A major report released by J.D. Power and Associates ranks Hino highest in overall customer satisfaction among COE (cab over engine) medium-duty trucks. The report is based on interviews with 2,066 primary owners of medium-duty trucks (Class 5, 6 and 7) in service for approximately 26 months. In assessing customer satisfaction, the study analyzed customer satisfaction using a number of important factors, including vehicle performance, product quality, interior and exterior design, dealer service, dealer parts, and manufacturer image. According to the report, Hino, with the introduction if its 1998 model-year series of medium-duty trucks, ranks "well above the industry average" in a variety of categories, including: vehicle performance; vehicle downtime; drivetrain; design and styling; and warranty in the cab-over-engine industry segment. Hino was followed in the ranking by Mitsubishi Fuso. With the introduction of the new J-series engines, Hino customers report improved satisfaction in the drivetrain factor, explains Jen Loukes, manager of commercial vehicle research for J.D. Power and Associates. The drivetrain factor looks at engine and transmission performance, as well as function and dependability. "The positive J.D. Power and Associates Survey ranking confirms what drivers, business, and fleet owners have known for years," said Eddie Ishizu, president of Hino Diesel Trucks (U.S.A.), Inc. "Hino is really THE quality choice in its field. Better quality and better performance translate to low life-cycle costing. Any Hino owner will tell you that owning and operating a Hino pays off over the life of the vehicle. It is that simple!" "It is reassuring to be recognized by J.D. Power for quality," said Ted Fick, senior vice president for sales and marketing at Hino. "J.D. Power and Associates is the pre-eminent judge in these matters -- except for Hino drivers," Ishizu added. "If J.D. Power speaks, you can believe what they say."