Hino South Africa has made some cosmetic changes to the exterior and interior appearance of its popular 300-Series of medium trucks, while adding features and realigning the model mix.
These models have been among the leaders in the local medium truck market for many years. The comprehensive and competitively-priced range now offers 13 derivatives with body and payload capability of between 3 390 kg – 5 950 kg, basically covering the 2.5-ton, 3-ton and 4-ton markets.
The Hino 300-Series is a key player in various applications, including cash in transit, express and overnight deliveries, refrigerated cargo transportation as well as the bakery industry. The crew cabs are proving popular with construction companies and municipalities.
The big news for 2021 is that a six-speed fully automatic transmission is now offered across the 300-Series range, whereas previously it was available only on certain models following limited introduction in 2015. The ‘intelligent’ Hino automatic has a fuel-saving torque converter lock-up in five ratios – from second to sixth gear.
This option is now extended to the 714 Crew Cab, 916 LWB, and 916 Crew Cab models. The availability of the six-speed automatic on 916 models follows requests from operators and is seen as an important addition to an already comprehensive line-up of Hino medium trucks.
There are new manual gearboxes too, with some models getting fuel-saving six-speed units while others retain a five-speeder which is now a new model with revised and optimised ratios.
The fuel tank size for the 916 models goes up from 100 to 150 litres which offers increased usable range. Another worthwhile improvement on models with manual transmission is the fitment of hill assist (Easy Start) to stop the truck rolling backwards when pulling off on an incline.
Externally there are daytime running lights and revised front grille panels on all models, while the Narrow Cab models get new headlamps and a front bumper change. Inside the cab the change is a revised instrument panel with larger speedometer and tachometer which are easier to read. Radio with Bluetooth functionality adds to safety with its hands-free capability
“We are incredibly pleased that we now have an updated and revised Hino 300-Series range, aimed at meeting the varied customer requirements in many operating situations on South Africa. We believe we now offer a complete transport solution in the medium truck market segment,” explained Ernie Trautmann, Vice President of Hino South Africa.
“All our models have excellent levels of standard equipment – including safety features – backed by the best after-sales service in the South African truck industry currently as well as Hino’s long-standing proud reputation for Quality, Durability and Reliability – the brand’s DNA.
“However, there is far more to Hino for its customers in South Africa than revisions to a popular medium truck range. The brand and its dealer recently ranked No. 1 in the overall ratings of DATATrack, a quarterly survey of sales, parts and technical service conducted with a large panel of truck operators, for the ninth time in the past 11 quarters.
“Recently we introduced HINO-CONNECT, a full fleet management telematics solution, is now standard on all Hino trucks assembled at our plant in Prospecton, outside Durban. This latest important benefit for our customers follows the launch last year of a range of competitively priced service and maintenance plans that can be tailored to suit a customer’s specific needs,” added Trautmann.
“We remain driven by Hino’s international strategy of Total Support, which involves building meaningful relationships between Hino Japan, Hino South Africa, our team at the head office in Sandton, our countrywide dealer network, our suppliers and service providers and, most importantly, our customers. It is a proven recipe that continues to bear fruit at all Hino operations globally and our ongoing successes and achievements in South Africa stem from adherence to these philosophies and principles,” concluded Hino SA’s senior executive.
