After months of virtual radio silence over the crisis that overran its parent company and badly interrupted its supply and ability to sell some models, Hino has finally come out and made a statement as it looks to the months ahead in 2023.
After the interrupted 2022, Hino says it has started 2023 with significant optimism when it comes to its Australian operations.
After being beaten in the sales race by long time Japanese rival Fuso over the closing months of 2022, Hino says its expectations are high for the year ahead with a focus on its 300 Series Hybrid Electric model, an expanding 700 Series range and a return to full operations across the 500 Series model range following a lift of the voluntary suspension of sale of its 500 Series Standard Cab, which came as a result of the scandal around the emission and fuel economy falsification incidents in Japan.
“2022 will be remembered as a year of missed opportunities for Hino Australia due to a range of circumstances hampering deliveries,” said vice president of brand and franchise development for Hino Australia, Richard Emery.
“Despite the impact of a range of restrictions, 2022 was among our best years ever,” Emery added.
“We hold a strong order bank as we enter 2023 and this should underpin another big year for Hino.
“2022 was an excellent year for our 300 Series Hybrid Electric light-duty truck, which was our fastest growing model in the last 12 months.
“This is testament to an increasing number of customers in varied applications who are appreciating the fuel savings of up to 20% from Australia’s only Hybrid Electric truck,” he continued.
Hino pointed out that in the first complete year of sales since its mid-2021 launch, its 700 Series was embraced by customers with an almost 30 per cent growth in deliveries in 2022, despite supply restrictions.
“This was an excellent result for the Hino 700 Series, which is the safest Hino truck ever and meets Euro 6 exhaust emission standards,” said Emery.
A busy year ahead awaits Hino in 2023 as it continues as a major sponsor of the Repco Supercars Championship, a relationship which is now in its eighth year.
The Hino National Roadshow will also continue with events planned in Tasmania, Darwin, and various rural and regional locations following its inaugural year down the east coast in 2022.
“We are also thrilled to be returning to the Brisbane Truck Show in May 2023, following a COVID-enforced absence in 2021,” said Emery.
“It will be a great opportunity to showcase our range of trucks, all of which have undergone significant enhancements over the last six years.
“In 2023, we will continue to strive for stronger performance, strengthen our network and work with our customers to provide them with both transport and business support solutions to keep their businesses moving,” Emery concluded.
