In March, Hino Trucks added a Class 4 155 Model, sporting a GVWR of 14,500 lbs. and powered by Hino’s J05E-TP engine, rated at 210 HP. It’s the latest product that continues to expand Hino’s reach into the medium-duty market.
“This model is built to be a workhorse in an environment where maneuverability and visibility are essential to getting an operator comfortably through his or her work day,” said Glenn Ellis, Hino’s vice president of marketing, dealer operations and product planning. He added that light delivery and landscaping operations are the 155 Model’s ideal vocations. “The Class 4 market continues to grow, and we see an opportunity to fit well into the urban delivery segment, whether it is a seafood and frozen foods distributor using a refrigerated body application or a large truck rental fleet that stays busy moving furniture and other durable goods locally. It is in these segments that the 155 has performed extremely well with thus far.
“What really separates the 155 in regards to providing the lowest cost of total ownership is the support that Hino Trucks provides,” he continued. “We recently announced expansion of our warranty coverage, and our 155 model is now backed by a five-year, 200,000-mile extended engine warranty, while an optional seven-year, 150,000-mile extended engine warranty is available along with extended aftertreatment warranty plans as well.”
With the addition of the Class 4 155 model, Hino now has a product offering to span the entire Class 4 through 7 medium-duty landscape. “We have sufficient inventory available to support demand, so we anticipate a strong finish to 2015 and look to keep the positive momentum going thereafter,” Ellis said. “We are fortunate to have an outstanding dealer network that is excited to support and promote the Hino brand, and we expect that will manifest itself in continued sales growth.”
Technology is playing a key role in the total cost of ownership of medium-duty trucks. To meet customer expectations, the 155 also offers Insight 2.0, powered by Telogis, which is a comprehensive telematics solution designed to provide owners and fleet managers all of the tools they need to realize optimal operational efficiency.
“A key to a fuel efficient fleet is employing operators that understand how their driving behaviors affect overall fleet performance,” Ellis (pictured right) said. “Insight 2.0 can provide feedback on various operational metrics such as hard braking, hard acceleration and idle time, as well as fuel economy. Other efficiency tools such as route optimization and geofencing are also available.”
In terms of sales numbers for the 155 model, Ellis said that Hino is encouraged by the customer demand so far. From a medium-duty market truck orders perspective, Hino expects the market to finish the year strong.
“[Fourth quarter] is traditionally very strong with new model year order boards opening,” he explained. “There were also some supply chain issues in 2015, which stretched out lead times and inevitably slowed down orders; so a market correction here could put positive pressure on orders.
“The outlook on retail sales is also fairly positive,” he continued. “While overall positive economic growth will continue to push results, the medium-duty market will stay buoyed somewhat by replacement demand for the near future, due to an aging equipment population.”
