NOVI, MI - Hino Trucks recently donated six trucks to various colleges across the country in support of their diesel technology programs. The trucks selected for donation are MY '05 & '06 training vehicles ranging from a 14,050 lb. GVW model 145 light-duty truck to a 33,000 lb. GVW model 338 medium-duty truck. The trucks will provide apprentices and students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with engine mechanics and functionality and allows them to learn the latest on-board diagnostic technology.

"Hino is pleased to make this donation to enhance innovative educational leadership at these institutions," said Ryan Hitsman, Manager of Human Resources for Hino Trucks. He continued, "Hino Trucks has made a commitment to education by donating vehicles to diesel technician programs that provide students with knowledge and experience that prepares them to work on diesel trucks as well as new technologies that are important to the environment and current needs of the industry."

The colleges receiving a truck donation are:

• Washington State Community College Marietta, Ohio

• Rancho Santiago Community College Santa Ana, Calif.

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Ill.

• Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, Iowa

• Ferris State University Big Rapids, Mich.

• Universal Technical Institute Norwood, Mass.

Various programs from these colleges will benefit from these vehicles including Diesel Truck Technology, Heavy Equipment Technology, Automotive Technology, Heavy Equipment Service Engineering Technology, Automotive Engineering Technology, and Automotive Management.

George Daniels, Vice President of Service Operations for Hino Trucks added, "The EPA has made changes in exhaust emissions every few years, and with those changes come new technology advances. Diesel technicians must be versatile to adapt to not only these new technologies but to customers' evolving needs. These truck donations will provide state-of-the-art technology to automotive educational programs and will go a long way in complementing their efforts to provide world-class future leaders for our industry."