With a growing presence in the U.S. Class 4 to 7 commercial truck market, Hino Motors Sales USA Inc., a Toyota Group company, has readied itself to meet stringent 2010 diesel engine emissions regulations and has announced it will use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to meet the call for more than an 80% reduction in NOx over the 2007 standard.
“SCR has been used in Europe for the past three years with an estimated 600,000 plus vehicles running with this technology,” stated Glenn Ellis, vice president, marketing and dealer operations. “SCR is the most environmentally friendly, reliable solution to meet this challenge.”
SCR is an exhaust aftertreatment technology that reduces NOx by injecting a precise amount of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) downstream of the engine. The infrastructure to distribute DEF in the U.S. is being established at truck stops and diesel service stations, and Hino noted that DEF will be available through all of its 180 dealers. In addition, the company points out that because most medium-duty trucks come back to a single domicile every night, maintaining the appropriate level of DEF is not expected to be an issue for fleets.
The Hino line of conventional medium-duty trucks includes models 145 (14,050 lbs. GVWR), 165 (16,000 lbs.), 185 (18,000 lbs.), 238 (23,000 lbs.), 258LP/258ALP (25,500 lbs.), 268/268A (25,950 lbs.) and 338/338CT (33,000 lbs.). Engines for the OEM’s 2009 lineup include: a 4-cylinder, 5-L powerplant for the 145, 165 and 185 models that produces 175 HP and 376 lb./ft. of torque; an
8-L inline 6-cylinder with 220 HP and 520 lb./ft. torque rating for 238, 258 and 268 models; and output of 260 HP and 585 lb./ft. of torque is standard in the model 338.
Along with an Aisin 450 series automatic transmission in its 145 model truck, Hino utilizes Eaton manual and Allison 1000, 2000 and 3000 Series 6-speed automatics in its lineup. Assembled in West Virginia, the trucks feature a number of major components from U.S. manufacturers. For example, Hino uses Dana Spicer drivelines and Meritor rear axles, and Meritor WABCO antilock disc brakes (hydraulic or pneumatic) are standard on all models. In addition, Meritor MFS Series front axles with Easy Steer technology featuring a proprietary TRW steering gear are standard, while Hendrickson supplies leaf spring suspensions and the air-ride systems that are available on 238, 268 and 268A models.
Hino has also announced a long list of new features for its 2009 model year trucks. On the 258LP and 268 models, a 152-in. wheelbase is now available, and on the model 338 there is a 120,000-PSI frame option along with 217-, 235-, 253- and 271-in. wheelbase offerings. A sit-down, dual-drive version of the OEM’s trucks is also being offered for street sweeper, automated recycling collection, paint striper and refuse companies. All 2009 Hino models can also be ordered with a 30-in. extended cab that can accommodate a full width bench seat or a day bunk. Air suspension seats and aluminum fuel tanks are available as well.
Hino also recently announced results of SAE-type fuel economy testing of its 2009 model 268. In six tests conducted by DWS Fleet Management Services, an independent transportation and fleet management company with extensive experience in fleet truck analysis and comparisons, the 268 averaged 15% better fuel economy than a competitor’s model. The tests were conducted in late September and early October in the Jacksonville, Fla. area using fleet drivers who covered a 36-mile route that included traffic, traffic lights, and even and uneven road surfaces.
While the test results are significant, noted Glenn Ellis, fuel efficiency is just one part of the cost-per-mile advantage that Hino plans to continue to offer medium-duty fleets. At the same time, he added, product quality and reliability –– which translate into less time in the shop and more time on the road –– are important parts of the overall value the manufacturer plans to deliver to its customers.
