Nathan Douglas from Truckstops NZ has won the trans-Tasman Hino Technical Challenge.
The competition took place in Sydney on November 21 and saw Douglas, from Wellington, go head-to-head with Martyn Alexander from Australia for the title.
The event is regarded as one of the most comprehensive skills contest of its type in the trucking industry.
Douglas battled Alexander in a series of repair and diagnostic tasks in the new Hino standard cab model over a 30-minute time period.
With an audience of over 100 people, including some senior members from Hino Motors Japan, and under the watchful eye of Denso Australia judges, the two contestants aimed to diagnose several faults.
Within about 10 minutes, both contestants had their engine start faults repaired and engines running within three seconds of each other.
A big applause from the crowd was heard. However both contestants then found the engine check light was on again and the race to diagnosis further faults continued.
Using Hino diagnostic equipment, the faults were swiftly repaired by both contestants. With the clock now reaching the 30 minute limit Douglas had repaired one further headlight fault, and claimed the title.
Hino NZ general manager Darren Salt says the competition is a “compelling showcase” and shows the rewards it puts into upskilling its technicians.
Ongoing technical training is “a key focus area as we work to ensure Hino truck owners receive the best possible after-sales outcomes,” Salt says.
