HINO Motor Ltd. Japan organized a skills contest at SAIF Zone recently to recognize the abilities of the technicians of its distributors and encourage continuous improvement in after-sales service. “2014 Hino Skills contest in MENA” attracted a large number of skilled employees, distributors and top officials. Hino Motor commenced this contest in Japan in 1971 and 10 overseas countries have already implemented this skills contest and Sharjah is the 11th venue for this challenge. “I am certain that this event will inspire and stimulate all Hino technicians and distributors in the MENA region to develop and enhance their skills” said Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of SAIF Zone and Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) while addressing the audience. “Hino's recognition as the largest manufacturer of trucks and buses in Japan rightfully proves that the company's technicians are the best in the business.. SAIF Zone is indeed proud to be associated with Hino Motors, a relationship that has been continuing since 2008. We are appreciative of Hino's confidence in the region and their commitment to customer satisfaction, an intrinsic value that we at SAIF Zone hold high,” Al Mazrouei stressed. The annual event is an initiative of Hino as part of its commitment to attain its ultimate goal of “Total Support” and further develop the technical expertise and knowledge of the technicians of their distributors. “The improvement of technicians' skills is an indispensable promotion of Total Support (TS) and the skills contest is thus an integral part to achieving our objectives”, said Harue Komatsu, senior general manager of Hino Motors. Top technicians Drias Walid (Algeria), Sohan Pallivalappil (Bahrain), Sameer Ararawi (Jordan), Alami Idris (Morocco), Sandeep Manohar (Oman), El Sayed Ramzy (Qatar), Shahid Ghulam (Saudi Arabia) and Pradeep Gopalakrishnan (UAE) participated in the event. “We believe that the foundation of service is technicians' skills and knowledge. This skills contest is a compilation of the skills training attended by the technicians. Based on the knowledge, understanding and education they attained, they will be able to compete successfully and showcase their expertise”, said Takeshi Ishkawa, General Manager, Hino Middle East office. — SG
