In the second of a series of interviews with industry figures, Andrew Kerr puts the questions to Steve Lotter, Chief Operating Officer at Hino Motor Sales Australia.
Steve Lotter spent 30 years with Toyota in various Sales and Marketing positions. His last five years at the company were as Divisional Manager - Customer Services (Parts, Service, Accessories).
In November 2005, Steve left Toyota to take the position of COO with Kia Motors Australia (to start up the fully-owned Australian operations).
In July 2006, Steve was invited to join Hino Motor Sales Australia (a Toyota group company) as Director and COO. This appointment coincided with that of John Conomos, AO, as Chairman of HMSA.
Choose four words to describe yourself.
Committed (or should be!).
What excites you most about the field you work in?
The opportunity to work with a great team as we take Hino to its rightful position in the market.
How did you get started in the industry?
I started at Toyota in 1975 straight out of uni and enjoyed a fantastic 30-year career. After a brief dalliance with the Koreans, I'm back in the Toyota Group at Hino, and loving it.
What is the best part of your job?
Working with a diverse range of people at factory, dealer and customer level.
What is your biggest frustration?
Working with a diverse range of people at factory, dealer and customer level...
In which area do you feel customers require the most advice?
Customers know what truck they need but increasingly will seek advice regarding environmental impact and whole-of-life costs.
What are the light truck trends customers should pay most attention to?
The move to hybrids and also automatic transmissions. We're happy to assist in both.
What annoys you more: missing out on a great opportunity or pursuing an idea that fails?
Missing out on a great opportunity, particularly if you hadn't even heard about it. You can always learn by pursuing ideas, even those that fail.
How many transport licences do you hold?
One
What advice would you offer a business looking to buy their first truck(s)?
Better go Hino.
When did you first become interested in trucks?
I've always been interested in things automotive. Being involved in trucks at this stage in my career has been both interesting and exciting.
What was your first car?
An EK Holden sedan inherited from my grandfather. It's amazing how far two dollars of petrol went back then.
What do you currently drive?
Lexus LX400h Hybrid. I've joined the race to the future.
Which car would you most like to drive?
I'm not a car nut and I prefer SUVs. I'm also a believer in the hybrid trend so my current vehicle suits me perfectly.
What do you consider 'unmissable' entertainment?
The monthly ERG report and the odd game of golf. I'd have to say that both need a bit of work at the moment!
