NEW MODELS
Hino banking on its 500 Series
Hino previewed its new 500 Series models which will also be assembled in SA, writes Mark Smyth
Hino used the recent Futuroad Expo at Automechanika SA to preview its new 500 Series models which will go on sale when production begins at the company’s plant in Durban in November. Known as the 500 Wide Cab, the company assembled a number of pre-production units back in May to test them against its QDR (quality, durability, reliability) philosophy. The company is also aiming to increase its share of the extra-heavy commercial vehicle market from the current 4% to 6% says Hino SA vice-president, Ernie Trautmann. At the same time, he says the company wants to boost its share of the heavy segment from 18% to 23% as it continues its strategy to be number one across the entire truck market in SA by 2020. The 500 Series will be crucial for this, but Trautmann says the brand will also add one final pillar to the plan in the form of the 700 Series at a later date. Hino SA brought out one of its most important people for the reveal. Masahiro Kumasaka is senior GM of the product planning di...
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