Truck company Hino has chosen the Queensland Truck and Machinery Show to announce the beginning of a partnership with the championship-winning TRD rally team.

Toyota's brand new Corolla rally show car was on display at the Hino stand throughout the show to highlight the new partnership, and three-time Australian Rally Champion Neal Bates was also in attendance.

"It is a very exciting time for Hino to be getting involved with the TRD rally team this year," said Alex Stewart, Hino divisional manager, Marketing.

"They are a very professional and successful team - they finished first and second in last year's championship, and are currently first and second in this year's championship.

"We are particularly proud to become involved with Neal Bates and the entire team - the new car certainly looks the part!"

Bates, a very enthusiastic truck driver in his own right, is also looking forward to the venture.

"Hino is looking to make a significant commitment to the team and to rallying," said Bates.

"It is great for us to be able to welcome the company back to our team after a long absence.

The partnership will commence at Round 4 of the NEC Australian Rally Championship, the Toyota Rally South Australia in August.

The TRD team has won the first two events of the 2007 NEC Australian Rally Championship (ARC) in Queensland and Western Australia with Simon Evans.

It has been a perfect start to his title defence after claiming last year's championship with co-driver wife Sue.

Bates, who has been testing a new Super 2000-specification car in the first two events of 2007, created history in Western Australia by making the Corolla the first S2000 car in ARC history to win a stage and finish on a rally podium.

He will debut the brand new Corolla S2000 rally car at the Rally of Canberra on 2-3 June.

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