HINO Launches 500 Series Truck In Malaysia

Mr. Kenji Nagakubo, Managing Officer from HINO Motors Ltd, Japan, speaking at the 500 Series Launch

Established Japanese truck and bus maker, HINO, has launched it 2nd new truck range – the HINO 500 Series. The new HINO 500 comes with enhanced safety features and driver comfort, and will continue to deliver on the company’s promise of QDR (Quality, Durability and Reliability) and support the needs of its customers’ businesses.

This latest generation of HINO 500 trucks is equipped with Euro 3 compliant engines for the SG & 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 technology in the engines for improved fuel economy.

Mr. Kenji Nagakubo, Managing Officer from HINO Motors Ltd, Japan (3rd from left) with Mr. Azmi b Dato’ Abd Rahim, Executive Director, Mr. Ken Iwamoto, Managing Director and Dato’ Johnny Chan, Executive Director of HINO Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

At the launch event, Ken Iwamoto, Managing Director of Hino Motors Sales Malaysia Sdn. Bhd said, “HINO has been in Malaysia for over 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 the truck makers present in the country.” HINO currently commands a 35.7 % market share and enjoys a solid reputation.

“Fuel economy is very important, especially in inner-city and intra-city transportation. This is where the HINO 500 will be best suited to operate,” Iwamoto continued.

The HINO 500 series offers a wide possibility of applications such as tipper trucks, curtain siders, reefer trucks as well as general cargo and even cement mixers, making it a real all-rounder. In terms of added safety, the newly launched models feature side door impact beams, improved mirrors to provide the driver with a bigger field of vision, Front & Rear Under-run Protection, ABS braking system and Emergency Guard Impact Safety (EGIS) Cabin. These passive safety features are aimed at helping to reduce risk of fatal injuries to both drivers and other road pedestrians.

According to Iwamoto, this is highly important as traffic accidents not only result in a financial loss, but many times can render families without the breadwinner or cause depression while resulting in financial difficulties. “We are doing everything we can to support the Malaysian Government’s efforts to reduce accidents on the roads.”

Depending on the customer’s requirements, Low and High Cab versions of the HINO 500 are available for selected models. The truck cabin has improved on comfort and ergonomics for better driving; there are enlarged cab steps and the driver’s seat comes with air suspension. The cab also provides better visibility, better arrangement of the instrument cluster and efficient air flow to keep cool in traffic.

Iwamoto also announced the upgrading of the Hino Total Support Customer Centre near Seremban. The company will invest about RM 8 million to upgrade this training center which is capable of producing 10,000 vehicles and training several thousand drivers every year (this is the only such facility HINO operates outside of Japan).

After the upgrading works, HINO will be able to offer an extended range of training courses which includes driver familiarization, eco-driving and safety-driving. “Only when drivers know how to operate HINO trucks at their optimum, businesses will be gaining 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.

Further, TLH Hardware & Machinery Sdn Bhd has signed a purchase order at the launch, 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 claims to be a sign of the trust and confidence customers put into the HINO brand. In addition, HINO is also proud to announce another successful completion of the Dakar Rally, which is a showcase of the QDR inherent in the HINO vehicles.

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