INDIANAPOLIS. Hino Trucks rolled out four new Class 4 and 5 cabover truck models—including its first diesel-electric hybrid version for the U.S. market—here at the NTEA Work Truck Show. The OEM said the newly designed cabovers are “global” trucks that will be sold in 70 countries. Hino called its newest hybrid— whose sixth-generation drive system is entirely produced by the OEM—a “revolutionary addition” to its line.
In Class 4, Hino will offer the 155 diesel model and the Class 4 diesel-electric hybrid 155h. The 155 and 155h have a 14,500-lb. GVW rating. The Class 5 models are the 195 diesel model and the first-ever U.S. Class 5 diesel-electric hybrid model, the 195h. The 195 and 195h models have a 19,500-lb. GVW rating. A crew cab version will also be available.
“"The new cabover lineup is an exciting addition to the Hino Trucks brand as we strive to provide our customers with a comprehensive offering for their trucking needs,” said Sumio Fukaya, president & CEO of Hino Trucks. “With the introduction of this new truck, Hino Trucks is making the diesel-electric hybrid a viable option in the U.S. commercial truck industry for the first time.
All the new models are powered by the Hino J05E Series engine. The 5-liter engine is rated at 210 hp. and 440 lbs.-ft. of torque. Using the Aisin A465, 6-spd. automatic transmission, the Hino hybrid is the first to be packaged with an automatic transmission.
According to Hino, both the diesel and hybrid models feature an “ergonomically friendly wide cab” with a North American standard 33-in. frame rail width, a 56,900 psi frame, and a standard center mounted rear fuel tank.
See photos from the NTEA Work Truck Show.
The cab’s styling emphasizes aerodynamics and visibility with an angled windshield, narrow pillars and rounded-radius curves. “Inside, the new cab uses its increased width to provide room for drivers up to 6 ft. 6 in. tall, seating for three and a versatile mobile workspace with a variety of organizational storage options,” pointed out Glenn Ellis, vice president—marketing & dealer operations for Hino Motor Truck Sales U.S.A.
Ellis said the Hino 155h and 195h hybrid cabovers were designed from the ground up for the North American market. He noted that Hino developed the world’s first hybrid bus in 1991 and today, with over 10,000 hybrids in the global market, Hino has manufactured the highest number of hybrid trucks around the world.
“With diesel prices continuing to raise concerns, the new COE trucks provide a durable and dependable solution for today's business owners,” said Bob McDowell, sr. vice president of sales & customer support. “Our COE trucks feature low operating costs, competitive price points, and an engine design that promises improvement in fuel economy over straight diesel with the same running performance.”
In addition to the diesel-electric hybrid system, both models meet or exceed EPA 2012 emissions regulations via an “optimized SCR system with no [emissions] credits required.”
The diesel models will be available starting in August at U.S. Hino Trucks dealerships. Due to “initial product availability,” according to the OEM, the hybrid models will follow a “roll out” approach and will be available in the following markets in December: New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and California.
