Hino was putting on a brave face at the Brisbane Truck Show recently, despite the fact that the number two local truck seller will be struggling for supply as the year rolls on as a result of its ongoing problems associated with its parent company’s fuel and emission scandal problems in Japan and the US.
The Hino stand at the recent Brisbane Truck Show mainly showcased the Japanese manufacturer’s range of current Euro 6 solutions including the 700 Series and 300 Series Hybrid Electric and with a theme of ‘driven by innovation, powered by sustainability’.
Hino also said there was also a nod to the future with the company displaying a Dutro (300 Series) Z-EV electric truck, which it says is currently undergoing trial programs in Australia to determine its operational capacity.
“Earlier in the year, Hino surpassed 150,000 deliveries in Australia, an important milestone that provides a marker to underpin our commitment to Australia and to our ongoing success while also shifting our focus forward to our next business horizon,” said Hino Australia president and CEO, Richard Emery.
“It has been achieved with fit-for-purpose products centred on quality, technology and safety, supported by our partnerships with our loyal customers and dealer partners,” Emery said
“None of this will change as we transition to a full range of Euro 6 compliant vehicles,” Emery continued.
Hino Australia’s current Euro 6 range of vehicles headlined its stand starting with a variety of 300 Series Hybrid trucks, which the company claims deliver up to 22 per cent in fuel savings and emissions reductions with no range or recharge restrictions.
The Hino stand also featured a 300 Series 916 Hybrid Wide Cab with a Kyokuto Single Car carrier body, which acts as a recovery vehicle at the Hino-sponsored Australian Supercars Championship.
“It uniquely allows the tray to slide off the back of the vehicle and can perform loading work at almost any angle down to zero degrees,” said Emery
“Hybrid is a compelling option for customers today based on the balance of cost, range and payload with the benefit of real-world, immediate savings on fuel and emissions,” said Emery.
Hino also showcased a 300 Series 716 Tipper and 300 Series 616 cab chassis.
“The Tipper on display is a prototype for a range of 300 Series Built to Go Hybrid Electric factory Tipper models that we are aiming to add to our model line-up by the end of 2025,” said Emery.
“The Tipper is the first Hybrid Electric truck that uses the same Kyokuto Kaihatsu body that is fitted to the conventional 300 Series diesel and 500 Series factory tipper models,” he said.
Hino reiterated its commitment to sustainability with its first public display in Australia of a zero emissions vehicle, a Dutro (300 Series) Z-EV walk-through van with an ultra-low floor that features a 50kW electric motor mounted under the cab, which drives the front wheels.
Emery reinforced that its appearance in Brisbane was not a launch or a new model introduction.
“In the coming year, the Z-EV will undergo real-world trials to interrogate its cost, range and payload and ensure it is a viable option for our Australian customers, regardless of Government incentives,” he concluded.
Hino Australia’s heavy-duty range was also represented by a 700 Series SH1845 4×2 prime mover that transports the Hino Sports Deck display trailer to selected rounds of the Supercars Championship.
Another key model displayed in the 700 Series range was the FY3036 Tilt Tray with Crane and ROPS, on loan from Hino customer CST Hire, which is one of Australia’s leading truck rental companies and provides a leading range of project-specific trucks specifically designed to handle the tough Australian construction and mining environments.
