NOVI, MI - Hino Trucks held its first-ever National Service Skills Competition at its training facility in Novi, Mich. The Skills Competition brings together Hino dealer service technicians from across the country that achieved Master Elite Technician designation and puts them head-to-head against each other in varying simulated service-related situations.

The Master Elite Technician designation represents the highest certification a Hino truck technician can attain. To reach this advanced status, technicians must successfully complete fourteen Hino Training Courses and all six Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Medium/Heavy-Duty Truck test series certifications.

The ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Test Series exams include: Diesel Engines, Drive Trains, Brakes, Suspension and Steering, Electrical/Electronic Systems and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Technicians have three possible levels of recognition to achieve: Premier, Platinum, and Master Elite.

"Our service technicians are the best in the truck business," stated George Daniels, vVice president, Service Operations for Hino Trucks. "Proper training gives the Hino technician the 'Fix it Right the First Time' attitude and our new 16,950 sq.-ft. state-of-the art training facility next to our headquarters provides us the opportunity to expand our training offerings. Overall, the Hino program for the Professional Hino Technician goes beyond standard technical training and is matched by no other OEM in the United States."

With more 175 dealers in their network, Hino also maintains a training center facility in Ontario, Calif. to round out comprehensive regional support.

After completing one of the industry's most comprehensive training programs, the technician is ready to tackle the ultimate challenge - the annual Hino Honors National Skills Competition.

This year's Hino Master Elite Technicians included in the competition were:

• Daniel Burstein, Rush Truck Center - El Paso, TX

• John Wiggins, Hino of Wichita, KS

• Michael Willougby, Rush Truck Center - Oklahoma City, OK

• Greg Zubek, Chicago Mack Sales & Service - Summit, IL

Greg Zubek of Chicago Mack Sales and Service was the overall winner. Greg is a journeyman technician and has been a team member with Chicago Mack for more than five years.

"It is my belief that factory training and knowing the product are the keys to making the repair right the first time. Competitions like this show that going the extra mile is rewarding. This will motivate technicians to get involved with ASE programs and dealers will send more techs for Hino Training," said Zubek.