When customers walk into Adtrans Hino’s Marrickville dealership to buy a new truck, they’re not just looking for a vehicle—they’re looking for a business tool, a mobile billboard, and sometimes a little extra personality. According to Sales Manager Stewart Scoon, understanding how different customers approach accessories is key to helping them get the most from their truck investment.
From dash cams and seat covers to bull bars and chrome trims, here’s what Stewart and the Adtrans Hino team are seeing on the front lines of truck sales.
The Essentials: What Every Truck Leaves With
“We might sell a truck without a seat cover—maybe—but we just put them in there,” said Stewart. Mats, dash mats and weather shields are all commonly included from the outset. “We just build it into the quote. Most customers want the basics without having to think about it.”
It’s a practical move. Seat covers and floor mats protect the vehicle from wear and tear, while dash mats reduce glare and keep the cabin tidy. Weather shields allow airflow while keeping the rain out—perfect for tradies who spend long hours in the cab.
Bull Bars: Form and Function, Even in the City
You might expect bull bars to be the domain of country trucks, but that’s not the case in inner Sydney. “Even though it’s a 300 Series truck in the city, bull bars are still something people want,” said Stewart. “Sometimes it’s for protection, but often it’s just about the look.”
Adtrans Hino even bulk-orders bull bars to avoid delays from supplier price increases. Whether it’s chrome, polished alloy or powder-coated black, the bull bar remains a top seller—even when it’s more cosmetic than functional.
The ‘Bling’ Factor: Why Looks Still Matter
For many small business owners, their truck is more than just transport—it’s a statement. “They’re going to wrap it, they’re going to brand it, so they want it to look good,” Stewart explained. Chrome wheel covers, stainless-steel finishes and other visual accessories are increasingly popular among owner-operators and tradies.
“It’s a rolling billboard,” added Gus Belanszky, General Manager for Service and Customer Support for Hino Australia. “They’re not just thinking about payload—they’re thinking about presence.”
Government and Fleet Buyers Want Practicality
On the other end of the spectrum, local government and utility fleet customers approach accessories with a different mindset. “They’re quite specific on their builds,” Stewart said. “It all goes through the bodybuilder, and they have set accessories depending on the tender.”
For example, one of the electricity distributors specifies weather shields and bull bars on some models, depending on the spec. “They’re not interested in bling—but they do have very clear requirements on what gets fitted,” he said.
Dash Cams and Safety Tech Are on the Rise
“Dash cams are a big thing now,” said Stewart. “TV shows, social media and YouTube have made them more popular. But more importantly, if the business owner isn’t the driver, they want to know what’s happening in the vehicle.”
As part of the delivery process, Adtrans Hino can include a dash cam or integrate it with Hino-Connect, the company’s OEM telematics system. This gives operators an extra layer of security and accountability—especially for customers who are handing over keys to employees.
Knowing When (and How) to Talk Accessories
One of the keys to a smooth sales process, according to Stewart, is not overwhelming the customer too early. “If it’s a retail customer, we try not to hand them a brochure and say, ‘You can have all this.’
Instead, Stewart’s team asks what the customer wants and builds the quote around that. “Some will walk in and say, ‘Quote it with bull bars, dash mat, weather shields, sun visor.’ Others don’t want to talk accessories until the deal is done.”
Built-to-Go: Simplifying the Upgrade from Ute to Truck
Many new truck buyers—especially tradies—are moving up from utes that were routinely overloaded. The Built-to-Go range, including TradeAce trays and tippers, is helping ease the transition.
“They just want what they had in a ute—but on a proper truck platform that’s legal and has more space,” said Stewart. “We’ve had plumbers and electricians who just want a bit more room for tools and gear, with the same fit-out they’re used to.”
Built-to-Go models with hybrid drivetrains are also attracting interest, especially as more customers look for emissions reductions without the complexity of custom builds.
The Bottom Line: Accessories That Add Real Value
What’s clear from the team at Adtrans Hino is that accessories aren’t an afterthought—they’re a strategic part of the truck purchase. Whether it’s comfort, safety, visual appeal or compliance, each add-on plays a role in helping the customer do their job better.
“Everyone’s different,” Stewart said. “But if you ask the right questions and show them what’s possible, you can help them build a truck that works for their business from day one.”
Fleet Manager Note
Accessorising new trucks is about more than aesthetics. For business owners, it’s a way to protect the asset, increase driver satisfaction, and ensure compliance with operational requirements. Whether you’re managing one vehicle or one hundred, having a clear accessory strategy can reduce downtime, improve safety, and reinforce your brand on the road.
