With the launch of the new 2020 Hino 300 Series boasting a list of safety features that make them the safest trucks ever offered by a Japanese manufacturer in the Australian light-duty truck market, Hino Australia makes it a point again that its focus is class-leading safety!
We sat down with Daniel Petrovski, Manager of Product Strategy for Hino Australia, to talk about the new 300 Series range, its upgrades from the previous 300 Series and why it’s important for the Australian market.
Hi Daniel, thanks for chatting with us. The new 300 Series Hino has landed in Australia, how long has this been in production and what kind of testing is involved to bring this to market?
The new MY20 300 Series has been in the market since July. It is the next evolution of the 300 Series model line-up which has been with us since 2011. During this time the 300 Series has proven to be the right truck for the Australian market, thanks to its True Automatic Transmission, its ideal combination of power and efficiency and the reliability that the Hino brand represents.
The new 300 Series offers class-leading safety, what are some of the new features you have added in and why?
When it was launched in 2011, the 300 Series set benchmark for what customers should expect from a light-duty truck, it introduced market leading safety features such as 4 wheel ventilated disc brakes and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) as standard. The new models take safety to the next level with Hino SmartSafe, providing the most comprehensive safety package with advanced driver-assist technology that takes an active focus in protecting lives. Highlighted features include Pre-Collision Safety (PCS) with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection (PD) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), in addition to the already extensive list of safety features such as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Reverse Camera as standard.
Driver comfort is vitally important, what has Hino integrated into these new models to put the driver first?
The previous 300 Series models were already one of, if not the most comfortable light-duty truck already, and with the new models, we have enhanced the cab ergonomics and functionality to ensure better accessibility as well as ultimately improve the overall driving experience. Enhanced features include improved dash layout, ample storage and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel for optimum driver comfort. All models are fitted with an ergonomically designed, fully adjustable driver’s seat and the standard fitment of the highly intelligent multimedia unit alongside new steering wheel controls for easy use of the Bluetooth phone and Multi Information Display (MID).
The performance of a Hino is so important in getting the job done for our drivers, what upgraded specs have you placed in this new model?
The introduction of the Hino 300 Series 721 models can be registered with a car licence 4.5T or 6.5T GVM for those operators holding a light rigid driver’s licence. The proven J05 5 litre engine delivers 205hp and 600Nm of torque, making them Australia’s most powerful Japanese light-duty trucks on the market. Combine that with the True Automatic Transmission and the result is a light-duty truck with passenger car-like acceleration and light truck payload capacity.
Technology is coming on leaps and bounds in trucks on the Australian market. What makes the new 300 reflect innovative technology?
All the new active safety systems which come with the 300 Series set it as the safest Japanese truck in its class. This could not have been accomplished without the technology that comes from our parent company, Toyota. The investment they allocate to research and development truly benefits our customers. This is in addition to the innovative, yet easy-to-use technology behind the wheel including the new capacitive touch screen Multimedia Unit, a new driver instrument panel with an enlarged and centralised speedometer to improve readability, and a new high contrast 4.2-inch TFT LCD Multi Information Display (MID). On top of that, all vehicles can be fitted with our Telematics system so you can be linked to your vehicle 24/7 in real time.
Finally, what does the future hold for new Hino truck launches in Australia?
Hino is a leader in active safety in the Japanese class right now. We are the only Japanese manufacturer to offer VSC across the 4x2 light, medium and up to 350hp 6x4 heavy-duty range. PCS is available across our entire 4x2 300 Series and 500 Series Standard Cab range. We also announced last year that reverse camera will be a standard safety feature on the entire Hino truck range. I can assure you that active safety, in addition to performance, efficiency and comfort will continue to play a vital role in our future model strategy.
The new Hino 300 Series is now available at Hino dealerships nationwide. Check it out today!