Sime Motors New Zealand has appointed Mike Rule as general manager of its subsidiary, Hino Distributors Ltd.
Rule was previously general manager of the group’s heavy equipment subsidiary Hyster New Zealand which was recently sold to Australian-owned Adaptalift Group. He has chosen to stay within the Sime Motors group to take up the role.
Over the past eight years, Rule has worked across three Sime Motors NZ businesses gaining extensive knowledge of the commercial transport industry. Before joining Hyster NZ in 2022, he filled senior roles at both TWL and Truckstops.
“Mike has consistently displayed a collaborative, hands-on leadership style that adds operational value while building a strong team,” Sime Motors commercial general manager Michael Doeg says.
“Most recently, he has successfully worked with the Hyster team and Adaptalift to deliver positive outcomes for both businesses. After rising to the top of the list in a competitive recruitment process, we are delighted that Mike’s chosen to stay within the group.”
Hino Distributors (NZ) Ltd imported the first Hino trucks from Japan in 1964. The Sime Motors NZ group (formerly Sime Darby Motors NZ) bought the distributorship in 2004. In 2014, Hino Distributors Limited celebrated the brand’s 50th anniversary.
Rule says he’s looking forward to working with another “world class brand”.
“My focus will be on supporting the team to ensure Hino is represented to its full potential in the New Zealand market. With Sime Motors backing, I’m excited to be in a position to lead the team and grow market share through the delivery of a great customer experience.”
