New faces and new technology highlight this week’s industry updates, from a new top man at Hino, new technology from the NHVR, a new distribution facility and truck training.
Hino appoints new President and CEO
After a long and storied career with Hino, Takashi ‘Sam’ Suda is stepping down from the position of President and CEO of Hino Australia from February 1, 2024.
He will be succeeded by Richard Emery, who brings over three decades of sales, marketing and business development experience in the global automotive and trucking industry, including previously as Vice President of Brand and Franchise Development for Hino.
“Over the last two years, Richard has demonstrated his excellent leadership and management skills,” Suda says.
“He has built strong connections with our dealer partners and provided important strategic direction to our sales operations through a challenging supply environment.
“I am confident I am leaving Hino Australia in his capable hands.”
NHVR introduces National Network Map
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is introducing the National Network Map, which is set to launch on December 20, 2023.
CEO Sal Petroccitto says the map aims to give transport operators and drivers greater access to any information they may need about Australia’s roads.
“For the first time, the heavy vehicle industry and road managers will be able to see national road network information in one central location,” he says.
“The new map supports improved heavy vehicle access efficiency and decision making by bringing together the state-based heavy vehicle networks and displaying them in the National Network Map.
“The launch of the new map will provide several key benefits by ensuring there is one single authoritative map to enable the heavy vehicle industry to route their journeys on approved state-based networks and allow for improved cross border access planning.”
NTAW opens new facility
National Tyre and Wheel (NTAW) has opened a new state-of-the-art distribution facility in Logan City, Queensland, it announced earlier this month.
It will act as an epicentre of NTAW’s business, as it looks to consolidate a number of smaller distribution centres into one large facility.
NTAW Managing Director Peter Ludemann says that the opening is a major step forward for the company.
“From little things, big things grow. Many of our NTAW businesses were started by ambitious entrepreneurs with a vision,” he says.
“We are so proud that this facility represents the combined efforts of the NTAW Group which have grown into a major player in the Australian and New Zealand tyre and wheel market.
“We are very excited that this facility marks yet another step toward delivery a high level of customer service and extensive product range to our customers.”
Jim Pearson Transport makes good use of Mercedes-Benz Truck Training
Transport business Jim Pearson Transport (JPT) has spoken highly of the complimentary Truck Training program that comes included with the purchase of new Mercedes-Benz trucks for its fleet.
Based out of Port Macquarie, NSW, JPT operates a fleet including a number of Actros. Jim Pearson says the training helps drivers to get the most out of their trucks.
“There are so many features in these trucks that it is really worthwhile to have someone come and explain and demonstrate them. Glen Lewis (one of the Mercedes-Benz Truck trainers) also points out where all the savings are,” he says.
“Glen is able to demonstrate how to drive it in the torque band, rather than revving it out, so the truck is better on fuel, the truck goes better and the driver feels better too,” JPT Grafton Depot Manager, Graeme Wood adds.
“These trucks can be deceptive because they are so quiet and refined that you think they are going slowly when they aren’t revving hard, but that’s not the case. It is one thing to explain to a driver how they can save fuel, but it is much more effective to show them that they can also get over the next hill quicker.”
