Hino has used the Working Trucks Show in Indianapolis to announce its all-new XL Series line of heavy duty Class 7 and 8 vehicles.
The new Hino XL7 and XL8 2020 models – which will begin production in early 2019 will be equipped with the company’s A09 turbo diesel 8.9-liter inline 6-cylinder engine.
The engine will be mated to the Allison 3000RDS transmission as standard equipment, with two other Allisons and two Eaton gearboxes as options.
Hendrickson suspensions will be used exclusively, including Comfort Air, along with Dana axles and Bendix brakes, rear discs being optional on the rigid models.
Yoshinori Noguchi, president of Hino North America, said during the unveiling that both models have been extensively tested in both Canada and the U.S. and said the time was right for the company to enter the Class 8 market in North America.
“Considering our remarkable success in Class 4 to 7 in North America and our growing global presence in the Class 8 market, entering the North American heavy-duty segment is the next logical step,” said Noguchi.
“Our customers and our dealer network have been asking for this for some time.”
Hino XL Series trucks will be available in a variety of straight truck and prime mover configurations, including from a GVM from 15 tonnes. to 27 tonnes. and a GCM up to 30 tonnes. It will have a maximum horsepower rating of 360hp with 2033 Nm. of torque, with wheelbase options of up to 7.7metres, with tandem axle and turntable configurations.
Electronic stability control will be standard on the prime mover along with collision mitigation systems and payload management suspension options.
“The first thing you notice is the styling – the aerodynamic yet bold design could proudly represent your business,” said Glenn Ellis, vice-president of customer experience for Hino.
“You can open the door to a wide, easy-access entry and enjoy an automotive grade finished interior ready to provide the best service possible to drivers and crews.”
The company also announced it will expand its U.S. operations with the purchase of the Cold Water Creek distribution center in Mineral Wells, West Virginia, where the Hino XL7 and XL8 will be assembled.
