Hino_Torque_Winter2007

ISSUE No.2 WINTER 2007

Hybrid Hype Hino delivers the truck of the future

Show Stoppers Hino wows the crowds at the QLD Truck Show

Marathon Effort Stunning fuel savings in Hybrid trial

Automatic Choice Why auto transmissions appeal to fleet buyers

HMS2906/B

TOYOTA GROUP COMPANIES

They go TogeTher like pie and peas Since Hino is a Toyota Group Company is it any wonder that their range of trucks work so well with Toyota’s range of market-leading forklifts and vice versa.

For further information about the Hino or Toyota Industrial Equipment product ranges please call 1800 85 65 85

2 | Torque | AUTUMN 2007

Inside Line The second quarter of 2007 turned out to be a huge one for Hino Australia.

Hino became the first company in Australia to introduce hybrid technology in any commercial vehicle by launching the Hino Hybrid.

The media launch took place at Toyota’s Woolooware Bay premises in Sydney’s southern suburbs, and utilised much of that company’s knowledge and expertise in presenting hybrid to the nation’s eminent trucking journalists.

The interest in the new technology has been unprecedented. Hino Hybrid received significant commercial television coverage by appearing on Channel Nine’s Today program, Channel Seven’s Sunrise program and Channel Ten’s nightly news all on the same day.

Sky Business News also did an

in-depth profile on the new truck and on Australia Post’s decision to pioneer hybrid technology in this country by buying the first two trucks.

Print media and trucking publications all gave the Hino Hybrid tremendously positive publicity.

It was certainly an honour to present on Hino’s behalf the very first commercial hybrid outside of Japan to federal Communications Minister Helen Coonan – on behalf of Australia Post – on the Sunrise breakfast program.

Hino Hybrid was also a massive hit during its first public unveiling at the Queensland Truck and Machinery Show in May. It picked up the Truck of the Show award and was the focal point for many show visitors.

Hino’s presence at the truck show

was significant, with the bumper crowds showing a strong interest in the professional and well-presented Hino stand.

The entire Hino range was very warmly received. Stand staff fielded a flood of enquiries about everything from the new 300 Series and Hybrid, up to the new 700 Series Six Rod. One thing was clear to all who attended the show – Hino had arrived.

The public spotlight on Hino appears to have helped us make some further inroads in the sales race for 2007.

Our new 300 Series has continued its sales climb, taking a market share of 23.5 per cent in the light-duty segment over the first six months of this year.

Ranger Pro continues to vie for medium-duty market leadership with a

huge market share of 34.7 per cent so far in 2007.

The 700 Series has continued its sales improvement, selling more units than a number of established heavy-duty manufacturers for the year to date.

All three models have made a significant contribution to Hino’s increasing market share this year, culminating in a figure of 18 per cent for the month of June.

These are highly encouraging figures for everyone at Hino – and are an indication that the buying public is attracted to the Hino brand and its products.

Steve Lotter Chief Operating Officer Hino Motor Sales Australia

Tom Tom GPS winners CONGRATULATIONS to the five winners of Tom Tom portable GPS devices in Hino’s mid-year sales promotion: Mr S. Ranger, Windsor, NSW Mr John Redman, Merriwa, NSW Mr Ted Stone, Redbank, QLD Mr Paul Brown, Mitcham, NSW Mr Michael Riley, Silverdale, NSW

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New Hino 4150 Six Rod hits the road Hino’s new FS 4150 Six Rod is a key addition to Hino’s heavy-duty lineup, filling the all-important 375-424 horsepower segment.

It is best suited as a tipper with dog trailer and will also find favour among contractors and cattle truckers alike.

The FS 4150 features six heavyduty control rods which, coupled with the articulated axle, provides superior parallel and diagonal stability over rural roads, quarries and similar surfaces.

It is also fitted with cross-axle diff lock in the rear-drive axle to maximise traction just when you need it most.

The FS 4150 Six Rod has a wheelbase of 4310mm and overall length of 7715mm.

It has a GVM of 28,300kg and a GCM of 50,000kg.

“The launch of the 4150 Six Rod rounds out Hino’s offering in the heavyduty segment,” said Hino divisional manager, Marketing, Alex Stewart.

“In addition to the stability and versatility offered by the sixrod configuration, the 4150 rides and performs well in all manner of conditions – it is quite an impressive truck that will find favour in many

heavy-duty transport applications.”

The 4150’s front axle is rated at 7500kg, and the rear axle set at 21,800kg.

Total chassis mass is 8390kg.

The Six Rod is powered by Hino’s 13-litre, common-rail, six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 302kW of power at 1800rpm and 1618Nm of torque at 1100rpm (ISO net).

The Hino E13C TL engine drives through an 18-speed Eaton gearbox via a ceramic twin-plate clutch with air boosted hydraulic control.

Front suspension is by way of tapered leaf springs with shock absorbers and stabiliser.

The cab features a combination of full-floating

air suspension at the front and spring at the rear, with an electrical oil pump tilting mechanism.

Driver comfort is assisted by an air-suspended ISRI 6500 seat and a telescopic and tilt-adjustable steering column.

The service brakes consist of a full air, dual circuit system with ‘S’ cam leading and trailing brake shoes, and auto brake adjuster with ABS. The 4150’s sturdy 24-volt alternator has a capacity of 90 amps.

The 4150 Six Rod has a list price of $166,126 plus GST. It has a standard warranty of three years or 500,000km, whichever comes first, and engine component warranty of five years or 750,000km, whichever comes first.

Hino’s new 700 Series with six-rod suspension.

Tot-ing up 1000 units Robert Tot is a Hino 1000 unit man – in other words Robert has notched up 1000 Hino truck sales since he started selling Hino trucks in February 2001.

Robert is government, fleet and bus sales consultant for WA Hino Sales & Service in Welshpool, Western Australia.

Before starting his record run of 4 | Torque | WINTER 2007

Hino sales, Robert commenced work in automotive sales with the Automotive Holdings Group Limited (AHG), a leading automotive retail and logistics group that operates 86 dealerships for motor vehicles in Australia and New Zealand, in 1994.

In 2001 he moved into the AHG’s Hino

division as a sales consultant.

During Robert’s time with WA Hino the company has grown substantially, along with its sales.

Robert remembers a time when 100 units per year was a good figure – but now the company regularly sees sales of more than 700 units per year.

“Not so long ago 300 units seemed the benchmark for a personal sales record,” he said.

“The sales are still improving and I’m hoping that many more sales staff will follow the 1000 unit mark.

“Though it’s a big challenge, I’d like to be the first dual 1000 unit man.”

Hino truck winner kept in suspense A budding inventor has won a Hino 300 Series 414 light-duty truck, which he says will help him to develop an innovative suspension system designed to help stabilise trucks of all sizes.

Rod Morwood of Toowoomba won the highly-specified Hino truck after entering a draw at the 2007 Queensland Truck & Machinery Show.

Hino offered the recently released Hino 300 Series 414 automatic with alloy tray as a prize in conjunction with show organisers, the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland.

“I have been working on this suspension system for five years now, and I have been using a 1978 Hino Crane truck as a rolling test bed to develop it,” Mr Morwood said.

The prototype Wide Based Suspension system helps improve the stability of a truck and load by more than 50 per cent while travelling, cornering or taking emergency evasive action.

“The tests so far have been very encouraging and I needed an injection of money to help finance the next stage of development,” Mr Morwood said.

Hino 414 is the entry-level model in the new Hino 300 Series line-up and features a six-speed fully automatic transmission, driver’s SRS airbag,

ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, corner turning lamps and an energy-absorbing steering wheel.

“The new Hino 414 is a great vehicle with many new features, but to help me in my goal of Lucky winner Rob Morwood accepts the keys to the new Hino 414 from CVIAQ manager member services Paul Woodland, as Hino regional sales manager Vic Rijn looks on. completing the suspension project and bringing it to market I will have to sell it and use the proceeds to fund my work,” Mr Morwood said.

“I was very lucky to win the Hino, and I believe that luck will serve me well in making a bigger contribution to the safety of truck drivers, passengers and other motorists.

“I would like to thank Hino and the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland for putting up such a great prize, and allowing me to pursue my dream,” he said.

Hino’s BusVic Conference & Expo Success Hino made a successful visit to the BusVic Maintenance Conference & Expo at Moonee Valley Racing Club Conference Centre in Melbourne over July 2–3.

The 53rd running of the BusVic Expo attracted 1400 delegates made up of exhibitors, bus owners and operators.

The expo featured all the major bus manufacturers as well as dozens of suppliers and ancillary businesses that deal with the bus industry.

The Hino stand featured the 34-seat Hino RB8 and the 61-seat RK260.

“The BusVic Expo was a great success for Hino,” said Hino bus product manager Kevin Fielding.

“It is fast becoming the premier bus expo in Australia by attracting national

delegates, so it was very important for Hino to have a strong presence there.

“It was also a very opportune time for Hino to strengthen existing relationships and forge some new ones – from that point of view, it was very worthwhile.

“We even managed to sell one of the Hino display buses off the stand.”

A host of leading industry figures addressed expo delegates, along with the New Zealand founder of the successful tour company Contiki, John Anderson, and former Australian

The Hino RK260 bus.

Test cricketer-turned-author and commentator, Kerry O’Keefe.

“All the speakers were very good,” said Mr Fielding. “John Anderson told the delegates how he started off with one Kombi van in 1961 to finance his own tour of Europe, and that inspired his first commercial tour a year later.

Contiki has since grown to 100 different bus tour itineraries taking in dozens of destinations in 36 countries around the world – it is quite an astonishing story.”

Mr Fielding said the BusVic Expo had set a solid platform for Hino to

promote its buses to the wider bus industry, and to establish a dialogue with key operators nationally.

“Hino is very keen to grow the Hino bus brand in Australia, and this year’s BusVic Expo went a long way to developing lines of communication with the market at large, and sales channels with key operators in particular.

“The BusVic Expo will continue to play a major role in Hino’s overall communications and sales growth strategy in the local bus market,” Mr Fielding said.

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Tory Hino sets new benchmarks Tory Hino recently opened its spectacular new purpose-built showroom at Albion Park Rail, NSW, marking the occasion with a glittering cocktail party.

The new state-of-the-art showroom, located approximately 100km south of Sydney, was officially opened by the Mayor of Shellharbour City, Cr David Hamilton.

“The substantial investment we have made in our new facilities is not only a vote of confidence in our own business but a confirmation of our dedication to our customers,” said Tory Hino dealer principal Albert Tory.

Tory Hino’s sales have grown by more than 40 per cent over the last three years and Mr Tory is certain that a focus on service excellence will ensure further growth in the future.

“I am planning to have 40-50 people on the Tory Hino team within 18 months which is quite amazing given that we started the dealership with just three.”

Since opening in 1996, Tory Hino has quickly grown to be one of the top Hino dealerships in Australia, enjoying a dominant market share of all trucks sold in the Illawarra and NSW South Coast.

Along with the showroom, a new

designated service centre has also been outfitted with the very latest technology and will include a mobile service unit.

“Over the years, a very special relationship has developed between Tory Hino and our customers and our improved facilities can only serve to strengthen that bond,” Mr Tory said.

“I want to see a new approach to selling trucks in Australia. Those in the market for a prestige brand such as a Lexus expect nothing less than a first class retail environment and the best in after-sales service – and it should be no different for a customer looking to buy a Hino truck.”

Tory Hino continues to play a key role in promoting the Hino brand into a new era, one where the dealership will help strengthen Hino’s position as the leading truck brand in Australia.

“A company like Hino, together with its dealership network, has to be at the forefront of providing transport solutions and customer service,” said Hino Australia’s chief operating officer

Steve Lotter. “And that is exactly where Tory Hino is – leading the way in developing a highly successful, stand-alone dealership that offers the highest standard of customer service excellence.

“Both Hino in Japan and Australia are very proud to have a person such as Albert Tory in our dealer network.”

Mr Lotter praised Mr Tory’s community work: “Through his work with the St Vincent de Paul Society and other charities, Albert has touched

many lives with his generosity.

Emotional, passionate and incredibly big-hearted, Albert is quite simply inspiring.”

In recognition of Mr Tory’s efforts, Mr Lotter announced that Hino Australia would donate $5000 to the local branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society.

“I understand that over the colder months the Society will be inundated with calls for assistance, so we are very pleased to be able to make this contribution,” Mr Lotter said.

The new Tory Hino premises at Albion Park Rail.

Red Lea Chickens’ Commemorative 40th Hino One of Australia’s leading poultry distributors, Red Lea Chickens, recently took delivery of its 40th Hino.

Delivered in a one-off commemorative silver by City Hino, the handover of the new Hino Ranger Pro to Maurice Velcich from Red Lea Chickens coincided with the company’s 50th anniversary.

Based at the company’s original site in Blacktown in Sydney’s west, Red Lea Chickens delivers 350,000 chickens 6 | Torque | WINTER 2007

per week to wholesalers, supermarkets, butchers, restaurants, hotels and clubs.

With upwards of 1000 employees, Red Lea Chickens also delivers to 35 of its own retail stores located in Sydney, Newcastle and the NSW Central Coast.

Its fleet of 40 Hino trucks plays a key role in delivering stock to its customers and Red Lea Chickens outlets.

Red Lea Chickens’ Maurice Velcich and the company’s specially liveried 40th Hino.

On the go 1

This stunning Hino 700 Series 4562 was bought off the floor at the Queensland Truck & Machinery Show by Bellette’s Waste located in Tumut, NSW. Tait Hino sales manager Geoff Elliot had the truck driven from Brisbane to Tait Hino’s Inverell dealership for the pre-delivery, then he drove the truck to Jacob Hino at Wagga, where John Bellette picked it up. Bellette’s Waste specialises in waste disposal, landfill, recycling and mini-skips. Its Hino FS will work mainly in and around Tumut’s Visy integrated pulp and paper mill, but it will also be called upon to travel to the Snowy Mountain towns of Cabramurra and Khancoban.

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This Lovatt Transport Hino 700 Series operating out the company’s Botany base transports containers between Port Botany and Sydney’s west. According to Jeff Morgan from Best Hino, David Best has played a key role in gaining the Lovatt business. “We have built a great relationship with managing director Bill Lovatt, due to our dedicated sales and after-sales service team. Lovatt’s like the Hino SS’s affordability, fuel efficiency, good turning circle, ergonomics and general driveability.” As for service, Jeff says: “If they drop the truck around to us at 6pm, it will be ready 6am the next morning.” This is the second Hino 700 Series Lovatt’s has purchased, which is replacing its previous fleet of Mack trucks. It also plans to replace its fleet of medium-duty Isuzu trucks with Hino Ranger Pros.

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With annual sales of $210 million, Auspine is one of Australia’s leading building timber suppliers. Its Perth branch recently took delivery of two Hino 700 Series SS trucks plus dog trailers. The Auspine branch is located just 2km from WA Hino where the two Hinos were purchased, adding convenience for service turnaround.

Auspine estimates that each truck will travel between 1000-1500km per week to and from Perth’s major property developments and back to the company’s warehouse in Welshpool. According to Mark Webster from WA Hino, Auspine’s decision to opt for the Hino 700 for its total Perth fleet was based on overall capability and value proposition.

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Cleanaway Geelong is located at North Geelong, not far from ISR Hino Geelong where it was delivered. Cleanaway was first established in 1970, and leads the way in providing reliable waste management solutions, and delivering environmentally responsible and unique services across Australia. Cleanaway is a division of BIS Cleanaway Limited, Australia’s largest waste management operator, providing waste collection, transportation, processing and disposal solutions. Despite its pristine appearance, the Cleanaway truck operates the garbage collection unit servicing Deakin University Campuses in Geelong. The Hino is the Ranger-Pro 10, and Papas Waste Equipment supplied the 15-cubic-metre rear loading compactor.

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The Avis branch in Bunbury, Western Australia, located approximately 185km south-west of Perth, is managed by Alan and Heidi Payne who have been dealing with Robert Tot from WA Hino for six years. In that time, they have changed their fleet of Hino trucks approximately three times. The last three trucks Alan and Heidi purchased include the Hino 300 Series 616 (pictured) and a Hino Ranger Pro FD and a GD. They have a total fleet of nine trucks operating out of their depot in Bunbury.

To be included in this section, please send an image (high res, min 1 meg) and 50-60 words about your business to glen.sharman@hino.com.au

5 7 | Torque | WINTER 2007

SHOW

Hino certainly made an impact at the 2007 Queensland Truck and Machinery Show, recently held at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

The Hino stand drew wide acclaim from showgoers, and received a special mention from show organisers at the event’s traditional cocktail party.

The accolades kept coming for Hino, with its newly launched Hybrid light-duty truck being crowned Truck of the Show – a rarity for anything other than heavyduty trucks.

The stand featured two of the new hybrids, one cab chassis and 8 | Torque | WINTER 2007

a pantech that had just recorded some impressive figures in a 24-hour marathon through the streets of Brisbane (see full story on page 14).

Visitors to the Hino stand could not get enough of the innovative new truck, with staff being peppered with questions about the workings of the hybrid technology.

“We’ve had fantastic media coverage of the new hybrid,” said Hino’s divisional

manager, marketing, Alex Stewart.

“The reception at the truck show was amazing – it totally surpassed our expectations.

“Nearly everyone who visited the stand wanted to know more about it and how it worked.

“When a company is the first to introduce brand-new technology to a market it is hugely reassuring and encouraging to see so much interest.”

Channel Nine’s Today program visited the Hino stand on the day before the show’s opening – with weatherman Steve Jacobs hosting several live crosses from the stand throughout the morning and creating significant awareness across Australia.

Hino’s recently launched 300 Series light-duty range was also there in force with fully automatic transmission, crew cab, Independent Front Suspension and

STOPPERS This CFA Ranger Pro was an impressive feature of the Hino stand.

factory-fitted Trade Ace body models among those on display.

Some of the 300 Series vehicles also wore Hino’s truck-sized “smarter” glasses, as seen in the 300 Series advertising campaign.

Hino joined with show organiser the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland to offer attendees the opportunity to win a new Hino 300 Series

414 automatic, ready to work, worth around $60,000.

The promotion drew a huge number of entries, and saw the 414 splashed across all truck show promotional material.

The ever-popular Ranger Pro medium-duty series was represented by a 4x4 GT Crew Cab from the Victorian Country Fire Authority (which proved a

Hino Hybrid: the 2007 Truck of the show.

hit with visitors), an FC factory dump, an FG dual steer street sweeper and the Ranger Pro Load Ace. Hino’s heavy-duty line-up included the brand new 700 Series FS with sixrod suspension – a first for Hino in Australia.

Hino added some glamour to the show with a full-scale replica of the Panasonic Toyota Racing Formula

One Car. The company also used the truck show to announce the commencement of a partnership between Hino and the championship-winning Toyota Racing Development rally team of Simon Evans and Neal Bates.

Bates is the team boss, and also the truck driver, and he visited the show on its first day.

The Toyota Formula One car was one of the more spectacular show exhibits.

9 | Torque | WINTER 2007

10 | Torque | WINTER 2007

HINO HYBRID The truck of the future, now In today’s world of rising fuel prices and an ever-increasing emphasis on global warming, the recently released Hino Hybrid takes a giant leap forward into the future.

More than ever, businesses are seeking better fuel consumption and lower emission readings. It is in this climate that Hino recently launched the first Hino Hybrid, engineered to begin the attack on these two important considerations.

The Hino Hybrid is a 6500kg GVM

vehicle and is best suited to an urban application. It combines a 4.0-litre 110kW diesel engine with a 23kW electric motor which run in parallel.

It is claimed to provide an improvement in fuel economy of up to 20 per cent over a similar conventional truck, and greater emission control.

Hino Hybrid was first launched in Japan in 2004, with Australia being the first export market outside Japan to sell the world’s first hybrid truck.

“Hybrid is undoubtedly the way of the future,” Hino Australia chief operating officer Steve Lotter said.

“It has the potential to provide major

savings in fuel and reductions in emissions, without any operational downside.

“In fact, Hino Hybrid is likely to be viewed by many operators as a step forward in the clean vehicle concept, and that will mean a lot in terms of a company’s status with its customers.” continued over page

AUSTRALIA POST TRIALS HYBRID TECHNOLOGY

Hino Australia president Junsuke Ando (right) presents the keys to the first Hino Hybrid sold outside Japan to federal Minister for Communications Helen Coonan and Australia Post’s Terry Taylor.

Australia Post is the first customer in Australia to take delivery of a Hino Hybrid, which in time could reduce the environmental impact of its sizeable fleet.

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, proudly accepted the truck’s keys on behalf of the corporation.

According to Senator Coonan, the vehicle has great potential for Australia Post’s operations.

“Based on Hino’s predictions, the corporation anticipates being able to achieve up to 30 per cent fuel savings, as well as a 25 per cent decrease in CO2 emissions, compared with other similar vehicles in this class, which is great news for the

environment,” she said.

Steve Lotter, Hino Australia chief operating officer, congratulated Australia Post on its foresight in trialling this technology.

“Australia Post’s decision to take Hino Hybrid is consistent with global experience in which leading postal services can readily recognise the potential of the hybrid system.

“In ten years, the thought of life without hybrid will be inconceivable,” he predicted.

The Australia Post fleet travels a distance of approximately 173 million kilometres every year in delivering around 21 million items of mail each working day to over 10 million delivery points around Australia.

11 | Torque | WINTER 2007

How it works: hybrid drivetrain technology

electric motor provides assistance whenever extra power is needed, working in parallel.

The electric motor operates in Hybrid systems are automotive power conjunction with the internal plants that use fuel-burning engines combustion engine. in conjunction with electric motors for In addition, the electric motor can motive power. generate electricity for the battery or Conventionally, there are two kinds consume electricity from the battery, of hybrid system: but not both at the same time.

1) series hybrids, which use a fuelThe battery pack fitted to Hino Hybrid burning engine to generate electricity for is derived from the the electric motor same unit fitted to (and sometimes the first series of batteries) to propel the Toyota Prius. the vehicle, and Hino Hybrid is a 2) parallel parallel hybrid that hybrids, which blends the power use fuel-burning of its four-litre, engines and The diesel-electric powerplant, turbocharged, electric motors with battery pack (foreground). common-rail diesel for motive power, engine and a and vary back and purpose-designed electric motor. forth between them as driving The electric motor fulfils four roles conditions demand. during various hybrid operations: as a Hino Hybrid is classified as a generator driven by the diesel engine, a parallel hybrid, where the electric motor traction motor to help drive the wheels, a performs an assist function. generator driven by the rear wheels when The internal combustion engine the vehicle is in regenerative braking provides the main propulsion and the

The Hybrid drives like any other light-duty truck, only quicker.

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HINO HYBRID PERFORMANCE TARGETS Hino designed its latest-generation hybrid truck to achieve significant emission reductions.

It reduces emissions of particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), as well as carbon dioxide.

The diesel engine in Hino Hybrid easily meets Euro IV emission requirements.

It was designed to achieve an 85 per cent reduction in PM emission and a halving of NOx emissions compared to the 2003 emission control standards.

It has achieved a 66 per cent decrease in NOx emissions and 80 per cent decrease in PM compared with the requirements of Australian Design Rule 80/00.

Hino Hybrid also delivers

significant fuel savings, and the direct relationship of fuel use to CO2 production means less greenhouse gas production.

Hino testing saw the vehicle reduce CO2 emissions by 25 per cent.

The vehicle has achieved fuel savings of between 20 and 30 per cent in various tests – including a one-year comparison by a local freight company using Hino Hybrid on Sydney delivery runs and in-house Hino testing.

Hino Hybrid’s acceleration performance has been significantly improved compared with a conventional truck with the same (3 tonne) payload capacity.

The truck is eight seconds quicker from 0-70km/h than a comparable diesel truck.

HINO HYBRID: THE GOALS, CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

The Hybrid comes as a cab chassis and can have any normal body for a light-duty truck applied to it.

mode, and a starter motor for the diesel engine.

In parallel mode, the electric motor/ generator provides propulsion, alongside that of the engine, by using electric energy stored in the battery.

When running at constant speed, the system goes into engine running mode, which occurs at approximately 2600rpm, when the engine operates at its most efficient level.

The hybrid system’s computer controls the generator and motor to ensure the battery maintains a constant charge, removing the need for recharging from an outside source.

Hino Hybrid features Hino Hybrid has a range of advanced features, including an ultra-thin electric motor/generator and a fuel-saving automatic diesel engine idle-stop.

The electric motor’s role as a starter motor means Hino Hybrid can shut down its diesel engine when the vehicle is stationary and smoothly restart the engine when it is time to move off.

The idle-stop function operates when the vehicle is stationary, the transmission is in neutral and the driver’s foot is on the brake pedal.

The diesel engine restarts as soon as the clutch pedal is depressed.

Hino Hybrid is the world’s first small truck with an idle-stop function, which can be disabled via a button on the dashboard if the driver desires.

Unique features of the Hino Hybrid also include a particulate filter for the diesel engine’s exhaust, including a self-cleaning function of the catalytic converter.

Hybrid regenerative braking generates savings Initial tests on Hino Hybrid’s dieselelectric hybrid regenerative braking system have revealed significant reductions in brake pad wear.

The regenerative system delivers a number of significant benefits over a conventional braking system: it recovers energy, improves fuel economy and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

The regenerative braking system can provide the majority of the total braking force needed in low-speed, stop-start traffic where little deceleration is required.

In conjunction with transport company TNT, Hino Australia conducted a series of tests with Hino Hybrid to measure fuel consumption and brake component wear.

Based on actual distance travelled of 49,531km during the tests, the front brake pads fitted to the Hino Hybrid wore just 1.3mm.

On that wear rate, the projected working life of the front pads would increase by 50 per cent compared with the same pads fitted to an equivalent conventionally powered truck.

In addition, there was no measurable wear of the Hino Hybrid’s disc brake rotors, providing more potential savings in down time and service costs.

Hino Australia is committed to the development of hybrid technology for the truck market, and the success of the first generation will provide a base for Hino Motors Limited to continue with the technology.

Hino’s ongoing commitment to hybrid technology is underlined by a number of goals set out in the Hino 2010 Environment Initiative Plan.

In addition to achieving a recycling rate of 95 per cent by 2015, Hino is working towards cutting emissions from its vehicles by 35 per cent compared with emissions per sales volume in 1990.

Further improvement and expanded sales of hybrid systems is a key priority in achieving this target.

Hino’s ongoing journey with hybrid technology has been marked by any number of challenges and subsequent solutions.

One area of hybrid technology that was brought into question was its ability to adequately deal with inclines.

Hino Hybrid vehicles produced decreases in both fuel consumption and emissions in flat city driving, but were untested in the hinterlands of major cities.

In 1993, Hino received an inquiry from Matsumoto Electric Railway, with whom it had a business relationship, to use one of Hino’s environmentally friendly buses in the hilly Kamikochi area.

The Kamikochi challenge inspired the Hino hybrid development team to create a solution that proved to be a major turning point in hybrid truck technology.

The problem arising from climbing prolonged slopes is one of tuning – how to store and release electricity, and how to reduce the load on the battery.

In developing hybrid

powertrains, it is vital to tune the engine and battery to match different driving conditions.

With the assistance of Matsumoto, Hino was able to tune the battery and engine to negotiate hills of up to 18 degrees, in addition to applying knowledge and techniques developed in flat terrain driving.

“Hino had a great deal of technical capability, but Matsumoto Electric Railway also had engineers with a firm understanding of electrical systems,” said Hino’s project leader at the time.

“That was very important.

Another vital factor was that they gave their drivers very thorough education on the characteristics of hybrid vehicles.”

Hybrid vehicle development divisional manager, Yoshito Hikikata, said that during the development stage, Hino asked a driver to evaluate its bus.

“Normally when I would go up a hill, I would feel bad about cars behind me because of the black smoke that would come out of the tail pipe,” said the driver.

“But with the hybrid bus, there’s no black smoke. I can just drive without worrying about it.”

Mr Hikikata said that kind of response provided great encouragement to the Hino Hybrid team to help develop more hybrid variants.

“After repeating this kind of process many times, in 2004 we were able to sell three kinds of products,” he said.

“That’s why it makes me indescribably happy to see more and more hybrid buses and trucks developed on the roads.”

Australia’s first diesel-electric truck takes regular diesel fuel.

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The Hybrid achieved an astonishing fuel consumption figure of 10.9L/100km in a 24-hour run around Brisbane.

Marathon Effort The opening of the Queensland Truck and Machinery Show saw the chequered flag dropped on the Hino Hybrid 24-hour Marathon endurance trial.

The Hino Hybrid was waved off on the marathon the morning before the show opened by Channel Nine’s Steve Jacobs, live on the Today show.

After completing the 24-hour trial through the streets of Brisbane, the Hybrid drove into the Hino stand having set a fuel economy standard of 10.9 litres/100km.

The Hino Hybrid covered 512 kilometres of inner-city driving as part of the Hino Hybrid Marathon, passing through 2349 traffic lights in an epic of stop-start motoring.

It carried a 500kg payload, similar to that which would be used by many truck owners, especially in the rental market.

The Hino Hybrid Marathon finished at the Brisbane Truck Show when 14 | Torque | WINTER 2007

the vehicle was driven onto Hino’s display by rally champion Greg Carr, accompanied by Hino Australia chairman John Conomos AO.

Hino president Junsuke Ando waves the chequered flag as the Hino Hybrid completes its marathon.

Hino claims its hybrid truck brings a fuel saving of 20 per cent over conventional vehicles and a reduction in CO2 emissions of better than

25 per cent.

A new exhaust catchment and filtration system reduces particulate emissions by 85 per cent.

“The hybrid system was designed to work to its maximum in stop-start urban conditions, and the marathon has proved its effectiveness,” Hino Australia chief operating officer Steve Lotter said.

“The Marathon drive team encountered approximately 15 per cent red lights, and each time the hybrid system shut down and restarted the motor, saving valuable fuel and reducing emissions.

“On average, the vehicle was stationary 15 times each hour, but instead of idling and therefore wasting diesel, it was able to neutralise fuel use and emissions,” he said.

Hino autos have fleet appeal Hino’s 300 Series provides the light-duty fleet market with the versatility of a fully automatic transmission and dual compliance.

Hino’s new 300 Series’ six-speed fully automatic transmission is offered on three models. In addition, both fleet and private buyers will benefit significantly from the flexibility afforded by dual licence compliance in a wide range of variants across the Hino 300 range.

The three Hino models with automatic transmissions include the Hino 414 Auto, 616 Auto and 816 Auto.

“The addition of three automatic models in the Hino 300 Series line-up really opens up the light-duty market to users in the rental fleet markets where manual transmissions can be an issue,” said Steve Lotter, Hino Australia chief operating officer.

“The 300 Series also has a number of industry-leading safety features that makes 300 Series’ dual compliance an even more relevant option for users with a car licence.”

The learning characteristics of the 300 Series’ intelligent sixspeed automatic transmission can comfortably adapt to the driving style of the driver.

The new automatic transmission also features ‘neutral control’ that electronically switches the transmission to neutral when the truck is stationary and the brakes are applied, reducing engine load and therefore reducing fuel consumption.

Hino’s six-speed ‘intelligent’

automatic has fuel-saving torque converter lock-up in five ratios – from second to sixth gear. This reduces engine-to-drivetrain slip, offering significant savings in fuel consumption.

Hino 300 Series 716, 816 and 916 wide body manual models also have a new transmission: a six-speed gearbox with synchromesh on reverse gear.

Out of a total of 19 variants, 16 of the new Hino 300 Series models have dual compliance.

Holders of either a car licence or light rigid heavy vehicle licence can legally operate the 16 new 300 Series models, ranging from the Hino 614 IFS to the Hino 816 crew cab.

All 19 models have ABS anti-skid

brakes and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), a new feature for 300 Series.

Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with dual-piston calipers – fitted to all but one of the 19 variants – coupled with ABS and EBD could make all the difference when taking evasive action to prevent an accident.

The EBD system excels if the truck is empty or carrying a light load, when very little weight is over the rear wheels.

All 300 Series standard cabin models have a driver’s SRS airbag.

The wide cab models have dual SRS airbags fitted with three-point ELR seat belts with pre-tensioner as standard equipment for the first time.

The single wheel 414 is just one of the 300 Series automatics catching the eye of the fleet market.

15 | Torque | WINTER 2007

Headline goes here hino.com.au hino.com.au

Subhead if needed for some reason or another can go here Hino has released a new light-duty – is available with independent front little weight is over the rear wheels. truck that it believes will create suspension and is specifically designed Another safety feature is the corner the platform for it to challenge for to provide greater ride comfort in lamps that fully illuminate when the leadership in the Australian total truck metropolitan areas. indicator is activated, enhancing vision market by 2010.

The Hino 3614 variant – fitted with a during night driving.

The new model Hino 300 Series, rigid front end – is well suited to rougher All 300 Series models feature which supersedes the successful Dutro corrugated-type roads. standard air-conditioning and electric range of light-duty trucks, has an The standard cab Hino 3414 (4495kg windows and are fitted with a front emphasis on class-leading equipment GVM), featuring the new six-speed stabiliser bar to provide additional surelevels, durability, safety, efficiency automatic transmission and single rear footedness during cornering. and value. wheels, is aimed at the one-tonne ute A new Exhaust Gas Recirculation The 300 Series has 19 variants – all driver who can’t quite fit everything in. system is fitted to the Hino 300 Series powered by a 4.0-litre common-rail The wide cab Hino 3816 (7300kg to meet strict US04 and ADR 80/01 turbo-diesel engine. Available in 103kW GVM) is the largest model in the 300 emissions standards. (standard cab) and 114kW (wide cab) Series to have the six-speed automatic power grades, the engine meets the transmission. latest US04 and ADR 80/01 emissions The 3816 is the variant available regulations ahead of its competitors. in crew cab, with rear air-conditioning It also includes an all-new crew cab and no transmission tunnel creating a model and a standard cab “single rear comfortable and spacious journey for wheel” variant to target both the fleet passengers in the rear seats. and utility truck markets.

A new adaptive six-speed automatic transmission, incorporating a computer logic control unit, is available in three different 300 Series models.

“With the introduction of its new 300 Series, Hino has raised the bar on safety, lower emissions, innovation and, most importantly, value for money,” said Steve Lotter, Hino Australia’s director and chief operating officer.

“By anticipating customers’ expectations as much as meeting them, the Hino 300 Series will recast the way in which the Hino brand will be perceived by the truck market.”

The automatic learning characteristics of its new six-speed automatic transmission can comfortably Captions captions captions captions captions captions captions captions captions captions adapt to the driving style of the driver.

The new automatic transmission also features ‘neutral control’, a Dual airbags are fitted to all wide cab technology that electronically shifts the 300 Series models to help enhance safety transmission to neutral when the truck in the event of an accident. is stationary and the brake is applied The standard cab Hino 300 models, – reducing engine and drivetrain load comprising six variants powered by the and offering significant savings in fuel 103kW engine, are fitted with a driver’s consumption. airbag.

Allied to the manual transmission Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes models is the Easy Start system that with dual-piston callipers – fitted to electronically maintains braking force, all but one model of the 19 variants The after new Hino Lighttakes Duty their 300 Series with smart Driver comfort is paramount with a model offering independent even the driver foot offis loaded – coupled withtechnology ABS and Electronic the pedal, allowing the driver Distribution (EBD) could andbrake intelligent engineering.

New to “greener”Brakeforce engines meet the latest front suspension and others with a choice of an all new electronically seamlessly move off from a stationary make all the difference in preventing an ADR and US04 emission standards whilst delivering outstanding controlled 6 speed fully automatic transmission. Test drive the new position at low speed on uphill grades. accident. performance and economy. Safety is elevated to new levels with four Hino 300 Series at your local Hino Dealer today, it’s the smartest The standard cab Hino 3614 The EBD system excels if the truck is discMass brakes and dual SRS airbags as standard*. decision you’ll make. THE NEW HINO LIGHT DUTY 300 SERIES. –wheel 5500kgventilated Gross Vehicle (GVM) empty or carrying a light load, when very

WE COULDN’T MAKE THEM ANY TOUGHER SO WE MADE THEM SMARTER.

2 | Torque | WINTER 2007

A TOYOTA GROUP COMPANY

*On all wide cab models. HMS2906/A