Hino Australia has given the local media a hint that it will launch the smaller narrow cab 500 Series and possibly the new 700 series heavy-duty range locally in November 2018.
Hino Australia’s general manager of franchise and brand development, Bill Gillespie indicated to Australian truck journalists at the recent launch of the brand’s 300 Series 4×4, that it would be hoisting an important launch on 21 November 2018.
While not giving away exactly what would be launched, Truck and Bus News has attempted to join the dots and believe that either or both the new 700 heavy-duty range and the lighter ‘remaining’ models in the new 500 series would be the possibilities.
Hino used the recent Tokyo Motor Show to launch both models to the Japanese and world media, a fact that some how alluded the rest of the Australian truck media in Japan for the show.
The new 700 at the Tokyo Show has undergone a comprehensive model change with both new interior and exterior styling and a downsize in the engine department eschewing the old 13-litre power plant for Hino’s brilliant new nine litre AO9C which will be tuned to produce 380hp. This would still be a bit light on in Australia. However while it is part of the overall downsizing in engines amongst the Japanese makers, indications are that Australia will get a version that is powered by the 13 litre as it is now.
The smaller nine litre is part of the move to reduce fuel consumption and emissions under Japan’s 2016 emission standards. Hino also indicated the use of the nine litre means a significant weight saving for the truck as well.
Hino says the new 700 is equipped with advanced safety equipment including its PCS pre-collision damage mitigation braking system which it says is capable of detecting pedestrians and a lane departure warning system provided as standard equipment.
The new 500 Series debuted in Tokyo is the smaller version of the model stream which saw the larger ‘Wide Cab’ models launched here early this year. The smaller FC, FD, FE and GT 4×4 models available in Australia still use the old cab and design and are the prime contenders for a model update next year.
Stay tuned for more info on the updated Hino models
