Hino Motor Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd launched its second new truck range this year. With enhanced safety feature and driver comfort, the new Hino 500 is said to continue delivering the company’s promise of QDR, which stands for Quality, Durability and Reliability.
Hino Introduces Innovative Safety Features in the New Model 500 Series Launch
The latest generation of Hino 500 trucks comes with Euro 3 compliant engines for the SG and FM models while the FG, GH and FL models are equipped with Euro 2 engines. The new Hino 500 Series trucks also use electronic control common-rail engine technology for better fuel economy.
Managing Director Ken Iwamoto said: “Hino has been in Malaysia for more than 40 years. This is not a short road-trip but a long friendship. During this time, thanks to the support of our distributors and customers, we have managed to command a top position among truck makers in the country.”
The company, he said, currently commanded a market share of 35.7 per cent and enjoyed a solid reputation.
Fuel economy was very important, he added, especially in inner-city and intra-city transportation. This was where the Hino 500 would be best suited to operate.
The Hino’s 500 series is said to offer a wide possibility of applications such as tipper trucks, curtain siders, reefer trucks as well as general cargo and cement mixers, making it an all-rounder. In added safety, the newly launched models feature side door impact beams, improved mirrors to provide the driver with a bigger field of vision, front and rear under-run protection, ABS (anti-lock braking system) and Emergency Guard Impact Safety (EGIS) cabin. These passive safety features are aimed at reducing the risk of fatal injuries to drivers and pedestrians.
According to Iwamoto, this was highly important as traffic accidents not only resulted in a loss of money, but often rendered families without a breadwinner or caused depression due to financial difficulties. “We are doing everything we can to support the Malaysian Government’s efforts to reduce accidents on the roads.”
Among the new 500 series is the FL8JW1A model that has the longest wheelbase in in the Medium Commercial Vehicles (MCV) segment in Malaysia today. Another is the Allison 300 6-speed automatic transmission, which Hino claimed to be the first factory fitted unit in Malaysia. A garbage truck, fitted with this 6-speed automatic transmission, is seen as a testament to Hino’s QDR approach as it is a variant that would see a tremendous amount of start-stop operation in the city, thus making it less stressful for driver and truck.
Stepping into the truck cabin, operators could look forward to a more comfortable and ergonomic working environment. From enlarged cab steps to the driver’s seat with air suspension, the cab is said to be developed with the driver’s comfort in mind. The optimised cab provides better visibility, better arrangement of the instrument cluster and efficient air flow to keep cool in traffic. Symbolising strength, dynamism and class, the outside of the truck was given a make-over as well, giving it a modern and attractive design.
Depending on the customer’s requirements, Low and High Cab versions of the Hino 500 are available for selected models.
Stating that good products alone were no longer good enough to satisfy the needs of customers, Iwamoto announced a further investment of about RM8 million to upgrade the Hino Total Support Customer Centre near Seremban. Capable of producing 10,000 vehicles and training several thousand drivers every year, this is the only dedicated facility Hino operates outside of Japan.
After the upgrading, the company would extend its range of training courses, including driver familiarisation, eco-driving and safety-driving, among others. “Only when drivers know how to operate Hino trucks at their optimum, businesses will gain huge value out of our trucks. This is how we support our customers in their quest to improve their operations. It is our duty to do so,” said Iwamoto.
TLH Hardware & Machinery Sdn Bhd has signed a purchase order for the new Hino 500 series truck, which is a 6×2 with the longest wheelbase for a rigid truck of its class, which Iwamoto claimed was a sign of trust and confidence that customers put into the Hino brand.
Also announced at the event was the completion of the Dakar Rally, which the company said was a showcase of QRD inherent in Hino vehicles.
