Hino Australia continued to defy the odds during a turbulent 2020, delivering 5,222 trucks and buses, and recording its highest-ever market share of 18.4%.
Fuelled by the launch of its new 300 Series and expanded Built to Go range, Hino captured a 22.4% market share in the light-duty segment.
“While this market share is marginally down compared to 2019, orders of light-duty trucks increased by 29% in the second half of the year, following the launch of our new 300 Series range in July,” said Bill Gillespie, Vice President, Brand and Franchise Development for Hino Australia.
In the highly competitive medium-duty segment, Hino recorded a market share of 34.1%, an increase of 2.5% compared to 2019.
This growth in market share can be attributed to the continued success of the 500 Series Standard Cab range, which features the most comprehensive active safety package in its class.
Heavy-duty truck sales saw the greatest impact from COVID-19 during 2020 - despite a reduction in the size of the segment, Hino maintained a market share of 4.5%.
Hino increased its overall market share by 0.9% to finish at 18.4%, which is the highest-ever market share it has achieved in the total truck market.
“This achievement is reflective of the positive response from our customers to the high specifications of our new models and further demonstrates consumer confidence in our brand and the quality of our products,” said Mr Gillespie.
A highlight of 2020 was the company’s biggest ever sales month in Australia – in June, Hino delivered a total of 752 new trucks to customers, surpassing the previous record of 690 in March 2006.
“For many industries, 2020 has been a challenging year, and the trucking industry is no exception, but despite tough market conditions, Hino Australia remains in a strong position and is well-placed for 2021.
“This success, in part, can be attributed to the launch of the new 300 Series light-duty model range including a refreshed Built to Go line-up.
“The Hino team in both our dealerships and head office operations were able to adapt quickly to COVID-19 restrictions.
“Our dealerships now offer customers flexible options such as contactless servicing that ensure high standards of hygiene are maintained.
“We have been able to guarantees our dealership technicians continue their training and upskilling through increased online training.
“Our Hino Advantage suite of customer-focused business support solutions has been the cornerstone of our consistent results over the last six years, no more so than in 2020.
“A restructure of our in-house Customer Care Centre means we are now able to provide even more technical support to our customers.
“Customers also benefit from enhanced transparency through an expanded capped price service program which now includes Capped Price Brake and Clutch replacement on all 300 Series models that comply with Euro 5 emission standards.
“Once again, Hino Motors Limited in Japan has rewarded the Australian team with Parts and Service Departments of the Year accolades plus a new Parts Excellence Award.”
With an ongoing focus on supporting its customers around the country, Hino has further expanded its dealership network with upgraded or new facilities in Ballarat (Victoria), Lismore, Gosford, Taree (NSW); and Hobart in Tasmania.
“We are confident 2021 will be another successful year for Hino – our focus remains on providing our customers with innovative solutions, and we are confident our model range coupled with Hino Advantage does exactly that,” concluded Mr Gillespie.