Japanese maker of trucks and buses launched their second new truck range this year. The HINO 500 has recently seen a make-over to enhance safety features and driver comfort. Presented at the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre, the truck is expected to be delivered in a few weeks, as orders for the new vehicle have already been received. The company is also further investing some RM 8 Million into the upgrading of their training facilities near Seremban. The New HINO 500 continues to deliver on the company’s promise of QDR, which stands for Quality, Durability and Reliability. HINO’s aim is to provide trucks that are best suited to the needs of the local market to support their customers’ businesses.
This latest generation of HINO 500 trucks comes with Euro 3 compliant engines for the SG & FM models while the FG, GH and FL models are equipped with Euro 2 engines. The new HINO 500 Series trucks are also using electronic control common rail technology in the engine for better fuel economy. “Fuel economy is very important, especially in inner-city and intra-city transportation. This is where the HINO 500 will be best suited to operate,” Iwamoto continued. HINO’s 500 series offers a wide possibility of applications, such as tipper trucks, curtain siders, reefer trucks as well as general cargo and even cement mixers, making it a real all-rounder.
New Looks & Safety Features:
In terms of added safety, the newly launched models feature side door impact beams, improved mirrors to provide the driver with a bigger field of vision, Front & Rear Under-run Protection, ABS braking system and Emergency Guard Impact Safety (EGIS) Cabin. These passive safety features are aimed at helping to reduce the risk of fatal injuries to both drivers and other road pedestrians. According to Iwamoto, this is highly important as traffic accidents not only result in a loss of money, but many times can render families without the breadwinner or cause depression while resulting in financial difficulties.
Stepping into the cabin of the truck, operators can look forward to a much more comfortable and ergonomic working environment. From enlarged cab steps to the driver seat with air suspension, the cab is developed with the comfort of the driver in mind. The optimised cab provides better visibility, better arrangement of the instrument cluster and efficient air flow to keep cool in traffic. Symbolising strength, dynamism and class, the outside of the truck has been given a make-over as well, giving it a modern and attractive design. The model is shown during the launch, a garbage truck, fitted with 6-speed Automatic Transmission, was a testament to the QDR approach of HINO as it is a variant that would see a tremendous amount of start-stop operation inside the city, thus making less stressful for driver and truck. Depending on the requirements of the customers, Low and High Cab versions of the HINO 500 are available for selected models.
Interior Design:
The interior discover tilt and telescopic steering and pendulum style pedals to reduce fatigue. The driver instrument panel is designed to be easily read from various angles in all lighting conditions. The unsurpassed on board technology including state of the art multimedia unit and reverse camera as standard, with the option of the own satellite navigation system. The Hino multimedia system boasts an extensive list of advanced features. It includes a 6.1-inch high definition touch screen, DAB+ digital radio, AM and FM radio, CD, DVD, USB input for connecting portable audio players and an SD card reader for accessing digital photographs, video and audio files. The system also features the latest Bluetooth™ hands-free phone connectivity with voice dialling and full phone book functionality, as well as A2DP audio file Bluetooth™ streaming.
All Hino trucks are ergonomically designed to provide a functional cabin, with fingertip controls and column stalks positioned so that the driver has no need to take their hands off the wheel at any time. All 500 Series models are equipped with an instrument panel, which is designed to be read from various angles and lighting conditions. Every model is equipped with a tachometer, speedometer, and full suite of warning gauges and lights. The dash features blank DIN mounting holes to cater for accessories that may be added.
With fully adjustable tilt & telescopic steering offering multiple driving positions and pendulum style pedals resulting in reduced foot and ankle fatigue, all working together to provide greater driver comfort. All new 500 Series Wide Cab models also have Hino Stop Start System, Differential lock, Eco Run, Engine Brake and Push Button Allison Gear Selector.