Fall is here and at Hino Trucks that means the manufacturer’s new Class 5 models are arriving at its network of over 200 dealers nationwide. The Novi, Mich.-based Toyota Group company, which assembles, sells and services a lineup of Class 5 through 7 trucks in the U.S., recently introduced its Class 5 cabovers (COE) to the U.S. market.
Included in the Hino Class 5 line are a diesel-powered 195 model and the diesel-electric hybrid 195h. Diesel versions became available first, while, due to a limited supply of initial diesel-electric hybrid trucks, the release of those vehicles began in California. As more hybrids become available in early 2013, the company is planning a staged rollout for remaining markets across the country.
Both the 195 and the 195h COEs are 19,500-lb. GVW trucks powered by Hino’s 5-liter J05E Series turbocharged engine rated at 210 HP and 440 ft.-lb. of torque and equipped with an Aisin A465 six-speed automatic transmission. The Hino diesel meets EPA 2010 emissions regulations with an optimized SCR system.
Designed for the U.S. market, Hino says the diesel-electric hybrid system in the new Class 5 truck is based on its experience with six generations of technology and more than 10,000 production vehicles on the road around the world. The system includes an NI-MH battery and a hybrid adaptive control system that continuously communicates with the engine control unit (ECU) to evaluate driving and road conditions to optimize fuel economy and performance. In the cab, a hybrid system mode indicator and ECO drive display keep drivers informed of the hybrid system’s operating mode to encourage fuel-efficient driving.
Other features of the new Hino COE models are a North American standard 33-in. frame rail width, a 56,900-PSI frame, and a standard 30-gal. center-mounted rear fuel tank. A 4.7-gal. diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank also is standard, while a 33-gal. side-mounted fuel tank is available as an option.
Available now in a regular cab, the Class 5 Hino also will be offered in a Crew Cab 2014 model beginning next spring. The all-steel 78.5-in. wide cab on the new trucks can be equipped with a variety of storage options. Also optional is a remote keyless entry system with power windows and power door locks.
Hino Trucks also has announced a new partnership with Morgan Corp. for a quick delivery dry freight van body program for in-stock conventional truck models. This partnership gives Hino dealers and fleet customers access to faster turnaround times of 21 days on 24- to 26-ft. dry freight bodies.
The Quick Turn stock program is being offered in 46 states (excluding Hawaii, Alaska, California and Nevada) through Morgan’s regional manufacturing operations in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas and Florida. Customers will receive national pricing on program bodies through all Hino dealers.
“Morgan’s nationwide presence offers our customers unmatched service and support,” said Glenn Ellis, vice president of marketing for Hino Trucks. “We look forward to expanding our body program offerings with Morgan.”
Ellis went on to say that the new body program and the launch of Hino’s new Class 5 cabover line are opportunities for Hino dealers to serve customers more effectively.
“Over the past several months, the management team at Hino has monitored the truck market rebound, the U.S. economy, and foreign currency exchange rates to develop a plan that supported our customers and dealers in the short term, while sustaining a business model for the long term,” he said. “With these factors in mind, the introduction of the new Hino Class 5 cabover trucks and our new dry freight body program put us on the right track.”
