Hino out of Brisbane Truck Show

Hino Motor Sales Australia has announced it will no longer be exhibiting at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show, which will be held at the Queensland capital's convention and exhibition centre from May 13 to 16.

It's the sixth major truck brand to withdraw from the biennial event – also the biggest on the Australian trucking industry calendar – and follows on from Volvo Group Australia (spanning Volvo, Mack and UD Trucks), Scania, and Isuzu Australia Limited.

According to Bill Gillespie (pictured), Vice President of Brand and Franchise Development for Hino Australia, the company will not be attending the event due to safety concerns and the on-going threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Unfortunately due to the still-present uncertainty regarding COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision that Hino will not be exhibiting at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show," he said.

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"This was not a decision we have taken lightly, and has come after ongoing deliberation at a senior management level.

"We held off making a final decision to see if the vaccine rollout would provide more confidence in terms of travel and social gatherings, but ultimately the health and safety of our staff must always come first.

"Attendance at events such as these requires a considerable amount of resources and forward planning, and with the ongoing potential of 'circuit breaker' lockdowns and state-border closures, hosting a stand at the show simply will not be possible.

"While the situation is currently stable, we are aware that it can change quickly – this ongoing uncertainty has resulted in a change to our business strategy in terms of events and shows in 2021.

"The Brisbane Truck Show is an event that we have wholeheartedly supported. Unfortunately at this time the company position has changed but we do wish the organisers all the very best for a successful 2021 show."

The news will come as yet another blow for the Brisbane Truck Show's organisers, as they seek to attract crowds to the event with a dwindling number of major OEM exhibitors.

At this stage, and with just under two months before the show opens its doors, the Brisbane Truck Show will feature displays from Daimler Truck and Bus (Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, and Fuso), as well as PACCAR Australia (Kenworth and DAF), IVECO, and Penske Commercial Vehicles (Western Star, MAN, and Dennis Eagle).