Driver comfort, reduced vehicle downtime and overall value have prompted a leading wholesale food service and produce supplier to continue building its fleet with Hino trucks.
Bidvest Australia, which runs a fleet of over 400 trucks in all states and territories Australia-wide, has renewed its contract with Hino Motor Sales Australia for the third year running. The renewal will add another 40 Hino trucks to its fleet during 2015-16, including models from the 300, 500 and 700 Series ranges. These include 300 Series Hybrids and the recently launched 500 Series FE 1426 Auto models.
The 500 Series FE 1426 Auto, with its J07E engine, combines a class-leading 260HP (191kW) and 794Nm matched to the Allison 2500 series automatic transmission. The Hino 300 Series Hybrid features a Euro 5 and EVV compliant N04C diesel engine matched to an auxiliary electric motor, which assists in significantly reducing exhaust tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption compared with a conventional diesel-engine truck.
Bidvest Category Manager for Services, Harris Tran, said Hino trucks were the best fit for the business due to the vehicle quality and innovation, and also the service they receive from Hino Australia.
“Our drivers spend a good proportion of their lives in these trucks, so we need to supply them with something comfortable,” Mr Tran said. “Hino trucks have very comfortable seats and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as comprehensive safety equipment to help meet OHS requirements.
“We also invest in two-pedal transmissions on all vehicles up to eight pallets; they’re easy to drive and remove the need for specially trained drivers for manual transmissions.”
Mr Tran also noted the reliability Bidvest has experienced with Hino. “The trucks spend six to 14 hours a day on the road – reducing downtime is important and they have been great.”
Value for money and good service from Hino Australia were also deciding factors in Bidvest’s continued Hino purchases. “Hino have been very attentive and easy to deal with. They’ve provided vehicles that suit our needs and are great value for money,” Mr Tran said.
Bidvest was established in 1995 and employs over 2,500 people in 55 branches nationwide. Bidvest is a one-stop supply solution distributing wholesale food, packaging, disposables and hygiene products, fresh produce and meat to the food service and catering industry; with an extensive range including over 56,000 food service products.
