July 2008, Work Truck - Feature
Hino Aims to Increase Market Share
By Chad Simon
The three new cab models use OEM parts to facilitate dealer servicing. "Based on independent fuel studies, our truck has shown to produce up to 10-15 percent better fuel economy than our competitors," said Ellis. Overall, the fuel economy, reliability, and purchase price of our trucks provide fleets the lowest cost of ownership available."
Also new for the 2009-MY are aluminum fuel tanks, which offer improved heat dissipation, and a programmable idle shut-down to minimize idle time and maximize fuel economy.
The powertrain is a carryover from the 2008-MY. The engine is an 8.0L Hino J-Series proprietary diesel four-cycle, six-cylinder, inline water-cooled, six-speed manual Eaton or five-speed automatic Allison transmission offering 260 horsepower and 585 ft.-lbs. of torque. Warranty on the truck is two years/unlimited miles and the engine carries a three-year, unlimited-mile warranty.
Customers Satisfied
According to a customer satisfaction survey, retention rate with Hino Truck customers is 91 percent. The manufacturer introduced the standup right-hand drive and dual sit-down drive to postive reviews at the Waste Expo this year in Chicago.
Last year, overall, the Class 6-7 truck market was down 34 percent. Although Hino sales also were down, according to Ellis, the manufacturer outpaced the market with just a 14-percent decrease in sales. With 174 locations nationwide, Hino has dealer points to service both national and local fleets. WT