Heavy vehicle manufacturer Hino Australia has revealed the winners of its latest National Skills contest, with Prestige Hino team members taking home the three titles.
Michael Greenhill has won the parts side, with the service title going to Dylan Diehl and the sales champion being Brad Rawle.
The clean sweep of all titles from Prestige Hino is the first time it has happened in the event’s history, with the story being made more remarkable by the fact Rawle was a last minute inclusion in the sales final due to another competitor withdrawing.
The final was held at Hino Australia on November 14 following a series of qualifying rounds, with 18 finalists from around the country competing.
Sales consultants faced a series of real-world roleplay scenarios including a customer test drive before challenging their expertise in a Megamind quiz, while parts interpreters got the chance to demonstrate their knowledge through live demonstrations and a customer-focused scenario.
MORE OWNERDRIVER TRENDING STORIES:
- NHVR CEO to step down
- Keith Reid and his Volvo Viking
- Behind the latest Penske Master Technician winners
- October truck sales enjoy mixed results
- Friday Road Update: November 8
Service technicians had their diagnostic and technical skills put to the test via assessments on 300 Series hybrid electric, 500 and 700 Series models.
For the first time, they were also assessed on their problem solving and communication skills when faced with a remote diagnostic problem.
“Held for the 13th year, the Hino National Skills Contest reinforces the importance of ongoing training and development for our dealership staff, and I congratulate all of the finalists including the winners,” Hino Australia CEO and president Richard Emery says.
“As one of the longest-running industry events of its kind, the Skills Contest continues to grow in prestige and importance and is a fantastic celebration of our people and their skills.
“It directly benefits our customers as our staff continue to increase their high levels of customer service and product knowledge, and it also aids us to retain and recruit the best sales, service and parts staff in the Australian trucking industry.”
Earlier in the year, Hino Australia won its 16th consecutive Parts Department of the Year Award and its 13th successive Service Department of the Year Award, demonstrating the importance of the ongoing training and development.
Each Skills Champion receives a cash reward and an expenses-paid trip to Japan.
The event was held at Hino Australia’s Sydney headquarters and attended by guests from Hino Australia and Hino Motors.
For the service side, Diehl finished first ahead of Thanh Nguyen from WA Hino and John Riley from Sci-Fleet Hino Brisbane.
In the parts sector, Greenhill beat out second placed Luke Dummett from Sci-Fleet Hino Brisbane and Wagga Trucks Hino’s Graham Reynolds, while Rawle finished first in the sales side ahead of City Hino’s Jason Taggart and Nick O’Brien from Sci-Fleet Hino Brisbane.
Subscribe to the weekly Owner//Driver newsletter here.