Hino Australia has tested its top service, parts and sales staff at the 2015 Hino National Skills Contest, held at Hino Australia's head office at Caringbah in Sydney on 15 October.
The event attracted a total of 22 finalists drawn from Hino dealers nationwide. Hino Australia also used the event to celebrate the brand's 50th anniversary in Australia.
Attendees included Hino Australia Chairman and CEO Steve Lotter, President and COO Shunichi (Sean) Takahashi and representatives from Hino Japan, including Deputy General Manager Hiroshige Fukuoka and Manager Tsuyoshi Kawabata.
Mr Lotter said holding the Hino National Skills Contest is an essential element of Hino's continued success.
"We want our team to be at the leading edge of sales and service, and world-class training and assessment is crucial to the growth of our business," Mr Lotter said.
Parts and service contestants were tested on their diagnostic and parts interpretation skills through a range of hypothetical exercises.
Parts and contestants also participated in a situational exercise to display their prowess under pressure.
Sales contestants were treated to a group 'Sale of the Century' style game-show quiz and an individual quiz and role-play exercise.
The National Service Award for 2015 was taken out by Asa Pearson of CMI Hino Adelaide, the Parts Award went to Tom Stewart of West Orange Motors and David Cushion from CMI Hino Adelaide took out the Sales Award.
Mr Lotter commended all the participants and winners on the level of expertise shown at the 2015 Hino National Skills Competition.
"We appreciate all our contestants who have worked so hard to earn a place in the finals, and we look forward to next year's event."
Hino National Skills Contest Winners 2015
Service
1st - Asa Pearson, CMI Hino Adelaide
2nd - Brandon Healey, WA Hino
3rd - Robert Barber, West Orange Motors
Parts
1st - Tom Stewart, West Orange Motors
2nd - Ryan Macauley, CMI Hino Adelaide
3rd - Mike Hardy, WA Hino
Sales
1st - David Cushion, CMI Hino Adelaide
2nd - Andrew Harris, CMI Hino Adelaide
3rd - Luke Bennett, FRM Hino