L-R - The 2019 National Skills Contest winners are Kara Green from Adtrans Hino (Parts), Shane Curtain from Sci-Fleet Hino (Sales), and Mohammed Sharuk, Prestige Hino (Service).
For the tenth year, the very best staff from the Hino Australia dealer network have competed against each other for the coveted title of National Skills Champion, after winning their way through a series of qualifying rounds held over the past four months.
Held in Sydney on 21 November 2019, the Hino National Skills contest is one of the longest running and most comprehensive of its type in the truck industry.
18 finalists in the hotly-contested Sales, Service and Parts categories demonstrated their expertise through real-world roleplay scenarios, which were predominantly based on the all-new Hino 500 Series Standard Cab.
Parts contestants were further challenged to identify genuine and non-genuine parts, while Sales consultants were quizzed on their product knowledge.
“Hino Australia’s National Skills Contest is reflective of our investment in developing and training staff, while challenging them to continually improve and keep up to date with the latest technology, all of which were contributing factors to us winning both the global Parts and Service Awards for the eighth consecutive time earlier this year,” said Mr Steve Lotter, Chairman and CEO of Hino Australia.
“Having a skilled dealer network is essential for the continued success of Hino Australia and allows us to showcase the proficiency of our staff in providing world-class service and knowledge to our customers.”
The 2019 National Skills Contest winners are Shane Curtain from Sci-Fleet Hino (Sales), Kara Green from Adtrans Hino (Parts) and Mohammed Sharuk, Prestige Hino (Service).
Each winner receives an all-expenses paid trip to Japan.
For the second year in a row, the Australia versus New Zealand Technical Challenge added another aspect to what’s widely regarded as the most comprehensive skills contest of its type in the trucking industry.
Victory in the head-to-head Challenge went to Nathan Douglas from Truckstops Wellington, New Zealand who edged out Martyn Alexander from Newcastle Hino after completing a series of repair and diagnostic tasks over 30 minutes.
“After the results were tied last year, it was no surprise to see the Australia versus New Zealand honours so closely contested again this year,” said Mr Lotter.
“Congratulations to Nathan on his win, but more importantly for demonstrating so well the skills that Hino technicians bring to the customer experience on both sides of the Tasman.”
The event was held at Hino Australia’s Sydney headquarters and attended by VIPs including Mr Lotter, and Hino Australia President and COO Sam (Takashi) Suda as well as Toshiya Shiozawa, Senior General Manager, Hino Motors Limited, and key Hino Australia fleet customers.
Hino National Skills Contest Winners 2019
Service
1st - Mohammed Sharuk, Prestige Hino
2nd - Michael Xiao, CMI Hino Melbourne
3rd - Peter May, FRM Hino
Parts
1st - Kara Green, Adtrans Hino
2nd - Ryan Macauley, CMI Hino Adelaide
3rd - Michael Greenhill, Prestige Hino
Sales
1st - Shane Curtain, Sci-Fleet Hino
2nd - Daniel Attard, City Hino
3rd - Brodie Smith, FRM Hino