A turbulent past year globally has failed to stop Hino Australia from reporting a record market share for the brand in the Australian total truck market.
The commercial vehicle manufacturer finished 2020 delivering 5,222 trucks and buses, giving it an 18.4 per cent share of the market.
It captured a 22.4 per cent market share in the light-duty segment on the back of the launch of its new Hino 300 Series and expanded Built to Go range.
“While this market share is marginally down compared to 2019, orders of light-duty trucks increased by 29 per cent in the second half of the year, following the launch of our new 300 Series range in July,” said Bill Gillespie, Hino Australia Vice President, Brand and Franchise Development.
The Japanese brand managed to increase its market share in the highly competitive medium-duty segment, improving it by 2.5 per cent compared to 2019.
The continued success of the 500 Series Standard Cab range was identified as an ongoing factor for this growth.
Heavy-duty truck sales were impacted the most from COVID-19 last year according to Hino.
Despite a reduction in size of the segment, the company maintained its market share of around 4.5 per cent.
Overall market share, however, was increased by 0.9 per cent, ultimately finishing at 18.4 per cent, which is the highest-ever market share the company 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 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 of 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,” continued Gillespie.
According to Gillespie, the Hino team in both its 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,” he said.
“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.
Last year Hino Motors Limited in Japan 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.