Hino Diesel Trucks (U.S.A.), Inc., a manufacturer of medium-duty diesel trucks, has promoted Ken Linden to the position of national fleet sales manager. The announcement was made by Ted J. Fick, company senior vice president. Linden, a two-year employee of Hino Diesel Trucks, assumes the position effective Jan. 1, 2001. He previously held the position of district sales manager for the Southeast, a post now held by David Schnelly. Prior to Joining Hino, Linden held several management positions in the industry. From 1975 to 1990 he was with Miami-based Ryder Systems, Inc., and in 1992 earned the distinction of National Salesman of the Year for his achievements representing Mitsubishi-Fuso within the U.S. market. In 1994 Linden was recruited by Kenworth of South Florida to represent the Kenworth and Hino product lines as the fleet manager for their customer, Ryder Systems, Inc. In 1996, Freightliner Corporation acquired the South Florida-based company, and Linden accepted the position of sales manager. In his new position at Hino, Linden will be responsible for all fleet sales activities of the company, and will work closely with the field sales organization and with dealers, according to Fick. Reporting directly to John Dando, Hino national sales manager, Linden will be based in West Palm Beach, Fla.