The all new Hino 500 Series Wide Cab boasts the most comprehensive active and passive safety package of any Japanese truck in the medium-duty truck category in Australia.
In an Australian first for this class, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is now fitted as standard across the new wide cab range.
Additional class-leading safety features include ABS, traction control, UN ECE R29-rated cab strength, standard reverse camera, a driver SRS airbag, ADR84/00 Front Underrun Protection System (FUPS), Easy Start, Cruise Control and Fog Lamps.
“Hino does not shy away from the importance of this new model to our success here in Australia,” said Daniel Petrovski, Manager Product Strategy for Hino Australia.
“Basic safety systems allow entry to the Australian market but we are once again leading this class in safety with the addition of VSC as a standard safety feature.
“At Hino we are delighted to introduce our safest medium-duty vehicle yet, and pleased to be able to set a benchmark for Japanese manufactured medium duty trucks, as we did in the light duty market with standard VSC across our entire 300 Series range.”
Working in conjunction with the ABS and ASR systems, the VSC helps prevent the truck potentially skidding out of control by monitoring wheel rotation speed, steering angle, yaw rate, lateral G forces and braking.
Thus, the VSC is able to enhance vehicle stability on slippery surfaces or in emergency situations by autonomously reducing engine power and applying the brakes to individual wheels, helping to prevent the truck from sliding in a direction contrary to where the driver is steering.
To optimise visibility, a Reversing Camera, including night vision, plus a microphone on the camera combine to assist the driver when manoeuvring the vehicle. Two additional cameras can be fitted. Also incorporated on the frontal design is low mounted LED fog lamps to enhance visibility in foggy conditions.
Structurally, like all Hino models, the 500 Series Wide Cab has a Cab Safety Cell that meets the globally-recognised ECE R29 European crash certification standards, while its DR84/00 Front Underrun Protection System (FUPS) protects other road users in the event of an accident.
Also contributing to this new level of safety is an Easy Start system which is available on manual models and maintains braking force on inclines after the brake pedal has been released until clutch engagement, to ensure the vehicle does not roll back on take-off.
Inside the cabin further improvements have been made to the already comfortable and spacious interior with upgrades to ergonomics and safety which will assist with driver comfort and reduce driver fatigue.
“For the driver the truck cabin is essentially their office and it’s where they spend a significant part of their day, so during the design process we ensured this was at the forefront of our minds.
“The accessibility has been enhanced with generous door openings and staircase step design plus improved grab handles offering three point contact for easier entry and exit. Pendulum style pedals have also been fitted which pivot from the top to reduce ankle and foot fatigue.
“All of these enhanced interior features complimenting the already existing industry leading ISRI 6860/870 series driver’s seat with integrated seat belt, tilt & telescopic steering, the Hino multimedia system and drivers instrument panel, all support why the new Hino 500 Series Wide Cab is the vehicle of choice when it comes to safety and comfort”, said Petrovski.