Anton Falck has been appointed as the new VP of Hino South Africa (SA).

Falck takes his first step into the world of trucking as he replaces Ernie Trautmann, who has retired.

Hino SA is a division of Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM).

Since joining TSAM in 1987, Falck has done duty in several divisions of the Japanese car and truck maker’s local business.

His experience ranges from area management, marketing communications and vehicle sales, to dealer representation, overseeing Automark – TSAM’s used vehicle franchise – and, more recently, running the Toyota Academy of Learning.

“I am honoured to have been granted this rare opportunity to head up what we believe to be an important truck brand in South Africa, and to ensure that Hino makes a valuable contribution to the local economy,” says Falck.

He adds that the company’s initial truck market forecast for 2023 was about 31 500 units.

However, after five months of sales, it has become evident that the market is more vibrant than originally anticipated, with a growth rate of 11.6% over 2022.

Taking this into account, Hino SA now expects the total new commercial-vehicle market to range between 33 500 and 35 000 units this year.

“The exact figure will depend on market and consumer response to increased interest rates, the declining exchange rate, and various other challenges we are currently facing as South Africans,” says Falck.

“Despite the challenges, the deteriorating state of other forms of transportation, such as the railways, suggests that demand for trucks will be strong for the next few years,” he adds.

The most significant growth in the local truck market has been in the extra-heavy commercial vehicle segment, with a 21.8% increase, compared with 2022, year-to-end May.

The medium commercial vehicle and heavy commercial vehicle segments have, however, remained relatively stable.

“Hino sales have also performed satisfactorily year-to-date, with a growth rate of 5.8%, compared to 2022,” says Falck.

“That is of course behind market growth, but mainly due to us having had a product gap in the extra-heavy segment.

“We already have a strong base with our 200, 300 and 500 series trucks, and now have the 700 range to provide more volume.”

Hybrids
Hino SA is currently busy with on-the-road testing of the Hino 300 diesel-electric hybrid truck to assess its suitability and viability for the local market.

“The Toyota 300 Hybrid is already highly successful in Japan and Australia in terms of significantly reducing fuel consumption and, hence, emissions, for four-ton haulers,” says Falck.

“Should the pilot project be successful, we plan to introduce the 300 Hybrid into South Africa.”