Hino's new 500 Wide Cab fills important gaps

Aim to build on their sterling reputation with an advanced new range.
Yochanaan Coetzee
The upcoming arrival of the new Hino 500 Wide Cab models not only marks the first full model change of the 500 Series in 14 years, but also fills several important gaps in the overall Hino truck range in Southern Africa.

Hino has been a significant player in the African truck market for the past 45 years and is now gearing up to become an even stronger competitor with an enlarged product range including the availability of 6x4 models and automatic transmission in the 500 model line-up.

Other new features for the 500 Wide Cab models include wheelbase options – long and super long on 4X2 and 6X2 models – as well as two suspension options – steel springs or airbags on 6X2 models – and the addition of three 6x4 models, available with on- or off-road cabs and suitable for use as Freight Carriers, Tippers and Mixers.

The air suspension system provides height control of the truck for ease of loading and unloading. There is a remote control to make this operation convenient for the driver.

By the time the new models go on sale, early in 2018, Hino SA will have undertaken the most extensive launch programme in its history.

Quality, Durability, and ­Reliability (QDR)
Hino's proud reputation for QDR is backed up by unmatched displays of reliability in the gruelling Dakar Rally: 26 consecutive finishes since 1991, without a single mechanical retirement, with eight successive 1-2 finishes in the category for trucks with engines of under 10-litres capacity between 2010 and 2017. Total distance covered in these events now totals 419 950 km.

Change overview
Changes compared to the previous Hino 500 models are extensive.

A new, wider front axle provides increased load ability – from 5.5 to 7.5 tons - and a 7% tighter turning circle. The adoption of a trunnion rear suspension system improves durability and allows the fitment of a cross-differential locking system for 6x4 models.

Three engines are now used in the 500 range, all with more power and torque than the engine fitted to the previous 500 models.

A new rear differential with increased torque rating is fitted, which improves reliability and durability.

Another new feature that improves QDR is a 65 mm wider radiator core for improved cooling.

Enhanced performance
There is now a choice of three engines, whereas the previous Hino 500 models had only one engine, the 8-litre JO8 developing 184kW.

The latest models have a JO8 Lo developing 191 kW, a JO8 Hi putting out 206 kW and 883 Nm, as well as the 11-litre P11 which develops 257 kW of power and 1 275 Nm of torque.

These changes equate to an improvement of 3.8% more power and 7.4% more torque from the JO8 Lo and 12% more power and 19.5% more torque from the JO8 Hi.

Research and development
Hino specialists who visited South Africa to collect data and evaluate local trucking operations included Mamoru Tamazawa, the Chief Engineer for the Hino 500 project. He has been with the company for 22 years and has headed up engineering teams designing and developing 10 new models in this time.

“The project to design a new 500 range was launched at Hino in Japan in 2010,” explained Tamazawa.

“This was a tough challenge, but our experienced development team has met or exceeded all the targets set and the new Hino 500 Wide Cab is an even better truck than its ­highly-rated predecessors,” said Tamazawa.

Indongo Hino's Christo Gouws, confirmed that the new range will be available as of early next year, but local fans can look forward to a ­promotional roadshow in the coming months, where they'll get a first hand look at these phenomenal ­workhorses. – MotorPress and own reporting

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