Japanese manufacturer Hino has launched the all new HINO300 Series light-duty truck in the UAE – a vehicle the company says has been redesigned from the ground up to target the backbone of the light haulage industry.
Launched at the Al Badia Golf Club in Dubai on Wednesday, the HINO300 Series is a considerable revamp of the truck the company launched 12 years ago. The HINO300 Series sits beneath the company’s heavy duty 700 Series and medium-sized 500 Series trucks to cater for a broad range of clients: from small delivery businesses, to construction firms that need rapid material transit.
“We are introducing this exciting new model to all Middle-East countries at the same time, and we consider the UAE to be one of the biggest and most important markets for Hino” said Koichi Ojima.
He added: “The new HINO300 Series introduced today is designed to reflect quality, durability and reliability, same as medium and heavy duty trucks, and I strongly believe it will satisfy the needs of demanding customers in this country.’’
There are 49 models to choose from, ranging in GVW between 5.5-8.5 tons, in a choice of either wide-body or standard cabs. There is also a crew cab option. All come with air-conditioning as standard, and crew cab trucks come with AC in the rear too.
All models are powered by a choice of either 105bhp or 140bhp four-cylinder inline diesel engines rated to Euro3 emissions standards.
There is also a choice of five or six speed manual transmission, with the option – for the first time in a truck of this size and class – a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive.
Simon Frith, Managing Director Al-Futtaim Motors said: “Our customers trust in HINO trucks because of their reliability, innovative solutions and customer service commitment. With the introduction of 6 speed automatic transmission in combination with 150 Hp engine, HINO will be the first and only Japanese truck to offer a full automatic gear with powerful environmentally friendly engine Euro 3 in Middle East market. This new feature is appreciated by our customers and will definitely reflect positively on the demand.”
The new HINO300 Series light duty truck is manufactured in Hamura plant in Tokyo, Japan, in the same plant where Hino produces Toyota’s best-selling SUVs Prado and FJ cruiser while using high level of reliability through the Toyota Production System.
Hino Motors Ltd, which is now a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, was founded in 1910, established as a separate company in 1942 and entered in alliance with Toyota Group in 1966. Under the HINO brand, Hino Motors Ltd. represents the Toyota Group in the global market for trucks and buses.
