Hino Trucks Unveils New Class 4-7 Models
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ATLANTA — Hino Trucks unveiled its new M Series Class 4 and Class 5 trucks, and new L Series Class 6 and 7 conventional trucks, at the North American Commercial Vehicle Show on Oct. 28.
The new line of trucks will create a more cohesive family of commercial trucks, according to Hino officials. The M and L Series will replace existing Hino Class 4-7 models.
The Novi, Mich.-based company, a Toyota Group subsidiary, also launched its XL Series of Class 7 and 8 trucks in March 2018.
Dominik Beckman, Hino Trucks director of marketing and dealer operations, speaking to a large group of NACV attendees on the floor of the Atlanta convention, said the M and L Series trucks will have larger cab configurations, and new designs, durability and connectivity options. Beckman said Hino Trucks will continue to innovate to grow market share in all truck classes.
“For 2020, momentum is going to continue, as we power on,” said Beckman. “New markets. New customers. New functions.”
Beckman said the XL Class 7-8 models already have electronic stability control, collision mitigation, and lane departure warning systems, but the 2021 models will have active cruise control. And Hino is proud of the cabs’ noise control, he said.
“We consistently get compliments on the quietness of our XL series,” said Beckman.
Hino said it has added features that will put improve the driver’s experience. Across the truck classes, Hino will add sensors in its safety belt systems, Beckman said.
“As you can see, our full lineup is elevated in terms of safety, functionality, design,” said Beckman. “And we are ready to get to work to achieve newer heights … Let’s get you sized up.”
Hino Trucks has 240 dealers in its network and routinely leads in U.S. retail sales of Class 4 trucks, as reported by WardsAuto.com. But its entry into the U.S. Class 8 market is still fairly fresh. Hino opened its nearly 1-million-square-foot medium- and heavy-duty truck manufacturing plant in Mineral Springs, W.Va., on Aug. 21. The company plans to have as many as 800 employees there, according to Hino officials.
The new plant will assemble the company’s Class 6-8 conventional trucks, and its Class 7 and Class 8 XL Series.
The facility can produce 15,000 trucks a year using one shift, providing Hino the capacity it needs to continue to grow in the U.S., according to Hino officials.
Hino officials said the XL Series will get some new tweaks for the 2021 model year, including the extended cab and crew-cab configurations.
Hino said its truck dealers are now accepting orders for the new 2021 models. The extended and crew-cab variants will be added in spring 2020.
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