New Hino the Truck of Choice for Snap-On Tools
Australia's leading automotive and speciality tool franchise company has adopted Hino 300 Series trucks as the truck of choice for its new start-up franchise owners.
Snap-on Tools Australia has purchased 15 Hino trucks in the last 18 months, all specifically built into mobile sales vehicles for new Snap-on Tools franchisees.
Snap-on Tools' decision to choose Hino's new-generation 300 Series 917-model truck was based on its outstanding combination of safety, performance, comfort, lifespan and value, coupled with Hino's tradition of quality, durability and reliability.
Snap-on Tools product manager Ian Spinks described the Hino 917 as a good, reliable truck that suits the company's image and needs, especially for new-start franchisees.
"These Hino trucks form a fleet of mobile stores that sell a premium product, so the truck has to be premium and reflect our brand image," he said.
"Hino's network of Australian dealers is important to us, as they're able to provide the back-up and service required nationally to keep our mobile stores on the road.
"As part of the franchise agreement, owners renew their truck every 12 years and refurbish it every six years, so reliability and low cost of ownership are very important."
City Hino in Sydney supplies the Hino cab-chassis vehicle to Snap-on Tools, with the custom body installed by Empire Specialty Vehicles in Leichhardt.
The long-wheelbase 917 variant is fitted with a custom-designed five-metre enclosed body that houses Snap-on Tools' renowned mobile sales display.
Included in the fit-out are a reversing camera (coupled with Hino's in-dash multimedia unit) and side-view cameras, as negotiating tight streets and reversing in and out of driveways are a part of everyday business for franchisees.
Hino's 917 model has a wide cabin and a choice of three wheelbases, all with a standard GVM of 7995kg.
Its four-litre turbocharged direct injection engine delivers a maximum 121kW of power and 464Nm of torque.
"We particularly like Hino's safety features, such as vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control, ABS and airbags, as some of our new-start franchisee drivers don't have too much experience operating a truck," Mr Spinks said.
Snap-on Tools began using Hino trucks exclusively for new franchise owners in Australia in February 2011, starting with the 300 Series 916 before progressing to the 917 variant.
The Hino trucks have now been delivered to franchises in all the mainland states of Australia.
Founded in the United States in 1920, Snap-on Tools has more than 19,000 products, operates in more than 130 countries and employs approximately 11,600 people worldwide.
The company will celebrate 25 years in Australia in 2013.