Following the “once-in-a-lifetime” news earlier this week that Hino and Fuso will merge, the local truck industry has revealed the opportunities that may come of this international partnership in Australia.
As part of a four-way deal, Daimler Truck and Toyota Motor Corporation will be behind the merge of Mitsubishi Fuso and Hino on an equal footing to create a new company.
The combined business will bring together more than 40,000 employees and will list on the Toyota Stock Exchange before beginning operations in April next year.
But what does this mean for the Australian market?
According to Daimler Truck Australia Pacific president and CEO Daniel Whitehead, who welcomed the news, the new structure will allow Fuso locally to continue offering its product range to Australian customers well into the future with more global backing.
“Fuso has an incredible Australian line-up of advanced diesel and electric trucks, as well as the popular Rosa bus, that are safe, efficient and economical,” he says.
“Fuso has been getting the job done for Australians since 1971 and this new development means it will continue to do so for many years to come.
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“We are excited to see what Fuso can achieve with this new structure and congratulate Karl Deppen on his appointment as CEO of the new holding company.”
Under the new business unit, Daimler Truck and Toyota will each aim to own 25 per cent of the company, while Fuso and Hino will combine to cooperate on commercial vehicle development, procurement and production.
Hino Australia president and CEO Richard Emery says the brand is “excited” about this next stage.
“Hino has been proudly selling vehicles to the Australian market for 60 years and currently provides a range of fit-for-purpose trucks centred on quality, technology and safety,” he says.
“At the heart of this are our strong partnerships with our loyal customers and dealer partners – the new structure will ensure this continues for many years to come.
“We look forward to continuing as a mainstay of the Australian trucking industry well into the future.”
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