Beleageured truck brand Hino has shown the first glimmers of. its promised new dawn in 2027 after a tough couple of years managing and riding out a massive shortfall in stock, particularly for medium duty, with the company announcing that it is now taking orders for its long awaited new medium-duty 500 Series models with the first trucks set to hit Aussie roads in the first months of 2027.
The stock shortfalls came as direct result of the troubles Hino’s parent company in Japan suffered in the aftermath of the infamous fuel consumption and emission fraud. Those troubles resulted in massive fines and reparations and a huge delay in delivering a medium duty model that could comply with the equivalent of Euro 6, which was needed to sell trucks in this country that comply with our latest ADR80/04 emissions standards, that came into affect in November 2025.
The result of that delay meant Hino had to manage existing stock and to comply more trucks through the first part of 2025 to ensure the brand had some units in the medium sector to service demand, however as numbers have shown that was a big task and the brand and its dealers know the new trucks can’t come soon enough.
The company says that potential customers can now order the new models for its dealer network across Australia, with the trucks to be delivered from January on.
Hino says that the new 500 Series will feature its established driveline including an Allison six-speed automatic transmission and will be equipped with standard the company’s SmartSafe safety technology and driver-focused comfort, promising that it will be engineered for the unique demands of Australian conditions with what it describes as ‘seven years of real-world operation behind it’,
Hino’s department manager for product strategy in Australia, Daniel Petrovski said that the Hino 500 Series provides businesses with a dependable, proven medium-duty truck that has demonstrated its capability across a broad range of applications since its introduction in 2019.
“Importantly, it is supported by Hino Advantage, giving customers confidence not only in the truck itself, but throughout the ownership experience,” Petrovski said.
The company says that the new 500 Series will be powered by the proven heavy-duty A05C 5.1-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, producing 240hp and 794Nm of low-RPM torque and will be paired with a six-speed Allison automatic as standard across the range, which it says will deliver smooth gear changes without torque interruptions, supporting responsive acceleration, operational efficiency and reduced driver effort.
Hino tells us that the range will be fitted with an engine Jake brake as standard across the range and mates with the Allison automatic to provide enhanced vehicle control and improved downhill control and auxiliary braking performance.
“The combination of the A05C engine and Allison True Automatic transmission delivers seamless gear changes with no torque interruptions, smooth acceleration, and reduced driver fatigue,” Petrovski said.
“The automatic transmission also eliminates the need for clutch replacements, helping businesses manage whole-of-life operating costs,” he said.
Hino added that the new 500 Series meets Australia’s latest ADR emission standards, which utilise Japan’s pPNLT exhaust emissions standards, which are of course equivalent to Euro 6.
Hino tells us that its FE models will use electronically controlled full air brakes (EBS) , while a wheel spring park brake is now fitted across the model range, which it says will provide enhanced braking performance.
The company says that its FC and FD models with a GVM of 11 tonnes and its 14 tonne GVM FE models will be available with three standard cab variants while their will be two crew cab models across the FD and FE ranges.
“The Hino 500 Series will continue to appeal to operators in the construction, trade, infrastructure, freight, logistics, towing, waste, excavation, earthmoving and traffic management industries,” said Petrovski.
Trays, tippers, pantechs, tilt trays, tow trucks and crane trucks will provide the core body applications for the new 500 Series the company added that additional applications, including refrigeration, fire and emergency services, council operations and specialised vocational work will also be part of the new medium duty range’s operations.
“Medium-duty applications can vary significantly from one business to another, which is why flexibility is such an important part of the Hino 500 Series,” said Petrovski.
Hino says that the FC models offer a day cab, while a rest cab with ADR42 compliant sleeper being available on the FD and FE models.
The company says its Built-to-Go range will now includes an FC 3.6 metre factory tipper as well as an FC four-metre tipper pro model, that will provide ready-to-work solutions for customers requiring minor differences in their tipper capacities and capabilities.
Hino say its SmartSafe suite of electronic driver aid is standard across the 500 Series range, and that it provides a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety technologies.
“We set the benchmark with the advanced safety systems when we introduced the Hino 500 Series in 2019, and they now have years of Australian market experience behind them, giving customers confidence in the level of safety with proven technology,” said Petrovski.
It tells us that the SmartSafe system includes Pre-Collision System with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection, Reverse Camera, Lane Departure Warning System and Vehicle Stability Control.
“The combination of active and passive safety features provides drivers with greater awareness and support across a wide range of operating environments,” said Petrovski.
Hino boast that its new 500 Series will feature a contemporary, ergonomically designed cabin focused on driver comfort, functionality and ease of operation, with a dashboard incorporating large, easy-to-read instrumentation and a central 7-inch multi-information display, while multi-function steering wheel controls place key vehicle information and functions within easy reach.
The range will come with an ISRI 6860 NTS2 driver seat providing increased adjustability and lumbar support, while the tilt and telescopic steering column allows drivers to find the most comfortable driving position.
The company reckons that practical features will include 12V and USB charging, cup holders, overhead compartments, additional storage and LED interior lighting.
“The Hino 500 Series combines an ergonomically designed cabin with practical features that help make the truck easier and more comfortable to operate, and easier operation enables businesses to recruit and retain drivers with a broad range of experience,” said Petrovski.
“The Hino 500 Series was engineered to meet the demanding needs of Australian operators, and the established A05C engine and driveline have demonstrated their performance, reliability and capability across a wide range of working applications,” he said.
The company said that its Hino-Connect business telematics will be standard across the 500 Series, providing operators with real-time visibility of vehicle utilisation, fuel efficiency, driver behaviour and safety.
It says that the built in telematics system is available through a desktop portal or a mobile app, and provides remote diagnostics and proactive maintenance support.
Hino says that severe vehicle fault alerts can be sent to the driver, operator and dedicated Hino-Connect specialists, to help coordinate communication with Hino dealers and repairs.
“Hino-Connect gives businesses access to information that can help them better understand how their trucks are being used and identify opportunities to improve productivity and manage operating costs,” said Petrovski.
The company says that every 500 Series model will be backed by its Hino Advantage comprehensive customer care program, which it says has been designed to maximise business uptime and provide support throughout the ownership experience.
Hino says its Advantageprogram includes a five years or 300,000km standard warranty, (whichever comes first), along with five years of roadside assist and capped price servicing, which only uses Hino genuine parts.
The company says that In addition to Hino-Connect, its customers will also have access to the national Hino dealer network, customer support specialists and Hino Financial Services, with tailored finance options available.
