Hino 2012 sales growth
A total of 4216 new Hino trucks were delivered to Australian customers during 2012 - representing growth of 26.5 per cent over 2011 figures (compared with total Australian truck market growth of 10.9 per cent).* Strong sales across all segments contributed to Hino growing total 2012 truck market share to 15.5 per cent, up from 13.6 per cent the previous year.#
Hino Australia Divisional Manager Product Strategy, Marketing and Dealer Development, Alex Stewart, said the Australian new truck market had turned a corner in 2012, displaying strong signs of recovery following several subdued sales years.
"Market demand for trucks in all segments was encouraging in 2012, with a large number of customers returning to the market to replace fleets that were ageing prior to the global downturn," he said.
"Steady supply of Japanese-manufactured models following a difficult 2011 also aided the ongoing sales rebound in the market. The medium duty segment grew 7.2 per cent while the heavy duty segment was up 21.5 per cent."
Mr Stewart said market acceptance of Hino's new 300 Series in its first full year on sale saw sales of the model rise 25.2 per cent to 1801 deliveries, with 20 per cent share of the light duty segment.
The Hino 500 Series range, which received a number of significant upgrades in 2012 - including the addition of a ProShift 6 Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) - recorded a gain of 398 vehicles to 1879 deliveries (up 26.9 per cent), capturing a robust 27.9 per cent of the medium duty segment.
Full-year sales of Hino 700 Series heavy-duty trucks also grew by a healthy 29.2 per cent (536 deliveries).
Mr Stewart projects the total Australian truck market to grow in line with TIC forecasts of a five per cent increase in sales this year. 2013 is expected to be another strong year for Hino Australia, too, with upgraded models and new customer care initiatives to be introduced, according to Stewart.
"Having the right product for the market is important - but it's quality after-sales care that makes the difference when it comes to running any truck in one of the most competitive road transport markets in the world," he said.
* Total commercial vehicle market figures include sales of light commercial vans (LDV segment = 3620 vehicle sales in 2012).
# Total market share of truck market figures exclude sales of light commercial vans.