Hino backs Bidvest

Wholesale food service and produce supplier Bidvest Australia has renewed its contract with Hino Motor Sales Australia for the third year running, with the deal to add another 40 Hino trucks to the company's fleet.

The newcomers span the 300, 500 and 700 Series ranges, and will include 300 Series Hybrids and the recently launched 500 Series FE 1426 Auto.

The 500 Series FE 1426 Auto, with its J07E engine, produces 260hp (191kW) and 794Nm, and is 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 (pictured), said Hino trucks were the best fit for the business.

"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 OH&S 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."

Reliability and service are also major factors behind the contract renewal, said Mr Tran.

"The trucks spend six to 14 hours a day on the road – reducing downtime is important and they have been great.

"Hino have been very attentive and easy to deal with. They've provided vehicles that suit our needs and are great value for money."