Hino Tests Its Best at Annual Skills Contest

The next generation of Hino dealership talent has been put through its paces, with the 2025 Hino Australia National Skills Champions announced following four months of rigorous qualifying rounds.

Eighteen finalists from across the country competed at Hino Australia’s head office in Sydney for the top titles in Parts, Service, and Sales. The champions were Graham Reynolds (Wagga Trucks), Admir Music (Prestige Hino), and John Delahay (Sci-Fleet Hino Brisbane), respectively.

Described by Hino Australia President and CEO Richard Emery as “one of the longest-running events of its kind in the industry,” the National Skills Contest highlights the brand’s commitment to professional development and customer service excellence.

“The National Skills Contest demonstrates Hino Australia’s dedication to continually enhancing the knowledge and capabilities of our dealership teams,” said Mr Emery.

“It provides a platform to test and recognise the expertise and dedication of our people while delivering a clear benefit to our customers through increased technical knowledge and skills.”

Practical, real-world challenges

Each discipline was tested through practical and customer-focused tasks reflecting the real-world challenges faced by dealership professionals every day.

Sales Consultants completed a 700 Series role play, a tailored TrailerWIN task, and a sales mastermind quiz. Service Technicians underwent hands-on diagnostic and technical assessments across Hino’s entire model range, while Parts Interpreters demonstrated their customer service and technical skills through a live parts identification challenge and, for the first time, their own mastermind quiz.

Mr Emery said the competition also plays an important role in developing and retaining skilled professionals within the dealer network.

“It is key in our ability to attract and retain a workforce of skilled and dedicated parts, sales and service professionals throughout the country,” he said.

“The hard work and dedication of our team resulted in global recognition earlier in the year when we received our 17th consecutive Parts Department of the Year Award and the 14th successive Service Department of the Year Award.”

Rewards for excellence

Each Skills Champion receives a cash reward and an expenses-paid trip to Japan, providing a unique opportunity to engage with Hino Motors’ global operations.

The national final, held on 13 November, was attended by guests from Hino Australia, Hino Motors, Ltd., and Hino Distributors (NZ) Ltd., underscoring the importance of skills development across the region.

2025 Hino National Skills Contest Winners

Service
1st – Admir Music, Prestige Hino
2nd – Shaun O’Callaghan, WA Hino
3rd – Matthew Rentenaar, Till Hino

Parts
1st – Graham Reynolds, Wagga Trucks
2nd – Alysha Taylor, Prestige Hino
3rd – Angelo Peponas, CMI Hino Melbourne

Sales
1st – John Delahay, Sci-Fleet Hino Brisbane
2nd – Stephanie Demarco, CMI Hino Adelaide
3rd – Chris Biancucci, Adtrans Hino