Richard Emery, President and CEO of Hino Motor Sales Australia, has been elected President of the Truck Industry Council (TIC), with fleet modernisation and future road user charging among the industry body’s priorities.
Emery was elected at TIC’s Annual General Meeting in Canberra, succeeding Andrew Harbison, Managing Director and CEO of Isuzu Trucks Australia Limited.
Harbison and Tom Chapman from Volvo Group Australia were elected Vice Presidents.
Emery said he would build on the work undertaken during Harbison’s presidency as truck manufacturers respond to changing freight demands.
“The truck industry is dynamic and continuing to evolve to meet the various challenges of today’s freight task,” he said.
Fleet renewal remains a priority
TIC represents truck manufacturers, importers and distributors in Australia, working with government, regulators and industry stakeholders on policies affecting the heavy vehicle sector.
Its National Truck Plan, updated late last year, sets out a policy framework aimed at delivering a safer, cleaner, greener, more efficient and modern Australian truck fleet.
The council continues to advocate for the plan with key stakeholders. For fleet operators, that agenda connects vehicle replacement decisions with broader goals around safety, emissions and freight productivity.
Future road user charging will also remain a focus under Emery’s leadership.
“Beyond the Truck Plan, we will work to provide valuable input to the Government regarding the pressing need for a balanced Road User Charge in the future,” he said.
For transport businesses and heavy vehicle fleet managers, the design of future charging arrangements will be an issue to watch because of its implications for operating costs and investment planning.
Four decades of industry experience
Emery brings four decades of automotive industry experience to the presidency, having held senior roles across Australia and South East Asia with a range of brands and markets.
He has also served as a Director of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries and Chair of its Importers Group.
His appointment comes as TIC continues its work on fleet renewal and the policy settings needed to support Australia’s evolving freight task.
