Pupkewitz Hino herald their new hero
The Hino 500 Wide Cab comes into view and boy, is it a sight!
Yochanaan Coetzee - When you're building your business, your fleet is key to ensuring your company makes the cut.
Every over-rev or slipped gear could potentially hurt your bottom line, and when you're hauling goods, offering specialised services or just counting on your industrial workhorse to keep your site running, you need your investment to go the distance.
Hino Trucks have over 75 years of experience in literally breaking new ground in the transport industry and have had a recognisable hand in helping to haul Japan's industrial might to global forefront.
Their new Wide Body models were recently launched at the Tony Rust race track outside Windhoek, where Market Watch got a hands-on feel of the latest iteration of the light-heavy truck that has led the pack in southern Africa for the past 14 years, solid.
More options, more possibilities
With the new model range expanded to handle everything from a quick 16 tonnes to proper 28-tonne queries, there's no doubt that Hino are rightly pinning their hopes of global expansion on the back of the broad-shouldered and phenomenally well-equipped new range.
The chassis has been ingeniously designed to be completely flat on top with predrilled mounting points that make customising it to your needs easy and affordable, but also helps to maintain the chassis' integrity.
Having built a reputation as a reliable, comfortable and hardwearing light-heavy duty truck brand, Hino, through local agent Pupkewitz Hino, are ramping up to once again assert their dominance with this latest model and recently held a track day experiential in conjunction with Hino SA to give customers a first-hand feel of the phenomenal 500 Wide Cab.
Donald Mokoena, of product planning at Hino SA, was on hand to discuss some of the advancements of the new 500 Wide Cab and also point out how they built on the reputation for innovation, quality and reliability that the previous generation was reknowned for.
“The previous generation of Hino trucks dominated their segment for nearly 15 years, and we saw that other manufacturers were forced to make several updates to their models in order to achieve the equipment-specification levels we benchmarked,” he said.
“To build on this, the design team's main focus with the new Hino 500 Wide Cab project was to further improve Hino's reputation for outstanding quality, durability and reliability (QDR).
“They then set about working to ensure that the new 500 Wide Cab not only sets new standards in operator comfort, fuel economy and emission levels, but also takes safety to new heights.”
After a quick briefing session we headed out to the tarmac and gravel track to get a feel of the new, expanded range.
On track with great things
The Hino 500 Wide Cab model range has been expanded and now includes 6x4 models for the first time, while offering the game-changing six-speed Allison automatic transmission as an option - one I would strongly suggest taking.
Not only does it ensure the most efficient fuel consumption possible, but it also revolutionies road safety and handling, thanks to the automatic exhaust brake that can be activated on the left indicator stalk and keeps the Hino 500 in absolute control whenever the accelerator is released.
That, in conjunction with the Easy-Start Hill Assist, means that operating this commercial vehicle in heavy traffic where one could become stationary on inclines, is now a stress-free experience for the driver and offers the fleet owner complete peace of mind knowing the margins for costly errors has been drastically decreased.
The height of the loading bay is easily adjusted via the in-cockpit remote control, which is also programmable for quick and convenient operation when deadlines have you rushing.
Models include long and super long wheelbase options on 4 X 2 and 6 X 2 models - as well as two suspension options - steel springs or airbags on 6 X 2 models - and the addition of three 6 x 4 models.
Quality, durability and reliability
A new, larger front axle offers increased load capacity from 5.5 to 7.5 tonnes and results in a 7% tighter turning circle, which may not sound like much, but it makes all the difference in tight work environments.
The adoption of a trunnion suspension system increases durability and allows the implementation of a cross-differential lock system for 6 X 4 models.
Three engines are now being used in the 500 series, all of which are stronger and thus more economical than the previous series's powerhouses.
The latest models have developed a range of engines varying from 191 kW and 794 Nm to 206 kW and 883 Nm of torque, as well as the 11 litre, which develops 257 kW and 1 275 Nm.
Another feature that enhances QDR is a 65 mm wider radiator core for improved cooling.
The larger cabin has a new exterior and interior look and feel too, and boasts all the modern amenities to keep it, like its predecessor, future-proof for many years to come.
There are two cabin options available, on-road and off-road configurations, giving fleet owners more choice to suit their environments and applications.
Safety and security
Several important safety and security features were included in the new 500 series, including a driver's side airbag, ABS brakes, and an engine immobilizer with central locking.
Access to the cabin is made easier with additional steps and a larger handrail to help when entering the cabin.
The dashboard and instrument panel have also been extensively redesigned for improved ergonomics and visual appeal.
Numbers say it all
With Hino literally being the branch that builds some Toyota models, including the Land Cruiser Prado, FJ Cruiser and Dyna light truck, and having the seriously impressive record of finishing every single one of the 27 Dakar rallies since it first entered the race in 1991, you know it's going to get the job done quickly, comfortably and economically every time.
Seriously, besides constrained construction sites, fully-stocked farms and heady, heavy-duty work in hard-to-maneuver metropolitan centers, they are currently on a nine-year winning streak in what's been called the toughest race in the world.
Last year there were reports that a Hino 500-Series 1324 freight carrier belonging to a regional logistics company had clocked over 2.3 million kilometre in eight years and was still a winner for the company - even after covering a distance equal to going around the earth almost 60 times.
If those figures don't impress you, then the pricing and variety will.
If you want to invest in quality industrial workhorses, Hino's 500 Wide Cab range is one that you cannot ignore, and judging by the excitement and at times, the astonishment on the faces of the industry experts, fleet owners and operators present at the launch, there is no doubt that the new Hino 500 Wide Cab is sure to enjoy huge success in coming years. Contact Pupkewitz Hino on (061)291-6400 to arrange the test drive that could just be the start of a bright new chapter in your business.
Every over-rev or slipped gear could potentially hurt your bottom line, and when you're hauling goods, offering specialised services or just counting on your industrial workhorse to keep your site running, you need your investment to go the distance.
Hino Trucks have over 75 years of experience in literally breaking new ground in the transport industry and have had a recognisable hand in helping to haul Japan's industrial might to global forefront.
Their new Wide Body models were recently launched at the Tony Rust race track outside Windhoek, where Market Watch got a hands-on feel of the latest iteration of the light-heavy truck that has led the pack in southern Africa for the past 14 years, solid.
More options, more possibilities
With the new model range expanded to handle everything from a quick 16 tonnes to proper 28-tonne queries, there's no doubt that Hino are rightly pinning their hopes of global expansion on the back of the broad-shouldered and phenomenally well-equipped new range.
The chassis has been ingeniously designed to be completely flat on top with predrilled mounting points that make customising it to your needs easy and affordable, but also helps to maintain the chassis' integrity.
Having built a reputation as a reliable, comfortable and hardwearing light-heavy duty truck brand, Hino, through local agent Pupkewitz Hino, are ramping up to once again assert their dominance with this latest model and recently held a track day experiential in conjunction with Hino SA to give customers a first-hand feel of the phenomenal 500 Wide Cab.
Donald Mokoena, of product planning at Hino SA, was on hand to discuss some of the advancements of the new 500 Wide Cab and also point out how they built on the reputation for innovation, quality and reliability that the previous generation was reknowned for.
“The previous generation of Hino trucks dominated their segment for nearly 15 years, and we saw that other manufacturers were forced to make several updates to their models in order to achieve the equipment-specification levels we benchmarked,” he said.
“To build on this, the design team's main focus with the new Hino 500 Wide Cab project was to further improve Hino's reputation for outstanding quality, durability and reliability (QDR).
“They then set about working to ensure that the new 500 Wide Cab not only sets new standards in operator comfort, fuel economy and emission levels, but also takes safety to new heights.”
After a quick briefing session we headed out to the tarmac and gravel track to get a feel of the new, expanded range.
On track with great things
The Hino 500 Wide Cab model range has been expanded and now includes 6x4 models for the first time, while offering the game-changing six-speed Allison automatic transmission as an option - one I would strongly suggest taking.
Not only does it ensure the most efficient fuel consumption possible, but it also revolutionies road safety and handling, thanks to the automatic exhaust brake that can be activated on the left indicator stalk and keeps the Hino 500 in absolute control whenever the accelerator is released.
That, in conjunction with the Easy-Start Hill Assist, means that operating this commercial vehicle in heavy traffic where one could become stationary on inclines, is now a stress-free experience for the driver and offers the fleet owner complete peace of mind knowing the margins for costly errors has been drastically decreased.
The height of the loading bay is easily adjusted via the in-cockpit remote control, which is also programmable for quick and convenient operation when deadlines have you rushing.
Models include long and super long wheelbase options on 4 X 2 and 6 X 2 models - as well as two suspension options - steel springs or airbags on 6 X 2 models - and the addition of three 6 x 4 models.
Quality, durability and reliability
A new, larger front axle offers increased load capacity from 5.5 to 7.5 tonnes and results in a 7% tighter turning circle, which may not sound like much, but it makes all the difference in tight work environments.
The adoption of a trunnion suspension system increases durability and allows the implementation of a cross-differential lock system for 6 X 4 models.
Three engines are now being used in the 500 series, all of which are stronger and thus more economical than the previous series's powerhouses.
The latest models have developed a range of engines varying from 191 kW and 794 Nm to 206 kW and 883 Nm of torque, as well as the 11 litre, which develops 257 kW and 1 275 Nm.
Another feature that enhances QDR is a 65 mm wider radiator core for improved cooling.
The larger cabin has a new exterior and interior look and feel too, and boasts all the modern amenities to keep it, like its predecessor, future-proof for many years to come.
There are two cabin options available, on-road and off-road configurations, giving fleet owners more choice to suit their environments and applications.
Safety and security
Several important safety and security features were included in the new 500 series, including a driver's side airbag, ABS brakes, and an engine immobilizer with central locking.
Access to the cabin is made easier with additional steps and a larger handrail to help when entering the cabin.
The dashboard and instrument panel have also been extensively redesigned for improved ergonomics and visual appeal.
Numbers say it all
With Hino literally being the branch that builds some Toyota models, including the Land Cruiser Prado, FJ Cruiser and Dyna light truck, and having the seriously impressive record of finishing every single one of the 27 Dakar rallies since it first entered the race in 1991, you know it's going to get the job done quickly, comfortably and economically every time.
Seriously, besides constrained construction sites, fully-stocked farms and heady, heavy-duty work in hard-to-maneuver metropolitan centers, they are currently on a nine-year winning streak in what's been called the toughest race in the world.
Last year there were reports that a Hino 500-Series 1324 freight carrier belonging to a regional logistics company had clocked over 2.3 million kilometre in eight years and was still a winner for the company - even after covering a distance equal to going around the earth almost 60 times.
If those figures don't impress you, then the pricing and variety will.
If you want to invest in quality industrial workhorses, Hino's 500 Wide Cab range is one that you cannot ignore, and judging by the excitement and at times, the astonishment on the faces of the industry experts, fleet owners and operators present at the launch, there is no doubt that the new Hino 500 Wide Cab is sure to enjoy huge success in coming years. Contact Pupkewitz Hino on (061)291-6400 to arrange the test drive that could just be the start of a bright new chapter in your business.
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