Hino has today released the findings of its Special Investigation Committee, which has been investigating misconduct concerning the Japanese truck maker’s engine emissions certification controversy in Japan.
The investigation was commissioned in March this year, following Hino uncovering and identifying past misconduct in relation to its applications for certification concerning emissions and fuel economy performance of its engine for the Japanese market.
The SIC report has identified misconduct in relation to Japanese emissions certification tests, that have been relied on for the sale of a number of engine variants in Hino 500 Series Standard Cab FC, FD & FE medium-duty trucks and Hino Poncho buses sold in Australia.
Hino Australia, as the distributor of Hino vehicles in Australia, will also suspend imports and deliveries to dealers. HMSA will also not accept any new orders for the affected vehicles pending the outcome of its parent company’s engagement with the authorities in Japan.
The misconduct concerning engine certification does not affect the drivability of the affected vehicles and raises no vehicle safety concerns.
Hino says it is treating the matters seriously and is committed to continuing to review and improve its emissions certification procedures. Hino says it has voluntarily put on hold the shipment of vehicles fitted with affected engines while it engages with the relevant authorities in Japan.
Hino Australia said it is committed to working with dealers and customers about these issues and engaging with the relevant authorities in Australia. Exactly what this means for Hino and sales in Australia is still unclear.
The brand like so many other truck makers has a strong order bank and its supply has already been limited by global logistics issues and particularly silicon chip shortages. Whether this latest turn affects the order bank and cause further delays is yet to be clarified.
