Expanding its North American truck offering, Hino Trucks announced two diesel and two diesel-electric hybrid cab-over-engine trucks for the Class 4 and Class 5 markets during the NTEA Work Truck Show in Indianapolis. The all-new trucks were designed for the North American market and accompany Hino’s 258, 268 and 338 conventional models in the Class 6-7 markets.
Hino’s announcement marks the first-ever product launch outside Japan for the truck manufacturer.
“The new cab over line-up is an exciting addition to the Hino Trucks brand as we strive to provide our customers with a comprehensive offering for their trucking needs,” said Sumio Fukaya, President and CEO of Hino Trucks. “With the introduction of this new truck, Hino Trucks is making the diesel-electric hybrid a viable option in the U.S. commercial truck industry for the first time.”
The Class 4 155 diesel and 155h diesel-electric hybrid models have a 14,500 lb. GVW rating. In the class 5 market, the 195 diesel and 195h diesel-electric hybrid model carry a 19,500 lb. GVW rating. All models are powered by the Hino J05E Series 5-liter engine, rated at 210 hp and 440 lb. ft. of torque. Utilizing Aisin’s A465, 6-speed automatic transmission, the Hino hybrid is the first to be packaged with an automatic transmission.
Design highlights include an angled windshield, narrow pillars and rounded-radius curves for improved aerodynamics and better visibility. Inside, the new cab uses its increased width to provide seating for three and a versatile mobile workspace with a variety of organizational storage options. A crew cab option will also be available.
The Hino 155h and 195h hybrid models use Hino’s sixth-generation hybrid technology.
“With diesel pricing continuing to raise concerns, the new COE trucks provide a durable and dependable solution for today’s business owners,” said Bob McDowell, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Customer Support for Hino Trucks. “Our COE trucks feature low operating costs, competitive price points, and an engine design that promises improvement in fuel economy over straight diesel with the same running performance.”
The diesel models will be available starting in August of 2011 at Hino Trucks dealerships across the United States. The diesel-electric hybrid models will be available by the end of the year.
