Hino Torque #3 by Hino Australia

Torque Issue #3 2013

HINO TAKES CENTRE STAGE

at record-breaking Brisbane Truck Show

SOLID BASE FOR MINERS Custom 4x4 Hino bus

rate breaker returns Hinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3.9% finance offer is back

hino.com.au

LEGENDS NEVER DIE. When we do a job, we do it right. Take our 22 starts, 22 finishes, 13 class wins and a 4th consecutive championship in the under 10 litre category in the grueling Dakar Rally. Such legendary

HMS00299/DAKAR02

performance is proof that Hino really is a better class of truck.

A ToyoTA Group CompAny

issue #3 2013

In this issue 4

News

The latest Hino and truck-related news

COVER STORY

Inside line To a certain degree the commercial vehicle industry – and the businesses it serves – is defying economic gravity.

HINO TAKES CENTRE STAGE

RATE BREAKER

GENUINE OILS PROVIDE TOTAL SUPPORT

Figures for the first half of 2013 show the total commercial vehicle market is up 5.1 per cent. The economy has moved far less. In the first quarter it was up just 0.6 per cent and the seasonally adjusted forecast is for a rise of 2.5 per cent. A lot of people are asking the question – why is it that the motor industry, both cars and trucks, is in growth well beyond the general economy? There’s no simple answer, but if I was to offer a key word, I’d call it: incentive. Our customers are under mounting pressure to perform. They need trucks that are safer, more economical, offer greater value for money and ultimately provide a constantly improving all-of-life proposition. The industry’s incentive is to respond to those needs, and in an increasingly competitive environment. Hino’s response has been well received. For a start, our all important medium duty truck range is performing ahead of the industry average. We’re market leader in the 13.0–14.0-tonne GVM 4x4 segment and our volume selling FC and FD is leading the sale race. That’s good news – but it hasn’t come without us offering incentive to our customers. We’ve worked hard to provide customer benefit in every way. Technically, our ground-breaking ZF automatic transmission has become so universally popular that it has outpaced the manual variant. It’s ticked a box for providing safer and more economic operation. Vehicle Stability Control on our light duty 300 Series range – the first in Australia for a light duty truck – is another example. Financially, we’ve addressed every aspect of our ability to bring value for money to our clients. Our Total Support initiative introduces new 24/7 roadside assistance packages and an unlimited kilometre three-year warranty on all genuine Hino parts fitted by our technicians. We’ve even realigned the recommended retail price of our genuine engine oils, and packaged them differently to achieve greater economy in the workshop. To kick off the new financial year we’ve reintroduced our Rate Breaker finance offer on all new Hino 300 series trucks and 500 series tipper models (see the story on page 11). It’s a great 3.9 per cent finance rate, and much more besides. When we introduced it for the first time two years ago, demand skyrocketed. This time we thought we could do better still. We’ve spent a lot of time talking to our customers and determining what they need in today’s environment to suit their all-of-life strategies. New Rate Breaker establishes new horizons. It’s industry-leading, and it’s a major customer incentive. Please enjoy this issue of Hino Torque. It contains news on some major initiatives, all of them intended to cement the bond we have with our customers and the industries they serve.

Steve Lotter President Hino Motor Sales Australia

Hino’s impressive display at the Brisbane Truck show was backed up by a drive day and ‘Legends Never Die’ dinner

The popular 3.9% Hino finance offer is back, and includes all 300 Series models for the first time

Find out why Hino genuine oils and lubricants are the best choice for your new or used Hino

QLD CIVIL ENGINEERS BUILD WITH HINO A five-year relationship with Hino is helping a civil construction firm go from strength to strength

HINO PROVIDES SOLID BASE FOR MINING GROWTH Growing demand leads to the conversion of 4x4 Hino GT to an off-road bus

THE ITALIAN JOB

BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

Hino dealer list

We get an insight from Australian Motorsport magazine on what life is like for Molly Taylor as she pursues her rally dream in Europe

Start planning your summer getaway now!

Find your nearest Hino dealer

Torque

news

Image courtesy of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization.

Hino at forefront of automated convoys The face of trucking is changing and evolving more quickly today than ever before, with manufacturers developing a raft of new technology aimed at improving driver comfort, safety and, ultimately, profit.

While the following trucks are occupied in readiness for when the convoy separates, for the duration of the convoy drivers are free to relax, sleep, eat or catch up on administrative tasks.

Japan is at the forefront of developing one of trucking’s newest innovations: automated convoys.

Autonomous convoys can benefit truck drivers and the trucking industry by increasing fuel and time efficiency, driver safety and providing better working conditions for truck drivers.

A Hino lead convoy of four trucks recently demonstrated safe operation of an automated convoy at 80km/h with just a four-metre gap between vehicles.

The lead driver effectively leads the convoy along the designated route. Electronic safety programs prevent the successive trucks from following the lead truck in the event of driver error, and

constantly monitor the surrounding environment for precursors to dangerous situations. The convoy can rotate lead-driver responsibilities to suit individual drivers’ schedules, workloads and levels of fatigue, ensuring well-rested drivers in a comfortable environment. The four-metre gap between trucks has also shown an average 15 per cent increase in fuel economy across the convoy, which has the potential to extend range, cut refuelling downtime and shorten timeframes needed to complete routes. If implemented in Australia, routes such as the Newell, Sturt, Bruce, New England or Hume highways could see multiple convoys leveraging the benefits of autonomously controlled trucks.

Hino on display at Agfest Hino Australia took part in the 2013 Agfest Field Days with a range of trucks on display at the annual event.

involvement with Agfest in 1993 with materials handling equipment, which has since grown to include Hino trucks.

Over 65,000 patrons attended the event, held from 2 to 4 May at Quercus Rural Youth Park, south-west of Launceston.

Agfest features showcase displays from over 700 commercial exhibitors, including manufacturers of farm equipment, trucks, cars and camping suppliers.

Local dealership FRM Toyota began its

The FRM Hino display provided an opportunity for potential customers to better understand the benefits of FRM’s statewide dealer network, with branches in Launceston, Hobart and Devonport. “Agfest continues to be one of the largest and most important field days in Tasmania, and FRM is proud to have been involved from the start,” said Damian Prescott, Hino Australia Regional Sales Manager – Southern Region. This year the dealership had a range of Hino trucks on display, including a heavy duty 700 Series ProShift 16 Automated Manual Transmission Tipper, a 500 Series FD ProShift 6 with taut-liner body, and a range of light-duty 300 Series trucks, including 616 IFS and 717 Tipper, Trade Ace and Crew Cab models. “The crowd numbers were up on past years and the general enquiry on the trucks was good, with some encouraging leads coming out of the event,” Mr Prescott said.

FRM Hino’s display at Agfest 2013 generated significant customer interest and potential sales leads.

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There was particular interest in the 700 Series AMT Tipper and 500 Series FD ProShift models. Demonstrations of both trucks were organised for customers after the conclusion of the field days. Agfest is organised by volunteers from the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania.

news

ZF intarder reaches milestone Global driveline and chassis supplier ZF recently celebrated a significant milestone after producing its 800,000th integrated hydraulic retarder unit since their introduction in 1992.

truck’s existing engine cooling circuit.

All Hino 700 Series trucks fitted with Hino’s ZF-based ProShift 16 transmission benefit from the standard fitment of ZF’s Intarder system.

ZF offers the Intarder as an option on a number of its transmissions, including its 16-speed automated manual transmission.

It can take up to 90 per cent of the braking load, sparing conventional wheel brakes from accelerated wear and, more importantly, brake fade and failure.

The latest generation of the ZF ‘Intarder’ (Integrated Retarder) is smaller, lighter and quieter than its predecessors, yet manages to apply 4000Nm of braking torque.

Drivers can select five levels of braking force from the Intarder, which has been specifically adapted to work in sync with ABS and stability control systems fitted to conventional brakes.

The Intarder uses a variable volume of oil in a chamber to absorb energy from the transmission’s rotation, slowing the entire drivetrain. The oil is then cooled using the

Hydraulic retarders offer stronger retarding force than exhaust restrictors and near-silent operation, in stark contrast to the traditional bellowing compression release brake.

Hino invests in dealer network Hino Australia is upgrading its corporate identity program with new signage at dealerships on both sides of the nation. Leading Queensland dealer SciFleet Hino has rung the changes at Hino’s Gold Coast facility since acquiring the dealership at 34-36 Spencer Road Nerang.

All the dealership’s facilities have been refurbished and modernised, including the sales, service and parts reception areas, customer parking areas, building exteriors and signage. In the west, major dealer Bunbury Trucks has added a Hino pylon sign to attract further attention to the brand.

Hino Australia National Dealer Development Manager, Paul Tuffy, said the latest upgrades reinforce dealer and manufacturer commitment to the network. “At Hino we are committed to providing leading-edge sales and service through our dedicated national dealer network,” he said. “Sci-Fleet Hino now has three

Taylor’s Rally Australia preparation on track Hino-sponsored rally star Molly Taylor won her class and finished in the top 10 in May at Rally SA in preparation for September’s Rally Australia. The 25-year-old daughter of four-time national rally champion Coral Taylor took to the forest-lined roads of Mount Crawford just days after arriving from Europe. A break in Molly’s European Rally Championship (ERC) schedule allowed her to accept the invitation of the Ford Innate Motorsport team to contest the rally. Taylor drove Innate’s Ford Fiesta R2 alongside regular co-driver Seb Marshall. The duo took out the R2 class and finished seventh outright. “It was a lot of fun and a good experience, especially for Seb, who hadn’t rallied in Australia before,” Taylor said.

dealerships, at Coopers Plains, Kedron and now Nerang on the Gold Coast, which is an area of future growth in Queensland. “Western Australia is also a region of rapid growth, and Bunbury Trucks’ new Hino signage and other refurbishments will help to build the Hino brand in the west,” Mr Tuffy said.

Taylor will reunite with Ford Innate Motorsport at Rally Australia to drive in the WRC 3 Class, which features two-wheel drive, nearshowroom specification rally cars. Hino Australia Divisional Manager Product Strategy, Marketing and Dealer Development, Alex Stewart, said the company was proud to be a part of Taylor’s development while rekindling its proud association with rallying. “For many years we were a sponsor and equipment supplier to Neal Bates and co-driver Coral Taylor in the Australian Rally Championship,” Mr Stewart said. “Now we’re thrilled to support Molly, and we look forward to watching her anticipated appearance at Rally Australia later this year, when she’ll be among the world’s best cars and drivers.” To find out more about Molly Taylor’s European rally career go to page 14 for a feature reproduced from Australian Motorsport magazine.

Torque

cover feature

Hino to the fore at Brisbane Truck Show The bi-annual Brisbane Truck Show at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is billed as the nation’s premier event for the transport industry, and showcases the latest in truck and transport technology.

Hino’s impressive display at the recordbreaking Brisbane Truck Show in May featured nine trucks covering the full range of diesel and hybrid models across the 300, 500 and 700 Series. Hino Australia President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Lotter said the entry figures from show organiser the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland revealed the show attracted more than 37,000 attendees, up eight per cent on the last show in 2011. “Crucially, the two core industry days saw an average attendance increase of 16 per cent, resulting in strong enquiry and sales leads at the Hino stand,” he said. “We had favourable comment on the overall Hino stand and the product, as well as positive feedback from our dealers.” The centrepiece of the Hino display was the one thousandth Hino truck to enter service with Victoria’s Country Fire Authority (featured in Torque 22, Autumn edition). “We featured the CFA’s 4WD 500 Series GT water tanker in Brisbane as our way of paying tribute to its efforts in protecting rural, regional and suburban communities in Victoria,” Mr Lotter said. The CFA’s latest Hino tanker replaced a 1985 Hino GT model that had served the organisation for almost 30 years. In addition to the new CFA truck, the Hino stand displayed its latest diesel/electric hybrid technologies, which can deliver substantial reductions in both fuel use and CO2 emissions when compared with conventional diesel technology. New gearbox options were also on display, including the ProShift 6 automated manual transmissions introduced last year to select models in the FC and FD medium duty 500 Series range.

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cover feature

“We had favourable comment on the overall Hino stand and the product, as well as positive feedback from our dealers”

Much like their car equivalents, the automated manual transmissions are designed to combine the favourable fuel economy and durability of a manual with the ease of operation of a traditional torque-converter automatic. Show attendees were also able to experience the highlights from Hino’s successful 2013 Dakar Rally, with a video from this year’s event highlighting Hino’s fourth consecutive class win. This year Hino recorded its 13th Dakar victory in the under 10-litre class, with Teruhito Sugawara’s 7.7-litre GT finishing 19th overall in a field of 75 competitors, most in trucks powered by engines with almost twice the displacement. A feature of the show was Hino’s new Roadside Assist program for all 2013-plated Hino trucks. The Roadside Assist program is designed to minimise downtime by getting drivers back on the road with minimal delay after a breakdown or flat tyre, or even if they simply run out of fuel. It also includes towing and recovery, a message relay service to notify of a driver’s location, and a language interpreting service for non-English speaking drivers. Hino also highlighted its Maintenance Agreement program. Launched at the beginning of the year, the program is designed to provide complete maintenance of Hino trucks at a fixed price, alleviating the surprise of a large or unexpected service bill. Four levels of service are offered, ensuring the correct level of service to meet individual needs and budgets.

Torque

cover feature

500 Series GT Automatic suits fire fighters Hino’s centrepiece attraction at the Brisbane Truck Show, the Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) four-wheel drive 500 Series GT 4x4 Crew Cab Automatic, was specially developed to suit the needs of fire fighters.

the drivetrain, providing constant operation while the truck is stationary or in motion.

Hino Australia President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Lotter said Hino added a five-speed Allison Automatic transmission to the 500 Series GT’s specifications to combine ease of use with off-road capability and reliability.

The gearbox features a system called Preselect which automatically shifts down when the exhaust brake is activated, increasing driver control by ensuring the engine and gearbox offer peak compression braking and reductive force respectively.

“Hino four-wheel drive trucks are used to fight bushfires in some challenging environments across Australia; we saw a need to build an automatic truck that retained Hino’s proven off-road capabilities,” he said.

A unique feature of the transmission is the 500 Series GT Crew Cab Automatic-specific Allison 2500 series T-bar type gear selector that displays the gear position within the instrumentation cluster, which means the driver needn’t take their eyes from the road ahead to check the gear selection.

“It’s not just a matter of convenience – the simplicity of an automatic gearbox means fire-fighters have one less thing to worry about in the highly stressful situations they encounter.” To suit the needs of fire-fighting teams, the GT 4x4 Crew Cab Automatic has an enginemounted live-drive power take-off (PTO) as standard equipment. The 500 Series GT Automatic’s switchable engine PTO can operate independently of

The centrepiece of the Hino stand was the one thousandth Hino truck to enter service with Victoria’s Country Fire Authority.

issue #3 2013

It includes the internationally renowned Allison Transmission 2500 Series automatic, to meet the demands of harsh Australian conditions.

Hino offers a variant with no-slip differentials and factory removal of the ABS (anti-lock braking system) in response to individual fire-fighting authorities’ requests and as a way of tailoring solutions to individual customers. Hino offers the ABS-equipped variant at no extra cost, ensuring the 500 Series GT Automatic’s capabilities are suited to any situation.

cover feature Hino’s Vehicle Stability Control was put to the test in the skid pan at Mt Cotton.

Swim legend and rally ace inspire Hino customers Twice Olympic 1500-metre swimming champion Kieren Perkins was the keynote speaker when 50 Hino corporate customers and key dealer clients attended a “Legends Never Die” dinner at Queensland’s Old Government House during the Brisbane Truck Show. Hino reinforced the theme – for both the Brisbane Truck Show and the dinner – by decorating the curtain sides of two trucks with Dakar Rally graphics. Perkins spoke of his swimming career, starting as a young boy who suffered a serious leg injury after running through a plate-glass window, to his Olympic triumphs. Hino followed up the dinner with a customer drive day at the Mt Cotton driver education and training facility and tours of the Brisbane Truck Show. The Mt Cotton drive day profiled all trucks in the Hino range, with 10 trucks on static display and another 15 available for customers to drive. The trucks ranged from the smallest 300 Series 616 standard cab with independent front suspension through to the 700 Series 2848 6x4 prime mover, with Hino’s ProShift 16-speed automated manual transmission. All the trucks available for driving had custom

bodies and carried loads typical for their design applications. The day was split into two sessions to allow customers to complete the drive program and truck show visit in a single day. Customers experienced Hino’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) first-hand on the skid pan under the watchful eye of multiple Australian Rally Champion Neal Bates.

Rally legend Neal Bates (left) at the drive day.

They drove the Hino 300 Series 716 Auto Factory Tipper in both VSC off and VSC on mode to highlight the effectiveness of this vital safety feature. The next activity was truck driving skills, especially reversing, using a 500 Series FG 1728 and an FD 1226 with curtain-sided bodies. Another activity took place on the Mt Cotton circuit, where customers experienced the ease of use of Hino’s automated manual transmissions (AMT) compared with a conventional manual gearbox. “All the customers agreed that being able to compare a manual to an AMT in a realworld situation was a very worthwhile and beneficial exercise,” said Hino Australia National Government Sales Manager, Tom Ayrton.

Olympic gold medallist Kieren Perkins at the ‘Legends Never Die’ dinner.

Torque

rate breaker

Hino’s 3.9% Finance offer returns Hino Australia has announced the return of its successful 3.9 per cent “Rate Breaker” finance deal on new Hino 300 Series trucks and 500 Series Tipper models^.

The offer by Hino Financial Services has been extended to include all Hino 300 Series models for the first time and is available on trucks ordered until September 30 2013. Hino Australia’s Divisional Manager Product Strategy, Marketing and Dealer Development, Alex Stewart, said the Rate Breaker offer was being repeated in response to customer demand. “The original three-month finance campaign ended in December 2012 and resulted in increased sales for Hino,” he said. “Partly as a result of the Rate Breaker campaign, our sales were up by 26.5 per cent in 2012 compared with 2011.” Mr Stewart said the original 3.9 per cent offer announced in October 2012 influenced the buying habits of some truck operators who had not previously used Hino Financial Services for their vehicle purchases.

“Choosing to finance with Hino Financial Services rather than take a bank loan can assist the cash flow of a truck operator and – at only 3.9 per cent – it combines with Hino’s renowned economy and reliability to minimise the wholeof-life cost of the vehicle.” The new 3.9 per cent Rate Breaker offer now gives applicants an extended finance period of up to 60 months, rather than the previous 48 months offered in 2012. The finance for 300 Series models can include fitment of any body selected by the customer, although the finance amount is limited to $80,000. The new Rate Breaker is also being offered on Hino’s Built to Go factory-bodied ranges, all of which have been specifically designed and manufactured to perform a variety of roles for Australian customers. The finance offer means now is the ideal time to take advantage of the broad range of features

offered by the 45 model variants in the 300 Series’ diesel and Hybrid range. All 300 Series models have dual SRS airbags, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes incorporating ABS braking, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and, in an Australia first for a light-duty truck, vehicle stability control (VSC). The eight-model 300 Series Hybrid range has a new parallel hybrid system, with increased performance and a new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). In addition to the special finance offer on all 300 Series, 300 Series Hybrid and 500 Series Tipper models, Hino Financial Services provides competitive finance rates on the entire Hino range. More information on the Rate Breaker finance event can be found by visiting www.hino.com. au or by contacting your local participating Hino dealer.

^ 3.9% annual percentage rate is available to approved business applicants of Hino Financial Services to purchase a new Hino 300 and 500 Built to Go Series ordered between 1 July and 30 September 2013 and delivered by 31 December 2013. Maximum term is 60 months, conditions, fees/charges apply. Offer available at participating Hino dealers. Stock levels and delivery times vary by model. Government/fleet/ rental/leasing companies excluded from offer.

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hino total support

Genuine Oils provide Total Support Hino has continued to refine its Total Support customer care package, including the Hino Genuine Series range of oils and lubricants that provide maximum economy, reliability and durability benefits for Hino vehicles. Hino developed the range of genuine products to combat the issues caused by aftermarket, non-genuine oils and lubricants which do not always meet the stringent requirements of the sophisticated engines and drivelines found in Hino trucks. Recent improvements to the Genuine oils range include a price realignment and the introduction of 205-litre packs of transmission and differential oils to suit the needs of specialist truck workshops. Benefits include improved performance for Hino J-series high-pressure (common-rail) engines, extended oil-change intervals for Hino trucks manufactured after 2005, increased uptime, cleaner running and reduced oil consumption. The Hino Genuine Series brand is made up of eight products, including engine, differential and manual transmission oils, and coolant.

Hino Genuine Series product they can look after their vehicles with the same oils and lubricants used at our authorised Hino Service Centres. “Hino Genuine Series extends the customer experience beyond parts and accessories. The range ensures each customer’s Hino truck is maintained to the highest standards during its life,” Mr Belanszky said.

“Customers can run into problems if they start using inferior aftermarket products”

Hino National Service Manager Gus Belanszky said Hino Genuine Series oils and lubricants enable customers to better protect their vehicles on a number of levels.

Hino Genuine Diesel X Plus engine oil has been developed to comply with Hino’s expanding range of Australian Design Rule ADR 80/03 (Euro 5) emission-compliant vehicles, including the latest-generation light duty 300 Series, medium duty 500 Series and heavy duty 700 Series trucks.

“With the highly sophisticated nature of the engines and drivelines in today’s Hino vehicles, we developed a range of oils and lubricants that are equally sophisticated,” he said.

The protection from these lubricants isn’t just for new vehicles: Hino Genuine Oils and Lubricants are also blended to offer enhanced protection for older models.

“Customers can run into problems if they start using inferior aftermarket products. With the

The Hino Genuine Series range of lubricants is available from authorised Hino dealers.

Torque

700 series NQ Civil Contractors runs an allHino fleet, including a heavy-duty 700 Series FY 3248 model with custom-fitted tilt-tray.

Queensland civil engineers build with Hino A North Queensland civil construction firm has gone from strength to strength thanks to a five-year relationship with Hino. Townsville-based NQ Civil Contractors has used Hino trucks exclusively since 2008 when owner Grant Ferguson bought a 300 Series light-duty Crew Cab. “When I was looking for a light-duty truck, Hino’s competitive pricing attracted me to their 300 Series Crew Cab,” he said. “Since then I’ve bought nothing but Hino – another 300 Series Crew Cab, two mediumduty 500 Series vacuum trucks and a heavyduty 700 Series FY 3248 8x4. “They all drive really well and make light work of steep hills – especially the 700 Series.” Eleven months ago, Mr Ferguson asked Hino to deliver a 700 Series FY 3248 8x4 with tilt tray, complete with Hino’s advanced ZF-based AMT (automated manual transmission). “I rang Hino and said I needed an eightwheeled 700 Series with a tilt tray delivered within 10 weeks,” said Mr Ferguson.

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“Hino were fantastic – they had a chassis to Brisbane-based tray builder Ekebol within a week and worked with them to ensure that, despite delays from an external supplier, I still had the truck on time. “They even sent two airline tickets so my wife and I could fly down from Townsville to Brisbane to pick up my new truck.” The ZF-based 16-speed ProShift AMT is specifically tuned to harness the capabilities of Hino’s 480 horsepower, 13-litre direct-injection engine, which frees drivers from concentrating on gearshifts and lets them focus on the drive. Mr Ferguson had ample time to get to know the heavy-duty 700 Series FY 3248 ProShift on the 1400-kilometre return journey and experience the Hino’s creature comforts, such as the ISRI 6860 seat featuring an integrated safety belt, cruise control and heated mirrors. Mr Ferguson said choosing the FY 3248 8x4 with the ProShift AMT was the right decision.

“It’s just a magic truck to drive,” he said. “When you put your foot on the brakes, it changes down for you and engages the engine compression brake. “And with a push of the lever, you can go into manual mode and change gears yourself.” The 700 Series has also proved its worth operating in the business’ local area. “We’ve completed a number of civil engineering projects around Townsville, and the 700 Series has met every challenge with ease,” Mr Ferguson said. “Using it on unsealed and poor-quality roads is a breeze,” he said. “We took it over to Magnetic Island on a barge to lug around some exceptionally heavy components. “Even on the very hilly terrain, and with all that weight on the back, the Hino’s 480 horsepower and more than 2150Nm of torque meant it took it in its stride – it really loved those hills.”

custom build

Hino provides solid base for mining growth A leading West Australian coachbuilder has completed the conversion of a Hino 500 Series GT 1322 to a 34-seat off-road bus to service a growing demand from mine sites. Remote Access Vehicles engineers built the custom four-wheel drive bus from Hino’s medium-duty off-road truck chassis in response to growing demand from mining companies to improve safety by reducing light vehicle traffic.

Remote Access Vehicles began building truckbased buses after recognising a large demand from local mine sites and mining contractors.

Manager of Remote Access Vehicles Josh McKenzie said the 500 Series GT provided an excellent base to build on, ensuring driveability and reliability throughout its service life.

“There has been a big demand in the past six years due to the mining boom – there are a lot of mining staff who need to get around.

“We identified the Hino as a good-value, reliable base for our designs compared with other products on the market,” he said. “The GT drives extremely well, and the high GVM definitely works in our favour when fitting the cabin. “Our customers know the Hino brand and feel very comfortable using Hino’s four-wheeldrive products.”

“There is a definite move to these vehicles for safety purposes on mine sites and in mining applications,” said Mr McKenzie.

“If there are too many light vehicles on site it creates a hazard – this is where a sturdy off-road bus really comes into its own. “Reducing the number of vehicles on the road by transporting workers in one vehicle really makes sense, and the Hino GT-based bus is perfectly suited to this purpose.” Karratha-based Northfleet Bus and Vehicle Hire recently took delivery of the custom four-wheel drive bus. Managing Director Michael Simm said that in his experience the demand for

capable mass transport had grown rapidly over the past 10 years. “We’ve been servicing mines since 2002 – there’s been a huge increase in demand since then,” he said. “We have a fleet of 140 buses at the moment. We run Hinos for our four-wheel drive units because they’re great to drive and have a better ride than the competition. “I’m a truck mechanic by trade, and I’ve found that Hinos are the easiest to work on, they’re the most reliable and have the easiest access to parts,” Mr Simm said. Hino’s 500 Series GT 1322 features a selectable 4x4 system with low range, cruise control, drivers SRS airbag, heated and electrically operated external mirrors and an ISRI 6800 drivers seat with an integrated safety belt.

Torque

motorsport

The Italian job Molly Taylor left Australia four years ago with her sights fixed on an international rally career and, now based in Italy, she is well on her way. Elizabeth Wylie reports. All photos courtesy of Vettas Media (info@vettasmedia.com.au)

Like any driver who has made their way in international motorsport, Molly Taylor is often told she is ‘lucky’ or that others ‘would love to do’ what she does. “I am doing what I love and would never change it or do anything else, but it isn’t always as easy as people think. It isn’t just turning up and driving the rally car. The reality includes a lot of commitment and dedication,” the young Sydneysider says.

“Living away from home, alone in a foreign country without the support of family and friends can be quite a lonely experience.” After four years in the UK, Taylor is now based in Italy. She moved this year to contest the 2013 European Rally Championship with BP Racing, under the guidance of Pier Liberali, the general manager of United Business, an Italian sports management company in charge of her international career since last year.

“Progressing from the British to the European and World Championships has been a challenge, but an incredible learning opportunity. I have been thrown in the deep end learning new cars and new rallies, and testing to find the right set-up for each event. “I am very passionate about the sport and enjoy the level of focus you need because it’s such a good feeling once you get it right, or see your improvements – that is worth all the hard work and being away from home.” Taylor met Liberali in 2011 through her connections with Pirelli. She says he manages 27 drivers and he expressed an interest almost immediately in working with her: “I guess he saw some potential and he has been a fantastic support.” Taylor did four events with the team last year in a Citroën DS3 R3T. She led the R3 class in the World Rally Championship round in Finland only to retire two stages from the end due to a mechanical failure. Her best result was third in class at Wales Rally GB, the final round of the 2012 WRC series. This year, she and co-driver Seb Marshall are tackling eight rounds of the European Rally Championship. A second place (2WD) in Corsica along with her first stage win in the ERC has been the highlight of the year so far. From there it’s Sibiu Rally (Romania), Barum Czech Rally (Czech Republic, August 30-September 1), Croatia Rally (September 26-28), Rallye San Remo (Italy, October 10-12), and Rallye International du Valais (Switzerland, November 6-9). All the events are covered by Eurosport. Taylor and Marshall will miss an event in Poland when they compete with a privateer Ford team in the world championship round at Coffs Harbour (September 13-15).

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Taylor and Marshall returned to Australia in May to contest Rally SA.

“I have to say Montecatini is a lovely city to train in. There is an old historic part of town up on a hill, with great tracks up and around there, and big ancient thermal spas in parkland, so it’s a fantastic place to run around. “All I can really do now is run, because it is the only thing you can do on the road – plus loads of situps and push-ups in my hotel room!” she laughs. Obviously there is not much downtime in Taylor’s life but it doesn’t worry her. A recent trip home saw her become hooked on Game Of Thrones but she wonders how she will keep up with it.

“Having the Eurosport coverage has been very good in terms of the exposure we’ve had. It’s probably one of the best international series in terms of its TV reach and general media coverage, which is important for us, because it helps us provide value to sponsors, and that helps keep us going. “Every event is building for the future, from a rallying perspective and hopefully, through Eurosport, a commercial perspective. We are talking a long-term plan for the top level of the sport and in the meantime I’m gaining in experience and getting better and faster – well, that’s the plan,” she laughs. After three years in Britain’s Lakes District while she worked between rallies at the base of Ford WRC operator, M-Sport, Taylor says it’s quite a change living out of a suitcase. “I’m sort of living at Montecatini in Tuscany, between Pisa and Florence, which is where the team is based, but given the calendar for the next few months, I’ll be spending most of

my time travelling. I’ll only have the odd week or two in Italy and most of my time in hotel rooms. “Yes, I’m living the dream!” she chuckles, loving the irony of the difference between the gruelling schedule that is her reality, and the image people have of her ‘glamorous’ lifestyle. Meanwhile, her Italian is coming along s-l-ow-l-y, she says, although it is improving as she works with the team (literally – she’s involved at the workshop between events) and she is understanding more. “I can speak very basic Italian and the team speaks very basic English, so between that and lots of hand gestures – and google translates every now and then – we get by.” What she does find tough about the travelling is maintaining her fitness. She has always been disciplined, knowing how important it is for her work, but finds it hard keeping up the regime on the road.

“I realise most people who are busy with work want to get away from it and relax, but it is true that if you love what you do, you don’t see it as work. You get tired, but you’re happy and that’s my situation. “I am very lucky to be in the position of trying to make this work…the harder I work, the more doors are opening and I am more prepared to walk through them. Yes, there’s good and bad in every job, no matter how good it is – but I wouldn’t change a thing.” Pier Liberali sees a big future for his protégé, describing her as one of the fastest female drivers in the world. She certainly proved him right in Corsica, winning her first stage (in class) on tarmac, finishing second in the 2WD class and 15th outright in a 51-car field. The ERC entry list includes drivers such as former F1 star Robert Kubica as well as WRC regulars like Francois Delecour, Jan Kopecky and Freddy Loix, along with fellow WRC Academy ‘graduate’ Craig Breen who is proving to be a star on the rise. If Liberali is right, Molly Taylor is too. This article originally appeared in the July 2013 edition of Australian Motorsport magazine (#433).

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travel tips

Beat the winter blues Don’t let the cooler weather get you down, start planning your summer getaway now. Here’s a few suggestions from around the country to get you started.

ADELAIDE

The Adelaide Hills

Kangaroo Island

The Adelaide Hills are perched half an hour’s drive (20km) from the centre of Adelaide. Steeped in history and packed with stunning Australian bushland scenery, there is something for everyone on this day trip. Dine out in top restaurants, visit cellar doors and art galleries, or have a beer in an old-world pub as you explore historic towns.

After 90 minutes’ (100km) drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, Kangaroo Island is a 45-minute ferry ride from the mainland. The roads of Kangaroo Island are mainly sealed, so a 2WD will be fine for the day trip.

Pit Stops • Take in sweeping views of Adelaide from Mount Lofty • Grab a bite to eat and a cleansing ale or coffee at the Organic Markets in Stirling • Gumercha has some great family-friendly destinations, like the toy factory and the National Motor Museum • The historic German settlement of Hahndorf is packed with historic buildings, cellar doors and restaurants. Stock up on the amazing German small goods

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There’s plenty to do on the island, but be mindful of time as it’s a big island. If you don’t plan to stay the night, make sure you’re back to Kingscote in time for the last ferry. Pit Stops Seal Bay Conservation Park Make a 45-minute drive across the island from the ferry point (Kingscote) to Seal Bay. Beach access to the protected sea-lion colony is only available through guided tours, or you can view the sea lions via a self-guided boardwalk off the beach

Gold Coast The Gold Coast has arguably the widest scope of activities anywhere in Australia. Just an hour (70km) in the car south-east of Brisbane, there is something for almost every taste on this strip of coastline, from shopping, to theme parks, fishing or surfing.

Tambourine Mountain Perched behind the hustle and bustle of the Gold Coast, Tambourine Mountain is an hour’s drive (62km) from Brisbane. With stunning views, rainforests to explore, quiet streams and quaint villages, Tambourine Mountain is not what you’d be expecting so close to the Gold Coast.

Pit Stops • K eep the kids entertained at one of the many theme parks, from Sea World, to Movie World or Wet ‘n’ Wild – they’ll never be bored • K een anglers can cast a line at Paradise Point or the Tweed River • G rab a wave or sit and watch the action at Snapper Rocks, one of the longest, most consistent surf breaks in the world

Melbourne

Pit Stops • After heavy rains visit the surrounding waterfalls: Cameron Falls, Cedar Creek Falls and the Withches Falls • Taste the locally grown avocado, kiwifruit and macadamia nuts • Take in the view from the forest canopy on the 300m Tambourine Mountain Skywalk

Phillip Island

Daylesford

If you’re looking for a great family destination, then pack up the car and make the twohour drive (140km) to Phillip Island. Swim or surf the patrolled surf beaches, head out on bushwalks, see shipwrecks, or get adventurous with horse-riding, go-karting and surfing lessons.

Famous as a romantic getaway and relaxation retreat destination, Daylesford is 90 minutes (108km) north-east of Melbourne. The winding roads along the way to Daylesford are lined with tall eucalypts, making for a spectacular journey.

Pit Stops • No visit to Phillip Island is complete without the Grand Prix Circuit, home of the Australian MotoGP and V8 Supercar races • Stay until dusk and visit the Penguin Parade visitor centre, then head down through the sand dunes to watch the Little (fairy) Penguins walk up the beach • Eco-tourists can head to The Koala Conservation Centre, or for walks along Seal Rocks, the Nobbies and Rhyll Inlet

Palm Beach

Jenolan Caves

Just one hour (40km) from the centre of the city is one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches, Palm Beach. Home to the rich and famous, and the filming location for Home and Away, Palm Beach offers great surf, spectacular scenery and great picnic spots.

Step back in time millions of years with just a three-hour drive (180km) west from Sydney. Jenolan Caves is world-renowned as one of the most spectacular ancient cave systems in Australia, with 11 amazing cave networks to explore, underground rivers and amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Pit Stops • F or spectacular views, make the onekilometre walk up to Barrenjoey lighthouse which overlooks Palm Beach, Pittwater, with views all the way up the Central Coast of NSW • I f you’re lucky, Home and Away will be filming around the Barrenjoey end of Palm Beach. Head to the jetty on the Pittwater side of Barrenjoey, where many of the scenes are filmed

Brisbane

Pit Stops • Nestled on Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, The Convent is a 19th century architectural masterpiece filled with fine art, fine dining and offering expansive views of the area • If it’s relaxation and well-being you’re looking for, then head up the road to Hepburn Springs, which boasts Australia’s largest concentration of mineral springs. Take in a treatment or massage at one of the local spas

sydney

Pit Stops • Two hours into the journey, stop off for a bite to eat at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains • The Orient, Jenolan’s 340-million year old cave, was re-opened in 2009 after infrastructure at the site was upgraded

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travel tips Fremantle

Margaret River

Step back in time to a 19th-century streetscape, just 30 minutes drive (25km) from the centre of Perth. Fremantle boasts West Australia’s largest collection of heritage-listed buildings; take in historic tours, immerse yourself in the coffee culture, or have a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants.

The stunning southwest wine region of Margaret River is a three-hour drive (272km) from Perth. The region offers great cellar doors, gourmet food and stunning coastal scenery. The area is world famous for its big-wave surfing.

Pit Stops • Head to the boat harbour for fish and chips • L earn all about the art of brewing beer, while sampling the product at boutique breweries such as Little Creatures

hobart

• Bask in the pristine waters of Geographe Bay to the north, or surf Margaret River beach • While it has only been 40 years since the first grapes were planted in Margaret River, the white wines are internationally acclaimed and there are plenty of cellar doors to choose from

Freycinet National Park

Southwest National Park

Whether you’re a nature lover wanting to explore forest tracks and beaches, or an adrenaline junkie looking for some kayaking, rock climbing or abseiling spots, Freycinet National Park will suit you. It’s just two-and-a-half hours’ drive (190km) east of Hobart.

Words simply don’t do justice to the ancient and mystical Southwest National Park, a twoand-a-half hour drive (190km) from Hobart. The area is so immense that you will need to plan your trip thoroughly.

Pit Stops • Have lunch while discovering the scenic port town of Triabunna, a refuge lined with historic buildings and surrounded by beaches • Towered over by pink granite mountains, Coles Bay is the perfect spot for a swim, some snorkeling or kayaking

Drive Darwin There are so many attractions close to the centre of Darwin, you can make a whole day out of touring around the local area. Take in the beauty of the beaches, picnic at national parks, and learn about Darwin’s role in WWII. Pit Stops • J ust 15 minutes from the centre of Darwin you’ll find Crocodylus Park. It’s a crocodile museum and zoo with freshwater crocs of all ages and sizes • C asuarina Coastal Reserve is a great spot for picnics

Canberra

• Drive to Recherche Bay, where you’ll find turquoise waters flanked by white sandy beaches

Litchfield National Park Exploring the Top End in a two-wheel drive car isn’t usually that easy. However, you’ll find Litchfield National Park just two hours (100km) drive from Darwin, on mainly sealed roads.

darwin

Pit Stop • Go for a dip in Wangi, Florence Tjaynera Falls and Bluey Rockhole

Snowy Mountains

Tidbinbilla

The high country of the Alpine National Park system, which extends from the ACT to Victoria, is a threehour scenic drive from Canberra. In summer you can go mountain bike riding, hiking or horse riding while exploring the natural wonders of the region.

Take the leisurely 40-minute drive from the centre of Canberra to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve for a picnic lunch surrounded by native wildlife. Discover the area’s rich Aboriginal history, with artefacts and rock shelters that date back 21,000 years.

Pit Stops • Head to Mt Kosciuszko and go bushwalking while taking in the wildflowers that are in full bloom during the summer months

• The lakes of the Snowy Mountains hydro scheme are full in summer, perfect for sailing and fishing issue #3 2013

Pit Stops • Drive up to Scotts Peak Dam, which hugs the shoreline of Lake Pedder, before going trout fishing in the area

• Wander through the 42ha of the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

• Journey deep into the earth to discover frozen waterfalls, limestone caves and underground pools at Yarrangobilly Caves

perth

Pit Stops

Pit Stops • Visit the Canberra deep space communication complex and learn all about Australia’s role in space exploration • Let the kids go wild at Corin Forest Recreational Playground, where they can fly down the hill on a bobsled, or ride the water slides and flying foxes

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LEGENDS NEVER DIE.

HMS00299/DAKAR01

When we do a job, we do it right. Take our 22 starts, 22 finishes, 13 class wins and a 4th consecutive championship in the under 10 litre category in the grueling Dakar Rally. Such legendary performance is proof that Hino really is a better class of truck.

A ToyoTA Group CompAny

issue #3 2013