optimise gear selection for steep climbs

and descents. So if you’d like to work smarter

rather than harder, you’d better go Hino

fully automatic. hino.com.au

HMS06743/FP

Hino Australia COO Steve Lotter praises the government's Business Tax Break investment allowance which provides an additional 50 per cent tax deduction on

new trucks purchased by small businesses before 31 December, 2009


Dakar may be the name of Senegal’s capital city, but continental Africa’s western-most city is perhaps better known as the one-word name for an annual event that pitches trucks, buggies and motorbikes against the harshest conditions in world motorsport.

Since the Dakar’s inception in 1978, the Senegalese capital had been the traditional finishing location of the rally-raid endurance event that saw competitors race from Paris to the south of Europe and then through the harsh desert landscape of countries including Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and Niger.

Security fears forced organiser ASO – the group also responsible for the Tour de France bicycle race – to switch to South America for the 2009 edition.

Although competitors were racing away from the event’s African heartland, conditions were just as unforgiving.

Crews tackled the 9600km test in just 16 days, covering a loop that started and ended in the Argentinean capital, Buenos Aires. The route took in Patagonia, as well as the mountainous areas of the Andes and the Atacama Desert in Chile.

The South American route was the 18th consecutive year that Hino Motors Ltd had entered the gruelling challenge, which was formerly known as the Paris-Dakar.

Hino Team Sugawara entered two 500 Series trucks and was once more led by veteran driver, Yoshimasa Sugawara, who was competing in a record-setting 20th straight Dakar and who was joined by his son, Teruhito, driving the team’s second entry.

Hino has astonishingly completed the race with the 500 Series every year for the last 18 it has entered.

Hino entered the Dakar rally for the 18th consecutive year in 2009 and for the 18th consecutive year Hino's factory-supported 500 Series

trucks made it to the finish of the world's toughest motor race.

Hino Team Sugawara’s two 500 Series race trucks were serviced by seven mechanics selected from Hino Motors Ltd and various dealerships across Japan.

The seven mechanics travel to each ‘bivouac’ (service area) in Hino 700 Series trucks fitted with all the tools and spare parts needed to support the gruelling 16-day race.

Often working for days on end with little sleep, the mechanics have to service the trucks at night and then travel the hundreds of kilometres to the next bivouac ahead of the race field to ensure they are set-up and ready for the next service.

“Although our task was really difficult as we had to continuously work almost all night, we were all able to laugh freely in the end – we made it through without any injury. I really feel relieved that we all made it,” reflected team mechanic Shigetoshi Kudo.

Such a demanding schedule requires the very best team work, and although physically and mentally demanding, it is what makes Dakar one of the most fabled motorsport events in the world.

Seventh Heaven

The Dakar represents arguably the greatest challenge in modern motorsport

Hino Team Sugawara’s seven hand-picked mechanics

10 | Torque

In an event where merely finishing is an achievement, Hino again proved its credentials, with Teruhito finishing second in the under 10-litre class of the Camion (truck) division after his father hit trouble in a section of dunes and lost time – a common occurrence in the Dakar.

Remarkably, the 67-year-old and his co-driver dug their seven-tonne 500 Series out of the dune in oppressive desert heat and continued to the finish, eventually claiming sixth in class.

“I consider that the results of this rally were generated by the united teamwork of all 14 of us, crew, mechanics, and assistants,” the veteran said at the end of the Dakar.

“The mechanics strived hard, working many nights with scarcely any sleep – the crew was so spirited that their support enhanced our concentration. It was really a hard rally for me at the age of 67; however, all who supported us enabled me to complete my 20th finish.”

Hino was the first Japanese truck brand to enter Dakar and has enjoyed continued success since it first entered in 1991. 500 Series trucks have claimed nine overall class wins and Hino became the first manufacturer to

clean-sweep the outright Camion podium, when 500s claimed first, second and third in 1997.

The success of the 500 has been aided by the modifications made through the joint efforts of Hino and Team Sugawara which have turned everyday trucks into highly-manoeuvrable racing machines that tackle the most extreme deserts of Africa and South America.

Known as ‘little monsters’ – due to their size and competitiveness relative to the other trucks in the class – the 500 Series race trucks of Hino Team Sugawara underwent significant layout changes for this year’s Dakar.

This included repositioning the engine to a more mid-mount position behind the front axle and lengthening the wheelbase.

These changes were made to improve handling – moving the engine back redistributed a large portion of weight – whilst the wheelbase was lengthened to improve stability on landing after jumps.

Hino Team Sugawara used a modified version of the 500 Series’ J80C engine, mated to a six-speed direct-drive transmission, while suspension is a multi-leaf system with two twin-tube gas sealed shock absorbers.

Designed purely for racing, the trucks’ rear body is attached to the cabin to improve aerodynamics and is made from 1mm-thick aluminium sheets to reduce weight.

To cater for the diverse terrain, the trucks are fitted with a Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS) that allows the co-driver to adjust tyre pressure from the cabin while racing, via a tank fitted to an air-sealed hub bearing.

Each Sugawara Hino is fitted with three fuel tanks totalling 650 litres, as regulations require trucks to race up to 800km without refuelling.

Aside from navigational and safety equipment, the interior is surprisingly close to the standard road-going version and even features the same dashboard.

One exception of the interior is the specially-designed race seats that are ergonomically designed to provide maximum comfort and safety as drivers bound along at up to 170km/h on stages close to 900km in length.

Although Hino missed out on another class win in 2009, the ‘little monsters’ provided it with the ultimate research and development test, where lessons learnt will form part of future vehicle design.


UP TO 480HP.PACKEDIT’S POWERHINO HEAVY DUTY RANGE.BEEFED UPTHE NEW

HMS06585/FP Overseas model shown

When we say beefed up, we mean beefed up. Our new heavy-duty models offer more power, improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and allow for more applications from tippers to interstate transport. So if you’re looking for power and heaps of it, head

to your local Hino dealer today.hino.com.au

MODElS

FM Auto

FM

FS

SS

POWER

300hp

320hp

440hp/450hp

450hp/480hp

There’s only one speed at Dakar – flat out!Mechanics work late into the night Teruhito Sugawara congratulates

his father Yoshimasa

DEALERS GET HEAVY-DUTYTRAINING WITH DECA


Hino Australia enlisted Australia’s foremost driver training company to teach Hino dealer staff how to professionaly drive the new 700 Series range of heavy duty trucks. Torque jumped in the cab and sat in the classroom to see what it was all about.

Nothing sparks a rowdy debate more than a group of blokes from the truck industry, in a room, discussing what they know about driving and road laws.

Equally, nothing humbles the same group more than being told they are wrong. Confronted with this second situation, a dozen people consisting of Hino dealer staff and representatives from Hino Australia head office quickly realised they were in for a no-nonsense, educational and often eye-opening experience.

This realisation came during the first morning of Course One of five training

courses organised by Hino Australia to provide 60 dealer and head office staff with a better understanding of its new range of 700 Series heavy-duty trucks.

“The hand’s on training was primarily designed to give sales staff the skills to properly demonstrate the capabilities of the 700 series,” says Hino Australia’s National Government Sales Manager, Tom Ayrton, who organised the course.

Hino Australia believes dealer staff will be more effective if professionally trained and given first-hand experience of everything related to operating the 700 Series range and the world of big trucks.

To ensure they received the best training possible, Hino enlisted the country’s leading heavy vehicle training organisation, Driver Education Centre of Australia (DECA) Training to run the custom-designed two and half day course.

“We’re moving seriously into heavy duty products and we felt that to do it properly we needed to not only expose our sales staff to the new trucks, but also let them experience driving the trucks in a real-world situation, and the DECA facility at Shepparton allows us to do just that,” Mr Ayrton says.

Hino’s DECA course was tailored to achieve two outcomes; firstly to teach their dealer staff about the new product and secondly, allow them to become familiar with heavy duty trucks in both theoretical and on-road situations.

Theoretical sessions were held in a classroom environment and saw participants cover DECA’s Defensive Heavy Rigid Training Course (the very occasion where the aforementioned debate took place), along with lessons on 700 Series technology, gearbox and clutch technique,

and correct tyre and wheel selection. However, the trainees were keen to

get plenty of experience behind the wheel, and they were not disappointed.

With a choice of six model variants (see right), all loaded at or near maximum gross weights, the trainees initially took turns accompanied by a DECA trainer to drive the Hino 700s around DECA’s dedicated private road system – a loop of several kilometres consisting of highway-style roads, sharp bends and undulations.

The group then took their new skills and knowledge into the real world, driving a route that saw them cover more than 600 kilometres over the two and a half days of each course.

Tackling everything from long flat country highways to twisting and hilly rural roads the participants also got to

Six variants of 700 Series trucks were used during the DECA course, providing dealer staff with firsthand knowledge of how the different specifications perform.

The examples included a 2848 high roof prime mover towing a B-Double set of trailers, a standard 2848 prime mover towing a single trailer, a 2845 rigid tipping truck and dog trailer, a 2632 14-pallet rigid curtainsider, an automatic transmission 2630 14-pallet curtainsider and a 2632 rigid tipper.

Although only testing on DECA’s Shepparton facility, Hino took the chance to run a B-triple behind a 700 Series 2848 high roof prime mover, demonstrating the pulling power and potential of the new range.

enjoy the Central Victorian scenery along the route, driving through such towns as Eurora, Benalla, Boonie Doon, Yea, Seymour, Numurkah, Heathcote and Murchison before returning to Shepparton each night.

For some, this was the first time they had ever driven a truck, let alone a fully laden B-Double. But accompanied by DECA trainers and regularly changing between trucks, the Hino trainees took every opportunity to put into action their new driving skills and knowledge. One notorious section of the route offered extremely steep gradients which challenged allcomers, except of course the driver of the 2630 with the fully automatic transmission. Yet all agreed the overall experience of the DECA course was invaluable. It not only improved their product knowledge but gave everyone

the skills to confidently and safely demonstrate the heavy duty product to customers.

Their performance impressed the DECA trainers almost as much as the 700s did.

“DECA’s instructors did admit some apprehension when we arrived as they had little experience with Hino trucks prior to our visit and didn’t quite know what to expect,” Mr Ayrton says. “But after spending two and a half weeks with the Hino’s they said they are as good, if not better than anything our competitors offer.

“It is the ultimate compliment.” DECA has been operating for 35 years

and has eight training centres around Australia. The company is Australia's largest heavy-duty vehicle training centre and now trains drivers in China and the Gulf States.

The Six Ways of

National Government Sales Manager, Tom Ayrton, organised the DECA course to equip Hino staff with the skills to comprehensively demonstrate 700 Series capabilities.


Hino Australia has recently added three new franchises to its dealer network, taking its total number of dealer locations to 45.

“The launch of Mavin & McNamara Hino in the Kempsey region makes available a top quality brand for the higher-volume medium and light-duty truck markets,” said the company’s general manager, Scott Charlton.

“Hino has built a strong reputation for quality, durability and reliability, which ties in very well with the needs of our customers, who demand the best in sales and service.

“We definitely see opportunities for Hino to grow its presence in our region, given the strength of the product.”

Mr Charlton has also announced the appointment of a further Hino salesperson, Darren Collins, who brings to the new dealership 10 years experience selling Hino products.

Black Hino, part of the Black Toyota group, is located in Grafton, serving a vast region south to Coffs Harbour, north to Yamba and Lismore, and west to Casino.

Principal Craig Black has had a long association with the Toyota Group of Companies, dating back to 1983 when the first Black Toyota dealership was opened in Chinchilla, Queensland.

The addition of the new truck dealership is a logical progression for the growing automotive group, according to Black Hino general manager Danny Scott.

“Hino is a natural fit for our brand strategy as a member of the Toyota Group of Companies,” Mr Scott says.

FRM Hino in Tasmania replaces Hino’s long-standing dealer, Co-operative Motors, with dealerships in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport.

Like Black Hino, FRM has had a long association with the Toyota Group of

Companies, of which Hino is a part, as a Toyota Material Handling dealer for over 15 years.

FRM Material Handling is Tasmania’s number one forklift dealer. Its head office is based in Launceston, with branches in Hobart and Devonport. It employs 20 mobile technicians, four parts staff and five sales staff.

FRM Hino dealer principal Ferdie De Haan is assisted by General Manager Peter Brown in growing the business in Tasmania.

“Hino is about providing transport solutions to a very diverse group of clients, and FRM is committed to providing the best possible service to our customers. With the Federal Government’s additional 50 per cent tax deduction for small businesses until the end of this year, and highly competitive pricing across our range of models, there’s never been a better time than

right now to invest in a new Hino,” says Mr De Haan.

Hino has announced a new dealer network in the Illawarra region, Illawarra Hino. Director Tony White purchased the Hino franchise from long-time dealer Tory Hino.

Illawarra Hino operates from two locations with dealerships at Wollongong and Albion Park Rail. Illawarra Hino dealer principal Bob Norman says that several key staff from Tory Hino have transferred across to the new organisation.

He said Hino is returning to the City of Wollongong in force for the first time in many years.

"The retention of key staff has provided a seamless transition for existing clients, and has instilled an overall sense of stability within Illawarra Hino, particularly for our new location in Wollongong," says Mr Norman.

Hino’s recently completed million- dollar upgrade of its national parts distribution centre in Sydney has heralded the introduction of new service standards, including a 24-hour parts delivery objective.

Hino’s distribution centre primarily functions as a warehouse for Hino parts and accessories, which are distributed to customers via its dealer network.

The distribution centre had reached storage capacity in its previous configuration, primarily due to Hino releasing a raft of new models in 2008

and strong sales performance.Hino contemplated moving premises

to a new, larger facility at an estimated cost of $5 million. But by employing storage principles and processes derived from parent company Toyota, Hino was able to reconfigure the existing distribution centre to increase capacity.

Hino divisional manager, product support, Greg Bleasel, says the introduction of new reporting system software that more accurately measures and monitors the centre’s productivity has revealed that Hino can now provide

a 24-hour service rate for orders 95 per cent of the time.

“We’ve determined that our extra space and stock provides a 95 per cent probability of fulfilling parts orders the same day,” Mr Bleasel says.

“Daily orders received by 4pm will in the vast majority of cases be dispatched by 5pm the same working day.

“This is an impressive performance standard when you consider that every month the distribution centre will ship thousands of parts worth millions of dollars to dealers in 45 national locations.”

Mr Bleasel says holding a wider range and greater number of parts was necessitated by Hino’s business growth.

“Our stock requirements have greatly increased” says Mr Bleasel. “The distribution centre previously contained over 22,000 separate storage locations and was doing an admirable job.

“However, we have now increased overall storage by 28 per cent – expanding the centre to include over 28,000 storage locations.”

Mr Bleasel said the increased distribution centre capacity and service rate held key advantages for Hino dealers and customers.

“Dealers now have quicker access to

a wider range of parts than ever before. Dealers no longer need to keep a whole range of different parts and accessories themselves – they can rely on the distribution centre to hold and rapidly deliver stock to them.

“Dealers can now provide parts and accessories to customers and the trade more quickly, which assists in timely truck servicing and repair and gets trucks back on the road where our customers need them.

“Time off the road takes money out of our customers’ pockets, so anything we can do to reduce this – such as the 95 per cent service rate – is an obvious benefit for them.”

Mr Bleasel said the upgraded distribution centre has further capacity for expansion to meet Hino’s mid- to long-term business plans.

“In addition to the recent 28 per cent improvement in storage capacity achieved through the upgrade, the potential exists for a further increase of 50 to 80 per cent in storage capacity via the construction of a mezzanine level and additional pallet racks, and ongoing stock control measures.

“This would have further dramatic impact on our supply capabilities,” Mr Bleasel said.

Four New Hino Dealers

Illawarra Hino dealer prinicpal Bob Norman at his new Wollongong dealership

The Black Hino team (from left): sales manager Rob Connell, general manager Danny Scott and parts manager Chris Davis

Hino's upgraded distribution centre

(From left) Mavin McNamara Hino’s Scott Charlton - general manager; Dean Mavin - dealer principal; Darren Collins - Hino Sales; and Ben Allen - service manager

The FRM Hino team in Tasmania. Back row (from left) Peter Brown, general manager and Ferdie De Haan, dealer principal. Front row (from left) Andrew Spencer, regional sales manager (North & North West) and Peter Hope, regional sales manager (South)

NEW PARTS CENTRE BRINGS

24HOUR

PaRts DeliveRy

Before the upgrade

16 | Torque

Hino has been ranked highest in customer satisfaction among conventional cab, medium-duty trucks in the J.D Power and Associates 2008 Medium-Duty Truck Customer Satisfaction Study.

The highly respected J.D Power study of the American market, now in its 16th year, measures customer perceptions of 2006-model commercial vehicles, providing manufacturers with a comprehensive and objective measure of customer satisfaction with product, dealer service and parts.

Four factors are measured to determine overall customer satisfaction: vehicle performance, quality, warranty and cost of ownership.

Based on a 1000-point scale, Hino

scored 803, 12 points ahead of its nearest rival and 53 points ahead of the industry average of 756.

Hino out-performed its competitors particularly in engine quality and engine warranty.

“Hino Trucks is recognised worldwide as one of the leading innovators in engine design,” says Glenn Ellis, vice president, marketing and dealer operations for Hino Trucks in the United States.

“Hino has built strong owner loyalty and driver satisfaction with a reputation for producing high quality medium trucks.”

The successful engine surveyed by J.D Power & Associates in America is the same Hino J08E common-rail turbo-diesel engine that powers 38 variants in the

current Hino 500 range sold in Australia.The Hino J08E engine is available

locally in three power grades – 152kW, 168kW and 190kW.

“The J.D Power survey confirms the same feedback that Hino Australia receives from Hino operators all around the country – that Hino engines are reliable, servicing is straightforward, and overall performance and running costs are up there with the best,” says Alex Stewart, Hino Australia divisional manager, product strategy and development.

“Hino has developed a strong reputation for quality, durability and reliability, which is reflected in the J.D Power survey in the world’s biggest truck market.”

Hino pioneered the commercial application of common-rail fuel injection in mid-sized trucks, with benefits such as reduced noise and vibration, and hence reduced driver fatigue.

All Hino 500 models have a water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, designed to reduce combustion temperature and reduce emissions.

The "J" Series engines also have an electronically-controlled variable-nozzle turbocharger.

The variable nozzle adjusts the pitch of the turbocharger intake fins, achieving precise control of turbine speed and hence optimising turbo boost pressure.

This produces a cleaner, more efficient and complete combustion process from "idle" through to maximum RPM.

Hino tops JD power survey

Hino tops with Nationwide Towing

The Hino 1024 Load Ace is powered by the Hino J08E engine

that topped the 2008 JD Power customer satisfaction survey

Torque | 17

Victoria’s biggest commercial towing company, Nationwide Towing & Transport, is now using Hino trucks, after many years with another leading brand.

The company spent its first 18 years with another truck brand, but switched to Hino after an evaluation.

Nationwide Towing & Transport operates 145 trucks, of which over 90 are now Hino Ranger Pros.

In addition to towing over 250,000 vehicles a year, the company carries large items – such as machinery, heavy vehicles, shipping containers and sheds – anywhere in Australia.

“Everything from aeroplanes to tree trunks,” says Nationwide director, Ian McMillan.

“We are always on the lookout for trucks that better suit our applications,” he says. “We gave Hino a go in 2004 and found they suited our needs very well.

“Their serviceability was good as was their fuel economy and they also met our stringent OH&S requirements.”

One quality above all others convinced Nationwide to adopt Hinos as the company’s truck-of-choice.

“Our decision to go with Hino was based on a number of different performance criteria, but the paramount consideration was reliability. That’s nearly everything in our business.

“Our trucks are always in demand so it’s imperative that they’re up to the tasks expected of them. We can’t afford for them to break down in the middle of a job: they simply have to go.”

A nationwide tow-truck performs around 10 tows per day on average and covers over 75,000 km per year.

Mr McMillan says that on any given morning 40 to 50 urgent towing jobs could have come in overnight so it is

crucial that the towing fleet is ready for action.

“Most of our Hino trucks are early in their service life, but so far we’ve had nothing but success with them. Not one has failed us.

“Being number one in towing is about fast turnarounds and minimum down-time. With Hino being the 'Toyota of trucks' when it comes to reliability, we are confident about getting the job done on time.”

Nationwide Towing & Transport has a contract with the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) to provide exclusive towing in metropolitan Melbourne, with 27 Hino 500s in RACV livery dedicated to this task.

“It was especially important for us to choose the right vehicle when working with the RACV because we are working with their brand image as well as our own.

“The contract stipulates certain quality assurance and OH&S compliance so we had to ensure those things were spot-on,” Mr McMillan says.

“We are doing over 150,000 tows a year for the RACV so durability and reliability is important. We also need a very steady, safe and comfortable truck.

“The Hino 500’s airbag suspension really helped in that regard. As well as providing a comfortable ride, it keeps the vehicle level under all load conditions – which is very important for the safe transportation of heavy and expensive equipment.

“Other safety features such as Easy Start and the excellent braking system are also very important,” Mr McMillan says.

“The truck cabins are spacious and have all the mod-con features. The turning circle is good and there’s plenty of power on tap. The drivers love them.”

Nationwide Towing & Transport director Ian McMillan with two Hino Ranger Pros at the company's Blackburn depot


Hino Australia president Junsuke Ando sampled life as a rally co-driver for a morning, slipping into the passenger seat for a ride with Team TRD Rally at the first round of the Australian Rally Championship in Western Australia.

Mr Ando joined team boss and championship leader Neal Bates for a blast around the Busselton Toyota Super Special Stage during the pre-event shakedown.

Bates, who has never been defeated around the event’s opening stage, did not hold back, giving Mr

Ando full appreciation of the speed possible from the team’s Hino-backed S2000 Corollas.

The president was nearly rendered speechless following his hot lap, giving a big ‘thumbs-up’ as he stepped out of the three-time champion’s Corolla.

“Amazing, really amazing,” Mr Ando said. “Neal certainly is very skilled and the speed and quality of the car is a real credit to the whole team.

“It is also good to see them putting their Hino

700 to good use and helping to spread the Hino name.”

Mr Ando, who was attending his first-ever ARC round, is no stranger to motorsport, having spent time with Hino’s longstanding and successful Dakar endurance rally program.

Hino's advanced six-speed fully automatic transmission is now available on more variants in the 300 range.

In addition to auto, the single rear wheel Hino 300 414 is now available as a manual.

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

Beresfield Newcastle Hino ��(02) 4974 7800

Camden Adtrans Hino �� (02) 4655 5755

Grafton Black Hino �� (02) 6642 2644

Guildford City Hino �� (02) 9681 8111

Kempsey Mavin and McNamara �� (02) 6562 6211

Mascot Adtrans Hino �� (02) 9598 9444

Muswellbrook Muswellbrook City Hino �� (02) 6543 3066

Orange West Orange Motors �� (02) 6361 1000

Queanbeyan Southern Truck Centre �� (02) 6299 6433

Tamworth Tamworth City Hino �� (02) 6765 5552

Wagga Wagga Jacob Hino �� (02) 6925 5779

West Gosford Adtrans Hino �� (02) 4320 4932

VICTORIABendigo Bendigo Truck Centre �� (03) 5440 9111

Dandenong Prestige Hino �� (03) 9212 5555

Laverton North CMI Hino �� (03) 9931 6500

Mildura Sunraysia Auto Group (Mildura) �� (03) 5021 2999

North Geelong ISR Hino �� (03) 5278 9844

Wodonga Jacob Hino �� (02) 6055 9800

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

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

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

QUEENSLANDAyr Don West Toyota �� (07) 4783 1600

Cairns Pacific Hino �� (07) 4052 4777

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

Goondiwindi Tait Motors �� (07) 4671 7300

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

Kedron Sci-Fleet (Brisbane) �� (07) 3361 0000

Kunda Park Hi-Way 1 (Maroochydore) �� (07) 5453 5000

Mackay Carlisle Hino�� (07) 4952 1088

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

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

Nerang Gold Coast Hino �� (07) 5596 3599

Rockhampton Ian Weigh Motors�� (07) 4924 5200

Toowoomba Vanderfield Hino�� (07) 4633 4822

Townsville Primemovers �� (07) 4779 0077

NORTHERN TERRITORYAlice Springs Peter Kittle Motor Co �� (08) 8952 5500

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

WESTERN AUSTRALIAWelshpool WA Hino Sales and Service �� (08) 9531 2000

SOUTH AUSTRALIAMt Gambier Barry Maney Sales �� (08) 8721 3400

Port Augusta Northpoint Hino �� (08) 8642 3433

Regency Park CMI Hino �� (08) 8243 8100

hino.com.auHMS07337

HMS07337 Dealer Listing.indd 1 23/6/09 9:44:42 AM

18 | Torque

tHis story isn’t about Home-brewing:

it is about proDucing professional-

graDe beer witH all tHe tools anD

facilities of a big brewery.

u-beauty

tHis story isn’t about Home-brewing:

it is about proDucing professional-

Born out of a desire to personally brew a litany of professional quality beers, without having to take over Fosters and Lion Nathan, the U-Brewit franchise kicked off in Western Australia in 1998 and has since spread around Australia.

Now, instead of having to slave away in a garage for a couple of months to produce a slab’s worth of quite possibly questionable-quality beer, you – with a little experienced help – can cook up 54 litres of beer that most drinker’s can’t differentiate in taste from a public bar equivalent.

The starting point is the rather intimidating menu. With 156 beers, stouts, ales and lagers to choose from there really is something for everyone. Many emulate popular commercially available beers, but for those connoisseurs with a sense of adventure there are also quite a few unique U-Brewit creations.

The process is divided into two separate visits to a U-Brewit brewery: the first to actually mix the ingredients and create the beer, then two weeks later another visit to bottle the completed beer. On average, the brew is done in about an hour, with bottling taking around 1.5 hours.

During the two week fermenting time between visits, U-Brewit’s staff monitors your brew, ensuring it is of

suitable quality and gradually drops the temperature it is stored at to 1.0 degree Celcius before triple filtering and carbonating it. At this point, you’re ready to come back and package it up, and this is normally where the mates come around to 'help' you.

For packaging, you can bottle the beer, or put it into cans or kegs.

One of the big drawcards of the U-Brewit beer is that it doesn’t contain chemicals or preservatives, so its taste is cleaner and fresher, though the beer must be consumed within six months of bottling and be constantly refrigerated. Not that you’re likely to find help getting through it hard to come by. See www.ubrewit.com.au

18 | Torque

Bob Martin from Adtrans Hino demonstrates the ease of loading valuable cargo in a ‘Built to Go’ 616 Trade Ace


For stop-start city driving, no truck is as fuel-efficient as a Hino Hybrid. The innovative diesel-electric engine that powers Hino’s Hybrid not only cuts Carbon Monoxide emissions by up to 72% ,̂ it also gives significant fuel savings. For more information on Australia’s first Hybrid truck,

visit your local Hino dealer today.hino.com.au

39%*.UP TOCUT BYCOSTSFUEL

* Compared to a Hino Dutro based on heavy city driving averaging 15km per hour. ^ Compared to a Hino Dutro. Figure officially registered at DOTARS. HMS6542

HMS6542 FP Green.indd 1 5/11/08 12:23:04 PM

Hino Torque Winter 2009

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