We chatted with Fijian born Seru Namuatamucavu, one of our most driven, dedicated and longest-serving Service Technicians at Hino. He gives us his thoughts on how the industry has changed and moved forward over the last 24 years, and tells us what’s kept him at City Hino for almost a quarter of a century.
Small beginnings to grander horizons
Seru knew from a very early age where his passion lay. “I lived in a remote village in Fiji when I was a kid. From the day I started school, I loved playing with toy cars and trucks. My eyes would light up every time I’d see the big trucks driving past our village, helping keep communities like mine thriving. It was way back then I knew I wanted to work with trucks.”
After school, Seru began working at Carpenter Motors, one of the largest car dealers in Fiji. Working his way up to Trade Assistant, Seru soon turned his skills to servicing cars and trucks, aiming to become a qualified Service Technician with the company. But it was a phone call from his Australian godfather in 2000 that was about to change his life forever.
Seru explains, “My godfather called and asked if I’d like to come and work in Australia. He knew someone high up in the Suttons Group at City Hino. He got me a job there, starting as a Trade Assistant helping out all the mechanics with the smaller jobs.”
Fast forward 24 years and Seru is still working hard at City Hino as a service technician, operating in a team leader and supervisory capacity. But a few things have clearly changed since then.
With 24 years, comes growth and innovation
To say things have evolved over the past 24 years during Seru’s time at City Hino is an understatement. From a service perspective, Seru explains that most of the changes are a result of the constant innovations in technology built into Hino trucks.
“Back then it literally was hands-on. The Hino trucks didn’t have all the electronics they have today, nor the diagnostics equipment that we have now. So, you really had to get inside the engine, do it by hand and work things out.”
He continues, “Before you’d just stick your head in and use your intuition to work it out. We’d service a Hino every 10,000km. Now we do it every 20,000kms. That’s because the models now are built with far more electronics, and everything is computerised. The diagnostics equipment software is always being updated and helps find the problem in a flash. It’s great for our customers; less time in here means more time out there, back on the road, doing what they need to do. And it means we can service a lot more trucks in a day.”
Service that always goes the extra mile
Ask Seru why Hino stands out from the competition and he’s pretty quick to tell you. “To me, the Hino is the most reliable truck and very easy to maintain. The safety innovations with Hino are also way ahead, like Autonomous Braking and the Driver Monitor System.”
It goes without saying that it’s a Hino Genuine Service and nothing less for Seru. He adds, “It makes a huge difference. Our customers know and trust what they get with a Hino Genuine Service, factory trained technicians who know their Hino’s like the back of their hand and Hino Genuine Parts that are the right parts for the Hino. And our Capped Price Servicing is part of that trust.”
Staying on course as a Service Technician
With a global brand like Hino that sets such high standards, keeping up to speed is part of the job. Continuous training programs are implemented to help give all the Service Technicians the necessary skills they need to stay at the top of their game.
He explains, “Hino Australia provide us with set training modules all year round. For the technicians at all levels, it gives us a thorough learning course to make sure we all know Hino inside and out. And with changing technologies and new models, it keeps us all up to date with any new tech or advancements.”
Seru has now earned the accreditation of Master Technician through his comprehensive training. This distinction is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed all technical training courses offered by HMSA, ranging from fundamental online skills to advanced face-to-face diagnostic training.
Going the distance with Hino
Seru has been at City Hino for the entire 24 years. It’s an outstanding milestone to say the least, when most people these days are in a job a few years before they move on.
Seru tells us why he has stuck with City Hino for so long. “I wouldn’t be here in Australia if it wasn’t for the Suttons Group and City Hino. It’s a company that values and respects you, all my managers have been extremely supportive. I’ve been given so much opportunity to grow here working on such a wonderful and well-respected global brand, travelling to Japan, learning so much. Why would you ever leave?”
We asked Seru what he considers his top three proudest achievements in his time with Hino.
- Master Technician. Being among only 6 in Australia to achieve such distinction.
- Australia’s first National Skills Test. Competing in the inaugural event in Australia in 2008.
- National Skills Test. Achieving a 2nd place in 2012 and 3rd place in 2013.
A Testament to Commitment and Innovation
As you can see, Seru’s 24-year journey with City Hino has been marked by significant achievements, continuous learning, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
As City Hino continues to grow and innovate, Seru remains a key part of the team, embodying the values that make Hino a leader in the industry.
We would like to thank Seru for an outstanding career, you are a huge asset to the Hino brand and we’re privileged to have you on our team.