Hino Australia has announced it has launched the next germination of its its telematics technology, Hino-Connect, saying it will deliver customers of its newly updated 700 Series with real-time performance data tracking, 24/7 remote diagnosis of vehicle faults and dedicated. specialist support.
Hino-Connect is an Australian-built and designed system that will be available as standard fit on the new Hino 700 Series, and communicates directly with the driver via the truck’s Multimedia unit, delivering what Hino says will be a comprehensive levels of data for business managers through an online portal and app.
‘’More than just a mapping or tracking tool, Hino-Connect delivers 700 Series customers real-time insights into the operation of their fleets,” said Gus Belanszky, Hino Australia’s general manager of service and customer support.
“In an Australian-first, Hino-Connect will allow direct communications with drivers through the intelligent Multimedia unit,” said Belanszky.
“This is the next iteration of the intelligent Multimedia unit that is standard on all Hino trucks – while Hino-Connect is currently only available on all-new 700 Series, this is an exciting indication of what the future holds for Hino customers,” Belanszky said.
Hino claims the Hino-Connect system will automatically analyse the cause and effect of driver performance, safety and vehicle utilisation using simple dashboards in the portal.
It will also gather live vehicle performance data to provide full operational visibility to business managers including brake count, gear change numbers and even the amount of times a vehicle is operating within its optimum RPM band the company said. The system also uses Driver Score Reporting to monitor key indicators like harsh braking or acceleration, over revving or speeding to identify poor performance that can then be addressed through coaching to enhance driving techniques.
“Business managers can also track current fuel usage of individual trucks, and use the forecasting tool to estimate future fuel costs,” said Belanszky.
According to Hino Live GPS tracking and detailed trip reports will allow fleets to update their customers with accurate delivery times while also identifying inefficient routes. For increased fleet security, Hino says there are also useful tools such as ‘movement without ignition’ alerts while geo-fencing ensures operators will be notified if a vehicle leaves a designated area.
Automated email notifications will provide full visibility of the Active Safety System with Pre-Collision System alerts to provide another level of fleet safety and it will also proactively monitor maintenance reminders enabling customers to schedule ahead to minimise downtime.
Hino says that in the unlikely event of a severe vehicle fault, an alert and remedy is delivered straight to the driver through the multimedia unit, and to the customer and Hino-Connect Specialist via email, while it says another unique feature is the case management and the support provided by specialists, who will liaise between the customer, driver and dealer to track and oversee the progress of the repair or maintenance to get the truck back on the road quickly.
“The dedicated support provided by our Hino-Connect Specialists extends our Hino Advantage commitment to our customers and further enhances our in-house Customer Support Centre,” Gus Belanszky continued.
The 700 Series will be supported by a suite of business solutions under the Hino Advantage program that Hino says are designed to reduce costs over the life of the vehicle. It includes Hino SmartSafe, capped price servicing, Hino Genuine Parts, 24/7 Hino roadside assist, and finance options, while the new 700 Series models come with Hino’s three years or 500,000km standard warranty (whichever comes first), and the option of extending the warranty to five years.
Hino says that customers who buy a 2021 Hino 700 will receive five years complimentary remote diagnostics and Hino-Connect Specialist support including engine control monitoring; severe fault alerts; and case management of fault rectification.
The company says that in addition, customers will also receive 12 months complimentary business intelligence access, which will provide in-depth operational management of their fleet including live tracking and trip analysis; fuel consumption and forecasting; vehicle performance monitoring; and maintenance support.
“For customers with multi-brand fleets, Hino-Connect will seamlessly integrate through an Application Programming Interface data integration feed, providing customers with full visibility of their entire fleet,” said Belanszky.
After says that after the first year, customers can choose to extend the business intelligence access and API integration for up to an additional 48 months.
Hino said it has again partnered with Melbourne-based Directed Electronics to design and develop Hino-Connect, following the success of the current multimedia unit which is standard across the range.
“At Hino, we are committed to leveraging our detailed knowledge and understanding of our trucks, dealer network and customers to developing and delivering impactful digital solutions,” said Gus Belanszky.
“While others can claim business intelligence, we believe Hino-Connect truly delivers this for our customers.
“The all-new Hino 700 Series is safer, cleaner and is now connected,” he concluded.