April 30, 2008
Hino Trucks Has Record Retail Month, Announces 2008 Sales Goal
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI – Hino Trucks experienced a record month in March 2008 posting retail sales of
900 units and achieving 15-percent market share in the Class 6 market segment,
and 3-percent market share in the Class 7 market, according to company officials.
The industry’s overall Class 6-7 market lagged in 2007
sales, and Hino sales also dropped. However, the company said it boosted market
share and stayed above the market decline. For the fiscal year ending Mar. 31,
Hino Trucks recorded retail sales of 5,350 trucks, off 960 units from the
previous year.
Additionally, Hino Trucks grew its dealer network in 2007,
now standing at 175 dealers nationwide.
Hino Trucks forecasts flat Class 4-7 market segments in
2008, based on current economic conditions. However, the manufacturer set a
7,000-unit sales goal for fiscal year 2008.
Hino believes they can achieve this aggressive target
through growth of its existing dealers and through the addition of their new
dealers.
Hino Trucks noted that a significant portion of additional
sales will come in the East Coast, prompting a move of production to Hino’s
newest plant in Williamstown, W. Va.
“In addition to aligning production with the majority of our
customer base, the sheer size of the facility in West Virginia will allow for a more flexible
manufacturing scenario,” said Bob Petz, vice president, logistics operations. “In
time, a paint booth will be added so we can offer our customers a wider range
of paint options as an example.”