2024 Skills Champions experience Japan

In November 2024, three Prestige Hino staff members were crowned National Champions in their respective departments: Michael Greenhill (Parts), Dylan Diehl (Service) and Brad Rawle (Sales) in the Hino Australia annual National Skills Contest -, where Sales Consultants, Service Technicians and Parts Interpreters from dealerships across Australia embark on a journey of expanding on their skill base and knowledge. Winning the prestigious Championship Title, Michale, Dylan and Brad were also the recipients an amazing all expenses paid trip to Japan combining both work and play

Contestants competing in the final round of competition where tasked with undergoing real world role play scenarios in their fields of expertise

Sales Consultants undertook a series of real-world roleplay scenarios including a customer test-drive, before challenging their expertise in a Megamind quiz.

Parts Interpreters demonstrated their knowledge through live demonstrations of their interpretation expertise, and a customer-focused scenario which tested their customer service and communication skills.

For Service Technicians, the focus was on testing their diagnostic and technical skills via a range of assessments on 300 Series Hybrid Electric, 500 and 700 Series models.  They were also assessed on their problem solving and communication skills when faced with a remote diagnostic problem.

Taking home the prestigious Championship Title, Michale, Dylan and Brad also afforded the recipients an amazing all expenses paid trip to Japan combining both work and play.

Meeting with executives from Hino Japan and touring the Dakar Rally factory was a true highlight — especially for those with a passion for off-road endurance racing. The Dakar Rally, often hailed as the world’s toughest motor race, challenges 4x4 vehicles to conquer deserts, mountains, and some of the harshest terrains across Saudi Arabia. At the heart of it all is the Dakar Rally factory — where the magic happens. Unlike standard production models, the Hino 4x4 Dakar truck is entirely custom built and engineered for extreme performance. Michael, Dylan, and Brad had the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and uncover the craftsmanship, innovation, and grit that goes into building this incredible machine.

Next on the agenda was a visit to the Hino Hamura Plant in Tokyo. A key part of the Hino experience, the Hamura Plant welcomes customers after their truck purchase for comprehensive training — covering everything from vehicle technology and eco-driving techniques to effective driving practices and a hands-on demonstration of the Telematics system and its benefits. It’s all about equipping drivers with the knowledge to get the very best performance and value from their Hino vehicle.

When new Hino models are launched into the market, it's standard practice for Australian-based technicians to travel to the Hino Customer Technical Facility in Japan for comprehensive hands-on safety training. During the visit, they gain access to specialised tools designed to simplify complex repairs and troubleshooting — including scenarios like operating a truck on slippery or unstable surfaces. The facility also features a museum showcasing Hino Heritage vehicles, along with a state-of-the-art driving simulator that gave the team a firsthand feel for the latest in Hino technology.

But it wasn’t all work and no play — once the Hino Japan business wrapped up, the boys had the chance to switch gears and embrace their inner tourists, ticking off some of Japan’s most iconic highlights.

Taking a trip to Japan offered them an unforgettable mix of nature, tradition, and futuristic energy, experiencing some of Japan’s most iconic sights — Mount Fuji, the majestic volcano towering at 3,776 meters, proved to be an awe-inspiring moment for the boys as they boarded a scenic cable car ride, the Hakone Ropeway that drifted over steaming vents rising above the landscape.

Not far from Hakone, they visited the famous Torii Gate at Lake Ashi. This striking red gate is known to appear to float on the water, making it one of the most photographed landmarks in Japan. It’s not just beautiful — it also holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing the boundary between the human and spiritual worlds.

Next stop: Tokyo — a complete contrast. Kicking things off with a visit to the Tokyo Skytree in Sumida. Standing at a dizzying 634 meters (2,080 feet), it’s the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world. From the observation deck, the sweeping views of Tokyo felt endless, like the city never stops.

Michael, Dylan and Brad also explored Asakusa, home to the vibrant Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. The approach to the temple is a buzzing shopping street, filled with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and the occasional surprise — like spotting Godzilla towering in the background.

With a final stop by the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, a chaotic, synchronized dance of thousands of pedestrians – phones out, cameras up — with more tourists than locals pausing mid-cross to soak it all in.

In just a few days, Japan offered the boys an unforgettable experience — from steam-filled valleys and sacred shrines to towering skyscrapers and the electric pulse of a futuristic metropolis. They returned to Australia and their roles at Prestige Hino not only with lasting memories, but also equipped with valuable new skills and fresh perspectives, ready to enhance their day-to-day work and deliver an even better customer experience.