This time around, there was a slight difference in the competition. Previous Hino contests took place over a weekend, with the preliminary rounds held on a Saturday and the finals on Sunday. This year, it was a one day event with the finalists only as the preliminary round was held earlier sometime in August. I had decided to spend my Saturday morning till around lunch there to witness the most of the event. The finalists were seemed happy and eager to pit themselves against one another. The aim of the competition was to enhance their skills and foster camaraderie within the same profession, with the theme “Challenge to Be the Best Driver to Transport Every Happiness for A Sustainable Future”. Nothing too competitive, but just some bragging rights for the drivers who are deemed to be the 'smartest Hino driver of 2023'.
The event was graced by the presence of The Honourable /Yang Berhormat (YB) Mr. Anthony Loke, the Malaysian Minister of Transport, who attended this memorable occasion. Being a person who was from Seremban, and Sendayan being a stone's throw away from the State Capital, his presence at the HTSCC facility was meaningful to him in many ways. The event was officially officiated by YB Anthony Loke, alongside Atsushi Uchiyama, Managing Director of Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
YB Anthony mentioned in his speech, “Today's theme, "Challenge to Be the Best Driver to Transport Every Happiness for a Sustainable Future," resonates with our government's vision. We aim to reduce road fatalities by half by the year 2030, as outlined in the Road Safety Plan 2022-2030. Driver training programs, such as those offered by Hino Total Support Customer Centre, play an important role in achieving this goal. These courses equip drivers with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive safely and efficiently. With improved skills and awareness, we do hope that drivers understand and start practicing safer driving to protect themselves as well as the other road users.”
Aside from that, YB Anthony also added that he would like to see Hino look into the assembly and essentially the sales of Hino vehicles running on alternative power. He would like to see Hino examine the usage of Electric vehicles here in Malaysia as the country is also pushing towards the net-zero emissions initiative that most countries around the world are aiming for by 2050.
event was indeed memorable for those that participated. You can see from the photos I have posted below that this was something that the participants looked forward to and I could tell that while the atmosphere was jovial and friendly, some did pay attention to the live results that were displayed on a monitor in the HTSCC waiting area. It was a contest nonetheless.
Hino Smart Driving Contest 2023.
Hino Smart Driving Contest 2023.
Hino had introduced the HINO SMART DRIVING CONTEST with the primary goal of assessing and improving the driving skills of truck drivers, particularly those operating HINO trucks. Participants were put through a series of exciting challenges and programs, comprising practical tests. The event benefited from the state-of-the-art Hino Total Support Customer Center (HTSCC), the first Hino training centre outside of Japan. This facility allows Hino truck drivers in Malaysia to refine their professional skills, with a focus on road handling, safety, and fuel-efficient driving techniques.
Mr. Atsushi Uchiyama, Managing Director of Hino Malaysia, explained that the Hino Smart Driving Contest seeks to recognize and celebrate the achievements of drivers while also enhancing their company's reputation. “This competition is a remarkable opportunity for drivers to showcase their skills and be motivated to strive for excellence. It not only recognizes the drivers but also boosts the company's image," Mr. Atsushi Uchiyama remarked.
Mr. Atsushi Uchiyama, Managing Director of Hino Malaysia, explained that the Hino Smart Driving Contest seeks to recognize and celebrate the achievements of drivers while also enhancing their company's reputation. “This competition is a remarkable opportunity for drivers to showcase their skills and be motivated to strive for excellence. It not only recognizes the drivers but also boosts the company's image," Mr. Atsushi Uchiyama remarked.
He further emphasized, "Through this competition, we aim to elevate our brand image and enhance the productivity for our customers’ drivers. We want them to take pride in being valued Hino customers and drivers."
The evaluation of participants was comprehensive, encompassing three main areas - practical
driving skills, driver familiarization with a focus on daily vehicle inspection, and fuel-efficient
economy driving.
The driving skills section comprised seven practical sessions on different tracks, including s-junction, garage parking, crank course, parallel parking, turn-back course, uphill/downhill, and emergency braking on wet roads. Daily vehicle inspection required participants to complete a thorough truck inspection, covering engine, brakes, clutch, oil leakage, visibility, electrical equipment, and tyres. The participants were also assessed on their fuel-efficiency driving techniques and consumption while operating their vehicles.
The one-day battleground awards prizes in each category, including Champion, 1st Runner-up, and 2nd Runner-up. The grand prize, known as the Overall Champion, includes a trophy and a cash incentive of RM5,000. In addition, the champion’s company will receive a RM5,000 service and parts voucher, the Champions Cup, and a mock cheque. The total value of prizes for this contest amounts to RM22,000.
Hino Total Support Customer Center (HTSCC)
Hino always aims to provide the best support to customers by offering necessary training in safe driving techniques to enhance their drivers' skills and ensure their trucks are well-maintained. To strengthen their after-sales support, Hino offers driving training for its Hino truck drivers at the Hino Total Support Customer Center (HTSCC) in Sendayan.
Hino Malaysia places great importance on providing regular training and equipping Hino vehicle owners with the latest product knowledge, safety practices, and eco-driving skills. The
company's future plans include opening the training centre for use by government and public
agencies, ensuring the success of their professional driver training projects, with Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF) claims available.
With over 40 years of presence in the country, Hino Malaysia is committed to not only increasing sales performance but also enhancing after-sales services through various customer engagement programs. The company recently launched an extended warranty for the HINO 300 Series, upgrading it from three years and 100,000 kilometers to five years and 200,000 kilometers, further bolstering its after-sales support.
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