Hino Hybrid goes back to school

DECA training helps Hino promote the hyrbid message to green-savvy fleet operators

Trucks probably aren't the first vehicles to spring to mind when we talk about hybrids. But with Hino's Hybrid 300 diesel-electric truck proving a strong seller since its introduction in 2007, the technology is proving itself in fleet life, along with a little help from DECA training.

Operators have praised the hybrid truck's cost-saving virtues, but winning over new customers has been quite an ask, especially considering the $10,000-plus premium the environmentally savvy lugger attracts over its conventionally-powered sibling.

With those thoughts in mind, Hino set about educating prospective buyers on the longer-term cost benefits of hybrid trucking with specialist training sessions it developed in conjunction with Driver Education Centres of Australia (DECA). The course outlined how to maximise cost and emission reduction benefits from the truck, and also aided Hino dealership and sales staff on how to best promote the vehicle's advantages to new and potential customers.

"By training our own sales people, Hino Hybrid owners and drivers, we have set out to develop knowledgeable advocates for the Hino Hybrid truck throughout Australia," explained Hino Australia’s marketing manager, Paul Tuffy.

The unique programme was so successful Hino again used DECA to help launch its new 714 six-speed automatic version of the Hino Hybrid recently. DECA developed a driver training program to help drivers maximise the truck's fuel efficiency. The course is offered to drivers of every new Hino Hybrid sold.

"The Hino Hybrid is a very impressive truck and when driven correctly can produce significant fuel savings and lower emissions," said DECA's curriculum developer, Maurie Baker.

"The training concentrates specifically on acceleration and gear changing to obtain peak efficiency and maximum assistance of the electric motor.

"Braking techniques and correct deceleration are also important to maximise recharging of the battery. lt takes a little training and time to get used to the truck, but the potential savings are worth the effort. ln stop-start traffic this truck really comes into its own."

One participant in DECA's training was one of Australia's largest trucking fleet operators TNT Express, the company now boasting a fleet of 30 Hino Hybrid trucks. The company said training was vital as it planned a move towards hybrid trucking.

"We are also committed to ensuring all our drivers are equipped with the most up-to-date and effective training available. The recent delivery of ten new Hino Hybrids was the perfect opportunity to provide a targeted training program to all of our Hybrid truck drivers and this has been provided by DECA," said TNT's national training manager, Paul Walsh.

"lt has provided our drivers with the skills, knowledge and techniques to maximise the potential environmental and economical benefits that these vehicles are capable of delivering."

DECA has 36 years of experience in driver training and is based in modern, purpose-designed facilities throughout Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.