Hino Australia has used the annual AFAC conference to further detail the continual evolution of its 500 Series medium duty trucks with the expansion of its new 500 Series Wide Cab range, and a new transmission option for its 500 Series GT 1322 4x4 trucks.
“We know these changes will be popular with our customers, particularly those in the local government, mining and firefighting industries, which is why we have made this announcement at the annual AFAC conference, which brings together emergency service personnel from around Australia and New Zealand,” said Hino Product Strategy Manager Daniel Petrovski.
“Development of the new Wide Cab 500 Series began back in 2009 and we have developed a product that is tailored specifically for the Australian market,” said Mr Petrovski.
The Hino 500 Series Wide Cab boasts the most comprehensive active safety package of any Japanese truck in the medium duty truck category and these safety features carry into the new 500 Series FG 1628 Crew cab models.
“In an Australian-first for this class, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is fitted as standard on the new Wide Cab range and importantly the new Crew cab models now also include this critical safety feature.
“At the launch in February, we announced significant upgrades to the 500 Series Wide Cab J08E engine to enhance torque output and lower emissions.
“Engine upgrades include new Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) engine emissions control, increased RPM and compression ratios, and improved cooling.”
The 500 Series FG 1628 Crew cab benefits from the makeover the Wide Cab range underwent and has a host of features inside the cab to improve comfort and reduce driver fatigue, including tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, pendulum style pedals, cruise control, and a new instrument panel.
Expanding its 500 Series range even further, Hino Australia has also introduced a new 500 Series GT 1322 4x4 single cabin model to its extensive 500 Series model line-up with customers now able to specify a 2500 Series Allison automatic transmission.
Mr Petrovski spoke of the importance of the new transmission option:
“This transmission is one that has proven popular with our GT 1322 4x4 Crew cab customers and we are pleased to now provide this option in two new single cab variants.
“The Allison automatic transmission provides customers with an easier driving experience in off-road situations such as fire-fighting, mining and those requiring elevated work platforms.
“The launch of the exciting new 500 Series Wide Single Cab models in February provided our customers with over 50 different variants – the new 500 Series FG 1628 Crew cab model and the automatic transmission option in the 500 Series GT 1322 4x4 provide our customers with even more choice and flexibility for their operations,” concluded Mr Petrovski.
The new models are now available to order from all Hino Australia dealerships. The full specifications can be found here http://www.hino.com.au/500/specifications/.