Telematics was once the domain of large national fleets. But at Adtrans Hino’s Marrickville dealership, Hino-Connect is proving that even small businesses and owner-operators are starting to see the value in smarter, connected trucks.
In a recent conversation with the Adtrans Hino Team, Dealer Principal Mark Reynolds outlined how Hino-Connect as a standard feature is a compelling selling point—thanks to increased customer awareness, OEM support, and real-world benefits.
Customers Are Starting to Ask for It
“The response from customers has changed massively in the last year and a half,” said Stewart Scoon Adtrans Hino’s Sales Manager. “Customers are now asking about it, and they know what it does.”
Stewart recounted a recent example: “I just had a customer who picked up four trucks. He’s not a truck person, but he said, ‘I can watch what they do, I know where they are—and I’ve got it free for a year.’ He even knew the price to renew it.”
“Customers are starting to tell us the benefits,” he added. “It’s like the early days of hybrid—once we understood the value, we got on board. Now we push it.”
Building Confidence Through Experience
The dealership has embraced Hino-Connect as part of their customer delivery process. “We have a Hino-Connect champion, Chris,” said Stewart. “He makes sure they’re all connected. We also work closely with Hino to get our monthly list and make sure every truck is activated.”
According to Carley Aherns, Marketing Manager for Hino Australia, the activation rate is now sitting at around 95%, with over 7,500 vehicles on the road using Hino-Connect. “We’re identifying customers who are engaging heavily with it so we can create case studies,” she said.
From GPS to Fuel Insights and Fault Detection
While many customers begin by using Hino-Connect simply for GPS tracking, interest is growing in its deeper functionality. “We’re starting to hear stories of customers using it for fuel consumption analysis,” said Gus Belanszky, General Manager for Service and Customer Support from Hino Australia. “They’re comparing vehicles and asking, ‘Why is this one using more fuel?’”
As more small fleets take up connected vehicles, the value of real-time diagnostics is also coming into play. “We had a parts delivery driver come in with a fault code flagged by Hino-Connect,” said Geoff Mallett, Aftersales Manager for Adtrans Hino. “We saw it, plugged in, and were able to fix it quickly for the customer.”
One of the key benefits of Hino-Connect over aftermarket systems is data accuracy. “We’re pulling data straight from the CAN line,” said Gus. “That means real odometer readings, actual fuel usage, and all of the vehicle’s fault codes—not just generic ones. It’s more precise than non-genuine systems.”
Seamless Service Through Case Management
Beyond vehicle data, Hino-Connect is helping streamline the servicing experience. “We’ve geo-fenced the dealership,” explained Gus. “So if a truck with a fault code enters the site, the system creates a case and notifies our team. Within 24 hours, if needed, we’ll follow up with the customer or dealer.”
This automated case management has improved transparency and responsiveness between customers, dealerships, and Hino’s technical support team. “,” Gus said. “We know when a truck is in, what it needs, and we can provide the right support fast.”
Hino-Connect also proactively monitors maintenance reminders so customers can schedule ahead and minimise downtime.
Selling Smarter, Not Harder
Selling telematics used to be a challenge, especially to smaller operators who didn’t see the need.
Mark Reynolds put it simply: “Historically, telematics was for the Toll and Linfox-type fleets. Now it’s for everyone. The technology’s there, and the customers are ready.”
The success of Hino-Connect at Adtrans Hino is a sign of where the market is heading—toward connected, data-driven vehicle management, even at the small fleet and owner-operator level.
Fleet Manager Note
Hino-Connect is fitted as standard on all Hino 500 and 700 Series models and includes five years of complimentary remote diagnostics and Hino-Connect specialist support, and 12 months business intelligence access. It is an optional extra on all 300 Series vehicles. It provides location tracking, fuel usage, driver behaviour insights, and fault code monitoring. For fleets looking to improve uptime, reduce running costs, and plan maintenance more effectively, the system offers a simple way to gain more control—without the need for third-party hardware. Ask your local dealer about Hino-Connect when taking delivery of your next truck.
